2. IN 1500 BCE, groups from Central Asia or Europe known as the Aryans came in to the Indus valley and brought with them their religion that was combined with that of the people who were there before. Their philosophy and rituals were written in texts called the vedas. These are considered the earliest Hindu scriptures Made gods of all the elements one of them being fire, which they called Agni, and Vayu was the name of the god of wind and air EARLIEST KNOWN….

3. The second phase of the evolution of Hinduism began with the sacred writings known as the Upanishads (which means to “sit before a teacher”) They are teachings on the meanings of the Vedas It marks the beginning of a new focus. No longer did they focus on the gods of nature but on an inner focus. It focused on the sacred truth behind all appearances, the one reality…. BRAHMAN UPANISHADS

4. Samsara: The endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth Karma Our actions govern the cycle of death and rebirth Dharma The law of right action in any lifetime (our duty or path) Moksha Liberation from samsara and the illusion (Maya) of this world FOUR KEY CONCEPTS OF HUMAN NATURE

5. Atman Is the Hindu equivalent of our soul. It is the only REAL part of us. Therefore it is the connection to Brahman. In fact it is Brahman since Brahman is the only reality. Hindus describe Brahman as “Neti, Neti” Meaning: Not this, not this BRAHMAN IS ATMAN ATMAN IS BRAHMAN

6. Brahma The creator of the universe Has four faces and is seated on a lotus Holds a book, a rosary and a gourd His female counterpart is Saraswati Goddess of learning and the arts She holds a book and a musical instrument Sits on a peacock or swan GODS THE TRIAD

7. Vishnu The preserver of the universe A loving and forgiving figure Has four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a lotus and a mace He rides on an eagle Has many avatars His companion is Lakshmi Goddess of wealth and happiness Holds gold coins Often surrounded by elephants TRIAD CONTINUED

8. Shiva The destroyer god He holds a trident, a rosary and a gourd in his hands He rides a bull He is also depicted as the god of the dance called Nataraj Who holds a drum, serpent and a sacred fire in his hands while performing the dance of creation Holds water from the river Ganges in his hair TRIAD CONTINUED….

9. Shiva’s wife is Known by many names. The one we need to know is “The Black One”, the destroyer or Kali! SHIVA’S COMPLICATED WIFE

10. Ganesha: is the son of Shiva and Parvati He has the head of an elephant with only one tusk His other tusk is used as a pen for writing wise sayings from scriptures He is the remover of all obstacles OTHER GODS

11. He is the monkey god A model of devotion and everyone’s protector HANUMAN

12. Avatars Incarnations of gods The two most important avatars of Vishnu are Rama and Krishna AVATARS

13. Ramayana Written around 1500 CE Contains 24000 verses and is the story of Rama Rama’s wife Sita is abducted by Ravana Rama beats Ravana in battle with the help of Hanuman And he and his wife live happily ever after IMPORTANT POEMS

14. Mahabharata The longest poem in the world at 100 000 verses Probably compiled between 400 BCE and 400 CE It is the story of the Pandavas (the good guys) And the Kauravas (the bad guys) In the end the good guys win and rule for many years POEMS CONTINUED

15. A very important component of the Mahabharata Is considered by some to be the Hindu Bible Is in the form of a dialogue between Krishna and his friend Arjuna BHAGAVAD-GITA

16. One The Path of Devotion A simple path which involves Devotion to a personal deity Puja: Acts of worship paid to a god or goddess PATHS TO SALVATION

17. Two Path of Action To do good deeds, to follow one’s dharma To live in harmony with the Eternal Dharma or design of things It is from this path that the caste system gets its strong following PATHS…..

18. Three Path of Wisdom This is a much more difficult path that is for those who like philosophy Followers learn about the relationship between the Brahman and atman And the nature of the universe PATHS…..

19. Four The Path of Meditation What is involved here is meditation and deep contemplation on Brahman Leads to a trance-like state If one can get in to this state they can acquire knowledge of the Truth They can become one with Brahman PATHS…..

20. The organization of Hindu society into four groups, each with its own duties and expectations. One enters a particular caste system based on how well they followed their dharma in their previous life. Although this system of “class structure” has been outlawed in India it still exists today. Each person is born into a certain caste and MUST live as that caste. Different castes are not allowed to dine together, or marry each other. THE CASTE SYSTEM

21. 1.Brahmins: they are the priestly caste. They are well educated and considered the highest caste. They are the Hindu intellectuals. 2.Warrior Class: They are also the political leaders and police. They are courageous, and strong in governing 3.Merchants and Farmers: They are also the entrepreneurs of the society (in modern day, the middle class) 4.Servants:. They must serve the top three above. 5.Untouchables (or Outcastes): Because of their jobs they are considered so low, you do not associate with them at all. They often times are the poorest of the poor. Gandhi called them Harijans (children of God) CASTE SYSTEM CONTINUED

22. 1.Student: Duty is to gain knowledge, learn rules and rituals of Hinduism and show respect for elders 2.Householder: Time to get married, have children and provide for one’s family. Also, must give to those in need and practice faith 3.Forest Dweller: This stage is traditionally marked by the birth of the first grandchild. The person at this stage, goes on a spiritual quest, leaving behind all worldly bonds 4.Sannyasin (or ascetic): this stage is for those forest dwellers who are able to enter society again but detached from all that is normal life. They even give up their names and their past. If a person can reach this level, they are often called Mahatma (meaning great soul). It is only from this level that one can achieve Moksha after death. THE FOUR HINDU STAGES OF LIFE

23. 1.Kama: Sensual pleasure. This is seen as a good not a bad, but it is the lowest goal and a true sign one is not prepared for a “higher” life let alone Moksha. One is truly caught up in the illusion of the world. 2.Artha: Material Success. This is the desire for power and praise from others. At this stage there is the need to be the boss, to be popular, to be “rich and famous”. Again, this is seen as fine but a lower goal. It is higher than Kama because it is a little less self centred but again shows an attachment to the illusion. 3.Dharma: To conduct one’s duty with compassion toward all beings. A higher goal because of the true concern for others. There is a starting to understand the “silliness” of being concerned with self…..illusion 4.Moksha: To want to achieve liberation from the world that is Maya (illusion) THE FOUR GOALS OF LIFE

24. Traditionally a woman’s role was to follow her husband (her dharma is to be obedient to her husband and follow his lead). Divorce is frowned upon. An ancient practice was Sati: where a wife’s responsibility was to jump on the funeral pyre of her husband’s This pratice has been outlawed for close to 100 years in India but there are still examples of it taking place in some of the small villages from time to time WOMEN IN HINDUISM

25. Hindus see the cow as “a manifestation of all that is good and precious” They have put the cow in a place of importance for the following reasons; 1.Milk 2.Transportation 3.Farming 4.Many uses of manure HOLY COW

26. Diwali (or Divali): The Hindu festival of lights is the religion’s most popular holiday. Celebrated over five days at the end of October or the beginning of November. Hindus set off fireworks, decorate their houses with lights, give gifts and wear new clothes to celebrate the triumph of good and knowledge over the dark forces of evil and ignorance. FESTIVALS

27. Holi It is a spring festival that takes place sometime in March Hindus of all ages join in the merriment of squirting coloured water on friends and family members. They eat sweets and pretend to be of another caste FESTIVALS CONTINUED

28. Marriages in Hinduism are arranged. Parents of the two (potential bride and groom) check to see they are compatible socially (same caste), culturally and financially. The ceremony last approximately three hours. MARRIAGES

29. When a person dies, the body is cremated and traditionally on the river bank of the Ganges The name of the Rama is chanted and holy songs are sung. The family takes the ashes and scatters them in the river. FUNERALS

30. WHAT IS THIS A PAINTING OF?

31. Guru Mantra Om Puja Yoga VOCABULARY