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Hinduism

Hinduism. From the Aryan Race…. Social hierarchy was set up into divisions called varnas Brahmins (BRAH- muhns ), or priests, Kshatriyas (KSHA-tree- uhs ), or rulers and warriors, Vaisyas (VYSH- yuhs ), or farmers, craftspeople, and traders, and

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Hinduism

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  1. Hinduism

  2. From the Aryan Race… • Social hierarchy was set up into divisions called varnas • Brahmins (BRAH-muhns), or priests, • Kshatriyas (KSHA-tree-uhs), or rulers and warriors, • Vaisyas (VYSH-yuhs), or farmers, craftspeople, and traders, and • Sudras (SOO-drahs), or laborers and non-Aryans.

  3. These social divisions developed into a strict caste system, or groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation • Though rare, sometimes people could change castes. During Aryan times, women shared many of the same rights as men, but later in society laws were passed that took away many of these rights. • A group of the lowest rank, not even considered to be any caste, was called the untouchables; they could only hold the most unpleasant jobs in society

  4. General caste rules included: • Not marrying anyone from a different caste • Not eating with anyone from a different caste • Breaking the rules could mean being banned from their homes and their own caste – becoming an untouchable

  5. Religion • The Aryan society was polytheistic; their religion was called Brahmanism (after their priests) • After migrating to India the religion blended with other locals and became what is now called Hinduism

  6. Major beliefs include: • A universal spirit called Brahman created the universe and everything in it. Everything in the world is just a part of Brahman. • Every person has a soul or atman that will eventually join with Brahman. • People’s souls are reincarnated many times before they can join with Brahman. • A person’s karma affects how he or she will be reincarnated.

  7. Brahman represents a single, universal spirit from which everything comes from. However, Hinduism is polytheistic in that there are many gods to worship, such as: • Brahma the Creator • Siva the Destroyer • and Vishnu the Preserver • Reincarnation is the process of rebirth • Karma – the effects that good or bad actions have on a person’s soul • Hinduism helped preserve the caste system because it taught people to accept their role within society, which prevented people from rebelling against the social structure

  8. Responses to Hinduism • Jainism – developed from a follower of Hinduism who believed the religion followed too many rituals; he simplified the teachings to 4 basic rules: • injure no life • tell the truth • do not steal • own no property • Jains are strict believers in nonviolence, the avoidance of violent actions • Because they do not believe in harming living things, they are strict vegetarians and eat nothing that comes from animals

  9. Sikhism – developed much later from Hinduism; blended with other religions, including Islam • Monotheistic • Meditate to find spiritual enlightenment • Also believe in reincarnation • Treat all people with equality – race, gender, social class, etc. • Pray several times a day • Expected to wear 5 items everyday: • long hair, a small comb, a steel bracelet, a sword, and a special undergarment • Many men (& women sometimes) also wear turbans

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