1. Ancient India Section 2 Origins of Hinduism

2. The Big Idea Hinduism, the largest religion in India today, developed out of ancient Indian beliefs and practices. Main Ideas Indian society divided into distinct groups under the Aryans. The Aryans practiced a religion known as Brahmanism. Hinduism developed out of Brahmanism and influences from other cultures. The Jains reacted to Hinduism by breaking away to form their own religion.

5. Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Brahmins Priests Rulers and warriors Laborers and non-Aryans Indian Society Divides Varnas Farmers, craftspeople, and traders Social divisions in Aryan society

7. Individuals Place in society based on birth, wealth, or occupation 3,000 castes once existed in India. Individuals could rarely change castes. Caste Rules Sutras (guides) listed all the rules for the caste system. Breaking rules resulted in a transfer to a lower class. Caste System

8. Brahmanism Aryan priests were called Brahmins. Wrote Vedic texts, which were their thoughts about the Vedas Evolving Beliefs The Vedas, Upanishads, and other Vedic texts began blending with beliefs from different cultures, creating Hinduism. Brahmanism develops into Hinduism Hinduism Many gods Reincarnation: could be reborn into new forms and castes Men and women could both gain salvation, but women were inferior.

9. Origins of Jainism Four Principles of Jainism 599 BC, established as an alternative to Hindu ritualism Based on the teachings of Mahavira, who abandoned his life of luxury to become a monk Injure no life. Tell the truth. Do not steal. Own no property. Jains React to Hinduism

10. Chapter 5 Section 2 pages 130-135 Origins of Hinduism ReligionOriginsTeachingsGods Brahmanism  Polytheism  Priest were called Brahmins  Based on the Rigveda, oldest of the Vedas, written before 1000 BC  Based also on a final group of Vedas text are Upanishads from 600 BC  Priest believed fire would carry a sacrifice to the gods  Brahma Hinduism  Hinduism believes in many gods, but they believe that all the gods are aspects of a single universal spirit called Brahman. Three aspects of Brahman are particularly important in Hinduism; Brahman, Siva, and Vishnu  Polytheism  Developed out of Brahmanism and influences from other cultures  Vedas  Upanishads  Ideas from Persia and other Central Asian Kingdoms  A universal spirit named Brahman created the universe and everything in it. Everything in the world is just part of Brahman.  Every person has a soul or Atman that will eventually join with Brahman.  People’s souls are reincarnated many times before they can join Brahman.  A person’s karma affects how he or she will be reincarnated  Salvation is called moksha  Dharma is a set of spiritual duties  Karma is the effects that good and bad actions have on a person’s soul  Brahma  Siva  Vishnu Jainism/Jains (Atheist)  Mahavira  559 BC  Ahimsa – practice of nonviolence  Every soul is the architect of their own life Sikhism/Sikhs (Monotheistic)  Guru Nanak  1400 AD  Blend of Hinduism, Islam and other religions  Reunite with god after death  Wear 5 items; long hair, small comb, steel bracelet, a sword, and a special undergarment  Gurus