1. Indian Subcontinent
Indian subcontinent- large landmass that is smaller than a continent

2. Varna (Social Hierarchy) Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaishyas
Shudras
Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables

4. 23 April 2018
Read the Introduction to Hinduism > Answer the reading Questions
The Basics of Hinduism Notes
Exit Socrative
Objective: Identify the major tenets of Hinduism

5. The Basics of Hinduism

6. The Vedas 1200 BCE-600 BCE written in (SANSKRIT)
Provides core of Hindu beliefs:
hymns and poems
religious prayers
magical spells
lists of the gods and goddesses
While Vedas is a scared text, the Upanishads (oo PAN ih shadz) is as well. It helps to explain the ideas in the Vedas.

7. The Nature of the Hindu Religion
Hinduism is an extremely complex and varied religion
It is the oldest of the five major world religions and developed over thousands of years
There is no central founder and no single holy book
Practices range from a way of life to a more structured set of religious beliefs

8. “Hinduism is by far the most complex religion in the world, shading under its enormous umbrella an incredible diverse array of contrasting beliefs, practices and denominations. Hinduism is by far the oldest major religion. It has had more than enough time to develop a diversity of opinions and approaches to spirituality unmatched in any other tradition.”
Underlying this diversity, however, are some common beliefs.

9. The Source of Hindu Beliefs: Hindu Writings
The Vedas
Four separate collections of prayers, hymns and philosophies
Rig Veda is considered the oldest and most popular dating back as early as 5000 BC
Hindu Epics
Ramayana and Mahabharata
Originally composed in Sanskrit
Some of the oldest surviving and epic poetry on earth
Upanishads
The term 'Upanishad' literally means, "sitting down near" or "sitting close to", and implies listening closely to the doctrines of a guru, or a spiritual teacher, who has realized the fundamental truths of the universe
Religious leaders’ interpretations of Hindu writings
How does this description compare to Christian, Jewish, or Islamic teachings?

10. Understanding Hindu Beliefs
Some Hindus believe the splendor of the world is so vast that it cannot be defined by one God, therefore the world is interpreted through multiple gods (polytheistic)
Some Hindus believe all gods and goddesses are different forms of the same one God (monotheistic) and worshipers can choose the form they wish to worship
“God is one. Men call Him by various names.” ~Veda

11. Key Beliefs: Brahman
The Rig Veda identifies 33 gods all born of one creator called Brahman
Brahman is the single, pure, supreme force
Ultimately one wants to reach perfection and be united with Brahman

12. Key Beliefs: Atman and Samsara
The unity of ALL life
Universal Soul called Atman (same as Brahman)
Each living “body” has an essential, imperfect self or soul also called an Atman
Results in beliefs of non-violence & respect for animals and nature
Respect nature, don’t struggle against it= beliefs of non-violence

13. Key Beliefs: Atman and Samsara
The goal is for one’s Atman to reach perfection and be freed from a physical body to achieve oneness with Brahman
Perfection cannot be reached within one lifetime, therefore this perfection and union is achieved through the cycle of reincarnation, or samsara

14. Key Beliefs: Samsara & Moksha
Samsara is the cycle of rebirth of the soul (atman) in various forms or bodies
The form or body is temporary, but the soul continues
If one lives a “good life” his or her soul will be reincarnated to a more favorable body in his or her next life

15. Key Beliefs: Samsara & Moksha
The cycle of death and rebirth continues until the soul achieves moksha, or changeless bliss, and is released from this cycle to be unified with Brahman/Atman
Brahmins (priests) are believed to be closest to moksha
Varnas/Caste was a social and religious order
Whether a soul lives a “good life” and gains a more favorable body and ultimately moksha is governed by dharma and karma

16. 24 April 2018 The Basics of Hinduism Notes (cont’d) Hinduism Socrative
Crash Course – Indus Valley & Buddhism
Objectives: Identify the major tenets of Hinduism; Introduce the fundamental principles related to the beginnings of Buddhism

17. Key Beliefs: Dharma & Karma
Dharma functions on two levels:
Universal Dharma
Moral balance between good and evil of all things in the universe
To do this, an individual atman needs to carry out its duties and obligations = Individual Dharma
One’s dharma (a guide to conduct ) is determined by caste
An atman in a non-human body carries out its dharma by fulfilling its purpose through instinct

18. Varna (Social Hierarchy) Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaishyas
Shudras
Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables

20. Key Beliefs: Dharma & Karma
An atman can live a “good life” and improve its position in the next life (closer to moksha) by contributing to universal dharma by fulfilling its
individual dharma

21. Key Beliefs: Dharma & Karma
Another factor that governs whether a soul gains moksha is karma
The law of karma holds that every deed – mental or physical- in the present life affects one’s future life
A soul’s present situation is the result of his or her deeds in a past existence
“What goes around, comes around”
Good deeds = positive karma while evil deeds = negative karma
Fulfilling one’s individual dharma brings positive karma. Positive karma brings one closer to moksha.

22. Hindu gods
Pleasing the gods are a part of fulfilling dharma and receiving good kharma
People will devote themselves to their own personal or family god
Hindus can identify new gods to help them in their worship
The main trinity of gods
Brahma
Vishnu
Shiva

23. Brahma “The Creator” Created the world and produced the human race
Hindus believe that all other gods originate from Brahma
Four faces stand for the four corners of the universe.
He holds a sacrificial ladle, the four Vedas, a jar of holy water from the Ganges, and a necklace of prayer beads

24. Vishnu “The Preserver”
Role is to maintain a balance between good and evil powers in the universe
Returns to earth in different forms, both animal and human (avatars or incarnations) including the Buddha
Most important Rama and Krishna- Subjects in the Hindu Epics

25. Shiva “The Destroyer/Purifier”
Responsible for change both in the form of death and in the positive sense of the shedding of old habits
Dances in a halo of fire, representing the cycle of birth and death
Snakes symbolize Shiva’s power over evil forces
Story of God- Hindu creation story at the end

26. Hinduism Socrative Log on to the computer/device
Go to 
Enter the virtual room number
*** You do not need to memorize it. It will always be on your home screen. ***
You will see the following message: “Waiting for teacher to start an activity….”
Once Mr. Hanley initiates the activity, choose the best answer to each question on your device

27. Some Crash Courses Review of Indus Valley Civilization (start @ 3:38)
Hinduism & Buddism 8:08)
Now, read the “Story of Buddha’s Enlightenment” and answer the questions
Objectives: Identify the major tenets of Hinduism; Introduce the fundamental principles related to the beginnings of Buddhism