Major Religions Chapter 3

I. Hinduism World’s oldest major religion 900 million followers Major religion of India today Believe that all living things are connected together through a complex web of life

Followers Bathing in the Ganges River

Looks Clean

A. Origins of Belief Hinduism can not be traced to one founder There is no single set of beliefs Blending of many religious beliefs with 1000s of gods Hinduism believe that there is one main God who created thousands of minor gods

B. Main Hindu Gods Brahma – The creator (Main God) Vishnu – The protector Shiva – The destroyer Main Goal of Hindus – Moksha - Escape the cycle of life and rejoin with Brahma

C. How Hindus Rejoin with Brahma Reincarnation – “Rebirth” – Individual’s soul is reborn again and again until one rejoins with Brahma Dharma – One’s moral duty in life Karma – Good or bad deeds throughout a lifetime Karma keeps a person from accomplishing their Dharma One’s karma determines who they become in the next life

D. Holy Cow Cows are considered a sacred animal in Hinduism Cows provide power, food, and fuel Most Hindus will not eat beef Cows are allowed to freely roam the streets of India

E. Caste System Caste – Social class one is born into for life Hindus are unable to change their caste Many Hindus leave India to escape the caste system. Over time 100s of castes have developed within Hinduism

F. What One’s Caste Determines 1) Where you live 2) What you wear 3) What you eat 4) What you drink 5) Who your friends can be 6) What kind of jobs you can have

G. Classless Untouchables – People outside of the caste system with the most impure jobs (butchers, gravediggers, and street sweepers) 1/4 th of all Hindus are untouchables Seen as punishment for one’s bad karma in a former life

H. Jainism Beliefs similar to Hinduism Believe that everything has a soul and nothing should ever be harmed Wear masks and carry brushes to prevent harming the smallest animal