1. HINDUISM Oldest (~3000BCE)
The symbol Om or Aum, is the symbol for Hinduism. It represents Brahmin, or God. Hindus repeat the word Om in order to transcend their individual thoughts and merge with God.

3. 1. Name of people and # who belong
USA = ~ 2 million
Hindus
Mainly found in India
~ 900 million

4. Where Hindus live in the world.

5. Where Hindus have migrated to in the world.

6. 2. Gods they worship p. 24 & 25
Polytheistic = many gods in different forms
God exists everywhere in many forms (p. 24)
Trinity
Brahma = creator
Shiva = destroyer
Vishnu = preserver
Pictures & explanations to follow…

7. Brahma is considered the mystical creator, the supreme presence, or God. His four faces stand for the four corners of the universe. He holds a sacrificial ladle, the four Vedas, a jar of holy water from the Ganges, and a necklace of prayer beads. Like all Hindu gods, he sits upon a lotus throne.

8. Shiva is the destroyer or purifier
Shiva is the destroyer or purifier. Shiva is called the Lord of the Dance and appears in different forms throughout Hindu legends. He dances in a halo of fire, representing the cycle of birth and death. He dances and crushes the dwarf, the demon of ignorance. In his right hand, he keeps rhythm beating a drum, while in his left hand he holds the flame of destruction, purification, and renewal. His other hands are in a position of blessing or refuge. Around his arms and neck he wears deadly snakes that symbolize his power over evil forces and fertility.

9. Vishnu is called the preserver and is one of the greatest gods
Vishnu is called the preserver and is one of the greatest gods. His role is to maintain a balance between good and evil powers in the universe. In order to do this, Vishnu returns to earth in different forms, both animal and human.
There are 10 incarnations of Vishnu:
Matsya (fish) Kurma (tortoise)
Varah (boar) Narasimha (man-lion)
Vamana (dwarf) Parashurama (Rama w/ ax)
Prince Rama Krishna (young hero)
The Buddha Kalki

10. GANESHA is a popular god because it is seen to be the remover of obstacles.

11. 3. Place of worship
Temple = mandir
Shrine at home

12. Hindu Symbols
Swastika: ancient symbol of good fortune and protection, symbol of Vishnu, eternal wheel of life which rotates upon and unchanging center, God. This marking is believed to protect Hindus from evil spirits and natural disasters.

13. Lotus: symbolizes birth of the universe, manifesting itself in glory, symbol of the sun that rises in the navel of Vishnu.
Cow: symbol of life, used in rituals, don’t eat beef, cows wander and are not harmed in India.

14. 4. Holy scriptures p. 24
The Vedas are writings that contain hymns, poems, rituals, and religious reflections.
These were written by Aryan Brahmins in Sanskirt.
Epics/stories to teach lessons
Often teach stories using comic book form/movies.

15. 5. How and when the religion began
Aryan invaders mix with people and cultures from the Indus River Valley, Persia, and Central Asia. This blending of ideas and practices created this religion called Hinduism. (handout story/p. 25)
Believed to be the OLDEST RELIGION…several hundred years before JUDAISM.

16. 6. Doctrine of Salvation
The goal is to break out of the reincarnation cycle and for your soul to become part of Brahman and spend eternity in Moksha.
This is done by good works!

17. 9. Beliefs & Code of Conduct
Worship Brahman through many gods & goddesses
Dharma = life’s duties/morals ****
Karma = cause and effect relationship in life *
Samsara = reincarnation* meaning the soul is reborn until achieves perfection & goes to moksha
Moksha = “heaven” the end of reincarnation cycle when soul reaches eternal happiness
Varna = caste system…a way of dividing people into social groups ( p. 23)

19. India won independence because of him in 1947
Mohandas Gandhi ( )
“Father of modern day India”
Led a struggle for independence with nonviolent protests to British rule: fasts, peaceful protest marches, boycotts
India won independence because of him in 1947
Assassinated 1948 by a
Hindu extremist

20. 7. Holidays practiced (pictures next slide)
Celebrations of gods/goddesses and what they are known for doing.
Holi = spring harvest
Honors god Krishna…colored water fights in the street
Diwali = Good & Evil
Welcomes goddess Lakshmi (wealth & good fortune) decorate home with lights, clean house, puja, celebration foods, lasts several days
Mahasivratiri = god creates & recreates
Honors god Shiva with fasting and feast
Raksha Bandhan = sacred thread renewed/ bond of protection
Promise of protection & respect, bracelet girls give to boys

23. 8. Rituals Practiced Astrology Family shrines/prayers & puja
Vegetarians
Cows sacred
Meditation & yoga
FIRE is often used in rituals
Pilgrimage to Ganges River (p. 26)
Birth prayers, haircut, and offering
Sacred Thread Ceremony
Arranged marriages
Death & cremation