Hinduism

HinduismFrom the Aryan RaceSocial hierarchy was set up into divisions called varnas

Brahmins (BRAH-muhns), or priests,

Kshatriyas (KSHA-tree-uhs), or rulers and warriors,

Vaisyas (VYSH-yuhs), or farmers, craftspeople, and traders, and

Sudras (SOO-drahs), or laborers and non-Aryans.

These social divisions developed into a strict caste system, or groups based on a persons birth, wealth, or occupationThough rare, sometimes people could change castes. During Aryan times, women shared many of the same rights as men, but later in society laws were passed that took away many of these rights.A group of the lowest rank, not even considered to be any caste, was called the untouchables; they could only hold the most unpleasant jobs in societyGeneral caste rules included:Not marrying anyone from a different casteNot eating with anyone from a different casteBreaking the rules could mean being banned from their homes and their own caste becoming an untouchableReligionThe Aryan society was polytheistic; their religion was called Brahmanism (after their priests)After migrating to India the religion blended with other locals and became what is now called HinduismMajor beliefs include:A universal spirit called Brahman created the universe and everything in it. Everything in the world is just a part of Brahman.

Every person has a soul or atman that will eventually join with Brahman.

Peoples souls are reincarnated many times before they can join with Brahman.

A persons karma affects how he or she will be reincarnated.Brahman represents a single, universal spirit from which everything comes from. However, Hinduism is polytheistic in that there are many gods to worship, such as:Brahma the CreatorSiva the Destroyerand Vishnu the PreserverReincarnation is the process of rebirthKarma the effects that good or bad actions have on a persons soulHinduism helped preserve the caste system because it taught people to accept their role within society, which prevented people from rebelling against the social structure

Responses to HinduismJainism developed from a follower of Hinduism who believed the religion followed too many rituals; he simplified the teachings to 4 basic rules:injure no lifetell the truthdo not stealown no propertyJains are strict believers in nonviolence, the avoidance of violent actionsBecause they do not believe in harming living things, they are strict vegetarians and eat nothing that comes from animals

Sikhism developed much later from Hinduism; blended with other religions, including IslamMonotheisticMeditate to find spiritual enlightenmentAlso believe in reincarnationTreat all people with equality race, gender, social class, etc.Pray several times a dayExpected to wear 5 items everyday:long hair, a small comb, a steel bracelet, a sword, and a special undergarmentMany men (& women sometimes) also wear turbans