1. Hinduism
The Om, written in Sanskrit, represents Brahman or the eternal God and eternal life.

2. Founder/Location
No single founder; evolved through cultural diffusion (blending of cultures). Aryans (Central Asian Nomadic tribe) blended with harrappans.
Religion developed in India
Religion is over 5,000 years old
Over 85% of Indians are Hindu

3. Holy Text
Vedas (Also known as the Rig Veda)
Upanishads

4. Place of Worship
Temples
Swaminarayan Temple New Delhi

5. Deities Polytheistic: belief in many gods Examples of gods:
Brahma: the creator
Vishnu: the preserver
Shiva: the destroyer
Ganesh: good fortune, wisdom
Worship their gods in temples

6. Concepts/Practices/ Beliefs
Reincarnation: rebirth of the soul (see diagram)
Dharma: Job/occupation or
duties in life
Karma: One’s destiny; actions in present life will effect next life
Caste system: Strict/rigid social class system
Ahimsa: non-violence towards all living things.

7. Ethics: Ahimsa: Non-violence towards all living things.
War: Frowned upon unless for protection
Diet – no beef (Cow), vegetation is best, can not accept food from a lower caste, & avoid alcohol
Sacred Cow/”Holy Cow”
Following the dharma of your caste
helping Brahmins is a special blessing

8. Social Structure
Caste system: a hereditary social class system.
NO social mobility
Social Mobility: ability to change your position in society. (Usually happens based on wealth, hard work or marriage)

9. Reincarnation: Rebirth of your atman (soul)
Achieve Moksha
Release from the cycle of rebirth. Atman joins with creator god.
Reincarnation: Rebirth of your atman (soul)
Untouchables
Brahman
Kshatriyas
Vaisyas
Sudras
Good/Bad: All your actions in this life have consequences in the next life.
Karma
Samsara
Your atman is reborn into a new life/new caste
Dharma
Your sacred duties to your caste & family

10. Untouchables Lowest of all castes Live apart from the village
Cannot use village well
Are the only ones who can touch animal skins, cremate the dead, or do janitorial work.

11. Untouchables

12. Caste System Rules Follow the rules of their caste:
Only marry members of the same caste
Show respect to higher castes
Maintain spiritual pureness
Sutte – widows had to…

13. Punishments for breaking caste rules
Minor offenses: pay fine and/or ritual purification. Ex. Bathe in the Ganges R.
Major offenses: Can lead to expulsion from your caste.

14. Effect of the caste system
Creates social order
Sense of identity
Determines your rights, occupation, spouse and housing in society.