Transcript HINDUISM
HINDUISM The Origins of Hinduism The Aryans were a group of people that moved into India about 1500 B.C. They crossed the mountain range of the Hindu Kush to get to India. The Aryans were herders ( a person in charge of a herd: especially cattle or sheep). Language The Aryans spoke the Sanskrit language. Hearing stories orally was very important to this group of people. Stories were told by mouth for 3,000 years before they were written down. Blending of Culture The Dravidians lived in the land the Aryans gradually entered. The Aryans practiced a mysterious religion. The Dravidians liked this religion The Dravidians taught the Aryans how to live life in the city. These interactions led to a complex and blended culture. Social Classes The Aryan society was organized into classes. These classes developed into what is called a caste system. A caste is a social class whose members are identified by their job. PRIESTS, SCHOLARS TEACHERS CASTE SYSTEM Rulers, nobles, warriors Bankers, merchants, farmers Artisans, laborers Untouchables Untouchables were considered outside the system and below it. They did jobs no one else wanted, such as being sweepers and disposers of dead bodies. Development of Hinduism The Indian people began to question how the world came into being. This led to a belief that one spirit or supreme being, known as Brahman, governed (was in charge of) the universe. They believe Brahman can be found within every person. Who is Followed? Hindus believe in many different gods. These gods are parts of the one universal god. Three most important gods: 1. Brahma- the creator 2. Vishnu- the protector 3. Shiva- the destroyer Religious Book They have many sacred texts, the Vedas are the oldest Hindu scripture. Important Teachings Hindus believe in reincarnation which means that each person has many lives. Karma- what a person does in each life determines what he will be in the next life. Deeds (good or evil) cause a person to be reborn in a higher or lower life form. Animals Hindus believe that animals have a supreme life force in them too. Because of this many Hindus are vegetarians. The cow is considered sacred-a symbol of Mother Earth- the one who nourishes mankind. Cycle of Life There is a belief of a repeating cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. The cycle ends only when a person achieves a mystical union with God. To achieve that, a person must come to realize that his soul and God’s soul are one. Many paths to God Each person has their own individual path to God. Part of the path has to do with a person’s job. Dedicated Hindus must faithfully carry out their assigned jobs in life. Religious Celebrations Diwali--- festival of lights Brainpop!!!! Place of Worship Many Hindu rites and ceremonies take place in a temple setting and are directed toward a god or goddess. However, some Hindu rituals take place in individual homes. Death is a critical moment in the life of a Hindu, not only because it marks the end of life, but also because it marks the transition to the next life. Rituals Continued One of the most important rituals associated with death is the pinda pradana, a ritual that is performed at several points after death and involves the offering of small rice balls (pinda), which are thought to feed the deceased prior to his or her rebirth. Often the family will journey to a tirtha, a "crossing" of a sacred river and "sink" a portion of the deceased cremated remains, further insuring a safe passage to the next life. The Ganges River The name of the Ganges is known all throughout the land of India. This river that runs for 1,560 miles from the Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal is more than just flowing water for Hindus. This river is life, purity, and a goddess to the people of India. The river is Ganga Ma, "Mother Ganges." Her name and her story is known all throughout the land. It is the story of how she poured herself down from heaven. Her waters would raise them up again to dwell in peace in heaven. Not only that, but anyone who touches these purifying waters even today are said to be cleansed of all sins. Spiritual Practices 1. meditation- the practice of making the mind calm 2. Yoga- a complex practice that includes exercise, breathing techniques, and diet Symbol The Symbol of Hinduism is The OM It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is said to be the sound of the universe. Why it Matters Now Hinduism- ranks third among the world religions. Today Hinduism is the major religion of India and Nepal, but it has followers around the world.