1. E. Napp Hinduism In this lesson, students will be able to identify key beliefs of the Hindu religion. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: The Caste System Karma Dharma Reincarnation

2. E. Napp Hinduism is an important religion in India. This is the Hindu symbol for Om. It represents the divine.

3. E. Napp The Aryans The Aryans invaded India around 1500 B.C. When the Aryans invaded India, they brought their religious beliefs. Hinduism is a religion largely based on the beliefs of the Aryans.

4. E. Napp The Aryans invaded the Indus River Valley. Hinduism is largely based on the religious beliefs of the Aryans.

5. E. Napp No Single Holy Book Unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Hinduism has no single holy book. However, there are many significant Hindu writings. The Bhagavad-Gita, the Upanishads, and the Vedas are important Hindu writings.

6. E. Napp The Bhagavad-Gita is a conversation between a warrior and a god.

7. E. Napp Many gods, One Force Hindus believe in many gods. As such, Hinduism can be considered polytheistic. However, Hindus believe that every god is a manifestation of one Supreme Being. Brahman is the Supreme Being.

8. E. Napp Hindus believe in many gods. However, Hindus believe that every god is a manifestation of a single, Supreme Being.

9. E. Napp Karma and Reincarnation Hindus believe in karma. Karma is the belief that every action brings an equal reaction. If a person does a good deed, he will be rewarded in the future. Hindus also believe in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the belief that a person’s soul is reborn after death. A person’s karma determines his reincarnation.

10. E. Napp Think of Karma as what goes around, comes around.

11. E. Napp The Caste System Hindus also believe in a caste system. The caste system is a fixed social class system. A Hindus is born into his caste and must remain in his caste a lifetime. Brahmins (Priests), Warriors, Merchants, and Farmers are Hindu castes.

12. E. Napp These are the Sanskrit names for the four castes.

13. E. Napp Dharma Every caste has its rules. Dharma is the Sanskrit word for the rules of caste. Marrying in your caste is an example of dharma.

14. E. Napp Hinduism is the dominant religion of India.

15. E. Napp Questions for Reflection: How does a person’s karma determine his reincarnation? Why is the caste system a fixed social class system? What is the difference between dharma and karma? Why are some Hindus untouchables? Who were the Aryans?