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Chapter 15: Hinduism Study Guide
Origins of Hinduism:
No single founder in Hinduism. Developed over thousands of years as a
collection of teachings.
The Aryans (a group of nomads) migrated into northern India bringing
their rituals and gods and goddesses.
The roots of Hinduism are found in the ancient, sacred texts of the Vedas
which are written Sanskrit.
Hinduism and Social Structure:
The Vedas describe four main social classes, or varnas, that are needed
in a society. As Indian society grew more complex, social groups called
jatis became associated with the four varnas.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Brahmins (priests, scholars, and teachers)
Kshatriyas (KSHA-tree-uhs) (rulers and warriors)
Vaishyas (VIESH-yuhs) (merchants, artisans, and farmers)
Shudras (SHOO-druhs) (servants and laborers)
The leader Mahatma Gandhi criticized caste system by saying it
discriminated people and did not align with Hindu teachings.
The Untouchables were not part of the caste stem because they did the
jobs that were considered lowly like handling garbage.
Hindu Beliefs About Brahman and Other Deities:
In Hinduism, Brahman is ever-present, all-powerful, and exists forever.
Hindus view the soul as part of Brahman, just as a drop of water is part of
the ocean. Through their souls, people are therefore connected to
Brahman. In these traditions, the other deities worshipped in Hinduism are
simply different forms of Brahman. Other Hindus believe Brahman does
have form and can be described as Hindu gods, such as Vishnu
(preserver) and Shiva (changes/transforms)
Hindu temples are very large structures with elaborate sculptures and
temples for worship.
Diwali is the Hindu New year. Diwali means “row of lamps” and marks the
winning of good over evil.
Dharma:
Hindus and other Indian religious traditions believe that dharma is the
code of conduct needed for spiritual advancement. Righteous action
and one’s role in society are seen as very important parts of dharma.
Hindus also believe in nonviolence and believe all living things have
souls. The cow is seen as a symbol as an ever giving creature.
Karma:
In Hinduism, this concept is used to describe cause and effect and that
the good and evil done in a past life determine what happens to a
person's soul in the next life. Good karma can release a person from the
cycle of rebirth.
Samsara:
Hindus and other Indians believe in this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
(reincarnation). The cycle ends when the soul is reunited with Brahman
and is no longer reborn.
Hindus make pilgrimages to India to visit the Ganges River and many
famous temples.