HINDUISM A Brief Introduction HISTORY OF HINDUISM Hinduism

HINDUISM A Brief Introduction

HISTORY OF HINDUISM Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. Scholars can date Hinduism to about 2000 BCE but potentially as old as 9000 BCE It is unique in the sense that there is no one founder of Hinduism, unlike all other major world religions. About one billion people practice and follow Hinduism However, there is no one standard practice of Hinduism!

MAP OF PERCENTAGE OF HINDU FOLLOWERS IN INDIA

THE GODS OF HINDUISM Brahman is a Sanskrit word which refers to a transcendent power beyond the universe. As such, it is sometimes translated as 'God' although the two concepts are not identical. Brahman is the power which upholds and supports everything. Most Hindus agree that Brahman is in everything although they do not worship Brahman. Some Hindus regard a particular deity or deities as manifestations of Brahman.

GODS CONTINUED Brahma: not to be confused with Brahman; first god of the triumvirate. The creator of the world and all creatures Least worshipped god Vishnu: 2 nd god of the triumvirate Protector and preserver of the universe Often regarded as the most important Shiva: 3 rd god of the triumvirate Role is to destroy the universe in order to recreate it

OTHER MINOR GODS Lakshimi: most popular goddess Consort of Vishnu Goddess of wealth and purity Krishna: 8 th incarnation of Vishnu embodiment of love and joy; protector of cows. Kali: wife of Shiva goddess of time, doomsday, and death

HINDU TEXTS There is no one central religious text for Hindus The most important texts are the Vedas, from about 1200 BCE. made up of four compositions, and each veda in turn has four parts which are arranged chronologically. The Samhitas are the most ancient part of the Vedas, consisting of hymns of praise to God. Rig Veda The Upanishads consist of the mystical and philosophical teachings of Hinduism.

IMPORTANT HINDU CONCEPTS Atman, which means 'eternal self'. The atman refers to the real self beyond ego or false self. It is often referred to as 'spirit' or 'soul' and indicates our true self or essence which underlies our existence.

DHARMA Dharma In Hinduism it means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society. Acting virtuously does not mean precisely the same for everyone; different people have different obligations and duties according to their age, gender, and social position.

KARMA AND SAMSARA Karma is a Sanskrit word whose literal meaning is 'action'. It refers to the law that every action has an equal reaction either immediately or at some point in the future. In Hinduism karma operates not only in this lifetime but across lifetimes: the results of an action might only be experienced after the present life in a new life. This process of reincarnation is called samsara, a continuous cycle in which the soul is reborn over and over again At death many Hindus believe the soul is carried by a subtle body into a new physical body which can be a human or nonhuman form. The goal of liberation (moksha) is to make us free from this cycle of action and reaction, and from rebirth.