1. Basic Beliefs of Hinduism

2. Hinduism: Complex Religion No Founder – always existed No SINGLE sacred Text Vedas Upanishads:

3. Brahman All-powerful, spiritual force “God is one, but wise people know it by many names” Brahman is not separate from the entire universe and all things within the universe

4. Polytheistic or Monotheistic? Hinduism belief in “god” does not fit neatly into the framework of monotheism or polytheism Brahman takes on many forms Hindus worship many different “gods” they believe they are all just forms of Brahman. Brahman is all existence

5. 3 main forms of Brahman 1) Brahma: Creator

6. 2. Vishnu: Preserver

7. Shiva: Destroyer

8. Atman Hindus believe that all people have a soul or Atman. They believe that this Atman is part of Brahman

9. Moksha The ultimate goal is to reach Moksha Moksha means salvation or oneness with Brahman Union of your soul with Brahman Free yourself of selfish desires Ends cycle of Reincarnation

10. Reincarnation Rebirth of soul in another body SAMSARA: the cycle of reincarnation It is the ultimate goal to be released from Samsara The only way to be released is to achieve Moksha

11. A view of Samsara

12. Dharma Religious and moral duties of an individual. Each individual in society is expected to follow their Dharma

13. Ashramas Dharma instructs people about responsibilities in each stage of life These stages are called Ashramas Student Householder Forest Dweller Renouncer

14. Karma Karma is based on the belief that every action has an effect Good deeds leave a positive imprint and bad deeds leave a negative one When a person gives off a lot good Karma during life they can be reborn at a higher point and move closer to Moksha.