Learning About World Religions: Hinduism 1© Teachers’ Curriculum Institute

U n i t 3 C H A P T E R

Learning About World Religions: Hinduism

15What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?

P R E V I E W

Think about how religion affects life in the United States today. In the box below draw a picture that represents one way that religion influences the way of life of Americans in the 21st century. Then write a sentence explaining what you drew.

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R E A D I N G N O T E S

Key Content TermsAs you complete the Reading Notes, use these terms in your answers.

Hinduism dharmaVedas karmaSanskrit reincarnationBrahmanismpilgrimage caste

Section 15.3

1. Use the spoke diagram below to show the social structure of the caste system. Use the spokes to identify and describe each of the

four social classes, or castes, described in the Vedas.

Section 15.2

1. Who founded the religion of Hinduism?caste

system

2. Complete the flowchart below by providing descriptive details in each box.

Vedic religion

Brahmanism

Hinduism

2. How did the caste system change over time? You may either answer in sentences below or modify your spoke diagram above (label any changes you make).The caste system developed many different castes- due to the ever increasing types of work- new industries/ professions.****

3. In what ways did the caste system affect life in ancient India?

3. How does the chart help explain

No single person founded Hinduism. ( No Abraham) it developed over a long period of time with traditions from various groups.

Named after the Vedas, beliefs of the Aryans who invaded. Several deities based on forces of nature and social order.

When the rituals began to become more elaborate/complex, the Brahmin class of priests and scholars interpreted the written Vedas and performed rituals.

The religion that has evolved out of the previous two, many different beliefs, forms of worship, deities, in different regions. Vedas sacred text still.

Brahmins- the priests and

religious scholars Kshatriyas- rulers and warriors.

Vaishyas- herders and merchants

Shudra- servants, farmers, laborers

The caste system kept the people of India separated into rigid classes that did not intermarry or associate with each other very much.

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Learning About World Religions: Hinduism 3© Teachers’ Curriculum Institute

the relationship of the Vedic religion, Brahmanism, and Hinduism?

The chart is arranged in the order that they evolved from each other.

Untouchables- new caste- lowest- not really considered part of the society but forced to live separately. Call themselves “The Dalits” meaning the crushed or suppressed people.

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4 Chapter 15 © Teachers’ Curriculum Institute

Section 15.41. Record three key points that describe some Hindus’ beliefs about Brahman.

• The universal power- supreme power- greater than all other deities.• Only Brahman exists forever.• Everything is a part of Brahman, including human souls.

2. Followers of the ancient V e d i c r e l i g i o n a n d B r a h m a n i s m communicated with their deities by . . .holding elaborate rituals, and offering sacrifices outdoors. (Not in a temple in ancient times-different from Egyptians and Mesopotamians.)

3. List three details that describe Hindu temples.• many huge and very elaborate- fancy, elegant.• doors often face the east (rising sun).• covered with beautiful carvings and sculptures

4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates how time is expressed in many Indian traditions.

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Section 15.5

1. Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about deities.• Some believe all deities are part of Brahman.

• 3 Important Deities: Brahma- createsVishnu- preserves, Shiva-destroys

• Many deities in Hindu worship and sacred texts.

2. One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .children read/hear the literature full of stories of deities battling evil

3. Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .there are many festivals and religious holidays centered on sacred stories about theses deities.

Ramayana- Story about Rama fighting Ravana (devil) (Video Clip)

4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about deities.

Section 15.6

1. Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about dharma.• Law, obligation and duty

• Each varna/social class each has its own dharma to perform.

• Shared dharma- things everyone should do or take care of ( marriage, share food, care for your soul, practice non-violence).

2. One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . . it is supposed to lead harmony if everyone is doing their dharma. Hindus practice non-violence out of respect for all life.

3. Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .respect for animals, especially the cow as a sacred animal- never to be slaughtered.

4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about dharma.

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Learning About World Religions: Hinduism 111© Teachers’ Curriculum Institute

Section 15.7

1. Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about karma.• Do your dharma and get good karma!

• Disregard your dharma and get bad karma!

• Karma is made up of the good and bad you have done in past lives.

2. One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .karma explains why people are in certain levels of the caste system. You build up of bad or good karma determines whether you move up or down in the caste system ladder.

3. Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .karma justifies why some people deserve to be at a low level.

4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about karma.

Section 15.8

1. Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about samsara.• cycle of birth , death, rebirth

• samsara ends when Brahmin’s soul is released to become with Brahman

• It takes many lifetimes for your soul to work through the levels and your karma to be correct and be released from reincarnation.

2. One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .

People would worship faithfully in order to promote their soul in the next life.

3. Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .

Hindus make pilgrimages to such places as the Ganges River to cleanse their souls.

4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about samsara.

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P R O C E S S I N G

Compose an acrostic poem for the word Hinduism. Follow these guidelines as you compose your poem, using the letters and space below.• Include a sentence for each letter in the word Hinduism. A

sample sentence is provided below.• Use all of the Key Content Terms at least once and

underline them in your completed poem.• Summarize three ways Hindu beliefs have influenced life in India.

H indus are expected to follow a common dharm a , or set of values, such as sharing food with others and practicing nonviolence.

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