1. Hinduism

2. Religious Experience: - Gods and goddesses that symbolize an abstract being or Brahman. -reincarnation and liberation. - Belief of one god to thousands - trinity (Brahman, Vishnu and Shiva) - Vaishnavites (Vishnu), Shaivites (Shiva) - Path to salvation – varies by personality.

3. Sacred Stories: -most central, oldest text = Vedas and Upanishads – many gods are broken down to one (Brahman) -many sacred stories (Ramayana, Baghavad-Gita) about Hindu pantheon - Smriti – purpose to explore dharma. - Shruti – includes original text (i.e. the Vedas) (directly the words of God).

4. Symbols and Rituals: -Swastika -Lotus flower -Aum - Puja -festivals are varied and depend on geography and sect -sacred thread ceremony

5. Community of Faith: - main sects based on devotion to a particular god - Part of a larger community. - Women are equal with different roles -Home worship often practiced -Temple worship not necessary

6. Teaching and Doctrine: - Tolerance, does not proselytize or convert others - Dharma (responsibility and place in life) - Moksha/liberation (complete release of never ending rebirth)- Union of Atman and Brahman, union of soul with God - Samsara - Karma

7. Ethics: - Karma (the sum of all actions in a lifetime, good or bad) - Reincarnation ( soul lives on after and is reborn.) - Non-violence (sacredness of life, ahimsa). -animal rights, vegetarianism -importance of family, adherence to particular role/stage of life