1. Hinduism

2. Hinduism – A Brief History Based in India No official founder Some beliefs as much as 4,000 years old Belief in Brahman Vedic period produced the Vedic texts All Hindus recognize the authority of the Vedas Emphasized one set of gods while the later Upanishads emphasized another Upanishads (600 BCE) introduced reincarnation and karma Most Hindus worship one or several gods while believing ultimately in Brahman.

3. The Relatively Unknown History of a Popular Board Game Moksha Patam Think / Pair / Share

4. Hinduism answers: “Why are we here?” Purpose of life is release from reincarnation and samsara (Moksa) Numerous gods in Hinduism are considered symbols of the ultimate single reality Brahma – Creator Vishnu – Preserver (sometimes incarnates as Krishna) Shiva – Creative force and destruction Focus is on individual spiritual development – Brahman may be reached through many different paths (including prayers to various gods) www.sanatansociety.com

5. Hinduism answers: “How should we live?” While spiritual oneness and escape from samsara (Moksa) is the main goal, life itself is also seen as sacred Righteousness (Dharma) Karma ensures accountability – cause and effect Ahimsa – reverence for life, including animals Earthly prosperity and success (Artha) Pleasure (Kama) Kama Sutra and Tantric beliefs However, asceticism also plays a big role Specific doctrines do not play a major role

6. “How should we live?” (continued) Finding the sacredness in the ordinary and connecting to the Brahman whenever possible Meditation – use of mantras and aum / om http://video.about.com/hinduism/How-to-Chant- Om.htm http://video.about.com/hinduism/How-to-Chant- Om.htm Yoga http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_1814_standing- yoga-poses.html http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_1814_standing- yoga-poses.html

7. “How should we live?” (continued) Life rituals: First Rice or Annaprashan Marriages Five ceremonies – verbal contract between the male parents, giving away of the bride, welcoming of the new couple, hand-holding ritual, and a walking rite

8. Hinduism answers: “Why does evil exist? Think / Pair / Share exercise

9. “What happens after we die?” Samsara is the dominant belief surrounding Hindu ideas of death Rituals surrounding death – mahaprafthana Death is not to be feared Soul departs through a chakra How one is feeling at the time of death factors into samsara (as does one’s unresolved karma) calmness and peace are emphasized Most Hindus prefer to die at home surrounded by family Dying person is reminded to repeat his/her own mantra – family may say the mantra into the dying person’s ear Source of light is placed near his/her head Variety of ways to carry out funeral services, depending on customs and financial resources Cremation is appropriate in most cases