1. Hinduism, Buddhism, & Sikhism
South Asia Religions
Hinduism, Buddhism, & Sikhism

2. Hinduism
One of World’s oldest religions, estimated to be about 2800 years old
Many different Hindu traditions have developed over the centuries
Most Indians around the world are Hindu
Polytheistic

3. Hinduism
Most Hindus live in South Asia

4. Hinduism Based on some of the oldest sacred texts called the “Vedas”
Over 3000 years old
Mahabharata- An epic poem from Ancient India
Based on a caste system

5. Some Vocabulary Karma – What goes around comes around
Doing good deeds will cause good things to happen to you
Doing bad deeds will cause bad things to happen to you
Reincarnation – When a person dies they are born again into a new body and a new life.
Could be reborn as a human or an animal

7. Hindu Caste System Brahmins are intellectuals and priests
Untouchables work in dirty environments and were often segregated because they were seen as people you would not want to touch or be near
Can be reincarnated into a higher or lower caste depending upon your Karma
Dalits deserve to be mistreated because they have done something bad in a past life
Otherwise they would’nt be dalits

9. NIRVANA
Because the soul is always being reincarnated (in a higher or lower caste) it never rests
This cycle continues until the soul lets go of earthly possessions, anger and selfishness
This ‘eternal bliss’ is Nirvana- the soul is at peace

10. NIRVANA Is believed by Hindus and Buddhists
The Dalai Lama is the Holiest person in Tibetan Buddhism
Lives in Nepal after being banished by the Chinese following their invasion of Tibet.

11. Buddhism a. Offshoot of Hinduism, developed about 263 B.C. in India
b. Considered polytheistic
However, many Buddhists do not consider Buddhism to even have any gods
c. founded by Siddhartha Guatama (aka the Buddha)

12. Buddhism d. rejects Hindu caste system
e. promotes the correct way of living in order to reach an enlightened spiritual state called nirvana
Four Noble Truths

13. Buddhists
Most Buddhists live in Eastern Asia

14. Sikhism Sikhism founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538)
There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions
Believe everyone is equal; any Sikh can perform or lead religious ceremony
reject idol worship, fasting, pilgrimages and worship of the dead.

15. Sikhism 5 K’s of Sikhism Kesh- Uncut Natural Hair
Kangha- a comb that symbolizes hygiene
Kara-Steel bracelet that symbolizes unity
Kirpan-Small sword that symbolizes defence of the weak
Kachhiera- Loose shorts that symbolize purity

16. Guru
Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus.
A guru is a prophet-teacher who contributed to the Sikh Holy Book
Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the last living Guru; the Sikh Holy Book

17. Most Sikhs live in the Punjab states of Pakistan and India
Sikhism
Most Sikhs live in the Punjab states of Pakistan and India
The Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion.