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Hinduism
What is the Purpose of a Religion?
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Purposes of Religion:
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Help people understand their world
Explain things people can’t explain otherwise
Provide moral guidelines for living
Studying World Religions

So why study world
religions?
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To see historical
significance of that
religion in the world.
To better understand
the people in the world
who accept that
religion.
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How do you study a
world religion?
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Examine the historical
development.
Identify the core
teachings.
Origins of Hinduism
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Hinduism began in India.
Hinduism was introduced by the Aryans.
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Aryans brought their religious beliefs with them
to conquering peoples.
In time, the religious beliefs of Aryans and the
conquered peoples began to blend together into
one religion—Hinduism.
In this way, Hinduism is the combination of
several religious beliefs.
Diversity of Beliefs
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Hinduism is based on the idea that different
people need different ways to reach god.
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Hindus accept many different forms of worship.
Hindus accept several paths to truth.
Deities
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Because Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, Hindus
believe in many gods or deities:
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Brahma – Creator
Shiva – Destroyer
Vishnu – Protector
Hindus believe that all gods and goddesses are part
of a single, great spirit: Brahman.
Braham is worshiped in parts so people can
comprehend his power.
At the Core
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Hindus are unified by several core beliefs
found in sacred texts:
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Upanishads (sitting near a teacher)
Bhagavad Gita (song of the lord)
Hindu Society
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Hinduism is based on cultural varnas which
developed into a modern caste system (created by
Aryans).
Four castes:
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Brahmans – priests and scholars
Kshatriyas – rulers and warriors
Vaisyas – farmers and merchants
Sudras – laborers, craft workers, servants
Untouchables
Sacred Beliefs
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Each person has certain moral and religious
duties to perform based on their caste called
the dharma.
Hindus also accept the idea of ahimsa or nonviolence.
Cycle of Life
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Hindus believe in a cycle of life, death, and rebirth
called samara.
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After a soul dies, it is reborn or reincarnated in a new
body.
The actions or karma of a soul determine the type of body
the soul is reincarnated into.
The ultimate goal of Hindus is to be released from
the cycle of samsara and become one with Brahman.