Hinduism

Origins

Origins Hinduism: a collection of religious beliefs that developed over time cannot be traced back to one founder with a single set of ideas unlike other religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam

Reincarnation Moksha Henotheistic Basic Beliefs

Basic Beliefs Reincarnation (Samsara): the process of an individual soul or spirit being born again until one achieves Moksha Moksha is the goal of a Hindu’s life. It is a state of perfect understanding of all things that is achieved through reincarnation

Basic Beliefs Henotheistic: all gods are part of the Brahman, the Supreme God Some argue that Hinduism is a monotheistic religion because of the belief in the Brahman. Think-Pair-Share: Based on what you know about monotheism and what you just learned about henotheism, why do some people argue that Hinduism could be a monotheistic religion?

Holy Books Vedas Upanishads

Holy Books Vedas: collection of hymns and prayers Upanishads: written discussions between a student and a teacher. They discuss how a person can achieve liberation from desires and suffering and moksha.

Major Gods

Major Gods Brahman: the Supreme God. Remember that all gods are part of Brahman. Continues this cycle of creates, maintains, destroys, and recreates the universe Everything is part of Brahman, including atman (the human soul)

Important Traditions/Customs Karma Caste System Dharma Pilgrimage Important Traditions/Customs

Important Traditions/Customs Karma: the total of good and bad actions that affect one’s placement in their next life. if born as a female, laborer, untouchable, this was probably a result of bad karma Caste System: reinforced by Karma and reincarnation. Your actions (karma) determine what kind of life you would have after reincarnation. good karma = higher caste in next life bad karma = female or lower caste in next life

Important Tradition/Customs Dharma: holy duty or moral responsibility “the right thing to do” Pilgrimage to Ganges to cleanse and purify oneself New Report on Pilgrimage to Ganges

How could the traditions of Karma, the caste system, and Dharma shape the everyday lives of Hindus? Think-Pair-Share

Where is Hinduism today? Mostly stayed in India, some movement to SE Asia Where is Hinduism today?