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? A)Aryans (light skinned nomads) invaded Northern India in 1500 BCE. Their beliefs combined with those of the people by the Indus River, which led to the beginning of Hinduism. *There was no single founder.

II Hindu Beliefs A)Hindus believe in Brahma, a supreme being. Brahma, the one god, can take different forms. Hinduism is a monotheistic religion, as they believe in only one god. *Be aware that the Regents still considers it to be polytheistic. Yes, the Regents can be wrong!

All these deities are different forms of Brahma, the one Hindu god.

Hindu beliefs continued… B) After death, our soul is reincarnated into a new earthly body. Who or what you come back as depends on your karma.

Hindu beliefs continued… C) Your actions in this life will determine your karma. If you have good karma, your next life will be better than this one; you will move up the caste system. If you have bad karma, your next life will be worse than this one and you will move down the caste system. The caste system is a hierarchical (ordered) system. You are born into your caste. You are supposed to accept your place in the caste system, as Hindus believe you deserve it based on your karma from your past life. D) The goal of Hinduism is moksha, the escape from the cycle of reincarnation.

Why is the strange reptilian creature worried about his karma? Why do you think many Hindus are vegetarians? The caste system has been illegal in India since Unfortunately many people of the lower castes are still discriminated against.

Can You Tell the Brahmin from the Untouchable?

Hindu Beliefs Continued… E) Cows are sacred animals, which is why Hindus do not eat beef.

III Sacred Hindu Texts A)The Vedas “Books of Knowledge” are the most sacred Hindu texts, written in Sanskrit (an ancient language of India). The Rig Veda is one of the oldest surviving texts in the world! (circa 1500 BCE) “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

Sacred Hindu Texts Continued… B) The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are both sacred Hindu epic poems. The Mahabharata has more than 100,000 verses and may be the longest epic poem in the world! It explains the important goals of a human in his or her mortal life. The Ramayana explains Hindu beliefs on life and death, and good vs. evil. In the end, good and truth will triumph. Epic poems are verrrry long poems.

IV Hindu Symbols A) The ohm represents Brahma. B) The swastika is a Hindu symbol of peace. The Nazis used this symbol and twisted its meaning. C) A mandala is a sacred shape to Hindus. The square symbolizes the earth, while the circle symbolizes the heavens.

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

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, as well as at shrines. Temples are built in the sacred shape of the mandala.

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

Hindu practices continued… C) Hindus consider the Ganges river to be sacred. Many Hindu rituals are performed in or near the river.

Hindu practices continued… D) Indian brides wear red as it symbolizes life.

VI Hindu Holidays A) Diwali is the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, and of knowledge over ignorance.

Hindu Holidays Continued… B) Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu celebration of spring. Holi is a Spring festival of color.

Spread of Hinduism

Summary List any 5 facts about Hinduism. Which fact do I find the most interesting and why?

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