1. HINDUISM  No single founder  3 rd largest religion 900 million  Has many sacred texts  Believe in reincarnation

2. Hindu Symbol  The symbol is actually a sacred syllable representing the Brahman or the Absolute -the source of all existence.

3. HINDUISM, cont’d  Today a Hindu can be: Polytheistic- More than one God Monotheistic- One God Pantheistic- God and universe are one Agnostic- Unsure if God exists Atheistic- No God

4. HINDUISM, cont.  Kharma: the sum of ones good and bad deeds determines how you will live in the next life.  Through pure acts and thoughts, you can be reborn at a higher level.

5. HINDUISM, cont.  Caste system: Outlawed in1949 No hope of changing your caste in your lifetime. Determined your job, where you lived, who you married, who you could socialize with.

6. Hinduism, cont.  The goal of Hinduism is to achieve union with BRAHMAN (the spiritual force) through reincarnation.

7. HINDUISM, cont’d  RECAP: Central Hindu Beliefs Reincarnation Brahman Caste System Kharma