1. Hinduism Sanatana Dharma (Universal/Eternal Righteousness)
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2. Founder/Origin No known founder Started over 5000 years ago!
A combination of Aryan and indigenous beliefs
Includes a wide variety of beliefs and practices

3. Basic Beliefs: Dharma
Dharma: living a righteous and balanced life in all parts of life including family, social, job, and religious

4. Basic Beliefs: Karma
Karma: Cause and effect “What goes around comes around”
One experiences the affects of his/her actions thoughts, and words

5. Basic Beliefs: Samsara
Samsara: Cycle of life, death and rebirth
True essence of life – Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in matter (“That art thou”)
Belief in reincarnation
Our soul is like a flowing river

6. Basic Beliefs: Moksha Moksha: A state of changeless bliss
Ultimate goal of life: to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman
Ends cycle of samsara

7. Caste System
Hindus divide themselves into 4 main castes (social classes)
The Untouchables are below and the outcasts of society

8. The Hindu Trinity Brahma the Creator Vishnu the Preserver
Shiva the Destroyer/Transformer
Brahma
Vishnu
Shiva

9. The Hindu God/s Hindus worship many different gods and goddesses
Yet, all of these gods are considered part of one truth called Brahman/Ultimate Reality

10. Other Important Information
Frequently offer puja
Worship in Temples
Vedas: 4 Holy Books
Dead are cremated
Ashes often put in sacred Ganges R.
Cows are sacred = No beef
Many are vegetarians