1. Hinduism

2. Overview

3. Originated more than 3000 year ago. Does not have 1 specific founder.
Hinduism
Originated more than 3000 year ago.
Does not have 1 specific founder.
3rd most practiced religion in the world with about 1 billion followers (1.4 million in US)
Originated in India
Belief in a supreme spirit---Brahman
Oldest in the world but developed over the centuries from many different texts.
There is no hierarchy like Catholic Church.

4. Key Beliefs

5. Three main ideas are important in understanding the Hindu religion and the caste system
Reincarnation
Karma
Dharma 5

6. REINCARNATION Every living thing has a soul.
When a living thing dies, its soul moves into another living creature.
Souls are reborn in a newly created life. 6

7. What is reincarnation according to the Hindus?
It is rebirth of the soul in various forms.
After the body dies, the soul may be reborn as anything from a god to a flower to a snake.
Each form in only temporary.

8. KARMA Every action brings about certain results.
There is no escaping the consequences of one’s actions.
Good behavior is rewarded when the soul is reborn into a higher ranking living creature. 8

9. Karma is derived from the Sanskrit word: ‘to do”.
Karma and Moksha
The cycle of reincarnation continues until one reaches moksha. The cycle is governed by the law of karma.
Karma is derived from the Sanskrit word: ‘to do”.
The law of karma states that every deed- mental or physical-in this life affects a person’s fate in a future life.
Your present situation is the result of your deeds in a past existence, says karmic law.

10. Moksha: freeing your atman/soul from your body
The ultimate goal of all Hindus
Your atman is reunited with the Brahman and you will have true peace.

11. DHARMA
A set of rules that must be followed by all living things if they wish to work their way up the ladder of reincarnation.
Each person’s dharma is different.
Duties and obligations of your caste
Doing your dharma will get you good karma 11

12. So the Caste System is fundamental to the existence of Hinduism.
Since they believe in reincarnation, karma, dharma, and moksha, all of this is tied to the Caste System.
So the Caste System is fundamental to the existence of Hinduism.

13. Unity of all Life---Atman
Atman: the essential self
Also, part of the Brahman
Nonviolence
Every living thing has an atman
“The essential self or the vital essence in human is the same as that in an ant, the same as that in a gnat, the same as that in an elephant…indeed the same as that in the whole universe.”

14. Ahimsa Seeing all life as sacred – a part of a “oneness”
Results in the life principle of non- violence
Supports the idea of being in harmony with nature
A principle also found in Jainism and Buddhism

15. Holy Texts/Sacred Books

16. What are the Sacred Texts?
2500 – 250 BC
What are the Sacred Texts?
Oldest, most authoritative:
1. Four Vedas (“truth”) – sacred hymns of praise
Contain knowledge revealed by Brahman
2. Upanishads – philosophical reflections on the Vedas
Also revealed to, not written by, people
the Great Indian Epics (composed by sages)
Ramayana
Mahabharata (includes Bhagavad-Gita)
Both tell stories that reflect on what it means to live according to Vedic teachings

17. Basic Practices

18. Globalization & Diversity: Rowntree, Lewis, Price, Wyckoff
THREE BASIC PRACTICES
Puja or worship – corporate worship not required – largely individual practices
Cremation of the dead
Regulations of the Caste System
Globalization & Diversity: Rowntree, Lewis, Price, Wyckoff

19. What are the religious practices of Hinduism?
2500 – 250 BC
What are the religious practices of Hinduism?
Vary greatly because worship can take place anywhere— usually a temple or in the home.
Spiritual leaders are called gurus or sages.
Yoga-integrated physical and mental exercises. They teach people to focus their minds and bodies which will aid their meditation in order to attain moksha
Pilgrimage to Ganges (thought it flows through 2 devas so its water is holy. Bathing in it will purify them and remove bad karma.
Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman (Moksha)

20. Hindu and Diet Many Hindus are vegetarian
Since the divine soul flows through all beings, many devout Hindus support non-violence.
Some will not eat meat on important days
If meat is eaten, usually fish or chicken
Cows are Venerated (highly respected) at it is illegal to slaughter a cow in most Indian states
Because they provided milk and helped plow fields. They were caretakers

21. Monotheistic or Polytheistic?
God(s)

22. Hinduism: Monotheism or Polytheism?
Hinduism has aspects of both.
There is one (mono) universal spirit.
This spirit manifests itself in the form of many (poly) gods/goddesses.

23. Hindu Beliefs BRAHMA SIVA VISHNU Evolved over many centuries
GOAL: Become one with the universal spirit Brahman
Brahman – universal spirit, god
All other gods are manifestations of Brahman
Millions of manifestations exist!
Trinity – 3 most important manifestations Om
Symbol of Brahman
BRAHMA
SIVA
VISHNU

24. The Three Main Gods of Hinduism
Brahma: the creator
Vishnu: the preserver
Shiva: the destroyer
Different sects worship different gods and their families.
Hindus believe in the unity of all life and every person has an essential self or atman: part of the universal soul.

25. Who do Hindus worship? – 3 Most Important Devas
2500 – 250 BC
Who do Hindus worship? – 3 Most Important Devas
Brahma, the creator
Vishnu, the Preserver
Siva, the Destroyer

26. Hinduism – Map! AUM! AUM! Hinduism Today AUM! Hinduism in 1500 C.E.
Hinduism located in India and SE Asia
Then and Now