Hinduism What did you learn about Hinduism Hinduism
Hinduism
What did you learn about Hinduism?
Hinduism • Hinduism- polytheistic religion that was formed from a variety of different religious practices
Established • Elements of the Hindu religion can be traced back to the ancient Indus River Valley civilization • Unlike other major religions there is no one founder of Hinduism • It is theorized that Hinduism is a result of cultural diffusion that occurred between Aryan invaders and natives of India
Currently Practiced • Most commonly found in India • Also found in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia • Nearly 1 billion Hindus around the world
Significant Writings • Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita • Vedas – primary texts of Hinduism, include hymns, stories, and incantations • Upanishads – philosophical readings • Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita- Indian epics
Krishna and Arjuna
Places of Worship • While there are Hindu temples, Hinduism is practiced at home where there is usually a shrine dedicated to a favored deity • Hindu priests carry out traditional religious practices in temples
Religious People • Hindu priests carry out traditional practices • Guru- teacher, helps people to obtain moksha
Teachings and Beliefs • Salvation is achieved through spiritual oneness of the soul, atman, with the ultimate reality of the universe, Brahman • To obtain this goal one must obtain moksha, liberation, from samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth • Samsara is the central teaching of Hinduism
Reincarnation • As a result of the basic teachings Hindus believe in reincarnation, which is influenced by karma • Karma-material actions resulting from the consequences of previous actions • Dharma- fulfilling one’s duty in life.
Ahimsa • Ahimsa- belief that all life is sacred • No substantial difference between the soul of an animal or human
Caste System • Caste system- rigid social structure • Belief in reincarnation, karma, and dharma provide the religious justification for the existence of the caste system • If you lead a good life then you will be reborn in the next highest caste • If you live a bad life then you will be demoted or even removed from the caste system
Untouchables • Untouchables are outside of the caste system • They perform jobs seen as unclean by the rest of society such as tanning animal hides, removing road kill, cremating dead bodies, or unclogging sewer drains • No hope of returning to the caste system • The caste system still exists in practice but is forbidden by Indian law
Ganges River • Ganges River- used for spiritual cleaning, funeral rites, and other rituals • Represents the constant flow of reincarnation
Gods and Goddesses • Thousands of gods • Brahman- one reality, everything is divine
Brahma • Brahma- the creator
Vishnu • Vishnu- the preserver of life • Often seen as the highest god
Shiva • Shiva- the destroyer • Also often worshipped as the supreme god
Ganesh • Ganesh- remover of obstacles • One the best known and most worshipped gods
- Slides: 27