Ancient India & Hinduism

How did Hinduism begin? Ancient Indus River Valley No particular founder Indus River Valley Civilization >5000 years ago Early cities had a precise grid system Strong central government Great deal of trade Indus system of writing is not deciphered Reason for decline is a mystery to historians Aryans enter 4000 - 3500 years ago Aryans introduced the Caste System to India

What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions in the world The religion of the Indian people Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality A philosophy and a way of life – focused both on this world and beyond

Basic Beliefs Karma - the law of cause and effect; “you reap what you sow” Dharma - ones virtuous duty, governs peoples ideas about a proper way of living Moksha – a state of perfect understanding of all things (once you have reached Moksha your journey through life is complete)

Reincarnation eternal soul is reborn in different bodies till it finds liberation, or Moksha People may be reincarnated at a higher or lower level of existence depending on their karma from their present life.

Caste System Brahmin- priests Kshatriya – rulers and warriors Vaishyas – peasants and traders Sudra – laborers Untouchables- were impure because of their line of work (butchers, grave diggers, trash collectors

Three Main Hindu Gods Brahma - the Creator Vishnu - the Preserver Shiva - the Destroyer

The Vedas Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: sacred texts (Vedas) The Vedas would be equivalent to the Bible for Christianity or the Karan for Islam

Effects on Society Joint or extended family- all living together Class stratification-people live in higher or lower classes

Modern Day Traditions Worship is led at home by the father No specific day of worship Usually pray in the hours before and after dawn

Some of the Many Hindu Gods

Discussion Questions 1. Do you think people questioned the system Discussion Questions 1. Do you think people questioned the system? Why or why not? 2. Why do you suppose the class distinctions were so harsh? 3. In our society do we treat people differently who are born into different economic situations? Defend your answer. 4. How have the teachings of the Hindus influenced our society?

Untouchables Video-Modern Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhUwKXIQ5kM