HINDUISMJoshua Klingensmith

5th Hour World Hist.

ORIGIN

• Hinduism was started in India. Since its so ancient there is no definite beginning, but some scholars believe that it was created somewhere around 10000 B.C.

• Because the religion is so ancient the is no known founder or creator of the religion.

THE UNIVERSE

• According to Hindu beliefs there is no start or end to the universe but that it has always been and always will be but in a constant cycle of creation and destruction.

A FEW OF THE GODS

• Hanuman. Some think he is the son of the Anjana who was a female Apsara, and his father Vayu the wind god. Hanuman caused trouble so the other gods took away his knowledge of his powers.

• Durga. She is an incarnation Of Devi the mother goddess, a unified symbol of the divine forces. Durga manifested when evil threatened the gods existence. The gods each gave power to the creation of Durga.

• Vamana. Vamana is an incarnation of Vishnu, he was born a dwarf. He tricked a demon king and took his kingdom.

• Lakshimi is the god of wealth, good fortune, light, and beauty.

CASTE SYSTEM

• The caste system is the order of society.

• There are 5 levels in the caste system.

• Bhriamin (priests)

• Kshatryia (Warriors

• Viasya (merchants and landowners)

• Sudra (commoners/peasants)

• Outcasts (Street sweepers and latrine cleaners)

ATMAN

This is a Sanskrit word. It means inner-self. Atman is the first principal or the true self or essence of an individual.

DHARMA

Dharma is a sanscrit noun that means to hold, maintain, keep. It is the law that supports and maintains the order of the universe.

THE VEDAS

The Vedas is the sacred text to the hindu religion.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF EXISTENCE

The ultimate goal for the Hindu religion is to let go of all possessions and achieve enlightenment