Aim: What does it mean to be Hindu? Do Now: What do you know about Hinduism? What would you like to know? NY State Learning Standards 2 Common Core RS 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and WS 1, 2

I How did Hinduism begin? Aryans (light skinned Indo-Europeans) invaded northern India 1500 BCE. Their beliefs combined with those of the people by the Indus River  Hinduism. *There was no single founder.

II Hindu Beliefs There are diverse beliefs within Hinduism! Some Hindus are polytheistic, but some are monotheistic and believe in one god Brahma, who takes different forms. Lord Brahma

Some Hindus believe these deities are different forms of Brahma.

Hindu beliefs continued… B) Your actions in this life (dharma)  karma  if you move up or down the caste system in your next life The caste system is a strict social hierarchy. The Hindu Caste System

Untouchables/ Dalits “The Dalits “untouchables” make up nearly one quarter of India’s 1.2 billion society.. In 70% of India’s villages… non-Dalits will not eat or drink with Dalits… Dalit women and girls are exposed to… discrimination and sexual violence. Hundreds of thousands of children… support their families by sweeping streets, cleaning toilets and clearing garbage from public places. www.dalitnetwork.org

Hindu beliefs continued… C) The goal of Hinduism is moksha (the escape from the cycle of reincarnation). D) Cows are sacred animals.

III Sacred Hindu Texts A) The Vedas were written in Sanskrit (an ancient language of India). B) The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are sacred Hindu epic poems. “A person who performs good Karma (deeds) is always held in high esteem. ” – Rig Veda “Intelligence is the mightiest and nothing is beyond its reach. ” – Rig Veda

IV Hindu Symbols A) The ohm represents Brahma. B) The swastika is a Hindu symbol of peace! C) A mandala is a sacred shape to Hindus. Square = the earth. Circle = the heavens.

Hindu Symbols Continued… D) The bindi represents the third eye. It is a reminder to look inward to find god.

Meditation is quiet time in thought or concentration. V Hindu Practices A) Yoga is a form of meditation. Meditation is quiet time in thought or concentration.

Hindu practices continued… B) Hindus pray in temples and at shrines.

Swaminarayan Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in the world, New Delhi, India

Hindu practices continued… C) The Ganges river is sacred.

VI Hindu Holidays Holi Celebration Diwali Celebration A) Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebrates the victory of good over evil. B) Holi is a Spring festival of color. Holi Celebration Diwali Celebration

Spread of Hinduism

Key Vocabulary Aryans Mahabharata Bindi Mandala Brahma Meditation Brahmins Moksha Caste System Ohm Dharma Ramayana Diwali Reincarnation Ganges River Sanskrit Hinduism Swastika Holi Untouchables Indus River Valley Vedas Karma Yoga