HINDUISMHINDUISM

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HINDUISMHINDUISMFOUNDERFOUNDER No one founder; many sectsNo one founder; many sects

Worshippers on Worshippers on Ganges River in IndiaGanges River in India

DATE DATE Began 1800-1000 Began 1800-1000 BCBC

LOCATIONLOCATION Somewhere in IndiaSomewhere in India

KEY WRITINGSKEY WRITINGS Many writings, including…Many writings, including…

The VedasThe Vedas (the oldest dating (the oldest dating from about from about 10001000 BCBC))

the Upanishadsthe Upanishads

The The Bhagavad-GitaBhagavad-Gita

HINDUISMHINDUISM

According to Hinduism, God is “The According to Hinduism, God is “The Absolute,” a universal spirit.Absolute,” a universal spirit.

Everyone is part of God (“Brahman”), like Everyone is part of God (“Brahman”), like drops in the sea, but most people are not drops in the sea, but most people are not aware of it. aware of it.

People worship manifestations of Brahman People worship manifestations of Brahman (gods and goddesses).(gods and goddesses).

WHO IS GOD?WHO IS GOD?

BibleBible

HINDUISMHINDUISM

According to Hinduism, Jesus is a teacher, a guru, or According to Hinduism, Jesus is a teacher, a guru, or an “avatar” (to some, an incarnation of the god an “avatar” (to some, an incarnation of the god Vishnu).Vishnu).

He is a son of God, as are others.He is a son of God, as are others.

His death does not atone for sins.His death does not atone for sins.

He did not rise from the dead. He did not rise from the dead.

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WHO IS JESUS?WHO IS JESUS?

HINDUISMHINDUISM

The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief.The Holy Spirit is not part of this belief.

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WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

HINDUISMHINDUISM

Hindus generally regard salvation as release from the cycles of Hindus generally regard salvation as release from the cycles of reincarnation.reincarnation.

Salvation may be attained through yoga and meditation.Salvation may be attained through yoga and meditation.

Salvation can take many lifetimes to achieve.Salvation can take many lifetimes to achieve.

Final salvation is absorption or union with Brahman.Final salvation is absorption or union with Brahman.

HOW TO BE SAVEDHOW TO BE SAVED

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HINDUISMHINDUISM

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATHWHAT HAPPENS AFTER DEATH

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If one has been bad, one can be reborn and pay If one has been bad, one can be reborn and pay for past sins (bad karma) by suffering.for past sins (bad karma) by suffering.

Reincarnation into a better status (good karma) Reincarnation into a better status (good karma) if person has behaved well.if person has behaved well.

HINDUISMHINDUISM

Some disciples wear orange Some disciples wear orange robes and have shaved heads.robes and have shaved heads.

Many Hindus worship stone Many Hindus worship stone and wooden idols in temples.and wooden idols in temples.

OTHER BELIEFS AND PRACTICESOTHER BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

HINDUISMHINDUISM

Some gurus demand Some gurus demand complete obedience.complete obedience.

Disciples meditate on a Disciples meditate on a word, phrase, or picture.word, phrase, or picture.

OTHER BELIEFS AND PRACTICESOTHER BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

The Sanskrit word The Sanskrit word “Om” is a sound “Om” is a sound

used in meditationused in meditation

Yoga involves meditation, chanting, Yoga involves meditation, chanting, postures, breathing exercises.postures, breathing exercises.

Foundation of New Age and Foundation of New Age and Transcendental Meditation. Transcendental Meditation.

HINDUISMHINDUISM