1. Aim: What does it mean to be Hindu?
Do Now: What do you know about Hinduism? What would you like to know?
NY State Learning Standards 2
Common Core RS 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and WS 1, 2

2. I How did Hinduism begin?
Aryans (light skinned nomads) invaded Northern India in 1500 BCE. Their beliefs combined with those of the people by the Indus River, which led to the beginning of Hinduism. *There was no single founder.

3. II Hindu Beliefs
A) Hindus believe in one god Brahma, who can take different forms. Therefore, Hinduism is a monotheistic religion, as they believe in only one god. *Be aware that the Regents still considers it to be polytheistic. Yes, the Regents can be wrong!
Lord Brahma

4. All these deities are different forms of Brahma, the one Hindu god.

5. Hindu beliefs continued…
B) After death, our soul is reincarnated into a new earthly body, based on your karma. C) Good actions = good karma = you will move up the caste system in your next life Bad actions = bad karma = you will move down the caste system in your next life The caste system is a strict social hierarchy in India created by the invading Aryans.
The Hindu Caste System

6. Untouchables/ Dalits
“The Dalits, also known as the “untouchables” make up nearly one quarter of India’s 1.2 billion society.. In 70% of India’s villages, for example, non-Dalits will not eat or drink with Dalits. The UN experts say Dalit women and girls are exposed to multiple forms of discrimination and sexual violence. Hundreds of thousands of children in India are forced to eke out a living to support their families by sweeping streets, cleaning toilets and clearing garbage from public places.

7. Hindu beliefs continued…
D) The goal of Hinduism is moksha, the escape from the cycle of reincarnation. E) Cows are sacred animals, which is why Hindus do not eat beef.

8. III Sacred Hindu Texts
A) The Vedas “Books of Knowledge” are the most sacred Hindu texts, written in Sanskrit (an ancient language of India). The Rig Veda is one of the oldest surviving texts in the world! (circa 1500 BCE) B) The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are both sacred Hindu epic poems. The Mahabharata explains the important goals of a human in his or her mortal life. The Ramayana explains Hindu beliefs on life and death, and good vs. evil. In the end, good and truth will triumph.
“A person who performs good Karma (deeds) is always held in high esteem. ” – Rig Veda
“Intelligence is the mightiest and nothing is beyond its reach. ” – Rig Veda

9. A) The ohm represents Brahma.
IV Hindu Symbols
A) The ohm represents Brahma.
B) The swastika is a Hindu symbol of peace. The Nazis used this symbol and twisted its meaning.
C) A mandala is a sacred shape to Hindus. The square symbolizes the earth, while the circle symbolizes the heavens.

10. Hindu Symbols Continued…
D) The bindi represents the third eye. It is a reminder to look inward to find god.

11. Meditation is quiet time in thought or concentration.
V Hindu Practices
A) Yoga is a form of meditation.
Meditation is quiet time in thought or concentration.

12. Hindu practices continued…
B) Hindus pray in temples, as well as at shrines. Temples are built in the sacred shape of the mandala.
Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in the world, New Delhi, India

13. Hindu practices continued…
C) Hindus consider the Ganges river to be sacred.

14. VI Hindu Holidays
A) Diwali is the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, and of knowledge over ignorance.
B) Holi is a Spring festival of color.
Diwali Celebration
Holi Celebration

15. Spread of Hinduism

16. Key Vocabulary Aryans Mahabharata Bindi Mandala Brahma Meditation
Brahmins
Moksha
Caste System
Ohm
Diwali
Ramayana
Ganges River
Reincarnation
Hierarchy
Sanskrit
Hinduism
Swastika
Holi
Untouchables
Indus River Valley
Vedas
Karma
Yoga