Hinduism

Religious Experience:- Gods and goddesses that symbolize an abstract being or Brahman.

-reincarnation and liberation.

- Belief of one god to thousands

- trinity (Brahman, Vishnu and Shiva)

- Vaishnavites (Vishnu), Shaivites (Shiva)

- Path to salvation – varies by personality.

Sacred Stories: -most central, oldest text = Vedas and Upanishads – many gods are broken down to one (Brahman)-many sacred stories (Ramayana, Baghavad-Gita) about Hindu pantheon- Smriti – purpose to explore dharma.- Shruti – includes original text (i.e. the Vedas) (directly the words of God).

Symbols and Rituals: -Swastika -Lotus flower -Aum - Puja-festivals are varied and depend on geography and sect-sacred thread ceremony

Community of Faith: - main sects based on devotion to a particular god- Part of a larger community.- Women are equal with different roles-Home worship often practiced-Temple worship not necessary

Teaching and Doctrine: - Tolerance, does not proselytize or convert others- Dharma (responsibility and place in life)- Moksha/liberation (complete release of never ending rebirth)- Union of Atman and Brahman, union of soul with God- Samsara- Karma

Ethics: - Karma (the sum of all actions in a lifetime, good or bad)- Reincarnation ( soul lives on after and is reborn.)- Non-violence (sacredness of life, ahimsa).-animal rights, vegetarianism-importance of family, adherence to particular role/stage of life