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HINDUISM. Founding of the Religion. No single founder Made from a beliefs collected over thousands of years. Vedic scriptures (Vedas): considered revealed knowledge, “that which is heard”
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Founding of the Religion • No single founder • Made from a beliefs collected over thousands of years. • Vedic scriptures (Vedas): considered revealed knowledge, “that which is heard” • In these scriptures are information on origins of God, the presence of the atman, meditation, praying, hymns, and religious rituals.
The Caste System • Socio-religious hierarchy called varna or caste • Four castes (social classes) • 1. Brahman = priests • 2. Kshatriya = warriors, leaders, and administrators • 3. Vaishya = merchants, traders, farmers, and craftsmen • 4. Shudra = servants
Untouchables = a lower category besides those in the caste system
One supreme being (Brahman) in various forms that relate to the different functions served as a God. • Omnipresent- always present everywhere and in all living things. • Can be represented in a male or female form
3 Main Deities (Trinity) • 1) Brahma- creator of the universe, what all living things evolved from • 2) Vishnu- preserver of the universe, protects the world from evil, and represents mercy and goodness. • 3) Shiva- destruction and reproductive power.
Wheel of Samsara • Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth • Soul= atman • Goal is to live a life so the atman can be released from Samsara and reach the state of maksha (when the atman is united with God) • Do this by keeping good karma (thoughts and actions have results that correspond to them) and fulfilling their dharma (duties)
Four Goals • Moksha- liberations, feedom • Dharma- duty (responsible acceptance of one’s social station and its results) • Artha- wealth • Kama- pleasures of all kinds
Ahisma • No injury to any life form • So no violence and they are vegetarians
Prayer= State of meditation, Yoga • can worship at a mandir (temple) or at their own shine inside their home to whatever deity they find most important in their life.
Cows • they are to be treated with the same respect 'as one's mother' because of the milk they provide • Bulls in particular are seen as a symbolic emblem of selfless duty and religion
Divali • Festival of lights • To celebrate the Hindu new year (during October/November • Time to start again • Try to fix arguments, put aside differences