1. Hinduism

2. Approximately 4000 years old, Hinduism is considered one of the oldest religions in the world

3. The World’s Hindu population lives mostly in India

4. Hinduism is an entire way of life It effects what you do, how you dress, what you eat, what job you hold, etc.

5.  There is no holy book  Multiple writings and stories provide its ethics and beliefs

6. There is no dogma (a set code of beliefs and ethics)

7. No weekly day of worship (Sabbath)

8. All life is sacred. As a result, many Hindu people are vegetarians

9. The cow is sacred

10. Water is sacred

11. The Universal Spirit All living things have a spirit or energy, called atman, which are part of Brahmin (Universal Spirit(. These energies are all part of Brahmin, or the Universal Spirit.

12. There are numerous gods and goddesses which are all part of one Universal Spirit

13.  Everything is cyclic (a circle)  Creation, maintenance, and destruction  Reincarnation – rebirth of the soul into a new living body (not necessarily human) Cycles

14. Hindu people cremate their deceased in a funeral pyre to release the spirit

15. Dharma Dharma determines all processes in the universe, including the individual. It is your duty (what you are supposed to do) during this lifetime and is the basis of human morality and ethics.

16. Karma Karma is the physical or spiritual action, or lack of action, which causes an impact on your next life.

17. Fate Hinduism believes that the course of one’s life is predetermined.

18. What’s up with this?  The Swastika symbolizes Peace and Harmony  “Swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and "ka" as a suffix.

20.  four dots inside each of the four arms. always drawn with the four inner arms like a “t”  Until the Nazis used this symbol, the swastika was used by many cultures throughout the past 3,000 years to represent life, sun, power, strength, and good luck.

21. BBC History of the Swastika  As you watch the video clip, take notes.  Consider the following questions: what does the Swastika mean to Hindus? How and why has that meaning changed?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_reuM Kpgow&safe=active