Hinduism Zach Ben-Amots Colin Staub Hannah Gustafson Eli Kalmus

Hearth of Hinduism Indus River Valley (Modern-day Pakistan) No single founder or theology Mostly originated from practices in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa ◦Ritual Bathing ◦Belief in Reincarnation Hearth no longer considered to be Pakistan - found more in India.

Rituals & Beliefs Henotheistic – various expressions of Brahman Ethnic religion Karma – all beings are part of hierarchy. Good deeds move you higher within it. Not entirely organized – no prophets or single book of scriptures The Vedas – four sacred books. Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Shiva

Diffusion Before Christianity, Hinduism diffused throughout South-East Asia Hindu theology was affected by the diffusion of Islam and Christianity Small distribution due to Buddhist and Islamic influence Relocation diffusion Spreads slowly and doesn’t proselytize.

Modern Distribution British Colonialism transported hundreds of thousands of Hindus – mostly to S. America Still mostly concentrated in India

Holy/Sacred Sites Kumbh Mela – four sites of Hindu pilgrimage Ancient holy towns & cities

Places of Worship/ Architecture Two basic styles of architectures: Nagara – distinguishable due to its “bee- hive” Dravida – made up of small stories of pavilions. Progressively smaller the higher you go. Temples/Shrines

Places of Worship/Architecture

Symbols Om (Aum) – represents the universe and ultimate reality Swastika – symbol of luck and fortune. Sri Yantra – interwoven triangles that represents the bond between men and women. Lotus – the representation of creation, symbolizes “Vishnu” “Brahma” “Lakshmi”

Burial Rights & Practices Cremation – believed to be one of the ways to release the soul from the body Physical body cannot be present or visible – soul will linger Ritual cleansing, dressing and adorning of the body.

Conflicts Pacifist Every state follows a different form of the major gods. Ethnic conflict between Hindus and Buddhists and between Hindus and Muslims conflict on Sri Lanka – dated back 2000 years by Hindus and Buddhists in the region – somewhat associated with independence