world religions: hinduism · world religions: hinduism what is hinduism and how does the caste...
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World Religions: Hinduism What is Hinduism and how does the caste system effect its basic beliefs?
What is Hinduism? � Hinduism is the
world’s oldest religion and 3rd largest in the world
� Originated over 4,000 years ago
� Eighty-three percent (83%) of India’s population practice Hinduism ◦ 2000 Census = Over 1
million Hindus in US
Who created Hinduism?
� No one is really sure who created it
� Generations of believers have added to its teachings over the years
� Hinduism thrives on the passing down of teachings and practices from generation to generation
How does Hinduism work? � Hindus follow four (4) unique ideas that
have also influences other religions:
◦ Everyone is born with a unique soul
◦ Throughout life, the soul will suffer due to wants / desires
◦ Every soul should pursue a life according to their “caste” or class
◦ Freeing a soul from suffering takes many lifetimes (reincarnation)
Think of it like the $10,000 Dollar Pyramid…but for your soul!!!
What are the different castes of the caste system?
“The mouth” The Priests & Teachers (service to the gods)
“The arms” The Warriors & Rulers (protection)
“The waist” The Merchants & Craftsmen (money)
“The legs” The Farmers & Servants (workers)
“The feet” The “untouchables” (outcasts of society)
The “Untouchables”
What role does the caste system play in Hinduism?
� Every Hindu is born into a particular class or “caste” ◦ Every “caste” has a
particular set of rules / obligations known as “dharma”
� For good deeds = a move up in the caste system (good karma)
� For bad deeds = you move down in the caste system (bad karma)
The Ganges River
� Water is seen as “the great purifier” in Hinduism
� Brings cleanliness � Brings life (farmers)
� The Ganges River � Most sacred site in all of
Hinduism � Over a million people
yearly come to bath
Ganges Pollution
The Bindi
“Sacred Cows”
The Cow in Hindu Scripture
The Cow in Hindu Scripture
McDonalds In India