Download Hinduism - tresslerrocks

Hinduism
Basic Teachings
•
•
•
•
Mostly practiced by people in India
One of the oldest religions
No specific founder
Practices vary
Brahman
• Created and preserves world
• In everything
• Atman- soul, aspect of Brahman
– Exists forever
• Devas- manifestations of Brahman
– Brahma= Creator
– Vishnu= Preserver
– Siva= Destroyer
Reincarnation
Rebirth
Death
Birth
Rebirth and Salvation
• Karma
– Sum of deeds and actions
– Determines a person’s new life
• Moksha
– Ultimate goal
– Atman reunites fully with Brahman
• Dharma
– Spiritual duties and obligations
Hindu Texts
Vedas
• Eternal knowledge
• Revealed by Brahman
Upanishads
• Built upon Vedas
• Deals with nature of the world and meaning of life
Epic Poems
• Ramayana- devotion and dharma
• Mahabharata- good behavior and dharma
Bhagavad Gita
• Most sacred Hindu texts
Religious Practices
• Worship takes place at
home, in temples, or
small village shrines
• Worshippers offer food,
drink or gifts to a deva
• Special prayers or
meditation
• Yoga
– Focus of bodies and
minds
Ganges River
• Pilgrimage
• Believed to flow from
the feet of Vishnu and
over the head of Siva
• Bathing in Ganges will
purify individuals and
remove bad karma