Objective By the end of this lesson you

Objective: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify and understand the Hindu Religion and be able to explain the key concepts and major beliefs and how they affect daily life in India.

Hinduism and Its Beliefs In this chapter you will learn about the world’s oldest religion, Hinduism. You will learn about its beliefs, how it affects people in India and surrounding countries and how it affects their lives on a daily basis.

Origins of Hinduism is a very old religion. Probably starting before recorded history, Hinduism is the world’s oldest organized religion. The word Hindu was used to describe the people of the Indus River Valley. Most historians believe that Hinduism writings were produced after the Aryans arrived and conquered the people of the Indus Valley.

The Vedas The early Hindu writings are known as the Vedas. These sacred writings captured the songs, poems and teachings of the Hindu religion. These teachings probably started as oral stories and were written approximately 1000 B. C. E. These teachings were written in Sanskrit, or the ancient language of India. Veda means “knowledge” or “wisdom” in Sanskrit.

The Caste System Hinduism is not only a religion, it is also a way of life in India. The Vedas taught that an organized society was broken up into social classes called castes. Each caste has its own duty, and it was that caste’s responsibility to uphold their duties and stay within their own caste. This caste system belief Brahmins (Religious Scholars) meant that some people Kshatriyas (Lawmakers & Warriors) were more important than others. Also, Indians Vaishyas (Herders & Merchants) were born into a caste system and could not Shudras (Workers) advance or marry into another caste until their Untouchables (Lowly or Dirty Jobs) reincarnation.

The Caste System

Brahmins

Brahmins Kshatriyas

Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas

Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Sudras Shudras

Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Sudras Dalit (Untouchables)

Caste Video

Abolishing the caste system today. Click to watch video.

Brahman and the Life Cycle Hindus believe that time goes in a circle. Death Rebirth In this cycle, everything is in constant change, like seasons and lives. Only Brahman, the Creator, exists forever. Birth Hindu believers think everything in the world is part of Brahman, including the human soul. The soul is called atman. This connects all Hindus with their gods. Hindu believers connect with their gods at temples. They are large in size. The doors face the east, towards the rising sun. Temples have shrines to tell the teachings of their gods.

Polytheism in Hinduism Hindus believe in one supreme god, Brahman. Other gods and goddesses came into focus to represent Brahman’s powers and qualities. Hindu Gods represent the trimurti, or the three principal Godlike forces. They are Brahma, the Creator, Vishnu, the Preserver and Shiva, the Destroyer. Stories such as the Ramayana describe battles that Hindu gods had with evil forces. These popular stories tell about the religion. Many of these have inspired Hindu holidays and festivals for many generations. Brahman, the Creator. What does this picture represent?

Main Hindu Gods Shiva, the Destroyer. Notice three eyes, seeing the future. Another Picture of Shiva, the Destroyer. The trident destroys evil. Another picture of Brahma. Notice the multiple heads. Another picture of Vishnu, the Preserver. All of his items have meaning. Notice the multiple arms and blue color of Vishnu. This represents strength.

Dharma and Hinduism Dharma is one of the important teachings in Hinduism. Dharma means law, obligation and duty. It is important for a Hindu believer to perform one’s duties. The caste system requires Hindu believers to perform their duties. Each social class has its own dharma. For the caste system to work, each person has to follow this. Hindu believers also must follow the values set forth in dharma. They believe that all life is connected, and people are not to do harm to any living creature. The cow came to symbolize this idea because cows represent the cycle of life. That is why cows roam in India, doing Krishna, God of Herders, herding cows. pretty much as they please. What does this picture represent?

Hindu Video

Hinduism and Karma Hinduism and dharma tie in with karma, how a person lives his or her life will affect their next life. Hindus believe that souls are reborn into new bodies, called reincarnation. Karma is the good or evil that a person does in their life. By living well, a person can reincarnate into a higher class. Living poorly may do the opposite. The Law of Karma proves that the universe is fair, or just. Souls are rewarded for the good or evil they have done. The caste system is the perfect example. The untouchables are people believed to have led a poor previous life. So, the social class they are in reflects the way they lived a past life or lives. Ganesh, God of Good Fortune. He is Shiva’s son.

Hinduism and Samsara The Hindu life cycle called samsara, consists of birth, death and rebirth. Hindus are to know pain and death until their soul is united with Brahman, called moksha. Hindus believe that it takes many lifetimes to escape samsara by reincarnation. They strive for perfection, living and following the idea of dharma and karma and performing their social duties. Hindus go on pilgrimages, or holy journeys, to cleanse themselves of sins in their lives. The Ganges River is a popular place where Hindu believers bathe in the waters Hindu believers bathe in the Ganges River. Why is this as an act of devotion. pilgrimage important?

Hinduism Chart Dharma Moksha Vedas Caste System Pilgrimage Hinduism Polytheistic Reincarnate Samsara Karma