1. Origins of Hinduism

2. Brahmanism Hinduism
-Aryans created Brahmanism -Based on sacred writings called Vedas -Writings explained how to perform religious rituals, sacrifices of food, drink, animals -Brahmanism + other beliefs = Hinduism -Hinduism is largest religion in India today (15% of world population is Hindu) -Thought to be world’s oldest religion

3. Hindu Beliefs Hindus are polytheistic Many are vegetarian
Believe each god is part of a single universal spirit called Brahman
Believe Brahman created the world and preserves it
(Hindus believe everything in the world is a part of Brahman)
There are 3 major gods:

4. Brahma [The Creator]

5. Shiva [The Destroyer]

6. Vishnu [The Preserver]

7. Caste Rules Caste System – divided Indian society into groups
Rules develop for caste system
(Ex: Can’t marry someone from another class
Can’t eat with someone from another class)
Could be banned from your home & your caste
Would become an untouchable - unclean
(Because of strict rules people spent all of their time with people of their own caste)

8. The Varnas Brahmins (BRAH-muhns)- priests
Varnas - social divisions in Aryan society by occupation
The varnas were:
Brahmins (BRAH-muhns)- priests
Kshatriyas (KSHA-tree-uhs) rulers and warriors
Vaisyas (VYSH-yuhs) farmers, craftspeople, traders
Sudras (SOO-drahs) laborers, non-Aryans

9. The Caste System
Caste system- divided Indian society into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation. (For centuries the Sudras, had hard lives. After a few centuries a fifth group developed. This group didn’t belong to a caste at all.) Untouchables were seen as unclean and social outcasts. You weren’t supposed to have any contact with them.

10. Life & Rebirth Reincarnation- the process of rebirth
Believe everyone has a soul or atman
Believe the ultimate goal is to reunite with Brahman
Reincarnation-
the process of rebirth
Souls are reborn many times

11. Life & Rebirth When you die you are reborn into a new form
What form depends on your karma
Karma- the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul (Ex. - Evil actions bring bad karma)
Reborn as untouchable or reborn a lower life-form such as…

12. Hinduism & the Caste System
Good karma = you are born into a higher caste
Eventually good karma will bring salvation
(You will be free from life’s worries and rebirth)
Karma and reincarnation reward living a good life (Even untouchable can be born into a higher caste)

13. Worship at home at a shrine (puja = worship)
Temples
Worship at home at a shrine (puja = worship)

14. Women & Sacred Places Hinduism considered women lesser than men
(Were not allowed to study the Vedas)
Both sexes can achieve salvation
Most sacred place for Hindus =
Ganges River
River is thought to have holy
water that can remove bad karma

15. Holidays Diwali – The Festival of Lights (5 days)
October/November-Hindu New Year
homes are cleaned and oil lamps are lit
pray to goddess Lakshmi for good luck/happiness

16. Holi – celebrates arrival of Spring, life
Holidays
Holi – celebrates arrival of Spring, life
March/April
Fun holiday full of prank playing, throwing colored powder