Basic Facts The dominant religion of South Asia. Third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. Has been called the “Oldest Religion”. No one single founder

Hindu Scripture The Vedas : ancient scriptures from God passed down through generations by word of mouth. Vedic texts are sometimes called shruti, which means hearing. For hundreds, maybe even thousands of years, the texts were passed on orally. The Vedas are made up of four parts : the Samhitas, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads

Vedas The Samhitas are the most ancient part of the Vedas, consisting of hymns of praise to God. The Brahmanas are rituals and prayers to guide the priests in their duties. The Aranyakas concern worship and meditation. The Upanishads consist of the mystical and philosophical teachings of Hinduism.

Holidays Diwali: The festival of light celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is the most popular of all the festivals from South Asia, especially with children because of the lights, fireworks and sweets involved. Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebration of the Birthday of Lord Ganesh. Varsha Pratipada: Spring New Year and it means Birth of the Year. It is the first day of Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu lunar year. It is a good day to start new ventures and it is also a lucky day astrologically.

Dharma Dharma in Hinduism means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion‘. Dharma is the power that maintains society, it makes the grass grow, the sun shine, and makes us moral people or rather gives humans the opportunity to act virtuously. Acting virtuously is not the same for everyone; different people have different obligations and duties according to their age, gender, and social position.

Karma “Karma” is the sanskrit word meaning “action”. Basically: Every action has an equal reaction either immediately or at some point in the future. Good or virtuous actions, actions in harmony with dharma will have good reactions. Bad actions, actions against dharma, will have the opposite effect. Your karma can either effect your current life or a future life after re- birth.

Samsara Samsara = reincarnation A continuous cycle in which the soul is reborn over and over again according to the law of action and reaction. Hindus believe you can be reborn into a new physical body which can be a human or non-human form (an animal or divine being). The ultimate goal is Moksha, or freedom from karma and samsara. Moksha is also known as a state of knowledge, peace, and bliss away from castes.

Caste System

Hinduism=Polytheism? Most Hindu’s believe in God, but it varies based on traditions Sanskrit words Bhagavan and Ishvara mean 'Lord' or 'God' and indicate an absolute reality who creates, sustains and destroys. Most believe in a supreme God/Force [Brahman] whose qualities and forms are represented by the multitude of deities. Since God is unlimited his forms are also unlimited.

Brahma First god of the Trimutri Brahma is the creator of the world and all creatures. o Not to be confused with Brahman, the supreme god/force. Has four heads ( symbolize the four Vedas) and four arms and typically a beard. He is not typically worshipped as much of the others for two reasons. 1. His role as the creator is over. 2. (see next slide)

Brahma Brahma created a woman in order to aid him with his job of creation. She was called Shatarupa. She was so beautiful that Brahma became infatuated with her, and gazed at her wherever she went. This caused her extreme embarrassment and Shatarupa tried to turn from his gaze. But in every direction she moved, Brahma sprouted a head until he had developed four. Finally, Shatarupa grew so frustrated that she jumped to try to avoid his gaze. Brahma, in his obsession, sprouted a fifth head on top of all. It is also said in some sources that Shatarupa kept changing her form. She became every creature on earth to avoid Brahma. He however, changed his form to the male version of whatever she was and thus every animal community in the world was created. Lord Shiva admonished Brahma for demonstrating behaviour of an incestuous nature and chopped off his fifth head for 'unholy' behaviour. Since Brahma had distracted his mind from the soul and towards the cravings of the flesh, Shiva's curse was that people should not worship Brahma. As a form of repentance, it is said that Brahma has been continually reciting the four Vedas since this time, one from each of his four heads.

Vishnu Second god of the Trimutri. Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. He has blue colored skin and four arms. In each of his four hands he carries an item representing what he is responsible for. The conch: the sound this produces 'Om', which is the primeval sound of creation The chakra, or discus: symbolizes the mind The lotus flower: an example of glorious existence and liberation The mace: represents mental and physical strength

Vishnu Matsya (fish) Some Hindus believe that this is the similar to the biblical representation of Noah Kurma (turtle) Varaha (pig/boar) Narasimha (half lion, half man) Parasurama (fierce man/hunter) Vishnu has appeared in various incarnations nine times on this earth, with the tenth predicted. Vamana (dwarf sage) Rama (greatest warrior/ideal man) As Rama, he kills the demon King Ravana, who abducted his wife Sita Krishna (mentally advanced man) Krishna is the hero of the Mahabharata, an epic poem. Buddha (the all knowing one) who appeared in the 5th century BCE. In some traditions, Balarama replaces Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu.

Lakshmi Consort (Wife) of Vishnu. Goddess of Wealth and Purity. She is a beautiful woman with four arms Often seen standing on a lotus flower with an elephant anointing her. Hindus believe that anybody who worships Lakshmi sincerely, and not in greed, will be blessed with fortune and success. It is said that Lakshmi resides in places of hard work, virtue and bravery, but leaves whenever these qualities are not apparent any more.

Shiva Third god of the Trimutri. Shiva is the destroyer of the universe so the other gods can re-create it. Has blue skin and a third eye on his forehead representing wisdom and insight. Shiva wears a cobra necklace representing destruction and recreation. Carries a trident representing the Trimutri. As opposed to the other more lavish gods, Shiva is shown wearing a simple animal skin with a tranquil expression.

Shiva is married to Parvati and their marriage is considered the perfect example of marital bliss because Parvati brings a calming presence to her husband.

Ganesh Is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities Son of Parvati and Shiva. Remover of obstacles; patron of arts, science, intellect and wisdom; god of new beginnings. He is worshipped regardless of affiliation. Easily recognized because of his elephant head and big belly. Is said to have a love of sweets, so they are passed out on his birthday.