1. Hinduism

3. Hindu Basics 3 rd largest religion in the world –837 million adherents –13% of the world’s population Practiced primarily in India and Nepal ~ 80% of Indians practice Hinduism

4. Hindu Basics Often considered the oldest religion in the world. –Has no founder Sanskrit is the ancient language of Hinduism. Hindu comes from the Persian word for the people living on the other side of the Indus River.

5. Vedas The ancient scriptures of Hinduism. A collection of hymns, prayers, rituals, chants, etc… They are not the only sacred writings of Hinduism.

6. Concepts of god Most Hindu believe in a single god of the highest form. Brahman God is everywhere, is everything, and is beyond everything. –god represents the very fabric of reality. People are thus part of Brahman as well.

7. Ishvara The personal aspects of God. Applying human traits to god to better communicate.

8. Brahma “Creator god”

9. Vishnu “preserver of the world”

10. Shiva “destroyer or transformer”

11. Nandi The vehicle of Shiva. Often seen at the entrance to shrines of Shiva.

12. sacred animals Hindus believe that all living beings have a soul.

13. Dharma Generally translated as “the law”. Varies according to caste or class. Also seen in Buddhism and Sikhism. How one should live their life. –Dharma determines karma

14. Karma Cause and effect “a fluttering butterfly’s wings causing a storm on the other side of the world” Unbalance in karma will be worked out in the next life. Goodness begets goodness and evil begets evil.

15. Samsara Sanskrit word referring to the cycle of reincarnation.

16. Moksha Release from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Realization of one’s union with god.

17. Yoga Mental and physical meditative practices.

18. Practices Shrines and temples Singing hymnals, reciting scriptures and chanting mantras.

19. Bindi Help concentration and retain energy Protect against demons or bad luck Traditionally indicated that a woman was married Worn all over South and South East Asia –Not only Hindus

20. Pilgrimages and festivals Holy cities in Hinduism –Allahabad, Varanasi Holi –Festival of Colors Diwali –Festival of Lights –Return of Lord Raama after defeating the demon king Ravana – ruler of Lanka

21. Ganges River Varanasi is considered by some to be the holiest site in Hinduism. –On the banks of the Ganges R. Some believe they must bathe in it once in a lifetime –Cleanse a persons soul from sins –Heal the sick

22. Traditional Caste System in South Asia The caste system is a type of SOCIAL ORDER in which a person’s occupation and position in life is determined by the circumstances of his/her birth.

23. BrahmansKshatriyas VaisyasSudras 4 Original Levels of the Caste System

24. Brahmans Kshatriyas Vaisyas Sudras Showing the original caste levels in the pyramid shape symbolizes “status” from highest to lowest, but also represents the the portion of the population fitting into each level. Untouchables are NOT a part of the caste system. Largest % of population **Remember that this social order is not based on how much $$ you have

25. Brahmans: priests/ scholars

26. Kshatriyas: warriors

27. Vaisyas: farmers and merchants

28. sudras (artisans and laborers)

29. Untouchables (dalits)

30. Sudras: laborers Brahmins: Religious leaders & scholars Vaisyas: Merchants & farmers (most Woods families here) Kshatriyas: Military leaders and politicians. Comparisons in the “West”

31. Be the change you wish to see in the world. -Mohandas Gandhi Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist in 1948. He died at the age of 79.