1. Chapter 5, Lesson 3 Hinduism

2. When the Aryans crossed the mountains and settled in the Indus River Valley, they also brought their religious beliefs, which are thought to be the basis of Hinduism.

3. Hinduism A religion of many gods and many beliefs. The main religion in India. One of the world’s oldest religions. Rama

4. Vedas “Books of Knowledge” Books of writings containing stories and songs of the Aryan people. Prevalent in helping archeologists learn about the Aryan culture.

5. Rig Veda The oldest of the four Vedas. A collection of more than 1,000 hymns that priests recited during ceremonies and rituals. Hymns are dedicated to Aryan gods.

6. The Rig Veda is important to Hindu people because they still recite these hymns at ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

7. Aryans believed in different gods and goddesses who influenced nature. Lakshmi Durga

8. Brahman Recognized by the Hindus as the only one universal being. The source and final destination of everything. Three forms of Brahman are the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

9. Brahma The creator Has four heads pointing in all directions Sees everything

10. Shiva The destroyer Represents forces that destroy what is old and begin what is new Shiva

11. Vishnu The preserver Maintains the order of all the universe, known as dharma. Krishna is a form of Vishnu who came to live on Earth. Krishna Vishnu

12. Ganga Mai The Ganges River goddess. Gives water the power to clean and purify.

13. How do the Hindus show respect for their gods? They keep small shrines in their homes where they can offer prayers to their gods. Dancing Shiva Shrine

14. Reincarnation The process in which a person goes from one life to the next. The Hindus believe that after a person dies, he or she is reborn into a new life.

15. Seven Truths Also known as the seven essential doctrines. 1.peaceful living 2.freedom of thought 3.respect for nature and animals 4.becoming one with Brahman 5.belief that good and bad actions will one day affect us

16. Way of Life Every Hindu is a member of a caste. Caste – a lifelong social group into which a Hindu is born Castes are ranked according to birth and job qualification. Marriage within the same caste.

17. Caste Ranking Priests and teachers Rulers and warriors Farmers and merchants “untouchables” (jobs no one else wanted; now illegal)