1. Ancient India & Hinduism

2. How did Hinduism begin? Ancient Indus River Valley
No particular founder
Indus River Valley Civilization >5000 years ago
Early cities had a precise grid system
Strong central government
Great deal of trade
Indus system of writing is not deciphered
Reason for decline is a mystery to historians
Aryans enter years ago
Aryans introduced the Caste System to India

3. What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions in the world
The religion of the Indian people
Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality
A philosophy and a way of life – focused both on this world and beyond

4. Basic Beliefs
Karma - the law of cause and effect; “you reap what you sow”
Dharma - ones virtuous duty, governs peoples ideas about a proper way of living
Moksha – a state of perfect understanding of all things (once you have reached Moksha your journey through life is complete)

5. Reincarnation
eternal soul is reborn in different bodies till it finds liberation, or Moksha
People may be reincarnated at a higher or lower level of existence depending on their karma from their present life.

6. Caste System Brahmin- priests Kshatriya – rulers and warriors
Vaishyas – peasants and traders
Sudra – laborers
Untouchables- were impure because of their line of work (butchers, grave diggers, trash collectors

7. Three Main Hindu Gods Brahma - the Creator Vishnu - the Preserver
Shiva - the Destroyer

8. The Vedas Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: sacred texts (Vedas)
The Vedas would be equivalent to the Bible for Christianity or the Karan for Islam

9. Effects on Society Joint or extended family- all living together
Class stratification-people live in higher or lower classes

10. Modern Day Traditions Worship is led at home by the father
No specific day of worship
Usually pray in the hours before and after dawn

11. Some of the Many Hindu Gods

12. Discussion Questions 1. Do you think people questioned the system
Discussion Questions 1. Do you think people questioned the system? Why or why not? 2. Why do you suppose the class distinctions were so harsh? 3. In our society do we treat people differently who are born into different economic situations? Defend your answer. 4. How have the teachings of the Hindus influenced our society?

13. Untouchables Video-Modern Day