World Religions: Hinduism What is Hinduism and how does the caste system effect its basic beliefs?

What is Hinduism? �  Hinduism is the

world’s oldest religion and 3rd largest in the world

�  Originated over 4,000 years ago

�  Eighty-three percent (83%) of India’s population practice Hinduism ◦  2000 Census = Over 1

million Hindus in US

Who created Hinduism?

�  No one is really sure who created it

�  Generations of believers have added to its teachings over the years

�  Hinduism thrives on the passing down of teachings and practices from generation to generation

How does Hinduism work? �  Hindus follow four (4) unique ideas that

have also influences other religions:

◦  Everyone is born with a unique soul

◦  Throughout life, the soul will suffer due to wants / desires

◦  Every soul should pursue a life according to their “caste” or class

◦  Freeing a soul from suffering takes many lifetimes (reincarnation)

Think of it like the $10,000 Dollar Pyramid…but for your soul!!!

What are the different castes of the caste system?

“The mouth” The Priests & Teachers (service to the gods)

“The arms” The Warriors & Rulers (protection)

“The waist” The Merchants & Craftsmen (money)

“The legs” The Farmers & Servants (workers)

“The feet” The “untouchables” (outcasts of society)

The “Untouchables”

What role does the caste system play in Hinduism?

�  Every Hindu is born into a particular class or “caste” ◦  Every “caste” has a

particular set of rules / obligations known as “dharma”

�  For good deeds = a move up in the caste system (good karma)

�  For bad deeds = you move down in the caste system (bad karma)

The Ganges River

�  Water is seen as “the great purifier” in Hinduism

�  Brings cleanliness �  Brings life (farmers)

�  The Ganges River �  Most sacred site in all of

Hinduism �  Over a million people

yearly come to bath

Ganges Pollution

The Bindi

“Sacred Cows”

The Cow in Hindu Scripture

The Cow in Hindu Scripture

McDonalds In India