1. ORIGINS AND BELIEFS OF HINDUISM

3. ORIGINS OF HINDUISM  The Aryans believed in a religion called Brahmanism. It is called this because their priests were called Brahmins.  Brahmanism is based on the Vedas. Vedas are 4 books of sacred texts and hymns.

4. ORIGINS OF HINDUISM  The Aryans brought this religion to India when they conquered. Eventually the ideas of the Vedas blended with other cultures and this created a religion called Hinduism.  It is the largest religion in India today.

5.  Hindus are polytheistic.  They believe in many gods, but believe that all the gods are aspects of a single universal spirit called Brahman. HINDU GODS & BELIEFS

6.  Shiva, is the destroyer aspect of Brahman.  Vishnu is the preserver aspect of Brahman. HINDU GODS & BELIEFS

7. HINDU BELIEFS  Every person has a soul or atman that will eventually join with Brahman.  People’s souls are reincarnated many times before they can join with Brahman.  A person’s karma (actions) affects how he or she will be reincarnated.

8. JAINISM  Not everyone agreed with the beliefs of Hinduism. Some people looked for new religious ideas. One group of people started the religion of Jainism.

9. JAINISM  Jainism is based on the teachings of a man named Mahavira.  Jains live by 4 principles: Injure no life Tell the truth Do not steal Own no property

10. JAINISM  Jains emphasis on nonviolence comes from the belief that everything is alive and part of the cycle of rebirth.  Jains do not believe in animal sacrifice.  Jains are vegetarians.