1. Hinduism Founded about 2000 BC

2. Holy Book The Vedas oldest Hindu scriptures-and they are older than the sacred writings of any other major religion (McNally, pg. 289) written about 750 and 550 BCE.The Vedas oldest Hindu scriptures-and they are older than the sacred writings of any other major religion (McNally, pg. 289) written about 750 and 550 BCE.

3. Hinduism’s Deity Polytheistic:Polytheistic: main gods:main gods: –Brahma: creator of universe –Vishnu: preserver of universe –Shiva: destroyer of universe –Devi; a great mother goddess

4. Key Beliefs To reach true enlightenment or happiness one must free themselves from earthly desires (McNally, pg. 288) To reach true enlightenment or happiness one must free themselves from earthly desires (McNally, pg. 288) Reincarnation is the belief that the individual soul is born again and again until perfect understanding of all things is achieved Reincarnation is the belief that the individual soul is born again and again until perfect understanding of all things is achievedReincarnation Karma: good and bad deeds or actions follow you from one life to another Karma: good and bad deeds or actions follow you from one life to another

5. Sacred Place: Ganges River in India –Bathe in water to cleanse and heal –Sick and disabled come in the belief that the holy water might cure their illnesses (McNally, pg. 288)