Hinduism The worlds oldest living tradition By Jodie

Hinduism The world’s oldest living tradition By: Jodie

Outline • • History and Development of Hinduism – 3 Major Movements that Influence Hindu Thought – Islam’s Influence – Practices Of Hinduism Objective of Human Life – Reincarnation – Karma – Caste Systems – Role of Family

History of Hinduism • Hinduism is not considered a religion or a philosophy, but a way life • Hindu is the Persian Name of the Indus River • First Encountered in the Old Persian word Hindu, which corresponds to Vedic Sanskrit • Earliest evidence of religion in India dates back to 5500 -2600 BCE

How did Hinduism Develop? • Modern Hinduism developed primarily from the Vedas • Vedas are large body texts that originated from Ancient India • Vedas concentrate on worship of deities – Ex: Indra, Varuna, Agni, and Soma ritual.

The Three Major Movements That Influenced Hindu Thought • Upanishadic – Hindu scriptures that consist of the core teachings of Vedanta – Dated to the Early Middle Ages around the 3 rd to 8 th centuries AD • Jaina – Practices Non-Violence and also gave rise to Buddhism Created the concept of Puja • “Pu”= Flower and “ja”= Offering • Buddhist – Influenced Moksha and Karma in Hinduism – Followed philosophical streams of thought – Shramana Religion

When Islam Came to India • Islam was introduced to India in the early 7 th century • Arab traders • Conquest of Sindh • Rapid Decline in Buddhism • Hindus converting to Islam • During this time Muslim rulers destroyed Hindu temples and persecuted non-Muslims leading to drastic changes in how many people practiced the Hindu religion

Practices of Hinduism • Practices involve seeking awareness of God and blessing from Devas • Hinduism has developed many practices meant to help one think of divinity in everyday life

Puja • Puja is an act of worship or veneration • Puja can be performed at home in a room that is dedicated to sacred religious practices or at a temple • Visiting temples is not required • Hindus also do not claim to belong to any denomination

Violence and Diet • Most Hindus advocate the practice of ahi or non-violence and respect for all life

Violence and Diet Cont… • Hindus embrace vegetarianism to respect higher forms of life. • Note: Vegetarianism is not a requirement • Most avoid meat on holy days • Cow-slaughter is legally banned in almost all states of India

Objectives of Human Life • The objectives of human life is known as Dharma • Dharma Includes – Righteousness – Livelihood – Wealth – Sensual Pleasure – Liberation, Freedom

The Soul • The soul is know as atman and is dependent on god • The soul is one’s true self • Upanishads states that one a person becomes fully aware of their atma realizes an identity with Brahman and thereby reaches Moksha

Reincarnation and Hinduism • Reincarnation dates back to 800 BCE within the Upanishads • The soul is immortal in the Hindu religion • Only the body is capable of birth and death

Reincarnation and Karma • Karma is the sum of ones actions • Karma in existing life determines your place in the next: referred to as Samsara

Karma and Caste • Karma can determine placement With in a certain caste • Brahmins (intelligentsia, priests) • Kshatriyas (kings, nobility) • Vaishyas (merchants, cultivators) • Sudras (artisans, workers and Service providers • Dalita (untouchables) (cleaned Human excretion, moved dead bodies

The Power of Caste • A person power within their society is determined by the knowledge of their religion • Brahman’s hold the most power within Hinduism

Role Of Family • The Hindu view of caste, ashramas, and family are inseparable • Ahramas is the four stages of life • When a man marries he pays three debts he owes to his ancestors, the gods, and his guru • Debts are paid by having children (boys are more favorable), prayer, and passing along knowledge and wisdom to his children

Hinduism in the World Today • Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion • With one billion practicing Hindus, of which 905 million practice and live in India today

References • Wikipediahttp: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Hinduism • <ahref="http: //family. jrank. org/pages/768/ Hinduism-Hinduism. Family. html">Hinduism - Hinduism And The Family</a> • Kevin Reilly (The West and the World)