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Origins of Hindu Beliefs

Origins of Hindu Beliefs. World History, Bernard. Hinduism starts with the Aryans. Aryan word for priest was “Brahman” The religion that these priests worshipped was called Brahminism Later in history, the religion becomes known as Hinduism!. The Vedas (writings).

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Origins of Hindu Beliefs

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  1. Origins of Hindu Beliefs World History, Bernard

  2. Hinduism starts with the Aryans • Aryan word for priest was “Brahman” • The religion that these priests worshipped was called Brahminism • Later in history, the religion becomes known as Hinduism!

  3. The Vedas (writings) • Aryan religious beliefs are based on the Vedas: • There are FOUR Vedas total • Written in the ancient language Sanskrit • Each Veda contains hymns and poems • Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda RESPOND: What do you think the quote above means?

  4. Brahmins Interpret the Vedas • After the Vedas are written, later priests (Brahmins) write their own thoughts about them: • They are called “Vedic texts” • Each text describes rituals (sacrifices or other actions) that followers must do • They are meant to help followers (sometimes only special groups) understand what to do/how to behave RESPOND:Where can you find behavior rules/guides in other religions?

  5. Do Hindus have one god or many? • Technically, BOTH. • Hindus believe in ONE universal spirit called BRAHMAN (who created the world) -There are many gods that develop out of Brahman in order to preserve and control the world (YET ALL THESE GODS ARE STILL CONSIDERED PART OF BRAHMAN!!)

  6. Understanding Brahman -BRAHMAN is Everything -If BRAHMAN is the ocean… All gods, humans, etc. are the small particles of salt in the ocean!

  7. Understanding Brahman • Creation of a god or a human is like separating salt from the ocean (when water evaporates) • Even though the salt separates temporarily, it is always a part of the ocean! • Hindus believe that humans, gods and all beings are always a part of Brahman

  8. Understanding Brahman • Conclusion: • Like the tiny specks of salt blended into water, gods are both separate and a part of Brahman • Humans are also both separate and part of Brahman • Gods and humans serve a purpose and have roles to fulfill while alive

  9. Important Gods- Three Main Gods • Brahma- the creator • Vishnu- the preserver or protector • Shiva – the destroyer, transformer or judge.

  10. Important Hindu Gods • Saraswathi - Goddess of Wisdom - Wife of Lord Brahma. Saraswathi is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and all the creative arts. • Lakshmi - Goddess of Wealth - Wife of Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. • Parvati - regarded as a representation of Shakti. Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva and the Godess of household and motherhood. • Ganesha - Son of Shiva and Parvati. The Hindu god in a human form but with the head of an elephant. Parvati and her son, Ganesha!

  11. REVIEW QUESTIONS • Why is the word “Brahman” important in the history of Hinduism? Explain! • What are the most ancient texts (writings) of Hinduism? What language are they written in? • What do Hindus believe about god/gods? • Who are the three main gods of Hinduism?

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