Hinduism

Aryan Invasion

• Around 1500 BC• Migrated through passes of the Himalayas• Called them Aryans – meaning noblemen or lords• Perfected the Sanskrit language• Developed the caste system• Developed the Hindu religious beliefs & practices

Hinduism

• One of the oldest religions in the world• No known founder and no formal church• More of a system of living than set of

beliefs• Believe in many gods that are all part of one

spirit• There is no one bible or sacred text

How Hinduism Developed

• The Vedas, Upanishads, and Vedic Texts were the basis of Indian religion for years.

• After awhile, these ideas blended with other cultures. What was created was Hinduism.

Collections of Sacred writings

– Vedas – bodies of knowledge – consists mainly of hymns & chants

– Upanishads – contain the basic philosophical framework of Hinduism

– Code of Manu – accepted as the most complete expression of sacred law – including, marriage laws, dietary regulations, duties of castes, daily rites, and civil and criminal laws.

Common Beliefs

• Mythology is a large part of the religion– Explains the customs, beliefs, practices & institutions– Vary from area to area

• Common beliefs among the different branches:– concept of dharma – a kind of duty or fate in society– karma- a tallying of good and evil actions by an individual

that determines status in society– reincarnation- existence continues through time (endless

cycle of birth, life, and death)– Most Hindus do not eat meat– Most supported the caste system

Everyone has a soul (atman)

• Holds a person’s personality – the qualities that make a person

• Ultimate goal -> reunite soul with Brahman

• Believe souls will join Brahman because world is an illusion

• Can take several lifetimes to achieve this

• Souls are born and reborn - reincarnation

Brahman

• Believe in many gods• Brahma the Creator – 4 faces symbolize the four

Vedas• Siva the Destroyer – 4 arms and 3 eyes• Vishnu the Preserver – conch shell, a mace and discus

– symbols of power and greatness– All are a part of universal spirit called Brahman– Everything in the world is part of Brahman

Hinduism & Caste System

• A person’s karma determines what physical form the person is reborn into

• Karma – effect good and bad actions have on a person’s life (a tallying of actions)

• Dharma – duty or fate – must accept your place in the world• Hinduism teaches must obey one’s dharma• Hinduism was popular at all levels of society• Taught that people should accept place in society• Reward for those who had lived good lives – reborn in a higher

caste

Caste system

– Social group based on birth– According to Hindu beliefs your caste is determined by

your karma in a previous life.• Eventually evolved into 3000 groups

– There are 4 main classes (varnas)• Your caste impacted all aspects of your life• Must stay with your caste system or you would be

thrown out of your caste system– Each caste established rules, customs, and values

• Declared illegal but still exists in certain areas of India

– There are 4 main classes (varnas)• Brahmins – priests, spiritual & intellectual leaders

of the society

• Kshatriyas - Rulers, warriors, & nobles

• Vaisyas -Farmers, merchants, or traders

• Sudras - Laborers & servants

BELOW THE CASTE SYSTEM – Not considered part of system

– Untouchables – Considered unclean and not part of society

Hindu Beliefs

• Unlike any other world religion because it has no single founder.

• Hindus believe in many gods and goddesses, but only believe in one single spirit. Can you explain how this is possible?

Hindu Beliefs

• Hindus believe that all gods and goddesses are part of one big spirit whose name is Brahman.

• An old Hindu saying states, “God is one, but wise people know it by many names”.

Hindu Beliefs

• Some Hindu gods are Brahma the Creator, Siva the Destroyer, and Vishnu the Preserver.

• These gods, along with all life, are all a part of Brahman.

Life and Rebirth

• Hindu beliefs state that everyone has a soul, or atman.

• Your soul holds everything that makes you who you are.

• The goal of Hindus is to reunite their soul with Brahman.

Life and Rebirth

• Believe that souls will join Brahman because the world is only an illusion– Brahman is the only reality.

• Has to live life a few times to see through the illusion.

Life and Rebirth

• Reincarnation: A soul is born and reborn many times to see the world for the illusion it really is.

Hinduism and the Caste System

• When a person is reborn, they will become something good or bad, according to his or her Karma.

• Karma: The effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul.

Hinduism and the Caste System

• People with bad karma could wind up back on earth as a pig or ant.

• People with good karma could be born again into a higher caste system.

Hinduism and the Caste System

• Good karma can eventually bring freedom from having to keep being reborn. This is called Moksha.

• Every Hindu must accept their place in the world. This is called accepting one’s dharma.

Hinduism and Women

• Women, like men could gain Moksha, but women were believed to be inferior to men.

• Women, for example, were not allowed to study any religious texts.

Hinduism and Women

• Women have gained more rights over the centuries.

• These rights were helped along by Mohandas Gandhi, and now, many of the restrictions on women have been lifted.

Jainism

• Jains were a group of people who did not agree with Hinduism.

• Their religion was called Jainism.

• Jainism is based on the teachings of a man named Mahariva.

Jainism

• Mahariva thought that Hinduism put too much emphasis on rituals.

• He gave up his life of luxury and became a monk. There he established Jainism.

Jainism

• 4 Principals of Jainism

• Injure no life

• Tell the truth

• Do not steal

• Own no property

Jainism

• They also practice nonviolence, which is the avoidance of violent actions.

• Jains believe that everything is alive and part of the cycle of rebirth.

Jainism

• Jains do not hurt or kill any living things, including insects.

• All Jains are vegetarians.