1. Central Beliefs
Hinduism

2. Dharma and Karma Dharma Station or duty in life Karma
Actions produce effects of nature

3. Spiritual Goal Moksha-“spiritual goal” in Sanskrit
Released from the bonds of transmigration
Will not occur with bad karma
Attachment to worldly goods
Highest purpose in life

4. Caste System What is the caste system?
Hereditary division of Indian society based on occupation

5. The Caste System

6. Brahmins
Priests
Philosophers
Specialize in
spirit

7. Kshatriya
Ruler
Warrior
Landowner

8. Kshatriyas
Rajput Landowner This Rajput landowner is harvesting his crops. 
He is a member of the caste Kshatriyas, which is right below the Brahmins.
He is important to the community because he is the main source of food. 
He also is a protector.

9. Vaishyas
Economic specialists
Merchants

10. Vaishya The Fruit Merchant is part of the Vaishya caste.
The Vaishya caste are shopkeepers and sell products, unlike the Shudra who sell services.

11. Shudra
Artisans
Agriculturalists

12. Shudra
Goala - Herdsmen Goala are a very important part of the Shudra caste. 
Within the caste of Shudra there are many different groups. 
Each one of these groups performs a service. 
Their specific service is a birthright and is somewhat similar to unions in the U.S. 
The role that they play is respected because they deal with the cows which are considered sacred.

13. Shudra Dhobi - Washermen
They wash the clothing for all the different caste levels. 
Without the Dhobi, everyone would walk around with dirty stinky cloths.

14. “Outside" the caste system Once known as the untouchables
Harijan
(Children of God)
“Outside" the caste system
Once known as the untouchables

15. Harijan Musicians In India musicians are part of the lowest caste.
They are Harijans (god's children) which used to be known as untouchables. 
Though their music is enjoyed by many, the act of playing some of these instruments is considered to be unclean. 
The saliva that is being blown into the horns is thought to be very unhygienic, therefore not fit for people in higher castes to play these instruments.

16. Hindu Music

17. Reincarnation Transmigration/rebirth “Attman”-self (Sanskrit)
Eternal core of personality that survives after death
Headed for a new life
Released from existence
Animal or some life form
Birth as human is precious and rare
Ultimate goal is liberation; merging with Brahman (spirit)
“Being” itself is a concept thought of being a high god
Become one with the being
Born into suffering because you do not get this connection

18. The Sacred Cow