Hinduism Considered the worlds oldest religion that is still in existance, Hinduism is the worlds third largest religion, with a billion followers.

What is Hinduism? Hinduism is a combination of ideas and practices. It’s main tenet being the belief in reincarnation (being born over and over again). Hindus believe that living a good life produces “Good Karma” and allows a person to come back as something better.

Where Did Hinduism Come From? Scholars believe that parts of Hinduism are from before 6500 BC. That’s 8,500 years ago!!!

Where is Hinduism Practiced? Why, in India, of course! But even more so in Sri Lanka!

What Makes Hinduism Unique? Unlike other religions, Hinduism is a way of life. It combines beliefs, traditions, & ethics. Hindu’s use yoga and meditation to reach calm, and inner peace, and to shed “Bad Karma.”

Some of the Basics of Hinduism. Hindus believe in truth, honesty, non-violence, cleanliness, prayer, and living a clean life. They do this through meditation, yoga, and treating others with respect.

Reincarnation Reincarnation is the belief that people come back, after death, as someone, or something else. This can be another person, an animal, or even rocks and trees. It is dependant upon the life the person lived, good or bad.

Karma Karma means “action,” or “deeds”. Good karma comes through yoga, meditation, treating others respectfully, and living cleanly. Bad karma comes from treating others with disrespect, and wanting many things. Bad karma can mean you come back in the next life, as an animal, a plant, or even a rock!!!

The Caste System Hindu’s use a social system called “Caste.” There are four levels with the caste system. The fifth group, the “Untouchables” are considered so unclean that they don’t deserve to be in the system. They get all the dirtiest, and undesirable jobs. While the Indian government is trying to stop the abuse of untouchables, it hasn’t happened yet.

Castes, and the Body

Hinduisms Writings Hindus have a number of texts they read. These are mostly written in Sanskrit, like the “Bhagavad Gita”, and the Upanishads”.

Hindu Gods Hindu’s have one supreme Absolute, called “Brahman.” Hindu’s actually have millions of dieties, but worship mainly, just a few. The three main ones are: Brahma – The Creator. Vishnu – The Maintainer and Preserver. Shiva – The Destroyer.

The Hindu Goal The goal of Hindu’s is to follow the right path, lose all earthly desires, and shed all bad karma. This allows them to become one with Brahman, and leave the cycle of reincarnation behind.