1. Hinduism
Generally considered to be the oldest major world religion still actively practiced today.
Originated from the ancient Vedic culture in as far a 2000 BCE
1 Billion followers today – most live in India
Very tolerant religion There are many truths!
Central texts are contained in the Vedas

2. Basic Teachings of Hinduism
Fundamental teachings shared by nearly all Hindus.
Among most basic tenets of Hinduism, belief in Brahman, eternal being that created, preserves world
Brahman all-encompassing
Many believe human mind incapable of understanding
Brahman
Hindus believe each person has atman, soul, aspect of Brahman
Atman shapes personality, cannot be destroyed, even by death
Atman

3. Devas
Manifestations of Brahman, active in world, helping maintain order in nature
Brahma
Shiva
Vishnu
Some believe in thousands; others worship only one - Brahman.
Three Main Devas

4. Read pages 106-107 -> Questions?
Rebirth and Salvation
Pattern of Life
Hindus believe universe, everyone in it, part of continual pattern of birth, death, and rebirth
After death atman reborn in process called reincarnation, or samsara
New Life
Nature of person’s new life shaped by karma—sum effect of deeds, actions
Good karma, reincarnated to better station in life; bad karma, lower station in life
Ultimate goal of human existence, moksha, escape from cycle of rebirth
Dharma
With moksha, atman leaves world, reunites fully with Brahman
To achieve moksha is to fulfill one’s dharma—spiritual duties, obligations
By fulfilling dharma, one creates good karma, breaks free from rebirth cycle
Read pages > Questions?

5. Hindu Religious Practices
Hindu beliefs vary widely, religious practices vary as well; worship can take place anywhere
At temples, priests might recite, read portions of the Vedas; image of a deva sometimes carried out of temple to people
At home, food, drink, gifts offered for deva; meditation, silent reflection
Worship

6. Hindu Religious Practices
To help meditate, Hindus practice series of integrated physical, mental exercises called yoga
Yoga teaches people how to focus bodies, minds to aid meditation, help attain moksha
Hindus also make pilgrimages to Ganges River to purify, remove bad karma
Meditation, Pilgrimages

7. Sacred Texts and Practices
Much of Hinduism’s evolution stemmed from a number of sacred writings produced over centuries.
Name means “knowledge” in Sanskrit
Hindus consider Vedas to contain eternal knowledge not written by humans, revealed to them by Brahman
Parts of Vedas date back more than 3,000 years
Considered core of Hinduism even today
The Vedas
Upanishads
Sacred texts that built upon the Vedas
Upanishads philosophical reflections on the Vedas, dealing with nature of world, meaning of life

8. Mahabharata and Ramayana
Two epic poems
Each tells story, reflects on living according to Vedic teachings
Included in Mahabharata, most sacred of all Hindu texts, the Bhagavad Gita, addressing many aspects of Hindu belief, philosophy

9. VEDAS and the Creation Hymn - To Do
Make a list of paradoxes within the Rig Veda text.
Make a list of unanswered question within the Rig Vega text.
Make a list of 10 things that are different about this story of creation compared with the story in Genesis.

10. Bhagavad Gita “Song of the Lord”
The Bhagavad Gita is the most important text to Hindus.
Part of Mahabhrata
Critical Ideas
Suppression of the Ego is paramount. Eliminate focus on our singular self.
Decrease reliance on the senses to reduce extremes of sorrow and joy
Action is more important than ritual.
Importance of reincarnation and the shallowness of concern for physical bodies.
Truth is found in Atman, the universal oversoul that binds us all. It is incorrect to conceive of the soul in Hindu religion as a singular element of one individual. It is part of a connected whole, and the individual’s soul aspires to be reunited

11. Ramayana (Journey of Rama)
Second of 2 epic poems. The Ramayana is one of the central Hindu myths, written close to 250 BCE. Author - Valmiki
• Centers around the efforts of a prince named Rama to reclaim his wife, who had been kidnapped by the demon Ravanna.
• Rama is the ideal hero of Hindu culture, although in books 1 and 7 he becomes Vishnu.

12. Rama and Ravana Rama Ravana
A Brahmin on earth, Ravanna becomes a demon possessed of enormous power when he is granted power by the gods, making him immune to damage from divine agents, demons, and animals.
Arrogantly, he did not ask for protection from humans.
He is defeated by Vishnu’s human incarnation (Rama).
His death helps restore dharma, or order, on the earthly realm.
The story is about his redemption. In, death he is released by Rama—and the lusts, cruelty, desire, and ego that have consumed him fade away.
An avatar of Lord Vishnu (The Preserver)
An avatar is the bodily incarnation of an immortal being. The term in Sanskrit implies a descent into mortal realms.
Two of the most important avatars in the Hindu tradition are Rama and Krishna.
The purpose of the incarnation is to demonstrate correct living on Earth.
Rama is the embodiment of the dharma, always fulfilling his duties and acting in accordance with Hindu principles.

13. Sections of the Story Pg.132-134. Beginning to the Golden “T”
Pg Start at the Golden “T” and stop at the Golden “R”
Pg Start at the Golden “R” and stop at the Golden “R”
Pg. 136 – Start at the Golden “R” and stop at the Golden “W”
Pg Section “W” Only.
Pg Start at the Golden “R and stop at the Golden “N”
Pg Start at the Golden “N” and go to the end.

14. The Story of Rama and Ravanna at Battle