HINDUISM

Introduction to Hinduism Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal. Has over 900 million adherents worldwide Originated in NW India Hindus Refer to their religion as the Sanatana Dharma which means eternal or imperishable religion

People group from which Hinduism develop Dravidians Aryans – created the caste system which allow only them to be priests

Hinduism The term Hindu was derived from the river or river complex of the northwest, the Sindhu is a Sanskrit word used by the inhabitant of the regions. During the 15th and 16th centuries the term was used by people to differentiate themselves from followers of other traditions, especially the Muslims (Yavannas), in Kasmir and Bengal. The “ism” was added to Hindu only in the 19th century in the context of British Colonialism and missionary activity.

Coming to the Caribbean Many Indians came as indentured workers.  As they came they took their religion with them. (after the abolition of Slavery in 1834.) cuisine, such as pungent curries ganja, which are important contributions to Caribbean culture.

Denominations in Hinduism Vaishnavism worship Vishnu (most Hindus) Shaivism worship Shiva Shaktism  worship Shakti the wife of Shiva

Deity… Brahman The ultimate reality in Hinduism. The Upanishads describe Brahman as "the eternal, conscious, irreducible, infinite, omnipresent, spiritual source of the universe of finiteness and change."  Brahman is the source of all things and is in all things; it is the Self (atman) of all living beings.

Deity… Brahman is impersonal Being in itself, but it can be known through the many gods and goddesses that are manifestations of Brahman.                      http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs/brahman.htm

Trimurti Also called Triumvirate they are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world they are Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.

Brahma Brahma Four arms his role: creator god consort: Saraswati Features Four heads from which came the four Vedas; enables him to see in all directions Four arms

Vishnu Vishnu                          Role:   preserver and protector of the world His role is to return to the earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. So far, he has been incarnated nine times, but Hindus believe that he will be reincarnated one last time close to the end of this world. Consort           Lakshmi Features Rides a Garuda (an eagle) considered the king of the birds Blue skin Four arms o   Conch: the sound this produces 'Om', represents the primeval sound of creation o   Chakra: or discus: symbolises the mind o   Lotus flower: an example of glorious existence and liberation o   Mace: represents mental and physical strength

Shiva Shiva  Role                 destruction and recreation; Destroys illusions and imperfections for beneficial change thus he is regarded as a deity of contradictory elements Consort             Parvati Shiva's consort is Devi, the Mother-goddess. Devi has taken on many forms in the past, including Kali, the goddess of death, and Sati, the goddess of marital felicity. Her best known incarnation is Parvati, Shiva's eternal wife. Features White body Blue face and throat Third eye The extra eye represents the wisdom and insight that Shiva has. It is also believed to be the source of his untamed energy.  A cobra necklace This signifies Shiva's power over the most dangerous creatures in the world. The Vibhuti The vibhuti are three lines drawn horizontally across the forehead in white ash. They represent Shiva's all-pervading nature, his superhuman power and wealth. Also, they cover up his powerful third eye.  Trident The three-pronged trident represents the three functions of the Hindu triumvirate. Dresses in animal skin  Often called “Lord of the Dance” when he creates balance in the world Vishnu’s incarnations http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/vishnu.shtml

Upanishad Term Upanishad derives from upa- ('nearby'), ni-('at the proper place, down') and sad ('to sit') and it means 'sitting near a teacher to receive the sacred teachings'. Vedanta (anta 'the end' or 'last portion') is the essence and culmination of all the knowledge within the Vedas. Vedas (vid - 'to know', 'knowledge' of the eternal truth)