Hinduism: Spider Web Organizer History/Origin Religious Beliefs Hinduism Hindu Gods Caste System

Hinduism By accommodating all classes, all intellects, and all personalities, Hinduism became more than just a religion; it established a framework for the uniquely Indian society, in which people of widely varying backgrounds, beliefs, social standing, and education go their own separate ways- together.

Hinduism Originated in India Evolved from native and Aryan polytheistic beliefs Based on myths and teachings Monotheistic: Belief in many gods and goddesses (over 330 million) Belief in reincarnation Connection to the Caste System (Social Classes) Primarily in India

What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions of humanity The religion of the Indian people Gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Tolerance and diversity: "Truth is one, paths are many" Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality A philosophy and a way of life – focused both on this world and beyond

How did Hinduism begin? No particular founder Indus River Valley Civilization >5000 years ago Aryans enter 4000 - 3500 years ago Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: rituals and many gods (polytheism) sacred texts (Vedas); (“truth”) – myths, rituals, chants Social classes called the caste system Vedic Tradition develops into Hinduism

What do Hindus believe? One impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman Brahman manifests as many personal deities True essence of life – The soul (atman), is Brahman trapped in matter Reincarnation – The soul is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime Karma – spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad) Ultimate goal of life – to release the soul and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman

What do Hindus believe? Mythical belief in the sacred cow. It provides milk (nourishment); the skin provides shelter. Hindus do not eat beef. Respect for all life – vegetarian Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. There are three major gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma - supreme being – creator of the universe (not worshipped directly by the masses) Vishnu – the sustainer, the preserver – protects humanity Shiva – the destroyer – destroys the universe so that the cycle may begin again Each god is associated with a sacred animal. The cow, tiger, elephant, and monkey are among the most sacred.

Ganga

Brahman the Universal God Brahma, the creator Shiva, the destroyer Vishnu, the preserver

Who do Hindus worship? Brahma, the creator god Brahma is the spirit, God, and the intelligence that is in every living being. The creator, teaches art, music Note: There are very few pictures and temples of Brahma

Who do Hindus worship? Vishnu, the preserver god Also known as the universal god He preserves all new creations. Luck, fortune, abundance

Vishnu, another form of Krishna (preserver of humans)

Who do Hindus worship? Shiva, god of constructive destruction (the transformer) represents evolution. Shiva destroys so new life can be created. Shown either dancing or meditating (Lord of the Dance). Shiva’s dance symbolizes the rhythm of existence: the never ending process of creation and destruction; birth, life, death, rebirth.

Shiva(n) & and his wife Parvathi (god of death)

All these deities are but manifested forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahma

And we too are manifest forms of God “We are not human beings having spiritual experiences; We are spiritual beings having a human experience!” “That art Thou”

Ancient and Classical India

Hinduism About 80% of Indians are Hindu. Hinduism is a way of life and a set of beliefs. No one single Holy Book – many books called the Vedas Hindus believe the universe has been created and destroyed many times Varna: (social class) or caste system; Varna means color Dharma: the duties of a person according to their varna (social class) According to Hindu belief, every individual must live according or his or her own dharma, or moral duty. All good actions are rewarded and bad deeds punished according to the law of karma. “Follow your dharma – achieve good karma”

Hinduism Your karma in this life determines your form in the next life (higher or lower Varna) Reincarnation – cycle of life and rebirth Goal: Nirvana: to escape this cycle and be reunited with Brahman. Effects of Hinduism on Society: ~ reinforced social hierarchy ~ promoted high ethical standards ~ respect for all living things ~ promotes a vegetarian diet and honors the sacred cow

Social Classes (Varnas) Four “stations” of life (caste) Social Classes (Varnas) Brahmans: priests and scholars Kshatriyas: rulers and warriors Vaisyas: merchant class: common people, merchants, traders Sudras: worker class: unskilled laborers, farmers, servants Pariahs: untouchables, slaves, sick, unclean (harijans) Castes determined by the previous life; a person is born into a caste and cannot move into another. Caste system is a rigid social system that allows for NO social change Occupation, marriage, education, even diet is determined by hereditary caste Promoted social harmony – everyone followed rules of behavior Pariahs are not part of the system and are called untouchables because they are considered dirty. Gandhi called these people, harijans

Social Classes (Varnas) Four “stations” of life (caste) Social Classes (Varnas) Brahmans: priests and scholars Kshatriyas: rulers and warriors Vaisyas: merchant class: common people, merchants, traders Sudras: worker class: unskilled laborers, farmers, servants Pariahs: untouchables, slaves, sick, unclean (harijans) The Indian constitution of 1950 outlawed untouchability and gave the group full citizenship; however, discrimination against untouchables has not been eliminated. Through the years the caste system has weakened somewhat, but continues to be a strong influence in Indian life. Some social distinctions have been abandoned, especially in the cities. Many educated Hindus of different castes intermix and work with one another. Formerly, they would have dined with and would have married only members of their own caste.

A Reflection after the simulation Note: Please write the question for questions 1-4. What do you think are the strong points of the Hindu religion? What are the weak points? Why do you think the caste system is officially outlawed? How does Hinduism impact and shape the culture of India?

Cornell Video Notes: The India Files On your notebook paper, create the following Cornell Notes graphic organizer: Empires Colonialism Salt March Independence Topic Notes

From Colonialism to Independence Characteristics Examples Why? Able to enforce? Effects?

Independence Independence British Colony of India How? How? When?

Early Society in South Asia Indus Valley Civilization centered around twin fortified cities: Harappa & Mohenjo-daro, declined > 2000 BCE Aryans – Indo-European Migrants from the Caspian Sea area arrived - 2000 BCE ~ pastoral nomads, light-skinned, warrior culture ~ clashed with dark-skinned Dravidians (sedentary, agricultural) ~ established a society that was male dominated, dev. Sanskrit language, est. local kingdoms, dev. a social class system, & Hinduism