Hinduism

What did you learn about Hinduism?

Hinduism Hinduism- polytheistic religion that was formed from a variety of different religious practices

Established Elements of the Hindu religion can be traced back to the ancient Indus River Valley civilization Unlike other major religions there is no one founder of Hinduism It is theorized that Hinduism is a result of cultural diffusion that occurred between Aryan invaders and natives of India

Currently Practiced Most commonly found in India Also found in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia Nearly 1 billion Hindus around the world

Significant Writings Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita Vedas – primary texts of Hinduism, include hymns, stories, and incantations Upanishads – philosophical readings Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita- Indian epics

Krishna and Arjuna

Places of Worship While there are Hindu temples, Hinduism is practiced at home where there is usually a shrine dedicated to a favored deity Hindu priests carry out traditional religious practices in temples

Religious People Hindu priests carry out traditional practices Guru- teacher, helps people to obtain moksha

Teachings and Beliefs Salvation is achieved through spiritual oneness of the soul, atman, with the ultimate reality of the universe, Brahman To obtain this goal one must obtain moksha, liberation, from samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth Samsara is the central teaching of Hinduism

Reincarnation As a result of the basic teachings Hindus believe in reincarnation, which is influenced by karma Karma-material actions resulting from the consequences of previous actions Dharma- fulfilling one’s duty in life.

Ahimsa Ahimsa- belief that all life is sacred No substantial difference between the soul of an animal or human

Caste System Caste system- rigid social structure Belief in reincarnation, karma, and dharma provide the religious justification for the existence of the caste system If you lead a good life then you will be reborn in the next highest caste If you live a bad life then you will be demoted or even removed from the caste system

Untouchables Untouchables are outside of the caste system They perform jobs seen as unclean by the rest of society such as tanning animal hides, removing road kill, cremating dead bodies, or unclogging sewer drains No hope of returning to the caste system The caste system still exists in practice but is forbidden by Indian law

Ganges River Ganges River- used for spiritual cleaning, funeral rites, and other rituals Represents the constant flow of reincarnation

Gods and Goddesses Thousands of gods Brahman- one reality, everything is divine

Brahma Brahma- the creator

Vishnu Vishnu- the preserver of life Often seen as the highest god

Shiva Shiva- the destroyer Also often worshipped as the supreme god

Ganesh Ganesh- remover of obstacles One the best known and most worshipped gods