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Hinduism. What is Hinduism?. One of the oldest religions in the world. The religion of the Indian people Gave birth to Buddhism Tolerance and diversity: "Truth is one, paths are many" Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality
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What is Hinduism? • One of the oldest religions in the world. • The religion of the Indian people • Gave birth to Buddhism • Tolerance and diversity: "Truth is one, paths are many" • Many deities but a single, impersonal Ultimate Reality • A philosophy and a way of life – focused both on this world and beyond
How did Hinduism begin? • No particular founder • Began in the Indus River Valley Civilization • Originated between 4000 – 2000 BCE • Vedic Tradition developed into Hinduism • Vedas means “to know” • There are four Vedas
What do Hindus believe? • One impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman • Manifest as many personal deities • True essence of life – Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in matter (“That art thou”) • Reincarnation – the soul is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara) • Karma– spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad) • Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman (Moksha)
The Hindu Trinity • Brahma – the Creator • Vishnu – the Preserver • Shiva – the Destroyer • Three aspects/powers of the same divine being
How does Hinduism directlife in this world? • Respect for all life • Believe in solving ALL issues through nonviolence • The cow is highly prized and revered. • All Hindus are vegetarian • Human life as supreme: • Caste System – determines ones placement in life
What are the basic beliefs in Hinduism? • Karma– the law of cause and effect; “you reap what you sow” • Reincarnation– eternal soul traverses through different bodies until it finds liberation
What are the four goals of human life in Hinduism? • Karma- fulfillment of desires • Artha – accumulation of wealth • Dharma– performance of social and religious duties • Moksha – freedom from want
How do Hindus worship? • Many Hindus worship at a temple, but it is not required for worship • Temples provide an atmosphere conducive for spiritual progress • Temples are centers of social and cultural activities • Temples provide a place for collective worship and prayers
Explore Hinduism on the Web: • The Hindu Universe: Lots of information on Hinduism and the Hindu community on-line and around the world. Includes chat rooms and message board forums - www.hindunet.org • The Virtual Hindu Temple: Contains some interesting and useful pages including: Discover Hindu Gods & Goddesses and FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HINDUISM. Also contains a gallery of deity images and a collection of links to Hindu sacred texts online and other sites related to Hinduism - www.rajdeepa.com/vmandir/vmandirindex.htm • Hinduism for Schools provides basic, introductory info to teach primary and secondary level students about Hinduism - www.btinternet.com/~vivekananda/schools1.htm Visit www.worldofteaching.com For 100’s of free powerpoints