1. Origins of Hinduism No definite origin
Religion derived from religion in the Vedas
Name Hindu-- derived from Sindhu River
Some call it a tradition, not a religion
Hindus refer to Hinduism as a “tradition” not a “religion”

2. Founder of Hinduism
No single Founder
People in the Indus River Valley

3. Main Parts
Samhitas- the most ancient part of the scripture that contain of hymns that praise god
Brahmanas- rituals and prayers that help to guide priest through their daily duties
Aranyakas- worship and meditation take place in this chapter
Upanishads- mystical teachings in the culture

4. The Vedas (What is it?)
Ancient religious writings that confirm truth for the Hindus
Those that practice Hinduism believe that it was sent by god and passed on orally for many generations

5. Current Majority Location of Hinduism
India and Nepal
Over 80% of the Indian and Nepalese population consider themselves as Hindus
Strongly represented outside of the Indian Subcontinent

6. Key Beliefs:
•   Hindus believe in Brahman or a power that supports everything
•   There are many Hindu Gods and Goddesses but they all make up the same god or divine power
•   Ganesha, Annapurna, Maya, Balrama, and Vishnu, just to name a few
•   Your ego is the root cause of suffering
•   The world is an illusion

7. Key Practices: • Hindu worship is called Puja
•   Hindu worship is called Puja
•   Hindus worship at home and they worship at temples

8. Types of Worship:
•   Nitya- rituals preformed daily
•   Naimittika- important and preformed every once in a while
•   Kamya- optional but highly desirable

9. Samsara Cycle of Life Soul Reborn
Soul is put into a new body, human or non-human form
Doing good things or bad things can affect your next life (Karma)
Goal of breaking the cycle is Moksha
4 ways to achieve Moksha
Moksha 9

10. Bibliography
"BBC - Religions - Hinduism: At a Glance." BBC - Homepage. N.p., 29 Sept Web. 15 Sept <
"Hinduism Facts | Facts about Hinduism." Hinduism Facts | Facts about Hinduism. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept <
"Balanced Views of Religion and Spirituality with Faith | Patheos." Balanced Views of Religion and Spirituality with Faith | Patheos. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept <