Download Hinduism Notes

I. Religion of India
A.
Hinduism
1. Background
a). One of the oldest religions
b). Known as the way of life versus a single religion
2. Deities
a). Supreme god is Brahman
b). Hindu’s say they are monotheistic
1). Outsiders say they are polytheistic
2). Hindu’s consider all other gods as a form of Brahman
c). Believe all living things have spirits that must unite with Brahman
3. Vedas
a). Main text of many that guide Hindu’s
b). Hymns and poetry
4. Reincarnation
a). One passes through many lives before reaching Brahman
b). Must work hard to be reborn in a better class and reach life with Brahman
c). Dharma: divine law requiring people to fulfill duties
d). Karma: consequences of how a person lives
e). Belief in reincarnation led them to be more accepting of the caste system
5. Gods and Goddesses
a). Brahma=creator
b). Vishnu=the preserver (maintains order and harmony)
c). Shiva=the destroyer (key to reincarnation)
d). Ganesha=remover of obstacles
e). Saraswati=goddess of learning
f).
Lakshmi=goddess of good fortune