Hinduism

KWL K-What I KNOW W-What I WANT

to know L-What I

LEARNED

The Hindu god Brahman

showing the different ways it shows itself

to people

Map-Color Hinduism on map

Hinduism

HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest religions.

Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in Africa also.

Hinduism Not Monotheistic, but not

totally polytheistic. God is called Brahman,

but takes many forms. Believes in reincarnation

or being born again in different forms until reaching spiritual enlightenment or Moksha.

Hinduism› “God is one, but wise people know it by many

names.”

Brahman “the Creator”

Hinduism› “God is one, but wise people know it

by many names.”

Vishnu “the Preserver” Vishnu is one of the principal

Hindu deities, worshipped as the protector and preserver of the world and restorer of dharma (moral order).  He is known chiefly through his avatars (incarnations), particularly Rama, Krishna and Buddha.

In Hinduism, persons who have depth of character and the capacity to fight evil are depicted as blue skinned. ...

"The theory of the blue coloring of Krishna goes to the fact that the Creator has given the maximum of blue to nature i.e. the sky, the oceans, the rivers and lakes. The deity who has the qualities of bravery, manliness, determination, the ability to deal with difficult situations, of stable mind and depth of character is represented as blue colored. Lord Krishna spent his life protecting humanity and destroying evil, hence he is colored blue."

Hinduism› “God is one, but wise people know it by many

names.”

Shiva “the Destroyer”

Both kind and cruel

Hinduism› “God is one, but wise people know it by many

names.”

Ganesha

Remover of Obstacles Lord of Success

Caste System Castes-Social groups which people are

born and can rarely be changed. High Caste-purer and closer to moksha

› Forbidden to eat with or marry outside of caste› Determined where and how you lived

Lower Caste› Spiritually polluted› Grave diggers› Street cleaners› Also called “Untouchables” called dalits

Caste System Although unequal, created a stable

social structure Couldn’t change caste, but could

change their caste in the next life by fulfilling the duties of their present caste.

Hinduism Dharma-religious and

moral duties of an individual. Duties vary according to class, occupation, gender and age.

Karma-actions of a person’s life that affect his or her fate in the next life.

Moksha-Spiritual Perfection

Brahman

Humans

Animals

Plants

Rocks and Water

Caste System Traditional Hindu

society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system."

Hindu Philosophy The goal of Hindus is

to someday join with Brahman.

Until that union takes place, believers are in a continuous process of rebirth called "reincarnation."

Hindu Philosophy At death, the Hindu‘s Deeds

(karma) & Duty (Dharma) determine what the next life will be.

Followers work to break this cycle--birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release.

The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual perfection (moksha).

Wheel of Life

Hinduism Vedas-sacred text of epic poems,

rituals and teachings written in Sanskrit.› Mahabharata

Bhagavad-Gita› Ramayana

Hinduism Ahimsa-

nonviolence› All things are

aspects of Brahman and deserve to be respected

Jainism (Those who overcome)

Grew out of Hindu traditions Rejected the idea that Brahmin priests

alone could perform certain sacred rites

Teachings› Meditation› Self denial› Extreme ahimsa

So What? Regardless of your belief system, is

there any part of Hinduism you find valuable or like the way you believe?