1. Hinduism

2. History of Hinduism Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion
Started by a civilization that existed nearly 5,000 years ago - around 3,000 B.C., in the Indus Valley of India.
Believed to be a mix of several religions and beliefs from that time.

3. Hinduism Today Today it is the world’s third largest religion.
More than a Billion believers
About 1/6 of the world’s population
Over 90% of them live in India and Nepal

4. Conflict in Hinduism There are many sects [versions] of Hinduism
Some followers say it is a religion
Some followers say it is not a religion
Some say Hinduism is Monotheistic
Some say Hinduism is Polytheistic
Not all of them have the same beliefs, the same rituals, the same requirements

5. Standard Beliefs
Dharma (duty): everyone is born with a specific role or duty in life.
Karma: if you do what your Dharma tells you to do, good things will happen to you. If you don’t, bad things will happen.

6. Standard Beliefs
Samsara: when you die you are reincarnated. You come back in another form. If your karma is good you will come back as something better. If your karma is bad you will come back as something worse.

7. Supreme Being
Most Hindus believe there is an immense unifying force that governs all existence and cannot be completely known by humanity

8. Supreme Being Hindus recognize a single deity, Brahman.
There are other gods and goddesses, which are other aspects or faces of that supreme god. Like Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu

9. Holy Books Hindus do not have one specific holy book.
They have a lot of books that they look to for guidance, but there is not one required text.
One of these books is the Vedas.

10. Other Facts No one person is credited with starting Hinduism
A Hindu place of worship is a temple. However, Hindus are not required to go to the temple. Many Hindus worship at home.
There are no ceremonies or holidays they are required to take part in

11. Other Facts
Some Hindus give alms, take vows, or go on pilgrimages at special times during the year.
One important festival observed by many Hindus is the festival of Diwali, or the Hindu New Year.