1. One God, or Many? Hinduism

2. The Origins

3. The Clashing of Cultures From 2 groups of people emerged ONE DIVERSE RELIGIONFrom 2 groups of people emerged ONE DIVERSE RELIGION

4. Indus Valley:Indus Valley: Written languageWritten language Agriculture, industry & tradeAgriculture, industry & trade Planned citiesPlanned cities Underground sewage systemUnderground sewage system The Clashing of Cultures

5. Indo-Aryan:Indo-Aryan: Male dominated nomadic tribesMale dominated nomadic tribes Herded animalsHerded animals WarriorsWarriors No citiesNo cities No written languageNo written language

6. From the CLASH of THESE TWO CULTURES CAME: Religious WritingsReligious Writings Distinct Social Structure; the CASTE systemDistinct Social Structure; the CASTE system HinduismHinduism

7. Religious Texts

8. The VEDAS:The VEDAS: “Books of Knowledge”“Books of Knowledge” Oral Tradition; songs & prayers of the Indo- AryansOral Tradition; songs & prayers of the Indo- Aryans Religious Writings

9. The Mahabharata:The Mahabharata: The story of a great war; includes Hindu mythology & philosophyThe story of a great war; includes Hindu mythology & philosophy Focuses on Hindu culture & societyFocuses on Hindu culture & society Religious Writings

10. The Ramayana:The Ramayana: Story of a prince; wife abducted by a demonStory of a prince; wife abducted by a demon Allegorical & religious meaningAllegorical & religious meaning DharmaDharma Religious Writings

11. Many Gods – Or One? Brahman:Brahman: The all- powerful spiritual forceThe all- powerful spiritual force

12. Hindu Gods

13. Many Gods – Or One? Hindus believed that Brahman was too complex a concept for humans to understand; worshipped gods & goddesses who served as links to BrahmanHindus believed that Brahman was too complex a concept for humans to understand; worshipped gods & goddesses who served as links to Brahman

14. 3 MAIN GODS:3 MAIN GODS: BrahmaBrahma VishnuVishnu ShivaShiva Many Gods – Or One?

15. Brahman One Divine Essence Unity Gods - Many manifestations of Brahman Brahma The Creator Shiva The Destroyer Vishnu The Preserver HinduGods + millions of other gods “Trinity”

16. Hindu Beliefs Hindu Beliefs

17. Reincarnation:Reincarnation: The cycle of rebirthThe cycle of rebirth Atman:Atman: The spirit that travels from birth to rebirthThe spirit that travels from birth to rebirth Major Hindu Beliefs

18. Karma:Karma: Every action is punished or rewardedEvery action is punished or rewarded Dharma:Dharma: One’s moral duty in life; varies according to caste, gender, etc.One’s moral duty in life; varies according to caste, gender, etc.

19. Major Hindu Beliefs Ahimsa:Ahimsa: Non-violence & respect for lifeNon-violence & respect for life Moksha:Moksha: Release from the pain & suffering associated with rebirthRelease from the pain & suffering associated with rebirth

20. Ultimate goal of Hinduism; escape the cycle of rebirth & achieve UNION with BrahmanUltimate goal of Hinduism; escape the cycle of rebirth & achieve UNION with Brahman Major Hindu Beliefs