1. Hinduism
One God, or Many?

2. The Origins

3. The Clashing of Cultures
From 2 groups of people emerged ONE DIVERSE RELIGION

4. The Clashing of Cultures
Indus Valley:
Written language
Agriculture, industry & trade
Planned cities
Underground sewage system

5. The Clashing of Cultures
Indo-Aryan:
Male dominated nomadic tribes
Herded animals
Warriors
No cities
No written language

6. From the CLASH of THESE TWO CULTURES CAME:
Religious Writings
Distinct Social Structure; the CASTE system
Hinduism

7. Religious Texts

8. Religious Writings The VEDAS: “Books of Knowledge”
Oral Tradition; songs & prayers of the Indo-Aryans

9. Religious Writings The Mahabharata:
The story of a great war; includes Hindu mythology & philosophy
Focuses on Hindu culture & society
(74,000 verses)

10. Religious Writings The Ramayana:
Story of a prince; wife abducted by a demon
Allegorical & religious meaning
Dharma

11. Many Gods – Or One?
Brahman:
The all- powerful spiritual force

12. Hindu Gods

13. Many Gods – Or One?
Hindus believed that Brahman was too complex a concept for humans to understand; worshipped gods & goddesses who served as links to Brahman

14. Many Gods – Or One?
3 MAIN GODS:
Brahma
Vishnu
Shiva

15. Gods - Many manifestations of Brahman
One Divine Essence
Unity
Gods - Many manifestations of Brahman
Brahma
The Creator
Shiva
The Destroyer
Vishnu
The Preserver
Hindu
Gods
+ millions of other gods
“Trinity”

16. Hindu Beliefs

17. Major Hindu Beliefs Reincarnation: The cycle of rebirth Atman:
The spirit that travels from birth to rebirth

18. Major Hindu Beliefs Karma: Every action is punished or rewarded
Dharma:
One’s moral duty in life; varies according to caste, gender, etc.

19. Major Hindu Beliefs Ahimsa: Non-violence & respect for life Moksha:
Release from the pain & suffering associated with rebirth

20. Major Hindu Beliefs
Ultimate goal of Hinduism; escape the cycle of rebirth & achieve UNION with Brahman