Vedic period in India

The Hindu Way of Life

• Is named for Vedas—a collection of hymns and prayers of Aryan culture—most sacred books of Hinduism

c. 1500-c. 500 B.C.

• Priests become more important than nobles and kings—almost divine

Stone figure of Brahma, Hindu creator god,c. 1110-1150 A.D.

Class system develops

The Hindu Way of Life

• forerunner of later caste system

c. 1500-c. 500 B.C.

Early concept of reincarnation:

• classes represent parts of an ideal that existed at the beginning of the world

soul travels, returns as rain, and is reborn

Relief of a Kshatriya, a member of the warrior caste

The Hindu Way of Life

Caste, Karma, and Reincarnation

Four major castes• Brahmans: scholars, priests, teachers• Kshatriyas: rulers and warriors• Vaisyas: merchants,

farmers, artisans

• Sudras: menial workers

“Untouchable” women in southern India. “Untouchables”

have no caste.

The Hindu Way of Life

Caste, Karma, and Reincarnation

Karma—actions in life—affects rebirth and future lives

Reincarnation

• rebirth of the soul in another body

• also called transmigration of soul

The Hindu Way of Life

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

• Three deities (the Trimuti, or “Three Forms”) stand out

• Brahma the Creator

Hinduism has numerous deities

• Vishnu the Protector• Shiva the

Destroyer/Preserver

Hindu temple statues

• Is founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 B.C.), called Buddha (“Enlightened One”) by followers

Buddhism (India)

Philosophy and Religion

500s B.C.-A.D. 500s

• Human suffering caused by desire for earthly goods

• Rejects Hindu caste system