1. Hinduism

2. What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions of humanity
Began in India
Gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism
A philosophy and a way of life – focused both on this world and beyond

3. How did Hinduism begin?
No particular founder or holy book, instead early Vedic tradition evolved into Hinduism.
Vedic tradition is based on a group of sacred texts known as the Vedas.

4. Controversy over the Vedas
Historians are currently debating the origins of Vedic tradition. The two main theories are:
The Vedas were brought by the Aryans, who some historians believe entered India years ago
The Vedas were developed by Ancient Indian people of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa

5. What are the Sacred Texts?
Shruti (“heard”) – philosophical texts that state the basic principles of Hinduism
Vedas
Upanishads
Smriti (“remembered”) –apply the principles of the Shruti to daily life
Ramayana
Mahabharata (includes Bhagavad-Gita)
Both shruti and smriti were originally told orally before being written down

6. What do Hindus believe?
There is one impersonal life spirit Brahman that is manifested as many different gods and goddesses
Every person, plant, and animal has a true essence or soul, called Atman, which is part of Brahman

7. Who do Hindus worship? – the major Hindu gods
Brahma, the creator god

8. Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon
Vishnu, the preserver god
(appears in ten different forms)

9. Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu Pantheon
Shiva, the Destroyer
Often shown with his wife, Shakti, and son Ganesha

10. All these gods and goddesses are different forms of Brahman

11. The Cycle of Life and Death
Reincarnation – Atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime.
Ultimate goal of life is Moksha, releasing Atman and become one with Brahman. Reaching moksha means escaping the cycle of reincarnation.
Karma – actions that affect one’s fate in the future.

12. How do Hindus reach Moksha?
People earn good karma by doing their dharma (religious and moral duties)
If you earn good karma, you can be reborn as a higher life form or in a higher caste, and eventually reach moksha.
If you earn bad karma, you will be reborn as a lower life form or in a lower caste.

13. Each group has specific duties, or dharma.
The Caste System
Each group has specific duties, or dharma.

14. Hindu Nonviolence Ahisma is the Hindu word for nonviolence.
All things and people have aspects of Brahman and should be respected.
Most Hindus are vegetarians.

15. Adapted from…
“What is Hinduism?”
by Laura Ellen Shulman