Download Hinduism Guided Notes

ORIGINS AND BELIEFS
OF HINDUISM
ORIGINS OF HINDUISM
The Aryans believed in a religion called
Brahmanism. It is called this because their priests
were called Brahmins.
Brahmanism is based on the Vedas. Vedas are 4
books of sacred texts and hymns.
ORIGINS OF HINDUISM
The Aryans brought this religion to India when
they conquered. Eventually the ideas of the Vedas
blended with other cultures and this created a
religion called Hinduism.
It is the largest religion in India today.
HINDU GODS & BELIEFS
 Hindus are polytheistic.
They believe in many
gods, but believe that all
the gods are aspects of a
single universal spirit called
Brahman.
HINDU GODS & BELIEFS
 Shiva, is the destroyer aspect
 Vishnu is the preserver
of Brahman.
aspect of Brahman.
HINDU BELIEFS
Every person has a soul or atman that will
eventually join with Brahman.
People’s souls are reincarnated many times
before they can join with Brahman.
A person’s karma (actions) affects how he or she
will be reincarnated.
JAINISM
Not everyone agreed with the beliefs of
Hinduism. Some people looked for new religious
ideas. One group of people started the religion of
Jainism.
JAINISM
Jainism is based on the teachings of a man named
Mahavira.
Jains live by 4 principles:
• Injure no life
• Tell the truth
• Do not steal
• Own no property
JAINISM
Jains emphasis on nonviolence comes from the
belief that everything is alive and part of the cycle
of rebirth.
Jains do not believe in animal sacrifice.
Jains are vegetarians.