1. HINDUISM

2. Founding of the Religion  No single founder  Made from a beliefs collected over thousands of years.  Vedic scriptures (Vedas): considered revealed knowledge, “that which is heard”  In these scriptures are information on origins of God, the presence of the atman, meditation, praying, hymns, and religious rituals.

3. The Caste System  Socio-religious hierarchy called varna or caste  Four castes (social classes)  1. Brahman = priests  2. Kshatriya = warriors, leaders, and administrators  3. Vaishya = merchants, traders, farmers, and craftsmen  4. Shudra = servants

5.  Untouchables = a lower category besides those in the caste system

6.  One supreme being (Brahman) in various forms that relate to the different functions served as a God.  Omnipresent- always present everywhere and in all living things.  Can be represented in a male or female form

7. 3 Main Deities (Trinity)  1) Brahma- creator of the universe, what all living things evolved from  2) Vishnu- preserver of the universe, protects the world from evil, and represents mercy and goodness.  3) Shiva- destruction and reproductive power.

12. Wheel of Samsara  Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth  Soul= atman  Goal is to live a life so the atman can be released from Samsara and reach the state of maksha (when the atman is united with God)  Do this by keeping good karma (thoughts and actions have results that correspond to them) and fulfilling their dharma (duties)

13. Four Goals  Moksha- liberations, feedom  Dharma- duty (responsible acceptance of one’s social station and its results)  Artha- wealth  Kama- pleasures of all kinds

14. Ahisma  No injury to any life form  So no violence and they are vegetarians

15.  Prayer= State of meditation, Yoga  can worship at a mandir (temple) or at their own shine inside their home to whatever deity they find most important in their life.

16. Cows  they are to be treated with the same respect 'as one's mother' because of the milk they provide  Bulls in particular are seen as a symbolic emblem of selfless duty and religion

18. Divali  Festival of lights  To celebrate the Hindu new year (during October/November  Time to start again  Try to fix arguments, put aside differences