Hinduism Cy-Woods HS 2013-2014

History of Hinduism Originated between 4000 and 2000 BC Polytheistic No single founder Vedas: the oldest scriptures of Hinduism Veda means “to know”

Basic Beliefs Karma - the law of cause and effect; “you reap what you sow” Reincarnation - eternal soul traverses through different bodies till it finds liberation

Hindu Basics 3rd largest religion in the world 837 million adherents 13% of the world’s population Practiced primarily in India and Nepal ~ 80% of Indians practice Hinduism

Hindu Basics Often considered the oldest religion in the world. Has no founder Sanskrit is the ancient language of Hinduism. Hindu comes from the Persian word for the people living on the other side of the Indus River.

Four Goals of Human Life Kama – fulfillment of desires Artha – accumulation of wealth Dharma – performance of social and religious duties Moksha – freedom from want

Vedas The ancient scriptures of Hinduism. A collection of hymns, prayers, rituals, chants, etc… They are the sacred writings of Hinduism.

Concepts of god Most Hindu believe in a single god of the highest form. Brahman God is everywhere, is everything, and is beyond everything. god represents the very fabric of reality. People are thus part of Brahman as well.

Hindu Trinity Brahma - the Creator Vishnu - the Preserver Shiva - the Destroyer Three aspects/powers of the same divine being

Ishvara The personal aspects of God. Applying human traits to god to better communicate.

Brahma “Creator god”

Vishnu “preserver of the world”

Shiva “destroyer or transformer”

Nandi The vehicle of Shiva. Often seen at the entrance to shrines of Shiva.

sacred animals Hindus believe that all living beings have a soul.

Holy Cow! Hindus have always had great respect for Mother Nature and its creatures Cow is especially significant because it symbolizes gentleness

Dharma Generally translated as “the law”. Varies according to caste or class. Also seen in Buddhism and Sikhism. How one should live their life. Dharma determines karma

Karma Cause and effect “a fluttering butterfly’s wings causing a storm on the other side of the world” Unbalance in karma will be worked out in the next life. Goodness begets goodness and evil begets evil.

Samsara Sanskrit word referring to the cycle of reincarnation.

Symbolism in Hinduism

Practices Shrines and temples Singing hymnals, reciting scriptures and chanting mantras.

Temple Worship Temples provide an atmosphere conducive for spiritual progress Centers of social and cultural activities Provide a place for collective worship and prayers

Bindi Help concentration and retain energy Protect against demons or bad luck Traditionally indicated that a woman was married Worn all over South and South East Asia Not only Hindus

Pilgrimages and festivals Holy cities in Hinduism Allahabad, Varanasi Holi Festival of Colors Diwali Festival of Lights Return of Lord Raama after defeating the demon king Ravana – ruler of Lanka

Ganges River Varanasi is considered by some to be the holiest site in Hinduism. On the banks of the Ganges R. Some believe they must bathe in it once in a lifetime Cleanse a persons soul from sins Heal the sick

Traditional Caste System in South Asia The caste system is a type of SOCIAL ORDER in which a person’s occupation and position in life is determined by the circumstances of his/her birth. Traditional Caste System in South Asia

4 Original Levels of the Caste System Brahmans Kshatriyas 4 Original Levels of the Caste System Vaisyas Sudras

Sudras Vaisyas Kshatriyas Brahmans Showing the original caste levels in the pyramid shape symbolizes “status” from highest to lowest, but also represents the the portion of the population fitting into each level. Brahmans Kshatriyas **Remember that this social order is not based on how much $$ you have Vaisyas Sudras Largest % of population Untouchables are NOT a part of the caste system.

Brahmans: priests/ scholars

Kshatriyas: warriors

Vaisyas: farmers and merchants

sudras (artisans and laborers)

Untouchables (dalits)

Vaisyas: Merchants & farmers (most Woods families here) Sudras: laborers Comparisons in the “West” Kshatriyas: Military leaders and politicians. Brahmins: Religious leaders & scholars

Be the change you wish to see in the world. -Mohandas Gandhi Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist in 1948. He died at the age of 79.