Hinduism WH C2 PO21

Roots of Hinduism For most of the past 2000 years, Hinduism has been the main religion in India The word Hinduism means “the religion of the people of India” WH C2 PO22

Evolution of Hinduism Born in the Indus River Valley around 2500 B.C., but strengthen around 500 B.C., as Indians adapted to town life and beliefs about began to change No single founder or sacred text; teachers called gurus – Vedas (hymns, poems, epic poems) – Puranas (vast collection of Indian literature about a wide range of topics particularly myths, legends and other traditional lore) Most complex religion in the world -- Why are we born? How should we live? – Countless gods and goddesses – system of rituals, cults, institutions, practices, and doctrines Though believed by many to be a polytheistic religion, the basis of Hinduism is the belief in the unity of everything WH C2 PO23

Beliefs About God Hindus may have different practices but they share a common beliefs about the nature of the soul, and of life and of God the Upanishads (Hindu scriptures) contain two beliefs that are the heart of Hinduism: 1. one supreme cosmic consciousness, spiritual force known as God called Brahman; all gods and goddesses are forms of Brahman 2. every person is born with a soul which is a form of Brahman WH C2 PO24

Brahman “God is one, but wise people know it by many names” – key proverb of Hinduism Brahman – the all-powerful and unchanging spiritual force of the universe Too complex for most to understand so they worship a variety of gods that give a form to it. WH C2 PO25

Beliefs About God Hindus may have different practices but they share a common beliefs about the nature of the soul, and of life and of God The Upanishads (Hindu scriptures) contain two beliefs that are the heart of Hinduism: 1. one supreme cosmic consciousness, spiritual force known as God called Brahman; all gods and goddesses are forms of Brahman 2. every person is born with a soul which is a form of Brahman WH C2 PO26

Main Hindu Gods Brahma – the creator Vishnu – the Preserver Shiva – the destroyer WH C2 PO27 Brahma Vishnu Shiva

Beliefs About Life The Upanishads (Hindu scriptures) teach important Hindu beliefs about life When people die, most will undergo reincarnation Hindus have four goals, but not everyone will achieve all these goals in one lifetime. The goals are: 1. dharma—doing what is right or your duty, including the rule of ahimsa avoiding doing harm to any living thing; following dharma brings good karma; violating dharma results in bad karma 2. striving for wellbeing or earning a livelihood with dignity 3. experiencing pleasure but seeking nothing but pleasure leaves one feeling empty 4. moksha or liberation from reincarnation WH C2 PO28

Hinduism The purpose of life is to realize that we are part of God and by doing so we can leave this plane of existence and rejoin with God – Achieved by the cycle of birth, life and death One's progress towards enlightenment is measured by his karma. This is the accumulation of all one's good and bad deeds. WH C2 PO29

Reincarnation Your karma determines what form you take in your next life. Selfless acts and thoughts as well as devotion to God help one to be reborn at a higher level. Bad acts and thoughts will cause one to be born at a lower level – animal or object Moksha is freedom from suffering of cycle of death and rebirth WH C2 PO210

Dharma The religious and moral duties of an individual. Your duty varies according to class, occupation, gender, or age. Karma & Dharma insure the social order by supporting the caste system WH C2 PO211

Caste System consists of four major social categories: – Brahmin highest rank and act as the priests and spiritual and intellectual leaders of Hindu society – Kshatriya the rulers and warriors who protect and promote the material well- being of society – Vaishya farmers, merchants, and others who contribute to the economy – Sudra the workers and servants who supply the menial labor for the upper three ranks. Another class, the "untouchables” Excluded from all aspects of society! WH C2 PO212

WH C2 PO213 Brahmins— thinkers/knowers Ksatriya—doers Vaisya—provide food for the belly Sudra—do the work

Effects of Caste System Limited freedom and rights—born into class (varnas) and acceptance of fixed place in society Limits jobs—born into occupation Rigid, hereditary membership into birth caste Marriage only among member of same caste Personal contact with other castes restricted Untouchables (dalits)—had to do undesirable (dirty) jobs and could never be near other classes (varnas) System organized the people and gave social order Gave stability to society Part of Hindu religion Higher classes privileged from birth Higher classes had lots of opportunities, became wealthy Job and skill specialization Members of a caste relied on each other for support WH C2 PO214

Ahimsa Key moral principle of Hinduism Means non-violence All people and things are aspect of Brahman and should be respected. – Cows worshipped by some in India WH C2 PO215

Jainism Extreme form of Hinduism Emphasizes meditation, self-denial, ahimsa To avoid killing anything – carry a broom to sweep in front of their feet WH C2 PO216