1. Religions of South Asia
Hinduism
Religions of South Asia

2. Background Information
Developed over 1,000 years ago
#1 Faith in India (Practiced by 83% of the population)
Roots trace back to Ancient Aryan religious practices
Shapes and unifies Indian Culture

3. Basic Beliefs Polytheistic - worship thousands of gods
Each god part of a supreme force / universal spirit - brahman
Brahman is… - Formless - Unlimited
Only a few people can truly understand..

4. Understanding Brahman
To make understanding easier for the average person - Brahman is divided into many gods
3 main gods
Brahma - the creator
Vishnu - the preserver
Shivia - the destroyer

5. Goal of Hinduism Human soul = ataman
Every individual self is part of the universal whole
A person’s goal in life to achieve moksha (to unite your soul with the universal soul, Brahman)
This cannot be done in one lifetime…

6. Reincarnation Rebirth of the soul into other forms
Each form is temporary
Rebirth continues until you reach moksha (union with Brahman)

7. Karma “To do” Mental and physical deeds a person does in their life
Law of Karma determines if you achieve moksha
Good deed = closer to moksha
Bad deed = move down / further away
Ties closely into social class

8. Dharma Duties & Obligations Each social class has its own duties
Improve your position NEXT life by carrying out your duties in THIS life

9. Karma / Dharma Activity
Break into small groups of 4
For each “situation” write down the following reflections:
What do you think is the person’s dharma?
What actions would the person have to take for good karma?
What actions would the person have to take for bad karma?