1. HAFSITE.ORG

2. Hinduism 101 Promoting Dignity Mutual Respect & Pluralism

3. Where does Hinduism come from?

4. Hinduism… …developed in THE INDUS VALLEY …is at least 5000 YEARS OLD …is considered the world’s oldest ACTIVE MAJOR RELIGION

5. Hindus refer to their religion as Sanatana Dharma, or the Eternal Way.

6. Scriptures VEDAS UPANISHADS PURANAS EPICS RAMAYANA & MAHABHARATA Countless life stories, devotional poetry, and commentaries by learned religious figures.

7. What are the Indic Religions?

8. HinduismBuddhismJainismSikhism

9. Over many centuries, Hinduism's pluralistic ethos was reflected through INDIA'S EMBRACE OF OTHER RELIGIOUS GROUPS such as Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians when they were persecuted elsewhere.

10. What do Hindus believe?

11. The deepest spiritual truth gleaned through the Vedas is that Brahman of Supreme Consciousness (used interchangeably with “the Divine” “the Absolute” or “ GOD ”), pervades the entire universe. This divine reality is present in all living beings and is characterized as eternal and full of bliss.

12. Brahman… Many Hindus believe that BRAHMAN is formless and infinite and can be worshiped in different forms. They believe that the entire creation emerged from, rests in, and will dissolve into Brahman. Others believe that the Divine exists in one true form, specifically as Krishna for Vaishnavas or Shiva for Shaivites.

13. its creation its preservation its dissolution Brahman… is understood as the cause of creation – In Hindu lore, these three functions are said to be the work of what is the commonly referred to as the Hindu trinity or trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

14. Atman… The Soul or Atman, is eternal. When this physical body dies, the soul is reborn in another body (samsara, or reincarnation). Rebirth is governed by the Law of Karma: that every action has a consequence, like cause and effect. What one experiences in this life is the result of one’s past actions, either from this birth or previous births; and in the converse, how one acts today will impact the future, the effects of which will be experienced either in this or future births. How one deals with the problems he or she faces in this life determines whether one creates good or bad karma for his or her present and future lives.

15. Human beings have 4 goals in life.

16. Dharma Righteous action in any given situation Artha The pursuit of prosperity Kama Enjoyment of the material world Moksha Liberation from suffering caused by dependence on the material world and from the cycle of birth and rebirth Donate by Vera Lubimova from the Noun Project Shopping Bag by Erin Standley from the Noun Project Money by Rediffusion from the Noun Project meditation by Pavel N. from the Noun Project

17. Four Paths THE BHAGAVAD GITA OUTLINES FOUR PRIMARY PATHS TO THE EXPERIENCE OF GOD’S PRESENCE AND JOY AND OBTAIN THE FOURTH GOAL OF MOKSHA

18. THE FOUR PATHS education by Yi Chen from the Noun Project Volunteer by parkjisun from the Noun Project prayer time by Aha-Soft from the Noun Project meditation by Pavel N. from the Noun Project Raja Yoga Focusing inwardly on the divine through meditation Karma Yoga Performing one’s duty selflessly Jnana Yoga Studying and contemplating on the scriptures Bhakti Yoga Loving god through devotion and service

19. Forms of Brahman

20. In Hinduism, God is worshipped in both male and female forms. The female form is known as Shakti, which means energy. THE FORMS OF BRAHMAN Because Hindus believe that Brahman takes form(s), Hindus accept that there are a variety of ways in which all human beings connect with the Divine. Other forms resemble animals or birds. Each of these forms of God has symbolic meaning. Hindus enjoy telling stories about the various forms to inspire love of God and instill ethical values.

21. Ganesh Hindus pray to the many forms of Brahman as individual gods who represent particular divine qualities or powers. For example, they believe that Ganesh is the God of wisdom and helps people overcome obstacles. Image from client original

22. Lakshmi Her four arms represent Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. The lotus grows in muddy water, but remains clean and dry. It is seen as a reminder of the importance of doing the right thing even when surrounded by wrong influences. Lakshmi is worshipped as the Goddess of Prosperity. Image from client original

23. Krishna Krishna is said to have come to eradicate evil and protect good. Image public domain

24. Rama God is believed to have taken the human form of Rama to show people how to live the path of Dharma. The depiction of some Hindu gods in blue is symbolic. LIKE THE SKY, GOD IS CONSIDERED limitless LIKE WATER, GOD IS SEEN AS life-sustaining

25. Hanuman Hanuman is considered the ideal devotee because of his loving and selfless service of Rama.

26. Murtis THE VARIOUS FORMS OF GOD ARE REPRESENTED IN CONSECRATED IMAGES KNOWN AS MURTIS

27. A Murti can be made of wood, stone, or metals and offers Hindus a way to visualize and meditate upon Brahman, which is believed to be beyond the grasp of the human mind.

28. Murti is often translated as “idol,” but a more accurate translation is “embodiment.” Hindu families conduct their daily worship at home altars and also at temples on special occasions. Many Hindus consult gurus, or spiritual guides, for advice or answers to spiritual questions.

29. What is Hinduism’s view on other religions?

30. PLURALISM Hinduism promotes not only respect for other religions, but also acknowledges the potential for truth in them. Hindus believe there should be no discrimination against any person based on one’s religion. The core philosophy of Hinduism is the search for truth, not the specific path taken.

31. What is Hinduism’s view on Science?

32. Hinduism embraces science as one of the ways in which humans seek to understand the world we live in.

33. Hindu scriptures describe the concept of planets in the solar system circling the sun, and the earth as round and rotating on its axis. Ancient Hindus also made noteworthy strides in astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, metallurgy, medicine (Ayurveda), and surgery, including many findings upon which modern science, medicine and technology are based.

34. What is Hinduism’s global influence?

35. EVIDENCE OF HINDU INFLUENCE historically is still seen all over South East Asia ANCIENT HINDU TEMPLES were built in Cambodia and Java; and about 4 Million Hindus Live In Indonesia STORIES FROM THE RAMAYANA & MAHABHARATA are very popular in Thailand, Laos, Malaysia & Indonesia

36. The Practice of Yoga Originated in Hinduism and is now popular all over the world.

37. with more than 1 billion HINDUS

38. HINDUISM is the 3 rd largest religion in the world

39. 80 percent Of India’s population is Hindu

40. 45 million Live in neighboring countries

41. 2.5 million Hindus have migrated to north America since 1965. This does not account for Hindus of non-Indian descent.

42. Significant Numbers of Hindus still live in various parts of Africa, West Indies, and Fiji, where they were sent by the British as plantation laborers in the 19th and 20th century.

43. Hinduism… is the world’s oldest active major religion and third largest. emphasizes the need to live in accordance with dharma or righteously. preaches pluralism and the importance of experiencing truth.

44. THANK YOU