1. Hinduism

2. What is Hinduism? The worlds oldest religion still being practiced. The worlds oldest religion still being practiced. Roots are tied to Aryan beliefs and practices. Roots are tied to Aryan beliefs and practices. Third largest religion with a billion followers. Third largest religion with a billion followers.

3. Where does the name Hindu come from? When visiting India Had to cross the Sindhu river. When visiting India Had to cross the Sindhu river. Could not pronounce it properly and called it Hindu. Could not pronounce it properly and called it Hindu. They referred to people living on the other side of the river as Hindus. They referred to people living on the other side of the river as Hindus.

4. Pluralism Hindus believe that all religions are different ways to reach God. Hindus believe that all religions are different ways to reach God. Hindus believe that no religion is better than another one. Hindus believe that no religion is better than another one.

5. Some basics Polytheistic Polytheistic Pantheistic (aspects of one god-essence in everything) Pantheistic (aspects of one god-essence in everything) Monistic (everything is connected; non- dualistic) Monistic (everything is connected; non- dualistic) Holistic (shapes entire way of life) Holistic (shapes entire way of life)

6. gods Brahman = supreme life force of universe, a god- essence present in all things The various gods in the Hindu cosmos are simply aspects of Brahman – Brahman taking form The various gods in the Hindu cosmos are simply aspects of Brahman – Brahman taking form “The Hindu Trinity” Brahma: creator Vishnu: preserver Siva/Shiva: destroyer

7. Brahma: creator

8. Vishnu: preserver

9. Siva/Shiva: destroyer

10. Who is god? There are many different ways to view god. There are many different ways to view god. Hindus are allowed to chose the way they like to think about god. Hindus are allowed to chose the way they like to think about god.

11. God as a person Hindus are allowed to think of god as a person. Hindus are allowed to think of god as a person. They are allowed to choose the way they would like to picture god. They are allowed to choose the way they would like to picture god.

12. Is God Male or Female? Some Hindus like to think of god as a father in heaven. Some Hindus like to think of god as a father in heaven. Some Hindus prefer to think of god as a mother in heaven. Some Hindus prefer to think of god as a mother in heaven.

13. God Without Shape Some Hindus do not like to think of god as a person, but rather a being without shape. Some Hindus do not like to think of god as a person, but rather a being without shape. Sometimes fire is used as a symbol of god without shape. Sometimes fire is used as a symbol of god without shape.

14. Ataman Hindus believe that god lives in everyone. Hindus believe that god lives in everyone. Hindus call our innermost-self, Ataman: god as all of us. Hindus call our innermost-self, Ataman: god as all of us.

15. Maya Maya = illusion of physical world, illusion of “separateness,” illusion of duality In gods role as Concealer he unleashed the power of Maya. This physical world is to make people believe what they experience through their senses is true.

16. Karma What ever we do produces results that can not be avoided. We are responsible for everything we do and what will happen to us. If you do good things, good results will follow. If you do bad things, bad results will follow.

17. Samsara The cycle of life/death/rebirth – Also known as reincarnation. Driven by karma The only thing that comes with us when we die and are reborn is our character. fooled by maya – keeps going

18. Samsara

19. Moksha liberation from maya & samsara Total enlightenment Atman-Brahman unity no more mortal lives

20. Caste System evolution of Varnas evolution of Varnas each caste has duty – “dharma” each caste has duty – “dharma” 1. Brahmins/Brahmans – priests, intellectuals 2. Kshatriyas/Ksatriyas – warriors, rulers, officials 3. Raishyas/Raisyas – producers (farmers, artisans, etc.) 4. Shudras/Sudras – servants, laborers 5. Untouchables – outcasts, dregs, “harijan” no mobility!!!

21. Caste System Thousands of castes and subcastes. Thousands of castes and subcastes. Higher the caste, the purer and closer you are to moksah. Higher the caste, the purer and closer you are to moksah. Rules were developed to help people remain spiritually pure. Rules were developed to help people remain spiritually pure.

22. Caste System Could become “spiritually unclean” if your shadow crossed paths with an untouchable. Could become “spiritually unclean” if your shadow crossed paths with an untouchable. Interdependence – Each caste has it’s own jobs that they can do. Interdependence – Each caste has it’s own jobs that they can do.