1. HINDUISM

2. THE ORIGINS World’s oldest religion Vedism – Early Hindu religion – Named after ancient sacred texts called Vedas Sanskrit = ancient language of India Brahmanism – Social class made up of those who could interpret Vedas – Developed into own religion

4. CASTE SYSTEM Hinduism is a way of life – Divides society into social classes – Came to be known as the caste system Classes (called varna): – Brahmins = priests and scholars – Kshatriyas = rulers and warriors – Vaishyas = herders and merchants – Shudras = servants Each class has its own duty to fullfill

5. CASTE SYSTEM Born into your caste (inherited by your parents) Cannot marry outside of your caste Caste rules are followed strictly – Must perform the duties of your caste Higher castes enjoy preferential treatment – Should still be “role-models” for the rest of society

6. CASTE SYSTEM Priviledges of the 3 upper classes – Education – Vedas – Lighter punishments Lower class never testify or accuse a member of the higher class Can be excommunicated from your caste if you commit a serious crime

8. CASTE SYSTEM Untouchables… Dalit’s – Lowly or “dirty” – Sheltered away from other Hindus

9. CASTE SYSTEM 100 million estimated Untouchables – 90% live in rural areas 15-20% of average village population 10,000 crimes of violence against untouchables Marginalized an entire population – Uneducated, cheap labor Divided group… difficult to unite

11. BRAHMAN Supreme power- greater than all other deities – Created the universe Time travels in a circle (constant cycle) – Brahman is continuously creating and destroying Everything in world is a part of Brahman Soul = atman – Connects people to Brahman Temples are way to express love and connection to Brahman/deities

12. DEITIES Different deities represent different forms of Brahman – Indra = thunder (warlike and fierce) Most important are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva – Brahma creates the universe – Vishnu preserves it – Shiva destroys it

13. DEITIES Devi = female powers Ramayana = famous Hindu story – Many embody the ideas of good vs. Evil Sacred texts inspire holidays and festivals – Ex: Divali Festival/Hindu New Year Lamps light the way in the dark

15. DHARMA Law, obligation, and duty – Following dharma = live how one should Each varna (social class) has its own dharma – If everyone follows their dharma then society is in harmony Ex: Priests had to memorize 100,00 versus Every Hindu is also expected to follow the common dharma – Ex: marriage, sharing food, taking care of your soul

16. DHAMRA Nonviolence – Must respect all forms of life Cow symbolizes preservation of life – Cows have a special importance to Indian culture Provided food and materials Not to be killed- considered sacred

19. KARMA Explains why you need to live following dharma – What happens to ones soul after death Believe that souls have many lives… once dead, you will be reborn = Reincarnation How you lived your life depends on what body you will be reborn into Karma = all the good and evil a person has done – Universe is fair – Explains status in society (caste system) Reflects what a person had done in past life

21. KARMA AND THE CASTE SYSTEM Today, many argue against the system and preach that everyone should be treated equally Mahatma Ghandi – Reached out to the untouchables Indian law tries to protect the rights of all people – Attempted to make the caste system less strict

22. SAMSARA Samsara = constant cycle of life – Ends when your soul escapes the cycle and united with Brahman This is the ultimate achievement for Hindus Happens when you have balanced all of your evil with enough good Pilgrimages = way to help people reach Brahman – Ex: Ganges River = holy place Sannyasins = Hindu monks – Yoga