Hinduism

Ben Werkman

4th Hour
World History
9/11/14

Location Where did Hinduism originate

Hinduism originated in India and still is practiced there today
Hinduism is the most popular religion in India

date when did Hinduism originate

Hinduism cant be traced to any single person
Hinduism was created from 2300 1500 BCE
This religion was created and shaped over time

The earth how was it created according to Hinduism

There are many Hindu stories telling how the universe was created
The universe was hatched from the Hiranyagarbha (Golden Egg)
From nothing, Svayambhu a self manifested being arose and created the
primordial waters

Svayambhu planted the seed of creation in to the waters, and grew into the
Hiranyagarbha, and entered the egg

Gods, goddesses, and their roles

Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, meaning there are multiple gods and goddesses. (Estimated to be in the
millions)

Hindus also worship spirits, trees, animals and even planets.

Ganesha Arguably the most popular Hindu god, he is depicted as an elephant riding a mouse. He is the
lord of success and destroying evil and obstacles.

Shiva Being the most powerful god in Hinduism, Shiva represents death and dissolution.
Brahma Brahma is the creator of the universe. Depicted with four heads, four arms and red skin, and
unlike any other gods he carries a water-pot, spoon, book of prayers and a lotus, rather than a weapon

Vishnu - Vishnu is the Hindu deity of peace and sustaining life. When the principles of order, righteousness
and truth are broken, Vishnu emerges and restores these.

Caste system

The Caste System is a system of social classes.

When you are born into a class, you cant get out of it.
The classes are generational, so your family is always in one class.

The social classes from top to bottom:

-Brahmans (Priests and educated professionals)

-Kshatriyas (Warriors and Rulers, and those who own a lot of land)
-Vaisyas (Skilled merchants, farmers and minor officials)

-Shudras (Unskilled workers)

-Outcasts, Untouchables

Atman
Atman is a word that means soul, inner-self or the essence of an individual
Atman is concealed by The Five Sheathes
- Annamaya Kosha (Food)
- Pranamaya Kosha (Vital-Air)
- Manomaya Kosha (Mind/Will)
- Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Capacity)
- Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss)
- Atman

dharma
There is no single word English translation for this word
The root word dhr means to maintain or keep and dharm means path of
righteousness

Hindus follow this to maintain and follow a correct way of living (Nonviolent, help others etc.)

In early Hindu texts, Dharma meant Cosmic Law,

The vedas
The Vedas is a sacred Hindu text
It is thought to be not of apauruseya (Human Agency) or created by Brahma
It is put apart from other religious texts because it is sruti (What is heard) rather than smrti (what
is remembered)

It is composed of 4 parts
- The Rigveda containing hymns to be recited by the presiding priest
- The Yajurveda which has hymns to be recited by the officiating priest
- The Samaveda holds formulas to be sung by the priest who chants
- The Atharvaveda which has spells and incantations, charms to avert evil and speculative hymns

Goal of existence to Hindus

Since Hindus believe in reincarnation, they try to collect good karma
Reincarnation is based upon karma, bad karma-bad reincarnation and vice
versa

This is called moksha

If you achieve salvation from karma, you will no longer have to endure the
pain and suffering of existence

bibliography

Project Inter Faith

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