Transcript WARM-UP: #5
Hinduism And The Caste System 1) Who began Hinduism? The Aryans 2) What is the name of the religious books of Hinduism? The Vedas 3) What is the name of Hinduism’s supreme god? Brahman 4) What is reincarnation? Rebirth of the soul after death into the body of another 5) Why is reincarnation important to Hinduism? In Hinduism, living things are never destroyed completely and it is how one moves up the caste system and reaches moksha. 6) Which animal is most sacred to the Hindus and explain why? The cow because . . . • was created by Brahman • it is the highest of all animals • it symbolizes motherhood by giving milk, fuel, and faithful service CASTE PYRAMID BRAHMINS priests and scholars smallest of the castes next step is moksha KSATRIYAS warriors and rulers can kill animals other than the cow VAISYAS merchants, farmers, artisans make money to improve the country SUDRAS serve the higher castes – “the workers” largest of the castes Jobs they perform deal with dead animals, cleaning sewers and toilets, etc. Have the most impure soul and are known as “outcastes” live outside of town and only enter town to do their job live in very poor conditions and cannot own land The key notes to understanding Hinduism. • One of the oldest religions • Began by the Aryans from the Vedas • Divides society into divisions • Was enriched by taking ideas and ideals from others • Reincarnation is a key belief • Everything is cyclic • The cow is a sacred animal • Enters into almost everything in a person’s life • Brahman is the supreme god • Moksha is the final resting place for a Hindu soul HINDU BELIEFS BRAHMAN * There is a unity of all things in the world. • One supreme god = Brahman • Brahman creates, maintains, destroys, and recreates the universe • Brahman is found in everything • Hindu’s goal is to unite his/her soul with Brahman MULTIPLE GODS * Gods exist in many forms • Many gods and goddesses • Gods and goddesses represent different qualities or powers of Brahman • Gods and goddesses appear in many forms • Hindus devote themselves to a particular god/goddess DHARMA * Do the right thing • Always do your best • Hindus want to act according to Brahman to keep harmony and balance • Most important part is the soul • Practice non-violence and are usually vegetarians KARMA * The good are rewarded and the bad are punished • Karma = your good + bad actions • When a Hindu dies his/her soul is reborn into another body • Actions of current life influence future lives • Good life = reborn to a higher caste • Bad life = reborn to a lower caste SAMSARA * A continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth • People are reincarnated • Do not remember former lives • Moksha = goal of Hinduism is to be reunited with Brahman and released from reincarnation • Achieve moksha by worshipping the gods, balancing karma, and following dharma