Hinduism The world’s oldest living tradition By: Jodie

Outline History and Development of Hinduism –3 Major Movements that Influence Hindu Thought –Islam’s Influence –Practices Of Hinduism Objective of Human Life –Reincarnation –Karma –Caste Systems –Role of Family Interesting Facts and Hinduism Today Concluding Remarks and Food Tasting

History of Hinduism Hinduism is not considered a religion or a philosophy, but a way life Hindu is the Persian Name of the Indus River First Encountered in the Old Persian word Hindu, which corresponds to Vedic Sanskrit Earliest evidence of religion in India dates back to BCE

How did Hinduism Develop? Modern Hinduism developed primarily from the Vedas Vedas are large body texts that originated from Ancient India Vedas concentrate on worship of deities –Ex: Indra, Varuna, Agni, and Soma ritual.

The Three Major Movements That Influenced Hindu Thought Upanishadic –Hindu scriptures that consist of the core teachings of Vedanta –Dated to the Early Middle Ages around the 3 rd to 8 th centuries AD Jaina –Practices Non-Violence and also gave rise to Buddhism Created the concept of Puja “Pu”= Flower and “ja”= Offering Buddhist –Influenced Moksha and Karma in Hinduism –Followed philosophical streams of thought –Shramana Religion

When Islam Came to India Islam was introduced to India in the early 7 th century Arab traders Conquest of Sindh Rapid Decline in Buddhism Hindus converting to Islam During this time Muslim rulers destroyed Hindu temples and persecuted non-Muslims leading to drastic changes in how many people practiced the Hindu religion

Practices of Hinduism Practices involve seeking awareness of God and blessing from Devas Hinduism has developed many practices meant to help one think of divinity in everyday life

Puja Puja is an act of worship or veneration Puja can be performed at home in a room that is dedicated to sacred religious practices or at a temple Visiting temples is not required Hindus also do not claim to belong to any denomination

Violence and Diet Most Hindus advocate the practice of ahi or non-violence and respect for all life

Violence and Diet Cont… Hindus embrace vegetarianism to respect higher forms of life. Note: Vegetarianism is not a requirement Most avoid meat on holy days Cow-slaughter is legally banned in almost all states of India

Objectives of Human Life The objectives of human life is known as Dharma Dharma Includes –Righteousness –Livelihood –Wealth –Sensual Pleasure –Liberation, Freedom

The Soul The soul is know as atman and is dependent on god The soul is one’s true self Upanishads states that one a person becomes fully aware of their atma realizes an identity with Brahman and thereby reaches Moksha

Reincarnation and Hinduism Reincarnation dates back to 800 BCE within the Upanishads The soul is immortal in the Hindu religion Only the body is capable of birth and death

Reincarnation and Karma Karma is the sum of ones actions Karma in existing life determines your place in the next: referred to as Samsara

Karma and Caste Karma can determine placement With in a certain caste Brahmins (intelligentsia, priests) Kshatriyas (kings, nobility) Vaishyas (merchants, cultivators) Sudras (artisans, workers and Service providers Dalita (untouchables) (cleaned Human excretion, moved dead bodies

The Power of Caste A person power within their society is determined by the knowledge of their religion Brahman’s hold the most power within Hinduism

Role Of Family The Hindu view of caste, ashramas, and family are inseparable Ahramas is the four stages of life When a man marries he pays three debts he owes to his ancestors, the gods, and his guru Debts are paid by having children (boys are more favorable), prayer, and passing along knowledge and wisdom to his children

Hinduism in the World Today Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion With one billion practicing Hindus, of which 905 million practice and live in India today

References Wikipedia- Hinduism - Hinduism And The Family Kevin Reilly (The West and the World)