Hinduism History of Hinduism Unlike most religions Hinduism

Hinduism

History of Hinduism • Unlike most religions, Hinduism was not spread by any central organization or prophets. • (like Jesus for Christianity, Muhammad for Islam, or Buddha for Buddhism) • The early Ayrans worships animals, and this formed the basis for early Hinduism.

History of Hinduism • The Vedas were the holy script that told the Aryan beliefs. They were first told orally and were later written down in Sanskrit. • The Four Vedas- These are the beliefs and traditions of the Hindus. One such belief is of an ultimate spiritual power called Brahman • Hinduism is polytheistic with many gods.

Beliefs of Hinduism • The many gods of Hinduism are seen as different versions of Brahman (Space, Force) • Some important gods are: • Vishnu the Destroyer • Shiva the Preserver

Beliefs of Hinduism • Reincarnation-endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. • Atman, eternal self • Karma is the good actions that will determine rebirth in future lives. • Dharma are religious and moral duties for individuals. Determine your status in the next life.

Spread of Hinduism • Did not spread, but stayed mainly in India. • Caste System- A class system that was based on Hindu writings. • Mahabharata • A sacred text to Hindus that helped spread Hindu ideas in India. • A very long Sanskrit poem with 200, 000 lines • Its most famous section (GITA) has 18 chapters