1. Hinduism

2. Hinduism Basics
Founder: None Year: around 1500 BCE Origin Region: Indus Valley God(s): Brahman (many “forms”) Sacred Writing(s): Vedas, Upanshads, Brahmana Place of Worship: Temple

3. Hindu Temples

4. History of Hinduism
The Dravidians of the Indus Valley (India) are invaded by light skinned Aryans of Persia
Their religious beliefs merge together to form the Hindu religion
The caste system is developed to control jobs and village life
It also prevents “light and dark skins” from intermarrying to keep the Aryans “pure”
Hinduism spreads throughout Indian and south east Asia

5. History of Hinduism
In 1947, the British Indian Empire (composed of Hindus and Muslims) gains independence (under pressure from Ghandi’s non-violent civil disobedience.
The Empire is partitioned into two countries based on the main religions of the region.
India (Hindu)
Pakistan (Muslim)
Today, Hinduism is the world’s 3rd largest religion.

6. Main Teachings and Beliefs
Polytheist – belief in many gods
Brahman is the supreme presence (god) of which all other gods originate
Hindus are free to worship Brahman in any way that is useful and meaningful to them – worship different gods that represent different aspects of Brahman
Holy Trinity: Brahma (creator of the universe), Vishnu (preserver of the universe), and Shiva (destroyer and restorer of the universe)

7. Holy Trinity Brahma Shiva Vishnu

8. Main Teachings and Beliefs
Dharma – moral balance and religious discipline (treat people well and practice Hinduism)
Karma – people experience the consequences of their actions (every act and thought has its consequences)
Good Dharma = Good Karma
good things happen to good people
Samsara – reincarnation (soul is reborn); a person’s worldly status in their present lives is determined by their actions in their previous life
Moksha – union with Brahman (like Heaven); must live a life of moral integrity and religious devotion (may take many lifetimes)

9. Caste System BRAHMIN Priest/Teacher VARNAS (groups) KSHATRIYA
BRAHMIN
Priest/Teacher
VARNAS (groups)
KSHATRIYA
King/Warrior
VAISYA
Merchant, Farmer, Artisan
SUDRA
Peasant/Labourer
UNTOUCHABLE
So Far Below Other Groups They Are Not Even PART Of Caste System

10. Hindu Celebrations
Holi - 2 day celebration after the full moon in early March; celebrates good harvests and fertility of the land; and a legend from Hindu mythology (a faithful worshiper of Vishnu doesn’t burn when thrown in a fire); there are lots of bonfires and people run around and throw coloured powder and water on each other.

11. Hindu Celebrations
Divali - 5 day celebration in the fall welcoming Laksmi, goddess of wealth; candles & lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi; gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared.