Hinduism
Origins Hinduism is an ancient religion with no known founder or known date of origin.
Origins The term "Hinduism" simply derives from the word "India" and refers to a wide variety of religious traditions and philosophies that have developed in India over thousands of years.
Adherents Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. Approximately 900 million people follow Hinduism worldwide.
Adherents A follower of Hinduism is called: Hindu
Views Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs, a fact that can be initially confusing to westerners.
Views Hinduism = monotheistic There are multiple manifestations of one supreme being (named Brahman)
Three Major Forms of Brahman Brahma the Creator
Three Major Forms of Brahman Shiva the Destroyer
Three Major Forms of Brahman Vishnu the Preserver
Everyone has a soul or Atman Common Hindu Beliefs Everyone has a soul or Atman
Common Hindu Beliefs The Ultimate Goal: To reunite one’s soul with Brahman, the universal spirit
Souls are born and reborn many times Reincarnation Souls are born and reborn many times
Karma – the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul. Common Hindu Beliefs Karma – the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul.
Common Hindu Beliefs Moksha – Salvation from the cycle of rebirth. This happens after building enough good karma.
Common Hindu Beliefs Dharma – each person has a duty to accept his or her place in the world without complaint.
Common Hindu Beliefs (Rulers)
Life’s Purpose Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. The purpose of life is to gain release (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth, or at least a better rebirth.
Afterlife Uniting with God (Brahman) as a drop of rain merges with the sea.
General Practices Yoga meditation worship (puja) pilgrimage to holy cities live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role)
Holy Text(s) The Vedas (Book of Knowledge, most sacred) Upanishads (means “Sitting near a teacher”) Forms the theoretical basis for the Hindu religion