2. The Origins of Hinduism
The Aryans were a group of people
that moved into India about 1500
B.C.
They crossed the mountain range of
the Hindu Kush to get to India.
The Aryans were herders ( a person
in charge of a herd: especially cattle
or sheep).
3. Language
The Aryans spoke the Sanskrit
language.
Hearing stories orally was very
important to this group of people.
Stories were told by mouth for 3,000
years before they were written down.
4. Blending of Culture
The Dravidians lived in the land the
Aryans gradually entered.
The Aryans practiced a mysterious
religion.
The Dravidians liked this religion
The Dravidians taught the Aryans
how to live life in the city.
These interactions led to a complex
and blended culture.
5. Social Classes
The Aryan society was organized into
classes.
These classes developed into what is
called a caste system.
A caste is a social class whose
members are identified by their job.
6. CASTE SYSTEM
PRIESTS, SCHOLARS
TEACHERS
Rulers, nobles, warriors
Bankers, merchants, farmers
Artisans, laborers
Untouchables
Untouchables were considered outside the system and
below it. They did jobs no one else wanted, such as
being sweepers and disposers of dead bodies.
7. Development of Hinduism
The Indian people began to question
how the world came into being.
This led to a belief that one spirit or
supreme being, known as Brahman,
governed (was in charge of) the
universe.
They believe Brahman can be found
within every person.
8. Who is Followed?
Hindus believe in many different
gods.
These gods are parts of the one
universal god.
Three most important gods:
1. Brahma- the creator
2. Vishnu- the protector
3. Shiva- the destroyer
9. Religious Book
They have many sacred texts, the
Vedas are the oldest Hindu scripture.
10. Important Teachings
Hindus believe in reincarnation which
means that each person has many
lives.
Karma- what a person does in each
life determines what he will be in the
next life.
Deeds (good or evil) cause a person
to be reborn in a higher or lower life
form.
11. Animals
Hindus believe that animals have a
supreme life force in them too.
Because of this many Hindus are
vegetarians.
The cow is considered sacred-a
symbol of Mother Earth- the one who
nourishes mankind.
12. Cycle of Life
There is a belief of a repeating cycle
of birth, life, death, and rebirth.
The cycle ends only when a person
achieves a mystical union with God.
To achieve that, a person must come
to realize that his soul and God’s soul
are one.
13. Many paths to God
Each person has their own individual
path to God.
Part of the path has to do with a
person’s job.
Dedicated Hindus must faithfully
carry out their assigned jobs in life.
15. Place of Worship
Many Hindu rites and ceremonies take
place in a temple setting and are directed
toward a god or goddess.
However, some Hindu rituals take place in
individual homes.
Death is a critical moment in the life of a
Hindu, not only because it marks the end
of life, but also because it marks the
transition to the next life.
16. Rituals Continued
One of the most important rituals associated with
death is the pinda pradana, a ritual that is
performed at several points after death and
involves the offering of small rice balls (pinda),
which are thought to feed the deceased prior to
his or her rebirth. Often the family will journey to
a tirtha, a "crossing" of a sacred river and "sink"
a portion of the deceased cremated remains,
further insuring a safe passage
to the next life.
17. The Ganges River
The name of the Ganges is known all throughout the land of India.
This river that runs for 1,560 miles from the Himalayas all the
way to the Bay of Bengal is more than just flowing water for
Hindus. This river is life, purity, and a goddess to the people of
India. The river is Ganga Ma, "Mother Ganges." Her name and her
story is known all throughout the land. It is the story of how she
poured herself down from heaven. Her waters would raise them
up again to dwell in peace in heaven. Not only that, but anyone
who touches these purifying waters even today are said to be
cleansed of all sins.
18. Spiritual Practices
1. meditation- the practice of
making the mind calm
2. Yoga- a complex practice that
includes exercise, breathing
techniques, and diet
19. Symbol
The Symbol of Hinduism is The OM
It is believed to be the basic sound
of the world and to contain all other
sounds. It is said to be the sound of
the universe.
20. Why it Matters Now
Hinduism- ranks third among the
world religions.
Today Hinduism is the major religion
of India and Nepal, but it has
followers around the world.
