1. Aim: What are the main characteristics of Hinduism? Do Now: Who and what provides you with direction in life?

2. I. Intro Aryans enter 4000 - 3500 years ago Aryans enter 4000 - 3500 years ago Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: rituals and many gods (polytheism) rituals and many gods (polytheism) sacred texts (Vedas) sacred texts (Vedas)

3. II. beliefs One impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman One impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman True life – Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in matter. True life – Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in matter. Ultimate goal of life (Moksha) – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman Ultimate goal of life (Moksha) – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman Karma- understood as the consequence of thought and behavior. Karma- understood as the consequence of thought and behavior. Dharma-moral duties of an individual Dharma-moral duties of an individual

4. A. Reincarnation (Samsara) atman, the soul, is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime atman, the soul, is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime Most people will not achieve moksha in one lifetime. Most people will not achieve moksha in one lifetime. Belief in reincarnation allows people to continue working towards moksha. Belief in reincarnation allows people to continue working towards moksha. higher or lower level of existence depending on their karma from their present life.

5. B. Life and Caste System Ahimsa -- non-violence Ahimsa -- non-violence Respect for all life – vegetarian Respect for all life – vegetarian Human life as supreme: Human life as supreme: Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class Rules forbade marrying outside one’s caste. Rules forbade marrying outside one’s caste. Untouchables-impure or spiritually polluted. Untouchables-impure or spiritually polluted.

6. C. Worship In the home (household shrines) In the home (household shrines) In the home In the home In the Temples (priests officiate) In the Temples (priests officiate)

7. Ganges River