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Explore the ancient beliefs and practices of Hinduism, from the origins and core beliefs to the caste system and sacred rituals. Discover the concepts of Brahman, moksha, reincarnation, karma, and dharma in this comprehensive overview.
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Hinduism Global History I: Spiconardi
Origins • Developed over thousands of years combining the beliefs of the Aryans & Indus peoples • NO single founder • The word Hindu is derived from the river Sindhu or Indus
The Universal Spirit • Hindus believe in one unifying spirit called Brahman • Brahman is too complex for humans to understand • Hindus worship many gods to give a more concrete form to Brahman
The Three Main Hindu Gods • Brahman The creator • Vishnu The preserver • Shiva The destroyer
Ātman • Ātman our innermost and true selves • It is unchanging (unlike our bodies and minds) • We lose sight and awareness of our ātaman in our search for material things and “true happiness.” • We cannot find true happiness this universe • We must achieve moksha
Moksha • The main goal of life is to achieve union with Brahman (moksha) • Moksha can only occur when you free yourself from all your selfish desires • Most people cannot achieve moksha in one lifetime
Reincarnation • Reincarnation the soul is reborn in a new body • Each new lifetime allows you to get closer to moksha • Hindus get closer to this union by being born into higher levels of existence
Karma & Dharma • Karma the deeds & actions (both good & bad) of a person’s life that affects his/her existence in the next life • Dharma The moral & religious duties that are expected by of an individual • A persons gender, class/caste, age, & occupation can affect his/her dharma
The Caste System • Caste/Varnas • Social groups into which people are born in & out of • You cannot move into a different caste during your life time
Other Facts • The Ganges River is sacred • Bathing in it can purify, cleanse, and cure the sick • Upon death many Hindus are cremated & have some of their ashes spread in the Ganges • Sacred Texts • Bhagavad-Gita most important text; it is a dialogue between a prince and the Vishnu in disguise. • Vedas Book of hymns, prayers, and philosophies
Other Facts • Reverence towards the cow (“The Sacred Cow”) • Seen as a symbol of life and nourishment • Cow Dung • Used for energy, tilaks (religious markings), & fertilizer
Other Facts The Bindi • Forehead decoration that symbolizes the relationship status of a Hindu women • Red = Married • Black = Single • Black can also ward off evil spirits