1. Hinduism 101 Global Studies

2. Basic History One of the oldest recorded religions (5000 or more years old) No true date of origin No specific founder It is the third largest religion with approximately 940 million followers worldwide, 96% of whom live in the Indian subcontinent. In the US alone, 3 million people follow some form of Hinduism

3. Where ? How? Hinduism emerged when Indo-Aryan tribes attacked and conquered the Harappan people of the Indus River valley (modern day India.) The Indo-Aryans created a caste system that controlled the original people and both culture’s religious beliefs merged to create what is today known as Hinduism.

4. The vast majority of Hindus live in India and Nepal

5. Hindu Beliefs believe in one God who is infinite and believe that God’s manifestations are everywhere. (a monotheistic religion?) The most traditional form of Avatar within Hinduism is the incarnations of Vishnu, the preserver or sustainer aspect of God within the Hindu Trinity. Because it is impossible for people to comprehend this, God has various representations (incarnations called avatars) to help people to visualize this.

6. The Hindu Trimurti( or Trinity) Brahma – The Creator Vishnu – The Sustainer or Preserver Shiva (Siva) – The Destroyer

8. Brahma Brahmā is traditionally depicted with four heads and four faces and four arms. Each head recites one of four Vedas (sacred texts of Hinduism) Four arms hold: Septor or spoon for oil (representing sacrifices) Water pot or shell (representing life force of water) String of beads (represents passing of time) Vedas or lotus blossom

10. Vishnu Is always the color of the clouds (blue) with four arms: One arm holds a chakra (disk like weapon with sharp edges) One arm holds a lotus blossom One arm holds a conch shell One arm holds a gada (mace)

12. Shiva Usually represented as deep in meditation Can change the world for good or for bad Carries a trident, representing the three Gunas (pleasure, pain, and indifference) Most often shown with snakes representing his power over death and poisons.

14. The Ganges River Falling from Its source of Vishnu’s feet onto Shiva’s head and out from his hair, the water of the Ganges is sacred enough to purify all sins.

15. Holy Cow! Hindus have always had great respect for Mother Nature and its creatures Cow is especially significant because it symbolizes gentleness

16. Cycles of Creation A continuous cycle represented by Hindu Gods Vishnu, Brahma, and Siva and their shaktis (wives.)

17. Creation At the beginning there is nothing but a large ocean. Vishnu sleeps on a serpent as he swims. Vishnu’s wife (lakshmi) strokes his legs as he rests. Thus stimulates him to dream the universe into existence.

18. The four Ages Vishnu appears with a lotus flower growing from his navel. Brahma is born from the flower and so life begins. Four ages of decreasing contentment then pass, from the Golden Ages to the Present Age.

19. Destruction At the end of each present age, the Universe is destroyed by Siva with fire and flood.

20. Views on life in Hinduism Karma – the transmigration of the soul. All people are part of a cycle of birth and rebirth, with no end. The only way to release the soul from Karma is to achieve moksha, or perfect enlightenment. People who have achieved perfect enlightenment are known as yogis.

22. Samsara The belief that life forms evolve from experiences in life. Good actions = good experiences in rebirth. Bad actions = bad experiences in rebirth. Rebirth can be human or animal form.

23. Reincarnation  Samsara is the wheel of rebirth which means the soul is reborn from one life form to another.  People may be reincarnated at a higher or lower level of existence depending on their karma from their present life.  People may be reborn as plants or animals or they may be elevated to a higher caste as a human.  Death is not final for Hindus as they expect to be reborn many times.

25. Yoga Hinduism is practiced through a variety of spiritual practices called Yogas Bhakti-loving devotion and service Karma- selfless service Raja- meditation and exercise Jnana (pronounced gyann) – knowledge and wisdom

26. Life under Hinduism- The Caste System Prescribed in the Vedas as an accurate way to sort individuals into different levels of importance. It also indicates one’s life rank. Unofficially used to abuse people of the lowest status. This group known as the untouchables are to be ignored by other caste levels and do the work that no one else wants to do.

27. The Caste System Varnas (layers): Brahmin – Education and Knowledge (Priests and Religious Teachers) Kshatriya – Military and Defense (soldiers and warrior kings) Vaishya – Economics and Business (merchants and farmers) Shudras – workforce (laborers) Harijahns – The Untouchables

28. Varna (Social Hierarchy) Shudras Vaishyas Kshatriyas Brahmins Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables

29. The caste system is currently illegal in India, but it is still practiced in the shadows by people.

30. Temple Worship Temples provide an atmosphere conducive for spiritual progress Centers of social and cultural activities Provide a place for collective worship and prayers

31. Symbolism in Hinduism