1. Hinduism A Brief Introduction Visit www.worldofteaching.com
For 100’s of free powerpoints

2. Scriptures Hundreds of scriptures oldest scriptures: the four Vedas
all scriptures divided into two broad categories: shruti and smriti
Most popular scripture: Bhagavad Gita

3. What “ism” is Hinduism? Everything from Atheism to Polytheism
Different interpretations of the same scriptures led to differences in belief
Sanatana Dharma Eternal Philosophy

4. Concept of God Nirguna Brahman - God without attributes
Saguna Brahman - God with attributes
Saguna Brahman can be worshipped in any shape or form, human or otherwise

5. Hindu Trinity Brahma - the Creator Vishnu - the Preserver
Shiva - the Destroyer
Three aspects/powers of the same divine being

6. Basic Beliefs
Karma - the law of cause and effect; “you reap what you sow”
Reincarnation - eternal soul traverses through different bodies till it finds liberation

7. Symbolism in Hinduism

8. Holy Cow!
Hindus have always had great respect for Mother Nature and its creatures
Cow is especially significant because it symbolizes gentleness

9. Four Goals of Human Life
Kama – fulfillment of desires
Artha – accumulation of wealth
Dharma – performance of social and religious duties
Moksha – freedom from want

10. Four Paths to Moksha Karma Yoga - Path of righteous action
Bhakti Yoga - Path of selfless devotion
Jnana Yoga - Path of rational inquiry
Raja Yoga - Path of renunciation

11. Temple Worship
Temples provide an atmosphere conducive for spiritual progress
Centers of social and cultural activities
Provide a place for collective worship and prayers

12. Six Philosophical Schools
Sankhya - Sage Kapila
Yoga - Sage Patanjali
Mimamsa - SageJaimini
Vedanta – Sage Vyasa
Nyaya - Sage Gautama
Vaisheshika - Sage Kanada

13. History of Hinduism Originated between 4000 and 2000 BC
No single founder
Vedas: the oldest scriptures of Hinduism
Veda means “to know”
Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda
Upanishads explain the philosophical ideas in story and dialogue form

14. Veda Vyasa
1500 BC
classified the Vedas into the four traditional collections
composed the 18 Puranas
composed his great poetic work, the Mahabharata in a period of two and a half years

15. Sankara Advaitha philosophy 7th century AD
traveled all over India having public debates with other philosophers
true happiness can be attained by removing
avidya(ignorance) and maya (self deception)

16. Ramanuja 10th Century AD Vishistadvaitha
wanted everybody irrespective of social standing to enjoy the eternal bliss of Lord Narayana
Bhakti - complete surrender to the Lord

17. Madhva Dwaitha philosophy 12th Century AD
the world is not an illusion.
solitary study of the scriptures, performing one's duty without self-interest, practical acts of devotion

18. Vivekananda First Hindu leader to visit America
Famous address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11,1893
Spent three years preaching the Vedanta philosophy in America and England
Founded the Ramakrishna Mission

19. Contemporary Hindu Leaders in America
David Frawley
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
Mahesh Yogi
Satchidananda
Mata Amritanandamayi

20. Festivals Hinduism is a celebratory religion
The motive: Festivals keep us close to Gods,
invigorate our household and renew our
personal life.
Festivals signify victory of good over evil.
Every month of Hindu calendar has atleast one
significant festival. Each festival has regional
significance also.
Celebration of diversity.

21. April/May Yugaadi/Ugaadi: The first day of the year according to
the National Calendar of India. 
The day falls in the beginning of spring
- Vasanta Ritu – When the Goddess of
Nature gets bedecked as a divine
bride.

22. Sri Ramanavami Mahavir Jayanti Buddha Jayanti
Birthday of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, and his coronation as a king.
Birthday of Buddha,
the founder of Buddhism
Birthday of Mahavira,
the founder of Jainism

23. May/June Guru Purnima Guru: One’s teacher. The day
commemorates the birthday of
Veda Vyasa.
Time to remember and felicitate
one’s teachers.
Lord Muruga
Worshipped mostly in
South India

24. July/August Raksha Bandhan Krishnashtami Symbolizes the love between
brother and sister.
Birthday of Lord Krishna,
favorite lovable God of many :)

25. August/September Ganesh Chaturthi Durga Pooja/Navaratri
Birthday of the elephant God,
Ganesha
A nine day celebration signifying
the victory of Mother Durga
over the evil demon King
Mahishasura.

26. October/November Mother Lakshmi Deepavali: The festival of lights
Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped
on this day.
Beginning of the Hindu financial year.

27. December/January Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Sankranti/Pongal
Birthday of Guru Gobind
Singh, one of the Sikh Gurus
Celebration of the
harvest festival

28. February/March Holi Mahashivaratri Holi, the festival of colors
commemorating the victory of
Lord Krishna over the demon Holika
Birthday of Lord Shiva