HINDUISM: AN INTRODUCTION

I. CONSIDERED THE OLDEST LIVING RELIGION

*Sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet is regarded as the spiritual center of the world.

II. CHIEF RELIGION OF INDIA

Regions which are currently or were historically under classical Hindu rule.

III. SACRED TEXTS

VEDAS

UPANISHADS

IV. BRAHMANHINDUS WORSHIP MANY GODS- GIVE BRAHMAN A CONCRETE FROM THAT IS MORE UNDERSTANDABLE

THREE MAIN GODS OF HINDUISM

BRAHMA - CREATOR

VISHNU – PRESERVER

SHIVA - DESTROYER

Brahma carving at a temple in Halebid

VISHNU

A giant statue in Bangalore depicting Shiva

V. REINCARNATIONBELIEF IN REBIRTH OF THE SOUL IN VARIOUS FORMS

TRUE GOAL OF LIFE IS MOKSHA

» FREEING OF THE SOUL – THE ATMAN- FROM THE BODY SO IT CAN UNITE WITH BRAHMAN

» CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IN ONE LIFETIME

VI. KARMAEVERY DEED IN THIS LIFE AFFECTS A PERSON’S FATE IN A FUTURE LIFE

PERSON’S PRESENT SITUATION IS THERESULT OF HIS / HER DEEDS IN A PAST EXISTENCE

GOOD DEEDS = Happiness

EVIL DEEDS = Sorrow

VII. DHARMA

DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS

PROVIDES A GUIDE TO CONDUCT

“IF YOU FULFILL YOUR DHARMA, YOU WILL HAVE GOOD KARMA.”

GIVES HINDUS A BETTER LIFE IN THE FUTURE (WHY?!?!)