Hinduism

Hinduism is more like an encompassing way of life, then

a religion.

Hinduism has grown to become the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam.

It claims about 950 million followers -- about 14% of the world's population. 2

It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Vedas

Hindu sacred texts are perhaps the most ancient religious texts still surviving today

The primary sacred texts of Hinduism are the Vedas:

The Vedas contain hymns,, and rituals from ancient India

Important text/stories are the Ramayana & the Mahabharata (Gita)

The Lords Song; Sorrow of Arjuna and Lord Krishna!

Trinity of Gods

Brahma the Creator

Vishnu, (Krishna) the Preserver.

Shiva, the Destroyer

Brahman* The power behind and within the cosmos that makes it

function and live.

Vishnu & his

incarnations/Avatar

Boar- 3rd

Buddha- 9th

Turtle- 2ndWhenever dharma

(righteousness, religion, law and

duty) is threatened,

Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of

ten incarnations.

Goals of Hinduism

The main goal is : moksa: break the cycle of reincarnation. This is considered the supreme goal of mankind.

dharma: righteousness in their religious life. This is the most important of the three. Duties or obligation; which change depending on your age (student, parent, elder)

Karma- every deed (action) in this life affects your fate in the next life.

Reincarnation, determined by karma, reincarnation as animal, plant or human.

If you do your Dharma, you will get good Karma and will be reincarnated into a higher life.

River Ganges & Varanasi

Shiva makes his home in Varanasi & grants enlightenment there.

Sacred act to take a pilgrimage to city.

Wash away sins, remember ancestors etc.

Many come here to die & get cremated near the river.

Holidays and Festivals

Of the annual festivals, the two-day rites of Holi mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time of fun, joy, and hope for nature's rebirth.

In late summer, Krishna's birthday is celebrated at the Janmashtami.

Shortly afterwards, Ganesha

is honored with the festival

of Ganesh Charurti.

Hindu Temples

Visit temples any time, Puja (worship) happens any time

of the day. Bells announce a worshipers, incense is burnt,

flowers or candy offered.

Many Hindus have area’s of worship in there homes to

their favorite god.

Idols represent gods in temples, awaken gods with bells, wash and dress for

special occasions.

Caste System

Social System brought by the Aryans

Exist throughout history in the sub continent.The System becomes

illegal when India becomes Independent in

1947.

Separate Notes for the Caste System

Yoga

Meditation is often practiced, with Yoga being the most common

The priesthood is less important in rural Hinduism: non-Brahmins and non-priests often carry out ritual and prayer there.

No founder, no formal organization, no Pope/ leader.