2. Aryan Beliefs & Brahmanism  Aryans  Aryans—Indo-European herders who went east to India about 1500 B.C.  lived in simple houses, spoke the Indo-European language of Sanskrit Sample Of Sanskrit Text

3. The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and "ka" as a suffix. For Buddhists and Hindus, the swastika is a very religious symbol that is commonly used German nationalists in the mid-19th century began to use the swastika, because it had ancient Aryan/Indian origins, to represent a long Germanic/Aryan history.  The term Aryan originates from the Sanskrit word ārya, in origin an ethnic self-designation, in Classical Sanskrit meaning "honorable, respectable, noble".  Adolph Hitler twisted the theory that Aryans were a master race of Indo-Europeans, who were supposed to be Nordic (blonde hair/blue eyes) in appearance and the direct ancestors of the Germans… THIS IS UNTRUE.

4. Brahmanism  Early Aryan religion is called Brahmanism today after Aryan priests  Worshiped nature gods, sacrificed animals to gods in sacred fires  Ceremonies became complex, lasting days or months  Rituals and hymns were recorded in Sanskrit texts, called the Vedas

5.  Brahmanism changed in time to the belief in one spirit governing the whole world  Epic poem Mahabharata and its Bhagavad Gita section retell legends of heroes and gods Vyasa is said to have written the Mahabharata

6. Many Gods  Bhagavad Gita is the most important text of Hinduism  It is a Dialogue between the hero Arjuna and his charioteer, the avatar Krishna Krishna is the avatar (incarnation of) the god Vishnu. His skin color is usually shown as blue in Hindu art

7.  Hinduism  Hinduism—major Indian religion that grew from early Brahmanism  Hindus have many gods that are part of one supreme God, or life force called Brahman universal spirit/soul It is said that Hindus believe there are 330 million gods… although this is probably figurative

8. This is a diagram of the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity: Can this be related to the idea of Brahman and the many gods of Hinduism?

9. Most important gods include:  Brahma, the creator  Vishnu, the protector  Shiva, the destroyer—destroys world so it can be recreated

10. Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)

11. Brahma Brahma is commonly depicted with four heads that symbolize the four cardinal directions and four arms with hands clasping prayer beads (or a scepter), a bow, a water bowl, and a book, the Vedas.

12. Vishnu Vishnu is represented either standing or sitting with four arms and a dark or blue complexion. In each hand, he typically holds four main attributes: a conch shell, a wheel, a mace, and a lotus blossom. He wears a miraculous jewel "divine jewel," Kaustubha, around his neck and on his chest is a curl of hair, the srivatsa. According to Hindu belief, Vishnu descended to earth to restore order and justice to a threatened world and to save mankind. He has been incarnated 10 times in animal, supernatural, and human forms, including the Buddha. His 10th avatar is yet to come.

13. What do you think this picture is trying to show?

14. Avatar means ‘one who descends’. We often use the word incarnation, which suggests that God, like us, takes on a material body. Why Avatars come: 1. to protect devotees (followers) 2. to destroy the wicked 3. to re-establish religious principles (beliefs/lifestyles) Krishna and Rama are the two most important avatars of Vishnu. Many Hindus worship them.

15. Shiva Shiva is depicted in many forms. He is often presented with a blue face and throat; long, dark matted hair; and holds a trident, which corresponds to the functions of the Hindu trinity. His forehead is anointed with three horizontal lines in white ash and may also feature a third eye, a symbol of wisdom and untamed energy.

16. Ganesha The elephant-headed Hindu god, also known as Ganapati, is considered to be the lord of beginnings and the remover of obstacles. One of the most beloved deities of the Hindu pantheon, individuals pray to him before embarking on a new endeavor or journey to ensure its success.

17. Many Lives reincarnation  Hindus believe in reincarnation— each person has many lives  Hindus’ behavior in life determines what they will be in next life karma  Reincarnation is determined by the karma doctrine - good deeds mean a person will be reborn as higher being - evil deeds mean a person will be reborn as a lower being, such as insect

19.  Hindus believe animals also have a life force, so many Hindus are vegetarians Ahimsa Ahimsa – nonviolence toward all living things  Reincarnation creates the cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth - called Samsara - cycle ends when a person realizes his or her soul (atman) is one with God - moksha (atman joins Brahman)

20. An illustration of Samsara:

21. Many Paths to God  Hindus connect to God by individual paths; path includes job - Hindus carry out life’s assigned duties (dharma) as part of caste system caste - caste—social class whose members are identified by their jobs - thousands of caste groups organized into four categories (called varnas) - untouchables—fifth group later formed below others, did unwanted jobs This is an illustration of the different Varnas

22. Indian Caste System (Varnas) Brahmans: Priests  Study and teach the Vedas, perform religious ceremonies to please Aryan deities and ensure welfare of people Kshatriyas: Warriors, rulers  Study the Vedas, lead government, and head army Vaisyas: Common people: merchants, artisans, farmers  Tend herds, care for land; make and sell useful products Sudras: Unskilled laborers, servants  Serve other varnas ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------UNTOUCHABLES Slaves – not part of the Varnas  Perform tasks considered unclean

23. Untouchables YouTube Clip: The Untouchables Mahatma Gandhi fought to improve the lives of the untouchables, whom he named Harijans, “the children of God”

24.  Spiritual practices in Hinduism include meditation to calm mind, and yoga - Yoga means “discipline” - the practice of yoga includes exercise, diet, breathing techniques A yogi is a person who devotes their life to practicing yoga For Hindus, yoga is a way to unite the mind, body, and soul What is commonly referred to as "yoga" in America can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word “asana”, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses… only one part of yoga

25. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving moksha (liberation) through meditation and contemplation of brahman. In Hinduism, sadhu (“good; good man, holy man”) refers to an ascetic, wandering monk. The vast majority of sadhus are yogis… Sadhus are renunciates, who have left behind all material and sexual attachments and live in caves, forests and temples all over India and Nepal

26. Many sadhus use extreme types of yoga poses to focus on self-discipline This sadhu claims to have had his right hand up above his head for almost 40 years

27. Most Hindus live normal lives and practice many forms of worship, honoring their gods, and fulfilling their duties