Hinduism The Collective work of section

The Origin of Hinduism Hinduism dates back to BCE in the Indus River Valley The Persians who came into the area called the inhabitants of the region Hindus and referred to the area as Hindustan.

The Origin of Hinduism: The tradition is divided into multiple periods of development: Indus River Valley period Brahmanical period Classical period Hindu Muslim Period

Indus River Valley Period BCE Culture: highly sophisticated, agricultural, mercantile economy Used pictoral writing system Centrally governed Invaded by aryans from central asia who brought their religion vedism Joint Indus Aryan culture is formed Leads to 1 st sacred text: Vedas, meaning knowledge. Spiritual principle of Brahman, the eternal unified reality.

Brahmanical Period BCE Indo-Aryan people migrate south to Ganges River area This period reflects the growth and development of the Brahmins or Priestly class who have authority for rituals such as sacrifices. The purpose of the rituals is twofold: help people obtain what they need and want in life, Help people to moksha or liberation after death. Upanishads: scripture that comments on the spiritual meaning of the vedic rituals; teaches the principle of reincarnation BCE reaction to ritual order leads to individual devotion to Gods and Goddeses: Vishnu, Shiva and later Brahma becoming the Triad of Hindu Gods. People begin to seek gurus or spiritual teachers for guidance.

Classical Period 300 BCE – 1200 CE: Rituals become more individualized, rituals and shrines are built in homes, as well as Temples built to particular deities. Development of the Smitri: The great Hindu Mythologies of Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Blessed) and the Rama or incarnation of Vishnu which celebrates commitment to family and the dangers of material attachment.

Hindu – Muslim Period 1200 CE-Present: Rise of a blending of traditions that give rise to a tradition known as Sikhism. (Discipleship)

Beliefs Reincarnation: cycle of rebirth to reach Nirvana, or salvation. Samsara name of the cycle: Born, Live, Die and then are Reborn. Moksha: Liberation or release from Samsara; this occurs when one (atman) becomes one with “God” or the Supreme Reality, Brahman. Paths to Salvation: Devotion, Knowledge, or Work The Law of Karma: Moral Law of cause and effect; how you live your life determines the status of how you will be reincarnated. (level of caste in society) The Law of Dharma: The cosmic order of rightousness, virtue and duty.

Caste System Hierarchical structure of society Brahmin: Priestly Caste Kshatriya: Military Vaishya: Merchants Shudra: Workers Untouchables

Paths to Salvation: Devotion, Knowledge, or Work Devotion: follow the way of Love and worship a personal deity. Pay attention to emotions and emotional growth. Knowledge: Jnana, the importance of spiritual, practical and intellectual learning. Work: Do good deeds with authenticity, lead a good moral life especially in your profession.