1. Hinduism
In this lesson, students will be able to identify key beliefs of the Hindu religion.
Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:
The Caste System
Karma
Dharma
Reincarnation

2. Hinduism is an important religion in India.
This is the Hindu symbol for Om. It
represents the divine.
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3. The Aryans The Aryans invaded India around 1500 B.C.
When the Aryans invaded India, they brought their religious beliefs.
Hinduism is a religion largely based on the beliefs of the Aryans.
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4. The Aryans invaded the Indus River Valley. Hinduism is largely based
on the religious
beliefs of the
Aryans.
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5. No Single Holy Book
Unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Hinduism has no single holy book.
However, there are many significant Hindu writings.
The Bhagavad-Gita, the Upanishads, and the Vedas are important Hindu writings.
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6. The Bhagavad-Gita is a conversation between a warrior and a god.
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7. Many gods, One Force
Hindus believe in many gods. As such, Hinduism can be considered polytheistic.
However, Hindus believe that every god is a manifestation of one Supreme Being.
Brahman is the Supreme Being.
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8. Hindus believe in many gods. However, Hindus believe that every
god is a
manifestation of a
single, Supreme
Being.
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9. Karma and Reincarnation
Hindus believe in karma. Karma is the belief that every action brings an equal reaction. If a person does a good deed, he will be rewarded in the future.
Hindus also believe in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the belief that a person’s soul is reborn after death.
A person’s karma determines his reincarnation.
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10. Think of Karma as what goes around,
comes around.
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11. The Caste System
Hindus also believe in a caste system. The caste system is a fixed social class system.
A Hindus is born into his caste and must remain in his caste a lifetime.
Brahmins (Priests), Warriors, Merchants, and Farmers are Hindu castes.
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12. These are the Sanskrit names for the four
castes.
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13. Dharma Every caste has its rules.
Dharma is the Sanskrit word for the rules of caste.
Marrying in your caste is an example of dharma.
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14. Hinduism is the dominant religion of
India.
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15. Questions for Reflection:
How does a person’s karma determine his reincarnation?
Why is the caste system a fixed social class system?
What is the difference between dharma and karma?
Why are some Hindus untouchables?
Who were the Aryans?
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