HINDUISM No single founder 3rd largest religion

900 million Has many sacred

texts Believe in

reincarnation

Hindu Symbol The symbol is actually a sacred syllable

representing the Brahman or the Absolute -the source of all existence.

HINDUISM, cont’d Today a Hindu can be:

Polytheistic- More than one God Monotheistic- One God Pantheistic- God and universe are one Agnostic- Unsure if God exists Atheistic- No God

HINDUISM, cont. Kharma: the sum of

ones good and bad deeds determines how you will live in the next life.

Through pure acts and thoughts, you can be reborn at a higher level.

HINDUISM, cont. Caste system:

Outlawed in1949 No hope of changing

your caste in your lifetime.

Determined your job, where you lived, who you married, who you could socialize with.

Hinduism, cont. The goal of

Hinduism is to achieve union with BRAHMAN (the spiritual force) through reincarnation.

HINDUISM, cont’d RECAP: Central Hindu Beliefs

Reincarnation Brahman Caste System Kharma