Review of Basic Beliefs

Basic Beliefs of Hinduism No founder, no single holy text Vedas, Upanishads, epics The three most important gods are: Brahma: the Creator Vishnu: the Preserver Siva: the Destroyer All living things (animals, people, and gods) have souls which are part of one eternal spirit called the Brahman Nerguna.

Basic Beliefs (Continued) Can believe in one OR many gods Worship: Most Hindus worship at home May visit temples/holy sites Self-directed Religious Leaders: Priests or gurus

Brahman Nerguna The Eternal Spirit Brahma The Creator Vishnu The Preserver Siva The Destroyer

The Ramayana Sanskrit epic Ramayana is a main tool used to illustrate the concept of dharma Dharma: good and righteous behavior according to one’s role in society, and the correct performance of one’s role in society in any given situation.

Major lesson of the Ramayana… Good triumphs over evil

Goal of Hindu Life Moksha: The ultimate goal of Hinduism is to break free from the material world and reunite with Brahman Nerguna Self-denial (fasting) Yoga (physical and mental tranquility) Religious Rituals Rejection of Possessions

Key Beliefs Reincarnation: rebirth of the soul Karma: determines the cycle of rebirth based on how a person lives his/her life Hindus practice nonviolence to all living things (ahimsa) Moksha: ultimate reunion with the Brahman Nerguna

The Caste System According to the Rig Veda (holy Hindu text), the world was formed from Purusha as described below: From his mouth came the Brahmins From his arms came the Kshatriyas From his thighs came the Vaisyas From his feet came the Sudras The Untouchables are considered to be entirely separate from the other castes

Type One Writing The story of Purusha does not give the dominance of one varna over another. Based on the details of the story, why do you think certain groups claimed superiority over others?

Caste System Brahmins: religious leaders, philosophers, teachers Kshatriyas: nobles, politicians, police, military Vaisyas: merchants, artisans, farmers Sudras: unskilled laborers, manual laborers, servants Untouchables/Pariahs are considered to be entirely separate from the other castes

Holidays and Festivals Holi: festival of colors and spring Diwali: festival of lights and Laksmi