Transcript Hindu Mythology

Hindu Mythology
World’s Oldest
(& 3rd most-popular)
Religion
Vedas & Upanishads
Ganges River
Brahman: Absolute Truth
Trimurti
Shiva: Destroyer
Vishnu: Preserver
Brahma: Creator
Sarasvati: Brahma’s Consort
Lakshmi: Vishnu’s Consort
Parvati: Shiva’s Consort
Vidya: Unitary Thought
Atman: Life Source in all Things
4 Classes of Ancient India
• Brahmin (Priests)
• Kshatriya (Noble Warriors)
• Vaishya (Traders & Farmers)
• Shudra (servants)
Earth’s Creation
Samsara: Eternal Cycle of Birth,
Death & Re-birth
Karma: Cause of a
Particular Destiny
Moksha: Becoming one with
Brahma; and end to Samsara
4 Goals in Human Life
• Moksha
• Dharma (Code for Leading Life)
• Artha: Pursuit of Material for by Lawful
Means
• Karma
Valmiki
The Golden Age of India
• Dasa-ratha: the ideal king in the ideal city
• Rama: the ideal prince
• Sita: the ideal wife
Moral Epic: Good vs. Evil
Iliad Connection
Odyssey Connection