Transcript Hinduism

Hinduism
Journal

Journal: What do you know about
Hinduism?
Hinduism




Hinduism is a religion that began in
India.
The religion dates back to 1500
B.C., making it the worlds oldest
religion.
There are 750 million Hindus in the
world today.
Most Hindus still live in India.
Hindu Beliefs



Hindus believe in a single
Divinity or supreme God that is
present in everything called
Brahman, or the World Soul.
Hindus also believe in other
gods who are aspects of that
supreme God such as Shiva,
Shakti, and Ganesh.
Ultimate Purpose of Hinduism:
Reunite with the World Soul.
Karma and Reincarnation



Reincarnation is the belief that the soul
repeatedly goes through a cycle of
being born into a body, dying, and
being reborn again in a new body.
Karma, a force that determines the
quality of each life, depending on how
well one behaved in a past life.
Hinduism says we create karma by our
actions on earth. If you live a good life,
you create good karma. If you live a
bad life, you create bad karma.
Caste System – “Jati”


Your status in life is determined from
the moment you are born.
4 broad “class” groups
Priests – Brahmins
 Rulers and Warriors – Kshatryia
 Merchants and Traders –Viasya
 Commoners, Peasants, Servants –
Sudra
 Street sweepers, latrine cleaners Untouchables

Caste System (Cont)


Caste determined where you lived,
what your profession was, what you
wore, what you ate, and who you
could marry. (Marriage was
forbidden between caste’s)
You could NOT move up the caste
system until you died and were
reborn.
Moksha





Each time a Hindu soul is born into a
better life, it has the opportunity to
improve itself further, and get closer to
ultimate liberation.
This liberation is called Moksha.
One attains Moksha when one has
"overcome ignorance", and no longer
desires anything at all.
The ones who reach this state no longer
struggle with the cycle of life and
death.
The way to get to Moksha is to not
create any karma.
Sacred Writings



The Vedas collections of Sanskrit
hymns (written down 1200-900BCE,
but based on older oral versions).
The Upanishads which means the
inner or mystic teaching that were
passed down from guru (teacher) to
disciple (student).
Baghavad Gita – most widely read
Hindu text.
Hindu Life Goals


Hinduism is about the sort of life one should
lead in order to be born into a better life next
time and ultimately achieve liberation (Moksha).
A proper balance of the goals below will result in
Moksha, according to Hinduism.
There are 4 legitimate goals in life:




Dharma (appropriate living by obeying both religious
and moral laws.)
Artha (the pursuit of economic well-being and honest
prosperity
Kama(enjoyment of social, physical, and sexual
pleasure.)
Moksha (Ultimate goal: release from rebirth, salvation
of the soul.)
Hindu Duties





Each Hindu has 4 daily duties:
Revere the deities
Respect ancestors
Respect all beings
Honor all humankind