1. Hinduism Timeline Geography Founder Widely considered the world’s oldest religion. Many people suggest that Hinduism in not a religion, much like Christianity or Judaism, but more of a way of life. Hinduism evolved around 1500 BCE None. Hinduism derives from the word "India” and refers to traditions and philosophies that have evolved over thousands of years Sacred Texts Vedas - time and life are cyclical. Cycle of birth and rebirth is known as samsara Upinshads - escape the cycle of rebirth, how to leave samsara

2. Hinduism Basic Tenants of Hinduism Universal Spirit or Brahman H indu thinkers came to believe that everything in the universe was part of the unchanging, all-powerful spiritual force called brahman. Each of the three main Hindu deities represents a part of the life cycle: Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. Upon destruction, Hindus believe that the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction begins again.

3. Hinduism T o Hindus, every person has an essential self, or atman. For Hindus, the ultimate goal of existence is to achieve moksha (MAHK SHUH), or union with brahman. To accomplish this – you must free yourself from selfish desires. Because Hindus believe that this goal cannot be completed in just one lifetime, they believe in reincarnation. Thus, through reincarnation, you are able to continue working towards moksha. Karma All actions of a person’s life that affect their next life Dharma Religious and moral duties. These duties vary according to class, occupation, gender, or age. By obeying one’s dharma, a person acquires merit for the next life. Basic Tenants of Hinduism H induism provides direction to the daily lives of Hindus. It teaches that people should remain in their social group or caste

4.  Central to Hinduism is the belief in reincarnation.  Hindus believe that after a person dies, they will be re-born as some other creature or thing.  What you are re-born as depends on your “Karma” or the deeds you did in your previous life. If you did good deeds, you will reborn into a higher, better life. If you had bad Karma, you may be re-born as an insect or even a tree. Hinduism

5. Caste System Hinduism  Caste System - rigid class structure based on Hinduism which is found in India.  Believed that if one leads a good life, following good karma and dharma, they will be rewarded by being reincarnated as a person belonging to the next highest level in the Caste System.  If one is wicked during their life, they will be demoted, and possibly even removed from the Caste System altogether.

6. Caste System Hinduism  Outcasts, or Untouchables, are members of Hindu society thought to have been removed from the Caste System, with no hope of returning to it, due to their misdeeds in previous lives.  Work that is deemed unclean for all other Hindus is reserved for these Outcasts.

7. Caste System Hinduism

8. Caste System The caste system is an important part of Hinduism. Caste are social groups into which people are born and out of which they cannot move during a lifetime. In Next Life In This Life A Person Is born into a caste If good and obeys caste rules If bad and breaks caste rules Higher Caste Lower Caste

9. Hinduism TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with important facts about Hinduism Sacred Texts Vedas and Upinshad s