2. Chapter 3 Section 1

3. V. Hinduism Hinduism is the religion of most Indian People Hinduism is the religion of most Indian People It is based on ancient texts called Vedas, which is a collection of hymns and ceremonies It is based on ancient texts called Vedas, which is a collection of hymns and ceremonies

4. Brahman- the Ultimate God Brahman- the Ultimate God Atman- The individual self (like the soul) Atman- The individual self (like the soul) The atman has the duty to worship Brahman so it can join him after death The atman has the duty to worship Brahman so it can join him after death

5. Reincarnation- after death, the atman is reborn in a different form. Reincarnation- after death, the atman is reborn in a different form. After many reincarnations the atman can unite with the Brahman After many reincarnations the atman can unite with the Brahman

6. Reincarnation justifies the mistreatment of lower castes- If a person had been better in their past life, they would not have been born so low Reincarnation justifies the mistreatment of lower castes- If a person had been better in their past life, they would not have been born so low

7. Karma- a person’s actions affect what class they will be reborn in, or if they will even be reborn as a human Karma- a person’s actions affect what class they will be reborn in, or if they will even be reborn as a human

8. Dharma- divine law, everyone must do their duty according to their caste Dharma- divine law, everyone must do their duty according to their caste

9. Samsara- The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that can only be escaped when the atman joins the brahman Samsara- The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that can only be escaped when the atman joins the brahman

10. Moksha- when your atman rejoins Brahman. It is being released from the cycle of samsara. Moksha is the goal of all Hindus Moksha- when your atman rejoins Brahman. It is being released from the cycle of samsara. Moksha is the goal of all Hindus

11. High Gods Brahma (the creator) Brahma (the creator) Vishnu (the preserver) Vishnu (the preserver) Shiva (the destroyer) Shiva (the destroyer)

12. Goddesses of the Breast Sarasvati (goddess of beauty) Sarasvati (goddess of beauty) Laksmi (goddess of fertility) Laksmi (goddess of fertility) Parvati (goddess of peace) Parvati (goddess of peace)

13. Low Gods Kali (demands blood sacrifice) Kali (demands blood sacrifice)

14. Goddess of the Tooth Durga (goddess of destruction, death, and famine) Durga (goddess of destruction, death, and famine)

15. No God is more powerful than the others No God is more powerful than the others No God is complete without male and female halves No God is complete without male and female halves