Hinduism, the religion of India

1. Hinduism, the religion of India

2. Not one religion Hinduism is not one faith; it’s made up a family of religions practiced by over one billion Indians (remember the world has 6.7 billion people) However, some Indians are Sikh, Jain, or Muslim

3. Hinduism is based in India, where the Ganges River is sacred • Many places in India are sacred to Hindus

4. origins • There is no central figure in Hinduism, like Jesus, Muhammad, or the Buddha. • The sacred texts are the Vedas. • The language of the religion is Sanskrit • These texts were written down starting around 3000 BCE. That’s over 5,000 years ago! • Hinduism is the oldest world religion.

5. Is Hinduism polytheistic? almost • At the center of Hinduism is one God, the ultimate reality, Brahman. • But Brahman is so mysterious, powerful and unknowable, that Hindus express their faith by worshipping other deities, knowing it never quite measures up

6. Vishnu: Sustainer of Worlds • Vishnu had taken many forms to fight evil. His most popular avatars are Krishnaand Rama, as well as fearsome Kalki .

7. Shiva: the destroyer • Shiva is constantly destroying and re-creating things. • Also the protector of yoga

8. Consorts and children • Vishnu’s wives are Lakshmi and Bhu • Shiva’s wives are Parvati, Durga, and Kali. • Shiva has two children: Ganeshand Skanda

9. How does the world work? • The world is controlled and ordered by dharma • Dharma is the law of the universe. • Everyone must obey their dharma, which will vary based on who you are: rich or poor, male or female, young or old. • If you obey your dharma, you will have good karma

10. You should also • Gain knowledge, through meditation, like yoga • Be devoted to one deity and pray

11. Prayer • Hindus pray at home and at temples • The day often begins with a puja, a morning prayer at home

12. And also . . . • Being successful and wealthy is good (artha) • Enjoying life: art, family, love (kama)

13. And when you die? • Hindus believe in reincarnation • Reincarnation is dying and being re-born as something or someone else. • All of life and world history is a cycle, called the samsara.

14. Diwali: Festival of lights • Biggest holiday in India and last five days • Celebrates Krishna’s defeating evil

15. Holi • Children cursed and defeated a child-eating demon • Now, young people throw colored powder at each other.

16. Diet • Cows are considered sacred • Hindus don’t eat beef • Most Indians are primarily vegetarian.

17. Caste system • Members of separate castes are stereotyped, and assumptions are made about their karma from past lives.

18. Caste system