Hinduism

• one of World’s oldest religions, estimated to be about 2800 years old

• Many different Hindu traditions have developed over the centuries

• Most Indians around the world are Hindu

Hinduism

• Based on some of the oldest sacred texts called the “Vedas” – Over 3000 years old

• Mahabharata- An epic poem from Ancient India

• Based on a caste system

Hindu Caste System• Brahmins are

intellectuals and priests

• Untouchables work in dirty environments and were often segregated because they were seen as people you would not want to touch or be near

NIRVANA• Because the soul is always being

reincarnated (in a higher or lower caste) it never rests

• This cycle continues until the soul lets go of earthly possessions, anger and selfishness

• This ‘eternal bliss’ is Nirvana- the soul is at peace

NIRVANA• Is believed by Hindus

and Buddhists• The Dalai Lama is the

Holiest person in Buddhism

• Lives in Nepal after being banished by the Chinese following their invasion of Tibet.

Buddhism–a. offshoot of Hinduism, developed about 263 B.C. in India

–b. polytheistic–c. founded by Siddhartha Guatama (aka the Buddha)

• d. rejects Hindu caste system

• e. promotes the correct way of living in order to reach an enlightened spiritual state called nirvana

Buddhists

• Most Buddhists live in Eastern Asia

•Sikhism

• founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538)

• There is only One God. He is the same God for all people of all religions

• Believe everyone is equal; any Sikh can perform or lead religious ceremony

• reject idol worship, fasting, pilgrimages and worship of the dead.

Sikhism• 5 K’s of Sikhism

– Kesh- Uncut Natural Hair– Kangha- a comb that symbolizes

hygiene– Kara-Steel bracelet that symbolizes

unity– Kirpan-Small sword that symbolizes

defence of the weak– Kachhiera- Loose shorts that

symbolize purity

Guru

• Sikhs are the disciples of God who follow the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus.

• A guru is a prophet-teacher who contributed to the Sikh Holy Book

• Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the last living Guru; the Sikh Holy Book

Sikhism

• Most Sikhs live in the Punjab states of Pakistan and India

• The Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion.