Hinduism The many avatars of Vishnu http://www.calebwilde.com/2011/05/seeing-ourselves-in-hinduism/

Hinduism is more like an encompassing way of life, then a religion. Hinduism has grown to become the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 950 million followers -- about 14% of the world's population. 2 It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Hindu sacred texts are perhaps the most ancient religious texts still surviving today The primary sacred texts of Hinduism are the Vedas: The Vedas contain hymns,, and rituals from ancient India Important text/stories are the Ramayana & the Mahabharata (Gita) Vedas

Srimad Valmiki Ramayana is an epic poem of India which narrates the journey ... astrovalley.com

The Lords Song; Sorrow of Arjuna and Lord Krishna! Arjuna and the Lords Song

Vishnu, (Krishna) the Preserver. Trinity of Gods Brahma the Creator Vishnu, (Krishna) the Preserver. Shiva, the Destroyer Brahman* The power behind and within the cosmos that makes it function and live. Whenever dharma (eternal order, righteousness, religion, law and duty) is threatened, Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of ten incarnations. There are thousands of Gods in Hinduism, but all are part of one universal spirit- considered to be a monotheistic religion. Sabbathconvenant.com

Vishnu & his incarnations/Avatar Boar- 3rd Buddha- 9th Turtle- 2nd Vishnu & his incarnations/Avatar Whenever dharma (righteousness, religion, law and duty) is threatened, Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of ten incarnations. Most of the time, good and evil forces are evenly matched in the world. But at times, the balance is destroyed and evil demons get the upper hand. Often in response to a request by the other gods, Vishnu then incarnates in a human form to set the balance right again. When an incarnation comes down in life form it is called an avatar.

Goals of Hinduism The main goal is : moksa: break the cycle of reincarnation. This is considered the supreme goal of mankind. dharma: righteousness in their religious life. This is the most important of the three. Duties or obligation; which change depending on your age (student, parent, elder) Karma- every deed (action) in this life affects your fate in the next life. Reincarnation, determined by karma, reincarnation as animal, plant or human. If you do your Dharma, you will get good Karma and will be reincarnated into a higher life.

River Ganges & Varanasi Shiva makes his home in Varanasi & grants enlightenment there. Sacred act to take a pilgrimage to city. Wash away sins, remember ancestors etc. Many come here to die & get cremated near the river. River Ganges & Varanasi

Holidays and Festivals Of the annual festivals, the two-day rites of Holi mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time of fun, joy, and hope for nature's rebirth. In late summer, Krishna's birthday is celebrated at the Janmashtami. Shortly afterwards, Ganesha is honored with the festival of Ganesh Charurti.

Hindu Temples Visit temples any time, Puja (worship) happens any time of the day. Bells announce a worshipers, incense is burnt, flowers or candy offered. Many Hindus have area’s of worship in there homes to their favorite god. Idols represent gods in temples, awaken gods with bells, wash and dress for special occasions. Gopuram (tower) of Hindu temple Depositphotos.com

Caste System Social System brought by the Aryans Exist throughout history in the sub continent. The System becomes illegal when India becomes Independent in 1947. Separate Notes for the Caste System

Yoga Meditation is often practiced, with Yoga being the most common The priesthood is less important in rural Hinduism: non-Brahmins and non-priests often carry out ritual and prayer there. No founder, no formal organization, no Pope/ leader. Yoga