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Hinduism What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions of humanity The religion of the Indian people Gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism How did Hinduism begin? Began in Indus River Valley Civilization >5000 years ago Founded on the Vedas, a set of ancient religious texts – Developed over time from different cultures and practices. It is a collection of Indian beliefs from many different cultures and philosophies. Sacred Writings Vedas – written in Sanskrit by Aryans, who brought them from Persia to India about 1500 BCE. Covered every area of life, including social roles (caste system). Theology, philosophy, and mythology Hymns of praise, (over 1000) to different deities Sacred Writings Upanishads – about 500 BCE, expressed the idea that everything in the universe is united as part of one supreme being (Brahman) and that all should reunite with this being. Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) – 100 BCE, expressed concepts of dharma and karma, guide to life, how to achieve Moksha. What do Hindus believe about God? One impersonal God – Brahman is the origin of existence for people and the universe. Hindus have different views about Brahman. Some believe that God manifests as many personal deities (gods) but that there is only one God. Others believe that the deities are separate gods. What do Hindus believe about God? There are three main manifestations of God and they sometimes come to earth in human form to defeat evil and help humanity: Brahma the creator Vishnu the preserver Shiva the destroyer Most Hindus serve either Shiva or Vishnu. The true essence of life, or the soul – Atman, is Brahman (God) trapped in earthly matter Who do Hindus worship? Brahma, the creator god Who do Hindus worship? Vishnu, the preserver god Incarnates as ten avatars (descents) including: Rama (featured in the Ramayana) Krishna (featured in the Mahabharata) (Each shown with his consort, Sita and Radha, respectively) Who do Hindus worship? Shiva, god of constructive destruction (the transformer) Appears as Shiva Nataraj, lord of the dance of creation… and with his wife, Parvati, and son Ganesha (the elephant headed remover of obstacles) What about the goddesses? Saraswati, goddess of wisdom, consort of Brahma Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune, consort of Vishnu Parvati, divine mother, wife of Shiva What about the goddesses? Durga, protectress Kali, destroyer of demons Plus about 330 million other deities All these deities are but Manifest forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahman How do Hindus worship? They use images and statues to worship the deity represented or the power represented. They do this in temples and at home by creating household shrines. They care for and serve these gods by Making offerings to and decorating the deity images Taking the divine within themselves by sharing and eating food with the deity. What do Hindus believe? Dharma is the natural order of the universe, the “law of being” that allows people to live in harmony and happiness. Dharma is a person’s spiritual duty and their duty to others. People must act according to Dharma to live in accord with the universe. Patience, forgiveness, honesty, non-violence, self-control What do Hindus believe? Reincarnation – the soul is reborn into this world lifetime after lifetime. People may be reincarnated at a higher or lower level of existence, even as plants or animals. What do Hindus believe? What level of existence you are reborn at depends on the karma you built up in your past life. Karma – (the effect of our actions, good and bad) keeps us bound to this world. Every action has an effect on our next life and everyone gets what they deserve. What do Hindus believe? Moksha – The ultimate goal of life is for the soul to be released from this earth and reunited with the divine, becoming one with Brahman (God) and experiencing infinite bliss and awareness. To achieve this, one must live according to Dharma and do good deeds to balance out the bad karma. How does one achieve Moksha? Selfless service (doing good deeds and serving others) releases built up bad karma The path of knowledge (understanding the true nature of reality and the self) Meditation, yoga, studying scriptures How does one achieve Moksha? The path of Devotion, giving up worldly desires and duties to focus on God. People live the life of an ascetic, withdrawing from the world. What do Hindus believe? All living things should be respected Vegetarianism Protecting living things on Earth Non-violence Tolerance and respect for other beliefs and religions There are other paths to God Hindu Practices Hindus worship individually, making personal offerings to a particular deity at a home shrine. Light a lamp/candle, offer food They recite passages from religious texts, chant mantras (repetitive, ritualized prayers that bring one’s mind to holy thoughts), sing devotional hymns and meditate. They can do this in a temple or at home. Hindu Practices Hindus purify themselves by bathing or swimming in sacred rivers, especially the Ganges River in North India. They gather in temples during religious holidays to worship and prayer. Hindu Practices Hindus cremate their dead. The physical body is no longer needed and goes back to the elements. Hindus follow dietary restrictions. Refuse to eat beef because cows are considered sacred for the milk they give. Many Hindus are vegetarian so that they do not harm living things. Hindu Practices Hindus go on pilgrimage to holy places, such as rivers, waterfalls, mountains, major temples, or sacred cities. The sacred is present in ordinary things, including nature. Many pilgrimages include bathing in a river. Common Questions Do Hindus worship cows? Hindus honor the cow because she is gentle and gives more than she takes Why do Hindus wear a dot in the middle of their forehead? It represents divine sight and shows that one is a Hindu