HINDUISM

Founding of the Religion

No single founder

Made from a beliefs collected over thousands of years.

Vedic scriptures (Vedas): considered revealed knowledge, “that which is heard”In these scriptures are information on origins of God, the presence of the atman, meditation, praying, hymns, and religious rituals.

The Caste System

Socio-religious hierarchy called varna or casteFour castes (social classes)1. Brahman = priests2. Kshatriya = warriors, leaders, and administrators3. Vaishya = merchants, traders, farmers, and craftsmen4. Shudra = servants

Untouchables = a lower category besides those in the caste system

One supreme being (Brahman) in various forms that relate to the different functions served as a God.Omnipresent- always present everywhere and in all living things.Can be represented in a male or female form

3 Main Deities (Trinity)

1) Brahma- creator of the universe, what all living things evolved from2) Vishnu- preserver of the universe, protects the world from evil, and represents mercy and goodness.3) Shiva- destruction and reproductive power.

Wheel of Samsara

Cycle of birth, death, and rebirthSoul= atmanGoal is to live a life so the atman can be released from Samsara and reach the state of maksha (when the atman is united with God)Do this by keeping good karma (thoughts and actions have results that correspond to them) and fulfilling their dharma (duties)

Four Goals

Moksha- liberations, feedomDharma- duty (responsible acceptance of one’s social station and its results)Artha- wealthKama- pleasures of all kinds

Ahisma

No injury to any life formSo no violence and they are vegetarians

Prayer= State of meditation, Yoga

can worship at a mandir (temple) or at their own shine inside their home to whatever deity they find most important in their life.

Cows

they are to be treated with the same respect 'as one's mother' because of the milk they provide Bulls in particular are seen as a symbolic emblem of selfless duty and religion

Divali

Festival of lightsTo celebrate the Hindu new year (during October/NovemberTime to start againTry to fix arguments, put aside differences