Hinduism

Hinduism Basics

Founder: None

Year: around 1500 BCE

Origin Region: Indus Valley

God(s): Brahman (many “forms”)

Sacred Writing(s): Vedas, Upanshads, Brahmana

Place of Worship: Temple

Hindu Temples

History of Hinduism• The Dravidians of the Indus Valley (India) are

invaded by light skinned Aryans of Persia• Their religious beliefs merge together to form the

Hindu religion• The caste system is developed to control jobs and

village life• It also prevents “light and dark skins” from

intermarrying to keep the Aryans “pure”• Hinduism spreads throughout Indian and south east

Asia

History of Hinduism• In 1947, the British Indian Empire (composed of

Hindus and Muslims) gains independence (under pressure from Ghandi’s non-violent civil disobedience.

• The Empire is partitioned into two countries based on the main religions of the region.– India (Hindu)– Pakistan (Muslim)

• Today, Hinduism is the world’s 3rd largest religion.

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Main Teachings and Beliefs• Polytheist – belief in many gods• Brahman is the supreme presence (god) of which all other gods originate• Hindus are free to worship Brahman in any way that is useful and meaningful to them – worship different gods that represent different aspects of Brahman•Holy Trinity: Brahma (creator of the universe), Vishnu (preserver of the universe), and Shiva (destroyer and restorer of the universe)

Holy TrinityBrahma

VishnuShiva

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Main Teachings and Beliefs• Dharma – moral balance and religious discipline (treat

people well and practice Hinduism)• Karma – people experience the consequences of their

actions (every act and thought has its consequences) • Good Dharma = Good Karma good things happen to good people

• Samsara – reincarnation (soul is reborn); a person’s worldly status in their present lives is determined by their actions in their previous life

• Moksha – union with Brahman (like Heaven); must live a life of moral integrity and religious devotion (may take many lifetimes)

Caste System

BRAHMIN

KSHATRIYA

VAISYA

SUDRA

UNTOUCHABLE

Priest/Teacher

King/Warrior

Merchant, Farmer, Artisan

Peasant/Labourer

So Far Below Other Groups They Are Not Even PART Of Caste System

VARNAS (groups)

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Hindu Celebrations• Holi - 2 day celebration after the full moon in early

March; celebrates good harvests and fertility of the land; and a legend from Hindu mythology (a faithful worshiper of Vishnu doesn’t burn when thrown in a fire); there are lots of bonfires and people run around and throw coloured powder and water on each other.

http://www.pakistan.tv/videos-steve-mccurry-on-holi-incredible-india-cnn-[xUk4saC4feY].cfm

Hindu Celebrations

• Divali - 5 day celebration in the fall welcoming Laksmi, goddess of wealth; candles & lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi; gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak&feature=fvw