Hinduism comes to India

Aryans invade India Over Hindu Kush 1500 BC Khyber pass

Tribes with chiefs – “rajahs” Spoken language = Sanskrit Oral tradition myths stories poems

Writing develops  the Vedas Vedas = “books of knowledge” – holy texts Upanishads

The Gods A hierarchy (different levels) Universal Spirit = Brahma Nerguna created all things – even the other gods present in all things

Vishnu Preserver of Life Krishna – Vishnu in Human form

Siva The Destroyer - a positive force

Cycle of Life All souls reincarnated (given new flesh).

Lesser gods There are almost 10,000 lesser gods Example: Ganga – goddess of renewal For which the Ganges river is named

The Varnas Varna = Social class Brahmins – priests Kshatriyas – warriors / rulers Vaisyas – craftspeople / farmers Sudras – servants Pariahs or Untouchables – do unclean work

Social status Birth into a class determines status for life Only on reincarnation can you rise to the next level Within each Varna there are 100’s of Castes You grow up to do the job of the caste you were born into

The Bhagavad-Gita Part of the Vedas “Song of the Lord” Relates the importance of dharma

Merited Incarnation Means you earned the live you were given by actions in a past life Karma = idea that if you do good you will be blessed with good, if you do evil, you will be cursed Dharma = “righteous conduct” your dharma is the duty of your caste “Follow your Dharma, get good Karma, raise your Varna”

The Goal Attain perfection or “Moksha” or Enlightenment Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudrahs Pariahs Attain perfection or “Moksha” or Enlightenment part of the Universal Spirit (Brahma) - in all things and released from the cycle of reincarnation

Jainism Principle of Ahimsa is most important Ahimsa = all life is sacred and worthy of respect