1. Hinduism

2. Origins

3. Origins
Hinduism: a collection of religious beliefs that developed over time
cannot be traced back to one founder with a single set of ideas
unlike other religions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam

4. Reincarnation
Moksha
Henotheistic
Basic Beliefs

5. Basic Beliefs
Reincarnation (Samsara): the process of an individual soul or spirit being born again until one achieves Moksha
Moksha is the goal of a Hindu’s life. It is a state of perfect understanding of all things that is achieved through reincarnation

6. Basic Beliefs
Henotheistic: all gods are part of the Brahman, the Supreme God
Some argue that Hinduism is a monotheistic religion because of the belief in the Brahman.
Think-Pair-Share: Based on what you know about monotheism and what you just learned about henotheism, why do some people argue that Hinduism could be a monotheistic religion?

7. Holy Books
Vedas
Upanishads

8. Holy Books Vedas: collection of hymns and prayers
Upanishads: written discussions between a student and a teacher. They discuss how a person can achieve liberation from desires and suffering and moksha.

9. Major Gods

10. Major Gods
Brahman: the Supreme God. Remember that all gods are part of Brahman.
Continues this cycle of creates, maintains, destroys, and recreates the universe
Everything is part of Brahman, including atman (the human soul)

11. Important Traditions/Customs
Karma
Caste System
Dharma
Pilgrimage
Important Traditions/Customs

12. Important Traditions/Customs
Karma: the total of good and bad actions that affect one’s placement in their next life.
if born as a female, laborer, untouchable, this was probably a result of bad karma
Caste System: reinforced by Karma and reincarnation. Your actions (karma) determine what kind of life you would have after reincarnation.
good karma = higher caste in next life
bad karma = female or lower caste in next life

14. Important Tradition/Customs
Dharma: holy duty or moral responsibility “the right thing to do”
Pilgrimage to Ganges to cleanse and purify oneself
New Report on Pilgrimage to Ganges

15. How could the traditions of Karma, the caste system, and Dharma shape the everyday lives of Hindus?
Think-Pair-Share

16. Where is Hinduism today?
Mostly stayed in India, some movement to SE Asia
Where is Hinduism today?