Download Chapter 6 Section 2 Origins of Hinduism

Chapter 6 Section 2
Origins of Hinduism
Hindus
at the
Ganges
River
Indian Society Divides
• As Aryan society became more complex, their
society began to divide into groups. For the most
part, the groups were divided by people’s
occupations. Strict rules developed about how
people of different groups could interact. As time
passed, these rules became stricter and central to
Indian society.
The Varnas are four main social divisions in
Aryan
society
Brahmins
were the
priests
Kshatriyas
were the
rulers and
warriors
Vaisyas
were the
farmers,
craftsmen,
traders
Sudras
were the
workers
and
servants
What is the Caste System?
• The Indian society is
divided into groups based
on a person’s birth,
wealth, or occupation.
• *Adhering to the rules of
the caste system was of
high importance in the
Aryan society.*
• *The highest ranking of
India’s caste system was
made up of priests, called
Brahmins.*
The Untouchables
are the lowest in the
caste system
• There are four
Vedas created in
the Aryan religion.
Each contain
sacred hymns and
poems.
• The oldest is the
Rig-Veda written
before 1000 BC. It
includes hymns of
praise to many
gods.
What are the Vedas?
Hinduism is the largest religion in India
• The major beliefs of Hinduism are:
• *A universal spirit called Brahman, created
the universe and everything in it*.
Everything in the world is part of Brahman.
• Every person has an atman (soul) that will
eventually join Brahman.
• *People’s souls are reincarnated into new
physical forms many times* before they
can join Brahman.
• *A person’s Karma will affect how they will
be reincarnated.*
What is Reincarnation?
(look it up in your book)
Another Idea About Reincarnation
More Interpretations of Reincarnation
What is Karma?
(look in your book)
• Good actions build good karma. People with
good karma are born into a higher caste in
their next lives. In time, good karma will bring
salvation or freedom from life’s worries and the
cycle of rebirth.
• Evil actions will build bad karma. A person with
bad karma will be reborn into a lower caste or
as a lesser creature.
What is Jainism?
(look in your book)
• Broke away from the
Hindu religion.
• The Jains live by four
principals:
• Injure no life
• Tell the truth
• Do not steal
• Own no property
• They wear masks over
their mouths so they won’t
inhale bugs and kill them.
What is Non-violence?
(look in your book)
Ironically, he was
assinated in 1948.
Mohandas
Gandhi
As a
Young
lawyer
He helped India to gain its
independence from Great
Britain in 1947 by not using
violence.
Summary
• Two religions
developed in India
after the Aryans
invaded the country,
Hinduism and
Jainism.
• The Aryans had strict
rules about how
people should live
India
and practice their today along
the
religion.
Ganges
River