Hinduism

Current population828 Million

LocationLargest portion of population in India and South Asia

OriginsNo Founder-developed through ancient Aryan

traditions and beliefs around the Indus Valley Region

VedasAryan traditions

were eventually written down in a series of works, know as the VedasContains hymns,

prayers, magical spells, and instructions for conducting rituals

Were recorded in the spoken and written language of Sanscrit

VedasRig Veda-oldest

and most important of the Vedas (means all of nature is holy)

Upanishads collection of works, written by Hindu teachers to explain the Vedas

BeliefsOne true Brahman

an all powerful spirit that creates and destroys

unites all atmans (souls of living beings)

BeliefsReincarnation

anything that has ever lived does not die entirely. Its inner-self is reborn into another form

BeliefsAll wise Hindus

seek Moksha

Moksha- a state of perfect understanding (reincarnation stops and the souls blend with Brahman)

Caste SystemWritten in the Rig

Veda

People are divided into four groups of classes, know as

varna

The varna (or groups) make up the parts of

the Hindu god

Caste SystemBrahmin: Priest

class-the highest class

(make up the gods mouth)

Kshatriya: Ruler and warrior class

(make up the gods arms)

Vaishya: Landowner, artisan and merchant class

(make up the gods legs)

Shudra: slaves and servants.

(make up the gods feet)

UntouchablesPeople considered

outside of the caste system

Considered outcasts who must stay away from others

Viewed as very dirty people

Many Brahmin priests believed contact with lower castes would contaminate their souls. Vedic prayers were considered so pure that they could not be recited or even heard by a person of a lower caste. One Indian law stated that if a Sudras was caught listening to the Vedas, molten lead was to be poured into his ears.

Foreigners, lawbreakers, people from isolated tribes, and people suffering from contagious diseases lived outside the caste system. These untouchables or “outcastes” were traditionally regarded as unsuitable for personal relations with people who belonged to a caste. Caste members were vegetarians, which meant that people who ate meat or fish were not accepted into their society.

Untouchables were hired to do work that members of the caste system would not do. These jobs included killing or disposing of dead cattle or working with their hides. The untouchables also worked as sweepers, washers, or in other jobs that required contact with human emissions such as sweat, urine, or feces.

Untouchables were often forbidden to enter temples, schools and wells where caste members drew water. In some parts of India, even the sight of untouchables was thought to be polluting. The untouchables were often forced to sleep during the day and work at night.

Caste System (continued)People are born

into a specific casteThere is no chance

to move up or down in this lifetime

Position in today’s world is based on earlier deeds made in a previous life

Rules of the Caste:Always marry within your casteEach caste lives in a separate part of the village

Stay in the caste for a lifetimeEach caste has its own customsAnimal life is sacred (many vegetarians)

KarmaEthical law of cause and effect

Moral behavior in one life guarantees rebirth in a higher caste

dharmaDuties or obligations that each member

of a caste hasOne must be a good member of their caste to move up

Ex.) Boy born in a the Kshatriya (warrior) caste must be willing to fight

Places of WorshipGanges River:

holy river used for bathing and purification

Benares: holy city located on the Ganges River

Famous WritingsVedas: 4 major collections of hymns

and prayers

Rig Veda: oldest, most important religious document of Hinduism

Upanishads-written teachings that explain the Vedas

Religious Leader:Brahmin priests- conducted the

major ceremonies and rituals

EnlightenmentPeople follow the Vedas and dharma

to improves status, and achieve mokshaMoksha- a state of perfect understanding (reincarnation stops and the souls blend with Brahman)