1. Chapter 4: Ancient India and China
Section 2 – Hinduism
OM Chant
Hindu Om (Aum) represents the Supreme Being, Brahman, and embodies the essence of the entire universe

2. Section 2 – Hinduism Main Idea
The religion of Hinduism developed and evolved over a long time in India, giving rise to a variety of beliefs and practices and to other religions, including Jainism.
Objectives
What basic teachings do most Hindus share?
What are the sacred texts and religious practices of Hinduism?
What are the teachings of Jainism?

3. I. Basic Teachings of Hinduism
Hinduism evolved over thousands of years; influenced by many cultures and traditions

4. A. Brahman
Hindus believe in Brahman, an eternal, all-encompassing being
The Supreme Cosmic Spirit or Absolute Reality called Brahman is believed to be eternal, genderless, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and ultimately indescribable in human language.

5. A. Brahman
Everyone has atman, an aspect of Brahman that shapes personality and cannot be destroyed

6. A. Brahman
Devas - manifestations of Brahman; help maintain order in nature

7. A. Brahman Three devas have great influence - Brahma, Vishnu, Siva
The Trimurti: Supreme Triad consisting of three great gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. This Triad represents all aspects of the Supreme Being: Creation, Preservation, Destruction

8. B. Rebirth and Salvation
Hindus believe everything is part of a continual pattern of birth, death, and rebirth

9. B. Rebirth and Salvation
After death, atman is released/reborn in a process called reincarnation, or samsara

10. B. Rebirth and Salvation
New life shaped by karma:
good karma = better life
bad karma = lower station in life

11. B. Rebirth and Salvation
Moksha = escape from cycle of rebirth, the goal of existence; atman reunites with Brahman

12. B. Rebirth and Salvation
Moksha achieved by fulfilling dharma, creating good karma, and breaking free from cycle of rebirth
10 Rules of Dharma in Hinduism
Patience
Control of one’s senses
Forgiveness
Reason
Piety
Knowledge
Honesty
Truthfulness
Sanctity
Absence of anger

13. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
Hinduism evolved from sacred writings produced over centuries

14. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
Three categories of sacred texts:
- Vedas, the core of Hinduism
- Writings inspired by Vedas
- Sacred epics

15. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
Vedas - hymns of praise, earliest sacred texts; revealed to humans by Brahman
The Vedas are the recordings of sages to whom the mantras were revealed. They proclaim the transcendental Truth, which is not changed by time or place.

16. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
Upanishads - written explanations of the Vedic religion

17. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
Ramayana - epic poem of Rama and Sita; became role models for men and women

18. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
The Mahabharata tells of a great battle between sibling clans
Lord Krishna holding a chariot wheel as he rushes towards Bhishma in the Battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is begging him not to break his oath of not wielding arms during the war.

19. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
The last 18 chapters make up the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous of Hindu scriptures
The Bhagavad Gita ("Song of God") is revered as one of the sacred and highly esteemed scriptures of Hinduism. The content of the Gita is the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra war. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and also as a practical guide to life.

20. II. Sacred Texts and Practices
Religious practices include worship, meditation, and pilgrimages
Practicing Yoga
Pilgrim bathers at the sacred Ganges River

21. III. Jainism
ca. 500 BC – a group of Hindus, led by teacher Mahavira, founded Jainism

22. III. Jainism
Thought ritual unnecessary; could achieve moksha by giving up worldly things, controlling actions, and practicing ahimsa

23. III. Jainism
Jains tell only the truth, avoid stealing, and eliminate negative acts which prevent moksha

25. Ganesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival, is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.

26. Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity (both material and spiritual)

27. Lakshmi Tatma - Then and Now