Hindu Beliefs and Practices Ahimsa - Because all forms of animal life possess souls, Hindus believe in ahimsa, or that all life is __________ and should not be ________________. In fact, one Hindus consider the cow to be extremely sacred. Dharma – _______________ of caste Karma – accumulation of _____________________ during life; When moral code followed endless cycle of birth, death, reincarnation ends Samsara – The endless cycle of _______________________ Moksha – release from _____________________ unity of ____________ with Brahman sacred harmed Duties good/bad deeds death and rebirth (wheel of life) cycle of death/rebirth atman

How can Hindus achieve Moksha?

A Goddess Reincarnated? BIHIR, INDIA–A girl born with a full extra set of limbs was believed by some to be the reincarnation of the many-limbed Hindu goddess Lakshmi for whom the child is named.

Achieving Moksha Try Yoga and Meditation + = Atman Brahman Moksha Piece of Universal Soul in individuals Brahman The Universal Soul and Creator Moksha Goal: Release from the cycle of samara Try Yoga and Meditation

Achieving Moksha Study with a Guru! A guru is a religious teacher or guide who can help you achieve Moksha

The Beliefs of Hinduism support the the Caste System! Karma: lower castes have bad karma from a previous lifetime Darma: fulfill your caste duties and you’ll acquire good karma Samsara: you can be reincarnated into a higher caste

The Ultimate Reality--creator Hindu God… BRAHMA The Ultimate Reality--creator

Hindu God ... VISHNU! The Protector

The Destroyer and Restorer Hindu God… SHIVA! The Destroyer and Restorer

All three gods make up… the trinity!

Lesser Gods

The Bahgavad Gita Vishnu Krishna Arjuna

Other Hindu Facts! Women sometimes wear a bindi, or dot, on their foreheads. Traditionally, a red dot symbolizes marriage.

Once every 12 years, up to 10 million people share in The Sacred Ganges Once every 12 years, up to 10 million people share in ritual bathing at the Kumbha Mela festival at Allahabad where the waters of the Ganges River meet the Yamuna River. Hindus from all walks of life gather there for ritual bathing, believing that their sins will be washed away.

Other Hindu Facts! THERE ARE 900 MILLION HINDUS WORLDWIDE… NOW, THAT’S A LOT OF HINDUS!