2. Existence: Hinduism is the
world’s oldest known religion.
History of Hinduism can be traced
back to 5,000 – 10,000 B.C.
Size and Rank: 3rd largest
religion of the world with more
than 1 billion followers. Hindu
population constitutes 14% of the
world population.
3. LOCATION: 85% of Hindus live
in India, the rest in Nepal, Sri
Lanka and other parts of the world.
India is also called “Hindustan.”
A.K.A. People who follow
Hinduism are called as “Hindus,”
Hinduism is known as Hindu
Dharma, Hindu Religion, Sanatan
Dharma (Eternal Religion) or Vedic
Dharma.
4. NO single FOUNDER It has
been evolving over a thousand of
years; ORIGINATED in India, its
teachings are largely based from
Vedas;the name HINDU was given by
the Greeks and Arabs to those living
near the “Sindhu” River and the
way of life of those people began to
be called HINDUISM.
5. DEITIES: Lord Brahma (creator), Lord
Vishnu (protector), Lord Vishnu
(destroyer)
Sacred books Four Vedas,
Upanishadas, Bhagvadgita, 18Puranas,
Ramayana, Mahabharata
NO MEAT VEGETARIAN diet
KARMA (deeds) reaping what we
sow; status in the next life depends on
Karma (Reincarnation)
6. CASTE SYSTEM: based on
four Varnas, useful in arranging
marriages
(1)Brahmin (priests)
(2)Kshatriya (warriors)
(3)Vaishya (business people)
(4)Shuda (laborers)
(5)Dalits (untouchables) – beggars,
“polluted” people
7. Prayer points:
(1)Missionaries to be equipped and
sent to Hindu communities
(2)Opportunities to share the gospel
(3)Spiritual warfare – the Hindus have
a certain belief system where they
have accepted a counterfeit for the
true Living God. Let us bind this
deception, so they can receive the
Truth.
8. Prayer points:
(4) Since gaining access and favor
among the Hindus can be very tricky,
let us pray that workers will have the
wisdom of God to navigate political,
cultural and religious issues.
