Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Introduction to Hinduism. Background - Hinduism The oldest of the five major religions Approximately 800 million followers “OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful.

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Introduction to Hinduism. Background - Hinduism The oldest of the five major religions Approximately 800 million followers “OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful."— Presentation transcript:

1 Introduction to Hinduism

2 Background - Hinduism The oldest of the five major religions Approximately 800 million followers “OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful mantra “Hindu” is a Persian word which refers to non- Muslims living beyond the Indus River. Sanatana Dharma is the preferred name.

3 Origins of Hinduism No specific founder Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: Rituals Many gods (polytheism) Sacred texts (Vedas) Vedic Tradition developed into Hinduism Transmitted orally for thousands of years

4 The Beliefs of Hinduism: Many Gods or One? All the universe is part of the unchanging, all-spiritual force called Brahman Brahman is too complex for most to understand Most worship a variety of gods

5 Beliefs of Hinduism True essence of life – Atman (the soul), is Brahman trapped in matter Reincarnation – Atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara) Karma - all the actions of this life affect the next life Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with Brahman (Moksha)

6 Three Paths to Moksha Trimarga = “3 Paths” Karma Marga The way of action Jnana Marga The way of wisdom Bhakti Marga The way of devotion

7 Karma Marga Four Goods 1.Good of dharma – duty 2.Good of artha – wealth 3.Good of kama – pleasure of the senses 4.Moksa – the highest form of good Moksha is a distant event in another lifetime To reach moksha you must give up the first three goods Actions Follow caste & gender roles Rituals, festivals, pilgrimages

8 Jnana Marga Follows the Upanishads - metaphysical speculation (teachings of gurus) Brahman Its only quality is that of not having qualities Atman & Brahman are the same Path of wisdom Give up attachment to individuality Truth is found through meditation

9 Bhakti Marga Devotion is more important than ritual What is done is not as important as how it is done Do all things with devotion to God(s) Relationships Parent/Child Friends Master/Servant Lovers

10 Gods of Hinduism Gods are supernatural, but not omnipotent Thousands of Gods/Avatars Three Primary Gods Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva

11 Lord Brahma God of Creation Four faces represent the four Vedas

12 Lord Vishnu Most popular Hindu God Preserver of the universe Goodness & Mercy Avatars Rama Krishna

13 Lord Shiva The Destroyer The Procreator Most powerful of Gods Lord of the Dance

14 Lord Ram 7 th Avatar of Vishnu Hero of the Ramayana Representation of an ideal man

15 Lord Krishna 8 th Avatar of Vishnu Representation of ideal love Delivers the Bhagavad-Gita

16 Durga Divine Mother Multiple arms (6, 8, up to 20) When male logic fails she destroys evil

17 Lord Ganesh Son of Shiva & Durga Remover of obstacles

18 All Life is Sacred Hindus have always had great respect for life Nonviolence - Ahimsa Cow is especially significant Transportation Milk Fuel

19 Places of Worship Household shrines Temples (Mandirs) Importance of Rivers Ritual purity


Download ppt "Introduction to Hinduism. Background - Hinduism The oldest of the five major religions Approximately 800 million followers “OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful."

Similar presentations


Ads by Google