2. One of the world oldest Religions-”Sanatana dharma” : “the eternal teaching” Began 4000 years ago-Indus River Valley Followers: “Hindus”- Began in India Religion govern what they eat, how they live & how they see the world. No founder and no single sacred book Aryans invaded and mixed with- You have to be born Hindu you can not become one.

3. Flexible ways to practice: pray everyday or ever Not necessary to visit the temple-Free choice Believe in reincarnation: soul reborn in another body- human or animal- Cycle: SAMSARA The quality of your next life depend on this one. Chain of actions / energy is called KARMA Many Gods but one single spiritual power called BRAHMAN which lives in everything. Ultimate goal : to gain “Moksha”: Higher you are reborn higher you are to Moksha

4. Karma Karma is basically about the kind of energy you give out that will come back to you. It is the law of attraction. What you give out will come back to you as matter of attraction. So if you do good with focused thoughts, that's what you will reap and the same applies to bad too. Hinduism also believes that Karmic balances are on an endless journey of paybacks that can cross life time.

5. Hindu society divided in 4 groups: ( Castes) 1.Brahmans: Priests 2. Kshatriyas: nobles and soldiers 3. Vaishyas: traders 4. Sudras : Servants Use to affect peoples lives, never mixed, today more flexible. Traditional parents still use it to marry their kids.

6. Most Vegetarian Believe in Ahimsa : Non Violence Ahimsa: forbid killing living beings even for food. Typical Vegetarian food: rice, chapatis, dhal( lentils) vegetables spicy…..yogurts

7. Supreme spirit : Braham Believe in hundreds of Gods –who are different representations of Braham 3 most important: a.Braham, the creator of the universe b.Vishnu, the preserver of the universe c.Shiva, the destroyer of evil Others: Rama: Virtue and Courage ( hero of epic Ramayana) Krishna: Fond of performing miracles( Bhagavad Gita Ganesh: Elephant –headed God- son of Shiva& Parvati. “According to the legend, Shiva cut off Ganesh original head in a rage and later replaced it with a wise elephant’s head”. God who solves difficulties, when you start something new….

8. Temples At home Visit to temple: no regular Braham Priest Yoga and Meditation

9. Not only one book: Many sacred writings Language: Sanskrit- language of Arian people The Vedas: most ancient sacred texts-written by Arians 3500 years ago- Rig Veda: still read The Upanishads: deal with the eternity and souls. Epic poem: Two great poems: “Mahabharata and “Ramayana”.

10. The sacred Ganges From the Himalayas to Bay of Bengal Varanasi: holiest of the 7 cities ( tirthas)

11. Holi: the end of winter Diwali: festival of lights- 5 days

12. Hindu religion calendar : 12 months Based on the phases of the moon Runs from full moon to full moon

13. Celebration of Birth: 10 days after baby is born - Naming ceremony- Priest special ceremony- The sacred threat: boys from top 3 castes- between 9 and 11-Receive sacred threat from the priest- wear it all their lives, under right arm. Wedding day: arranged by parents-last for several days- many rituals and ceremonies-