1. Hinduism

2. Origins Hinduism does not come from the teachings of one person
Hindu is a Sanskrit word meaning “river,” it was once used to describe all Indians
The teachings of Hinduism have three main sources:
The traditions of the Indus River valley culture
The traditions of the Dravidian peoples
And the beliefs of the Aryan invaders

3. Aryan Invasion
When the Aryans invaded India, the native Dravidians responded in three ways:
Fleeing to southern India and preserving their culture
Becoming slaves to the Aryans
Merging with the Aryans to form a new culture in northern India-this was the beginning of Hinduism

4. Hindu Texts
Hindu beliefs come from a collection of texts known as the Shruti, “that which is heard”
Other texts are called Shmriti, “that which is remembered”-these are great stories
The Upanishads are part of the Shruti and answer questions about Hindu beliefs and practices

5. Hindu Beliefs
The one true reality is Brahman, the mighty spirit that creates and destroys. Brahman is One, but expresses itself as many
One part of Brahman is the Self, or Soul. This is called Atman. Atman is found in every living thing

6. Hindu Beliefs
Nothing living dies entirely. The Atman continues in a cycle of rebirth
All Hindus strive to achieve moksha, a state of spiritual perfection. Once moksha is achieved, the Atman merges with Brahman
Moksha is achieved through margas: knowledge and insight, appropriate action and works, and devotion to god
All diversity in the universe is an illusion (maya)-the true nature is Oneness

7. Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Brahma the Creator
Vishnu the Preserver
Shiva the Destroyer
Shakti (Feminine energy force responsible for fertility and creativity; manifests itself in many female forms)
Hindus believe in the Oneness of Brahman, but often have devotions to other gods

8. Caste System 1. Brahmins 2. Kshatriyas 3. Vaisyas 4. Sudras
Created from the mouth, made up of priests
2. Kshatriyas
Created from the arms, rulers and warriors
3. Vaisyas
Created from the thighs, merchants, farmers, artisans
4. Sudras
Created from the feed, servants and slaves

9. Dalits (Untouchables)
The Dalits, or Untouchables, are even lower than the Sudras
They had no rights in Hindu culture
Members of other castes would not speak to them, touch them, drink from the same well, etc.

10. Justification
The justification for the caste system is Karma-your behavior in this life will determine your status in the next life
Good karma is accrued by following Dharma
Dharma is the set of rules for proper behavior for each caste

11. Goals of Life
No matter what caste, there are four purushartha, or goals of life:
Dharma, artha (success), kama (pleasure) and moksha
A Hindu expects to pass through four ashramas, or stages of life:
Brahmacarya-Student
Grihastha-Householder
Vanaprastha-One who withdraws for reflection
Samnyasin-One who renounces the world