Hinduism

Beginnings Aboriginal – pre 6000 B.C. Dravidian Aryan (Indo-Europeans)

I. Hinduism A.General Characteristics 1. mix of Aryan & Dravidian beliefs 2. no single founder 3. monotheistic (brahman) or polytheistic?

B. Vocabulary Brahman: the universal spirit dharma: code of conduct karma: the idea that one’s deeds will have an effect on this or the next life samsara: reincarnation or the cycle of the soul’s birth and rebirth

moksha: release from samsara (salvation) atman: the soul of the individual puja: daily worship of one or more of the goddesses; one invites the god with offerings and prayers

Hindu Trinity: Cyclical concept of Time Preservation (Life) Destruction (Death) Recreation (Rebirth) Creation (Birth) Brahma – the Creator Vishnu – the Preserver Of Balance in the Universe Shiva – the Destructor Who facilitates rejuvenation

Brahman Creator Part of Hindu Trinity

Vishnu Preservation Operator Part of Hindu Trinity

Shiva Destroyer Part of the Hindu Trinity

Ganesha Elephant headed diety Worshipped at the start of new tasks Not part of Hindu trinity

Temples

Secular and Religious Art

D. Religious Texts 1.Vedas 2.Upanishads: a dialogue between a sage and student; introduced samsara (900 BC) 3.Mahabarata: story of 2 warring families and how the gods interacted