Hinduism

The vast majority of Hindus live in India and Nepal

Sacred Texts Goal of Hinduism Moksha: “release” or “liberation” The oldest Hindus sacred texts are the Vedas, which were compiled around 1500BC, other texts include the Upanishads, the Puranas, and Bhagavad Gita. Goal of Hinduism Moksha: “release” or “liberation” To be united forever with Brahman

Brahman: essence of reality Name for the one supreme god or spirit. Hinduism includes many gods, but all are seen as different aspects of Brahman. Creates/maintains/destroys/ rebuilds life and society. The world will end with the appearance of Vishnu about 4000 years from now.

Reincarnation Samsara is the wheel of rebirth which means the soul is reborn from one life form to another. People may be reincarnated at a higher or lower level in the caste depending on their karma from their present life. Sum of good and bad actions are carried from life to life. People may be reborn as plants or animals Death is not final for Hindus as they expect to be reborn many times.

Karma & Dharma Karma: “action” or “deeds” (can be good or bad) Dharma: ethical duty based on the divine order of reality. The word is the closest equivalent to “religion.” (Living the right way to keep the world in balance)

THE TWO MOST POPULAR GODS) – They are all aspects of Brahman VISHNU SHIVA

Avatars of Vishnu Krishna Rama

Goddesses Lakshmi Saraswati

Festivals and Holy Days No set day of the week is holy-each days has its possibilities Religious festivals may be solar or lunar-lunar is preferred In order to keep festivals consistent, an additional lunar month is added to the calendar about every three years. Some numbered days of the month are more important than others. There are 125 special days in the Hindu year.

Festival: Diwali Festival of Lights Takes place in October or November Diwali celebrates the victory of Rama over the demon king Ravana, and his return from exile. One tradition, is floating a candle on a raft. If the candle stays lit good luck will follow.

The Ganges River

Banaras - Hindu’s Holy City Pilgrims come from all over to bathe in the Ganges. Countless Hindus come to Banaras to die. It has 1500 temples, most of them devoted to Shiva. It is a gathering place for the religious scholars.

Caste System: Four Major Castes Brahmin : priests Kshatriya: warriors and administrators Vaishya: farmers, merchants, teachers, artisans Sudras: servants, laborers Dalit or “untouchables” were considered to have no caste. The 1950 Constitution of India outlawed untouchability and legal discrimination, but it continued to carry social stigma.

Partition and War The Indian Independence Act of 1947 ended British rule of India and created Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. Hindu-Muslim violence killed one million people 10 million crossed borders: Hindus to India, Muslims to Pakistan Later ethnic differences led to conflict between West and East Pakistan. East Pakistan won independence in 1971, became Bangladesh

Pakistan and Bangladesh Pakistan and Bangladesh are Muslim countries formed as a result of the partition of British India. Initially East and West Pakistan, ethnic differences and the challenges of governing a non-continuous country led to civil war. East Pakistan won independence in 1971 and became Bangladesh.

Sikhism

Beginnings Founded by Guru Nanak in 15th Century 1708 – Guru Granth Sahib “eternal” Guru Written writings and teachings of previous Gurus

Cultural Diffusion Sikhism mainly in the Punjab region of India. Area was ruled by Mughal Empire (Muslim) Theology influenced by Hinduism and Islam.

Sikhism Sikh in Punjabi means “follower” or “disciple” Do not accept the caste system Equality between men and women Three Golden Rules: Remembrance and devotion to God Earning an honest living Charity and Service to others