Hinduism By Erin Sickinger Mr. Mitchell Modern World History Hr: 6

Facts About Hinduism Hinduism was developed in India around 1500 B.C. Hinduism was developed in India around 1500 B.C. Based on the teachings of the Vedas, which are collection of hymns and religious ceremonies that were passed down by Aryan priests, and then were eventually written down Based on the teachings of the Vedas, which are collection of hymns and religious ceremonies that were passed down by Aryan priests, and then were eventually written down Hinduism does not have a single founder. Hinduism does not have a single founder. Hinduism is the world’s oldest and most complex religion. Hinduism is the world’s oldest and most complex religion. Third largest religion after Christianity and Islam Third largest religion after Christianity and Islam –13% of world’s population and ~ 837 million followers

Symbols Om Symbol is a sacred sound that is very important to Hinduism. The symbol represents several triads: Om Symbol is a sacred sound that is very important to Hinduism. The symbol represents several triads: –the three worlds - earth, atmosphere, and heaven –the three major Hindu gods - Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva –the three sacred Vedic scriptures - Rg, Yajur, and Sama Other symbols include: Other symbols include: –Shiva Linga - the symbol of the god, Shiva –Lotus - represents beauty and non- attachment –Swastika - a cross with four arms of equal length

God or gods? Hinduism religion believes in one God, Brahman. They view other gods and goddesses as manifestations or aspects of Brahman. Hinduism religion believes in one God, Brahman. They view other gods and goddesses as manifestations or aspects of Brahman. –Brahma created the universe and all of life. –He rules over Brahmaloka, which contains all the magnificence of the earth and of other worlds. Hinduism has hundreds of human-like gods and goddesses, but there are three main ones: Hinduism has hundreds of human-like gods and goddesses, but there are three main ones: – Brahma the Creator – Vishnu the Preserver – Siva the Destroyer To the farthest left is Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva

Reincarnation Reincarnation is the belief that a individual is reborn into a different form after death Reincarnation is the belief that a individual is reborn into a different form after death –Reincarnation provides privileges for the upper class and hope for the lower classes to behave properly in the next life. –Reincarnation was developed in the 6 th century B.C. Karma determines how a person will be reborn in the next life. Karma determines how a person will be reborn in the next life. –What people do in this life determines what they will be in the next life Dharma is a law that requires people to do their duty. Dharma is a law that requires people to do their duty. –A person’s duty depends on their social class. –More is expected out of people of a higher class than those of lower class

The Caste System Aryan society developed the caste system. This is a system which ranks a person in society according to occupational class Aryan society developed the caste system. This is a system which ranks a person in society according to occupational class There are four main social classes called varnas: There are four main social classes called varnas: –Brahmans were priests. They were at the top of the social class –The second varna was the Kshatriyas consisting of soldiers and warriors –The third varna was the Vaisyas consisting mostly of merchants and farmers –The fourth varna was the Sudras, who made up a large amount of the Indian population. Most Sudras were peasants and laborers. (They only had limited rights in society). –The lowest class of Indian society (not even considered part of the system) were the “Untouchables.” They were extremely poor and discriminated against.

Beliefs and Moral Values Karma is ruled by Dharma (or the Divine Law) Karma is ruled by Dharma (or the Divine Law) The belief of dharma allows Hindus to solve the problem of sin and suffering. The belief of dharma allows Hindus to solve the problem of sin and suffering. –The law teaches that in order to move up to a higher class one must do their duty in their current social class in life to move up to a higher class in their next life. –Importantly how a person lived their past life determined the class that they’re living in now –These concepts allowed people of lower classes to live in harmony with people of higher class because they had hope to move up based on how well they lived their life The moral values imparted from Hinduism is that a person must be good in order to reunite with Brahman after death – even if it requires multiple lives through reincarnation. The moral values imparted from Hinduism is that a person must be good in order to reunite with Brahman after death – even if it requires multiple lives through reincarnation.

Works Cited nduism.html nduism.html nduism.html nduism.html brahma.htm brahma.htm brahma.htm brahma.htm