1. Section Hinduism

2. A. History
1.Developed out of the Aryan beliefs mixed with India’s pre-existing culture
Years old
3.Over time, it has absorbed other beliefs from other religions
4. Complex faith
5. It has NO one (1) single founder (Aryan people)
million people who practice Hinduism

3. 7. Worship many gods and goddesses a
7. Worship many gods and goddesses a. Believe in one spiritual power called Brahma b. consider the gods and goddesses to be different parts of Brahma 8. Most important Hindu gods are: a. Brahma-Creator (born from a golden egg) b. Vishnu-Preserver c. Shiva-Destroyer d. They take different forms called avatar

4. B. Beliefs
1. Holy book is the Veda “Books of Knowledge” a. originally they were passed down orally b. In 600 BC , they were written down 2. Upanishad-religious book that contains questions and answers Hindus ask 3. *Reincarnation-belief that when a person dies, his soul is reborn into the body of another living thing. Goal is to stop cycle and go to be with Brahma a. based on a Hindu’s action (karma) b. good behavior, reborn into a higher caste, bad behavior, reborn into a lower caste or as an animal c. belief is that it can take 3 million reincarnations to get to Brahma

5. 4. Dharma-Must obey the dharma for your caste
4. Dharma-Must obey the dharma for your caste. It contains the religious and moral duties you must follow to reach brahma (priests, warriors and government leaders, merchants and farmers, servants, untouchables) (Hindu castes) 5. Ahimsa-belief in non-violence towards living things 6. Worship in many ways: a. Yoga-free soul from cares of the world and unite with Brahman (physical activities, selfless deeds, knowledge, devotion) b. public and private worship-public prayer and rituals at temples and private worship to personal god at home

6. Write the questions, answer and turn them in
1. You can only change social classes through-
2. What is dharma? Is it the same for all Hindus?
3. Why is it important for Hindus to do the duties expected for their caste?
4. What types of worship can a Hindu practice?
5. Explain reincarnation. Do you agree with the idea of it?