Hinduism Roots of Hindu Belief Hinduism is a

Hinduism

Roots of Hindu Belief Hinduism is a mix of Aryan culture (Vedas) and the beliefs of the people they conquered. Developed over 3500 years National religion of modern India No one single founder Worshipped many gods but believed in one spirit

Hindu Gods and Goddesses Hinduism has many gods and goddesses but they all stand for one single spirit Brahma – Creator (created Earth and everything on it) Vishnu – Preserver (Kind god concerned with human welfare and protects Shiva – Destroyer (Destroys the evil) All part of BRAHMAN (all powerful force)

Basic Beliefs of Hinduism Upanishads: religious texts (sitting near teacher) Written in the form of questions

Basic Beliefs Reincarnation: One of the ideas in the Upanishads where the soul is reborn All living things have souls and they are reborn into other living things A person’s actions affect his fate in the next life Good people are rewarded and eventually will stop being reincarnated Bad people are punished – reincarnated into a lower class

Hindu Duties To escape reincarnation, a Hindu must obey his Dharma and practice ahisma. Dharma: religious moral duties (depend on your age and occupation) Ahisma: Nonviolence All things treated with respect (no meat and avoid hurting living things)

Many Paths to Truth Hindus are allowed to practice their religion in many different ways as long as they search for truth. Not one correct path Present gifts to personal god Deep thinking Learning and studying sacred writing

Brahman – universal spirit behind everything Brahma Vishnu Shiva