1. What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions of humanity
The religion of the Indian people
Gave birth to Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism
Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality
A way of life focused both on this world (karma) and beyond (reincarnation, moksha)

2. How did Hinduism begin? rituals and many gods (polytheism)
No single founder
Aryans appear years ago
Vedic tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago:
rituals and many gods (polytheism)
sacred texts (Vedas)
social stratification (caste system)
Upanishads (reflections on Vedas) 2800 – 2400 years ago
Vedic Tradition develops into Hinduism

3. What are the Sacred Texts?
Vedas (“truth”) – myths, rituals, chants
Upanishads - reflections on the Vedas
Plus other Vedic texts

4. What do Hindus believe? One impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman
Manifest as many personal deities
Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in the human form
Reincarnation – atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime
Karma – spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad)
Goal of life – to unite with the divine, becoming one with Brahman – Moksha

5. How does Hinduism direct life in this world?
Respect for all life – many Hindus are vegetarian
Karma – intentional living in this life (good and bad)
Four stations of life (Caste)
Brahmins – priests & teachers
Kshatriyas – nobles & warriors
Vaisyas – merchant s, farmers, craftspeople
Sudras – workers and servants

6. How do Hindus worship? In the home (household shrines)
Hindus worship in several ways and places
In the home (household shrines)
In the temples (priests officiate)
Puja – making offerings to and decorating the deity images

7. Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon
Brahma, the creator god
Shiva, god of constructive destruction
Vishnu, the preserver god