1. Hinduism Mr. Johnson

2. Hinduism 15.1 India’s first major religion No single person founded it Began before written history dharma – basic belief that stands for law, obligation & duty Ramayana – an ancient Hindu text that tells about life in ancient India and offers models for dharma

3. Hinduism 15.2 Vedism was the name of the early Hindu religion Vedas – collection of sacred texts, including verses, hymns, prayers and teachings that lay out the basic beliefs of Hinduism Sanskrit – Indian ancient form of writing Brahmins – priests an religious scholars who formed dominant social class in India Later Vedism is often called Brahmanism

4. Hinduism 15.3 Caste is a class or group in Hindu society The Vedas describe four main social classes who each have their own duty Brahmins – priests and religious scholars Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors Vaishyas – herders and merchants Shudras - servants Eventually 5 th class developed called the untouchables Could not change caste

5. Hinduism 15.4 Brahman is the name for the supreme power Hinduism sees time going around in a circle Hindus believe Brahman is constantly creating, destroying and re-creating the universe

6. Hinduism 15.5 3 most important deities who control the universe: Brahma – creates it Vishnu – preserves it Shiva – destroys it

7. Hinduism 15.6 Basic values Dharma – law, obligation and duty Value marriage Sharing food with others Caring for one’s soul Nonviolence (believe all forms of life have a soul)

8. Hinduism 15.7 Karma was made up of all the good and evil a person had done in his past life Live good to be reborn into a higher class or live badly and be reborn into a lower class or even animal

9. Hinduism 15.8 Samsara is the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth (called reincarnation) Samsara ends when the soul escapes and is united with Brahman