1. Early Belief Systems
Hinduism

2. Aryans transform India
Move from Caspian Sea to India – (1500 BCE)
Only major artifact remaining is the Vedas (Sacred text of prayers, songs)
They were taller and paler then native Indians

3. The Caste Impacted all areas of life Level determined your career
Must marry within your caste

4. A way to think of Caste Brahmins (priests) = Mouth
Rulers & Warriors = Arms
Peasants & traders = Legs
Laborers = Feet
Untouchables

5. A Caste System Warriors Brahmins or priests
Peasants & Shudras (non-Aryan workers)
Untouchables – those with unclean jobs (garbage collection, gravediggers . . .)
Brahmins or priests
A Caste System
- Do we have a caste system?
- Discuss with a partner/share

6. The Origins of Hinduism
Resulted from the blending of Aryan and non-Aryan beliefs
No single founder
Mahabharata – epic of Aryans, non-Aryans and their gods
Dishonor is worse than Death

7. Hinduism Grows
Goal is to liberate the soul from illusions, disappointment & mistakes
Moksha – a state of perfect understanding
Atman – individual soul (Self)
Brahman – world soul that unites all atman (all force in universe)

8. Achieving Moksha The soul is reincarnated until moksha is achieved
Karma – (the good or bad of the soul) impacts reincarnation
Brahman is often viewed as three gods: Brahma-creator, Vishnu-protector & Shiva-destroyer

9. Gods and Paths Three Paths Hinduism lead to Buddhism
Path of right thinking
Path of right action
Path of religious devotion
Hinduism lead to Buddhism

10. Hindu Symbols and Art

11. Om or Aum Represents all existence Holiest of all symbols
"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is OM. This syllable OM is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma." ~ Katha Upanishad I

12. Swastika Auspiciousness Sun’s four part circle
Cardinal points of the earth
Placed on homes and animals for protection (Good Luck)

13. Holy Books Vedas Upanishads – part of Vedas, stories and philosophies
Bhagavad Gita – establishing a relationship with the eternal

14. Temples Hindus worship at temples and at private shrines
Shrines are might to reflect personal devotion
Shrines are often transported with families

15. Holy Places Ganges River – Sacred river that is viewed as a goddess
Hindus bath in it to wash away sin
Ashes are washed away to heaven
Some take its water home in brass containers
Holy Places

16. Additional Terms Dharma – living a righteous life
Yoga – meditation dedicated to transcending this world of illusion