1. Hinduism originated around 1500 BC in the Indus River Valley in present-day India and Pakistan. It has evolved over time and is considered one of the oldest religions in the world with over 1 billion followers globally. 2. The history of Hinduism can be broken down into periods: the Indus Valley Period, the Vedic Period, the Second Urbanization, the Early Classical period, the Classical period, the Medieval to Early Modern period, the Modern period, and Independent India. Key developments include the Vedic texts, the Upanishads, concepts of dharma and samsara. 3. Central beliefs of Hinduism include Brahman as the ultimate reality, atman as the

1. Hinduism
Topic 4

2. Indus River Valley
Sindhu (Sanskrit)
Hindu (Persian)
India (Greek)
India
I
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u
s
R
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r
Origin of the Name

3. Sanatan Dharma
The eternal path
India
I
n
d
u
s
R
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Hindus call their religion:

4. Demographics

5. Demographics
• Considered oldest religion
• Worldwide 1.058 billion
• 15% of world’s population
• 3rd largest religion in world
worldreligiondatabase.org (2021)

6. Demographics
• Worldwide 1.058 billion
• India 9.99 million
• United States 1.6 million
• Arizona 33,000
(worldreligiondatabase.org; AZCentral, 2014)

7. Pew Research (2014)

8. History

9. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
7. Modern Period (1757 to 1947)
8. Independent India (1947 to present)

10. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)

11. Indus Valley Civilization 2700-1500 BC

12. Calkins, P. B. , Raikar, . Sanat Pai , Srivastava, . A.L. , Wolpert, . Stanley A. , Thapar, . Romila , Alam, . Muzaffar ,
Champakalakshmi, . R. , Spear, . T.G. Percival , Allchin, . Frank Raymond , Dikshit, . K.R. , Schwartzberg, . Joseph E. and
Subrahmanyam, . Sanjay (2023, February 22). India. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/India
1500 BC
Indus River
Valley
INDIA

13. Aryan Migration
1500 BC — Early Vedic Period
Introduced the Sanskrit Language
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

14. Aryan Migration
Central Asian civilization
Aryan is not a race
“Aryan” means “free men”
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

15. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)

16. Vedic Period
1500 BC - 500 BC
Vedic texts written
Religion called Brahmanism
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

17. Brahmanism
1500 BC - 500 BC
• Brahman (ultimate reality)
• Ultimate god or real being
• First Cause
• First Rule-Maker
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

18. Brahmanism
There is a First Cause
The Universe is ordered
Rita — rules the universe follows
Sanatan Dharma — Eternal Order
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

19. Brahmanism
Humans consist of
1. Physical body
2. Mind
3. Soul
4. Atman
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

20. Brahmanism
The Atman
If there is a physical self, and
If there is a Brahman, then
There must also be a transcendent self
to connect with Brahman
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

21. Atman & the Soul
Atman आ
त्म
न् eternal essence of self
Paramatman परमा
त्म
न् Absolute Atman, or supreme Self, part of Brahman.
Prakrit
प्र
क
ृ
ति
Soul, spiritual consciousness
Ahamkara अहंकार Ego, self,
Citta
चि
त्त
Mind, your physical consciousness
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

22. Veda Texts
1500 - 1000 BC
• Rig Veda
• Yajur Veda
• Sama Veda
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

23. Upanishad Texts
1000 - 400 BC
Mostly Philosophy
Describes: Order of the Universe
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

24. Trimurti - 3 Gods
1. Brahma the Creator
2. Vishnu the Preserver
3. Shiva the Destoyer
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism.

25. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)

26. Bhagavad Gita
500 BC - 200 AD
Described Order of Society
Described Caste System

27. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)

28. Early Classical
Golden Age
• Worship of Brahma diminishes
• Worship of Vishnu & Shiva
• Concept of Dharma grows

29. Early Classical
Golden Age
• Worship of Brahma diminishes
• Worship of Vishnu & Shiva
• Concept of Dharma grows

30. Early Classical
Dharma
• The eternal order and inherent
nature of reality, a cosmic law
underlying right behavior and
social order
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

31. Buddhism split
Jainism split
Early Classical

32. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)

33. Classical Period
• Gupta Empire (320-650 AD)
• United India politically

34. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)

35. Medieval Period
500 - 1757 AD
• Wandering Teachers
• Hinduism travels outside of India
• Islamic Invasion
• Decline of political influence
Dashavatara Temple to Vishnu
Mark (2020) World History Encyclopedia

36. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
7. Modern Period (1757 - 1947)

37. Modern Period
1757 - 1949
• British Occupation of India
• English East India Company
• Christian Missionaries
• Modernization of India

38. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
7. Modern Period (1757 - 1947)
8. Independent India (1947 - Present)

39. India’s Independence
1949 - Present
• Mahatma Gandhi, first Prime Minister
• Hinduism state religion
• Modernization of Hinduism
• Elimination of the Caste System

40. Beliefs

41. Abrahamic Religions Believe One Personal God
Mt. Sinai
Moses
The Gospel
Jesus
Quran
Muhammad

42. Abrahamic Religions Believe Truth is Revealed
Mt. Sinai
Moses
The Gospel
Jesus
Quran
Muhammad

43. Hinduism believes eternal truth is discovered
• Shruti — that what is heard
• Recorded in the Vedas
• No prophet or revelation
• Truth is Pre-existent

44. Seven Beliefs
1. Brahman
2. Atman
3. Karma
4. Moksha
5. Yuga Cycle
6. Dharma
7. The Vedas

45. 1. Brahman
• Universal Soul
• Material everything’s made from
• Energy pervading the universe
• Impersonal Force

46. 2. Atman
Humans made up of
• Physical Body
• Mind
• Soul
• Atman - transcendent Self

47. 3. Karma
Cosmic Justice
Good and bad actions impact:
• Society
• Us later in life
• Us in the next life

48. Past Life Present Life Future Life
3. Karma

49. 4. Yuga Cycle
Aka Kalpic Cycle

50. Mahayuga महायुग
4 complete Yugas
4.32 Million Years

51. Kalpa क
ल्प
1 Day in the life of Brahma
1,000 Mahayugas
4.32 billion years

52. Satya Yuga
• Brahma the creator rules
• 1,728,000 years
• Golden Age
• No Castes
• No Distinctions
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

53. Satya Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
four legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

54. Treta Yuga
• Brahma Rules
• 1,296,000 years
• Silver Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

55. Treta Yuga
• Human Civilization
• Humans became greedy
• Brahma creates caste system
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

56. Treta Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
three legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

57. Dwapar Yuga
• Vishnu the preserver
Rules
• 864,000 years
• Bronze Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

58. Dwapar Yuga
• Secularization of Civilization
• Neglect of the Caste System
• Neglect of the gods
• Truth is no longer followed
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

59. Dwapar Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
two legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

60. Kali Yuga
• Shiva The Destroyer Rules
• 432,000 years
• Iron Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

61. Kali Yuga
• Materialism - Warfare
• Age of Darkness
• Civilizations ends in destruction
• Shiva Dances and world ends
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

62. Kali Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
one leg, then none
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

63. Mahayuga महायुग
World is recreated

64. Yuga Cycle
4 Epochs of Time
Creation -> Destruction -> Creation

65. 5. Dharma
One’s duty in life performed
with the proper action
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

66. 5. Dharma
When one performs their
duty, they and all society
experience harmony &
balance
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

67. 6. Moksha
Release from Samsara
The endless cycle of birth,
death and rebirth
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

68. Samsara
Endless cycle of birth-life-death-rebirth
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

69. Moksha (release)
How do we achieve Moksha?
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

70. 3 Purusharthas (Goals)
1. Dharma — Performing one’s duty in life
2. Artha — career, home life, acquire material wealth
3. Kama — Love, sexuality, Pleasure
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

71. 3 Gunas (helps or hindrances)
1. Sattva — wisdom, goodness, detachment
2. Rajas — passionate intensity, aggression
3. Tamas — darkness, confusion, helplessness

72. 7. Vedas
The sacred texts of Hinduism

73. Seven Beliefs
1. Brahman
2. Atman
3. Karma
4. Moksha
5. Yuga cycle
6. Dharma
7. The Vedas

74. Hindu Deities

75. Brahma Vishnu Shiva
Krishna - Vishnu’s Avatar Ganesh Murugan

76. Hindu Trimurti
1. Brahma - The Creator
2. Vishnu - The Preserver
3. Shiva - The Destroyer
Brama Vishnu Shiva

77. Brahma Vishnu Shiva
The Trimurti (Three Gods)
The Creator The Preserver The Destroyer

78. Sources for your essay
Brahma https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/
Vishnu https://www.worldhistory.org/Vishnu/
Shiva https://www.worldhistory.org/Vishnu/

79. Trimurti (history)
Earliest record:
Poem Kumarasambhava “the Birth
of the War God” (500 BC)
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism

80. Trimurti (history)
Earliest depiction:
Sadashiva Stone relieve on a cave
temple on Elephant Island, India
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism

81. Trimurti (history)
Historians claim the Trimurti, was
an attempt to reconcile different
legends and different gods from
the Vedic period into one meta
narrative.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism

82. 1. Brahma
The Creator
Not equal to Brahman
Holds book of knowledge

83. Brahma
• Four Heads
• Vedas (sacred texts)
• Mala (beads) symbolizing time
• Pitcher for water, where all creation came from
or
• Alms bowl
• Seated on Lotus from which he sprung
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, November 14). Brahma. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brahma-Hindu-god

84. Four Heads
Four Vedas
Four Yugas (epochs)
Had a 5th head but Shiva cut it off

85. Brahma (history)
• Earliest description 700 BC
• Primary God (500 BC - 500 AD)
• Earliest description in Mahabharata
• Called the Grandfather
• Called Prajapati (the first god)
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/

86. Brahma (Mythology)
• Born from a comic golden egg (or)
• Born from a Lotus in Vishnu’s Naval
• Created good/evil; light/darkness
• Created: gods, demons, ancestors,
and men
• Created Manu, the first man
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/

87. Brahma (Mythology)
• Created plants & animals on earth
• Created night & day
• Created demons to rule night
• Created good gods to rule the day
• Then abandoned his body became spirit
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/

88. Brahma (Mythology)
• Brahma looked with lust at a goddess
and Shiva cut his 5th head off.
• Brahma lied and lost most of his
worshippers and that’s why he has few
devotees
• Vishnu made him the creator with no
other responsibilities.
Cartwright, Mark. (16 May 2015). “Brahma” . World History Encyclopedia

89. Brahma (Hinduism)
• Two temples in India to Brahma:
Pushkara, and Rajasthan.
• Does not come to earth
• Sleeps during this Yuga
• Rarely involved
Cartwright, Mark. (16 May 2015). “Brahma” . World History Encyclopedia

90. Saraswati
Brahma’s wife
Goddess of learning

91. 2. Vishnu
The preserver
Preserves world until destroyed
Discis is weapon to cut down those
who upset Dharma

92. Vishnu (history)
• Earliest mention in Vedas
• Main God in the sacred texts
• Mentioned 64 times in Rig Veda
• Oldest story: Vishnu saved world
from a great flood
• Late Veda period, Became equated
with Vasudeva, a minor god in
Western India.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

93. Vishnu (history)
• In the Vedas, Krishna is his
• Later the other legends are joined
to his story: the other gods
become incarnations of Vishnu
• Later, it is taught he has 10
avatars (10 stories joined with
Vishnu)
• In Bhagavad Ghita a following of
devotees develops and becomes
(Vishnuism)
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

94. Vishnu (Art)
• Dark Blue—blue aura, blue energy,
• Four arms
• Atop the Cobra Sheshtnag
representing the many desires of
the mind. He sits over them
showing he has control.
• Sometimes seated over throne
• Conch: produces sound “OM” the
primeval sound of creation.
• Discus: cut down abhorrent men or
symbolizes the mind
• Lotus: glorious existence
• Mace: mental & physical strength.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

95. Vishnu (Mythology)
• Bhagavata Purana epic, has most
of the Vishnu stories.
• He becomes pre-existing god
• Gives nectar of immortality to
other gods
• Story: gods wanted nectar of
eternal life. Vishnu helped produce
it. Demons tried to run off with it.
Vishnu created Maya (illusion) to
distract them, give nectar to gods.
Physical world to this day is MAYA,
illusory.
Cartwright, Mark. (2012). “Vishnu”. In World History Encyclopedia

96. Vishnu’s Wives
Lakshmi
Bhu Devi
Garuda (his eagle)
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, September 1). Lakshmi. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://
www.britannica.com/topic/Lakshmi

97. Lakshmi
Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune
Appears with him in each incarnation
Very popular among Hindus today
Often small statues of her in homes
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, September 1). Lakshmi. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://
www.britannica.com/topic/Lakshmi

98. Bhudevi
Goddess of the earth
Worshipped by farmers
Gives life to the earth
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/bhudevi

99. Vishnu’s Avatars
Avatar means to descend
Ten Avatars
Divine appearances of gods
Intervene to repair Dharma

100. Krishna
Primary Avatar
a. when earth was flooded he dragged
earth out from under the sea
b. Born on earth (like Jesus) spent life
fixing things

101. Krishna & the Cow
Lives in Vrindavan where there are
cows
When born on earth, is born a cow
herder as a child.
Reason why Cows are sacred

102. Kalki
Last Avatar who will appear in the
end
Appear riding on a white horse
End the final Yuga

103. 3. Shiva
• Means “The Auspicious One”
• Known as the Destroyer
• Depicted as both male & female
• At end of Yuga cycle will perform a
dance to destroy the world.
• Brought Ganges river to earth from the
Milky Way.
Doniger, W. (2021, May 6). Shiva. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva

104. 3. Shiva
3rd eye bestows inward vision, but
also destruction when focused on
someone or something
Skulls around neck = death
Serpent around neck
Riding tiger = victory of animal
instincts.
Doniger, W. (2021, May 6). Shiva. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva

105. Shiva (History)
• Shiva (the auspicious,
beneficent)
• Earliest found 2600 BC in a royal
seal
• Originated Northern India
• First appears in the Ramayana
(600 -300 BC) and then
Mahabharata (700 BC - 100 AD)
• Described in Shvetashvatara
Upanishad (300 BC) as highest
deity.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406

106. Shiva (Mythology)
• First Appears with wife Sati
• Sati dies, is reincarnated as
Parvati, his 2nd wife.
• They have a son, Ganesha.
• Then son Karttikeya, the god of
eternal youth.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406

107. Shiva (Art)
• The gods recognize his power and
recruit him to fight the demons
• His power is in “dancing”
• Four arms: 4 directions
• At the end of Yuga cycle he will
dance the world out of existence.
• He is also the Lord of Chaos
• He is also God of destruction
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406

108. Shiva’s Wives
Paravati & Sati

109. Shiva’s sons
Ganesha (remove obstacles)
Murugan (god of war)

110. Hindu Flood Narrative
• Brahma fell asleep
• A Demon tried to destroy the world
with a flood
• Vishnu became Matsya a fish
• Tells Manu to build a big boat
• Manu saves animals and life
• Manu repopulates the earth

111. Sacred Texts

112. Sacred Texts
• The Four Vedas
• The Upanishads
• The Great Sanskrit Epochs
• The Puranas

113. The Four Vedas
1500 - 1200 BC
Vedic Period of India
Orally transmitted
Divine Texts
Doniger, W. (2023, January 4). Veda. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Veda

114. The Four Vedas
1. Rig Veda
2. Sama Veda
3. Yajur Veda
4. Atharva Veda

115. 1. Rig Veda
Songs & Poems
Truth, Reality, Universe
War, Weddings, Rituals

116. 2. Yajur Veda
Sacrificial rites
Rituals

117. 3. Sama Veda
Sweet song that destroys sorrow
Praises to the gods

118. 4. Atharva Veda
Curses, spells, blessings

119. 13 Upanishads
800 - 500 BC
Divine Texts
Answers philosophical questions
in the Vedas

120. 2 Great Sanskrit Epics
400 BC - 400 AD
1. Mahabharata
2. Ramayana
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata

121. 1. Mahabharata
400 BC - 400 AD
Longest poem in the world
200,000 verses (lines)
Epoch story
5 x Bible
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata

122. Bhagavad Gita
1st or 2nd Century AD
“Song of God”
Mahabharata ch 23-40
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita

123. Bhagavad Gita
Setting:
Epoch War story
Krishna appears to Arjuna
Teaches Arjuna about Dharma
We all must act obey to Duty
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita

124. Bhagavad Gita Teachings
Commentary on Upanishads
1. Explains Yoga
2. Dualism of soul and physical body
3. Reincarnation
4. Who to attain moksha (release)
5. Achieving nirvana (extinction)
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita

125. 6.Amass record of karma (good actions)
7.Meditation
8.Amassing jnana (knowledge)
9.Following path of Bhakti (devotion)
10. Kama (desiring fruits of action)
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita

126. 2. Ramayana
600 - 300 BC
2nd Longest poem
24,000 verses
Epoch story of Prince Rama
From Ayodhya in Kosala
14-year exile
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata

127. Puranas
3rd - 10th Century AD
“Ancient”
Encyclopedias of Hindu Beliefs
Doniger, W. (2022, August 15). Purana. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purana

128. Puranas
Describes
• Yoga
• Caste System
• Taxation
• Civil Law
Doniger, W. (2022, August 15). Purana. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purana

129. Puranas
Five Subjects
1. First Creation
2. Recent Creation
3. Genealogy of gods
4. Reign of Manus, the first man
5. History of sun & moon
Doniger, W. (2022, August 15). Purana. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purana

130. Caste System

131. History of Caste System

132. 1500 BC
Indus River
Valley
Aryans created caste to separate ruling from working classes

133. Caste System in History
• Aryan Invasion
• Castes created based on skills & abilities
• 5th Century BC laws fixed the castes by ancestry
• Rule #1 - Brahmins are Lord of Castes
• Rule #2 - Hindus cannot change caste

134. Caste System in History
• 400 AD — Dalit (outcaste) emerged
• Possibly in response to Buddhism’s revolt
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, October 27). untouchable. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/untouchable

135. Caste System in History
• British exploited castes (1757 - 1930s)
• British established laws to protect (1930s - 1947)
• Ghandi ended caste system (1947)
• Castes continue as social discrimination

136. Theology of the Caste System

137. 11 When they divided Brahma how many portions did they make?
What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet?
12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rājanya made.
His thighs became the Vaiśya, from his feet the Śūdra was produced.
Rig Veda 10:90 https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10090.htm
Creation Myth in the Rig Veda

138. Caste
Created by Krishna the Preserver
To maintain social order

139. Caste
Born into a caste because of Karma.
It is your Dharma (duty) to fulfill the
role you were born into

140. Brahmins
Priests, Teachers
Kshatriyas
Warriors, Princes
Vaishyas
Merchants, businessmen
Shudras
Laborers, factory workers
Dalits
Street sweepers, Latrine
Cleaners

141. Brahma’s Body
• Brahmins - priests, Brahma’s mouth
• Kshatriyas - warriors, Brahma’s arms
• Vaishyas - merchants, Brahma’s legs
• Shudras - laborers, Brahma’s feet

143. Religious Leaders

144. Terms for Religious leaders
• Swami
• Guru
• Maharishi
• Yogi
• Pundit or Punjaris

145. Guru
Any Spiritual teacher, or guide
One who initiates followers,
“Guru” means “the weighty one”
Bears weight of wisdom.
Used for a common teacher
including Yoga teacher
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.

146. Swami
Hindu Holy Man
“Swami” means Master
Teacher of Hindu philosophy
Mastery over “self”
Teacher with many followers and
a reputation
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.

147. Yogi
Hindu teacher of Yoga
Teacher is bound by a code of moral
conduct and restraint similar to a
monk. Often involves celibacy. Myths
surround Yogis that can accomplish
physical tasks like levitation.
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.

148. Maharishi
Term bestowed specifically on
Brahmins
Means “Great Seer”
Implies divine revelation
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.

149. Pundit or
Pujaris
Hindu Priests
Ceremonial role
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.

150. Practices

151. Namaste
• Greeting
• Said with slight bow and
• Hands together
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.

152. Namaste
• Sanskrit — Bow to you
• Namas to Bow or salut
• Te to You
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.

153. Namaste
• Means — recognition of Atman
• The divine Atman in me
• Bows to the divine in you
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.

154. The Chakra

155. Chakra
The seven focal points on the body that align with the centers
of energy, and are the focus of meditation
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, November 14). chakra. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://
www.britannica.com/topic/chakra

157. The Third Eye
Ajhna (3rd Eye)
Spiritual Sight
Aligns with Chakra
Someone having spiritual sight

158. Vegetarianism
Non-violence
Dharma with nature
Vegetarianism purifies soul

159. Why are cows sacred
1. Because most Hindus are vegetarian therefore depend on milk
2. Because cows are like a mothers who gives life
3. Because cows are associated with mother goddesses
4. Because were sacred in the Vedas
5. Because Krishna, when he was on earth, was a cattle herder

160. Vedic Fire Ritual

161. Homa होम
• Vedic Fire Ritual
• Performed by Hindu Priest
• Offerer asking gods for
something
Axel Michaels (2016). Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Signi
fi
cance for Ritual Theory. Oxford University Press. pp. 237–248.

162. Homa होम
• Offer food
• Grain
• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Incense
• Seeds
Axel Michaels (2016). Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Signi
fi
cance for Ritual Theory. Oxford University Press. pp. 237–248.

163. Homa होम
• Offered for the home
• At weddings
• Special occasions
Axel Michaels (2016). Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Signi
fi
cance for Ritual Theory. Oxford University Press. pp. 237–248.

164. Self-Realization
Fellowship Yoga International Fellowship
Of Krishna Consciousness
Hinduism in America

165. Yoga
Bhagavad Gita
Vaishnavism Branch

166. Yoga
Join, Unite
1. Bhakti Yoga — chanting, prayer
2. Hatha Yoga — physical postures
3. Karma Yoga — acts of service

167. Yoga
Chicago (1893)
Swami Krishnamacharya
Father of Modern Yoga

168. Yoga
Hollywood (1947)
Indra Devi
Yoga Studio

169. Transcendental
Meditation

170. Maharishi Mahesh
Introduced in 1955
Popularized 1960s & 70s

171. The Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh (1968)

173. Self-Realization
Fellowship
Los Angeles, 1920
His teaching on Bhagavad Gita
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893 - 1952)

174. Self-Realization
Fellowship
Los Angeles, 1920
His teaching on Bhagavad Gita
Los Angeles Temple on Hollywood Blvd.

175. International Society for
Krishna Consciousness

176. ISKS
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Vaishnava Branch
Sri Chaitanya of Bengal (1500)
Devotion to Krishna
Bhagavad Gita
ISKS on Hollywood Blvd

177. ISKS
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada (1966)
San Francisco Counterculture

178. ISKS
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Public Dance
Promote Vegetarianism
Veneration of Lord Krishna
Chanting “Hare Krishna”

179. Branches of Hinduism

180. Four Branches
1. Vaishnavas
2. Shaivas
3. Smartas
4. Shaktas

181. 1. Vaishnavism
• Devotion to Vishnu
• Vishnu is the manifestation of Brahman
• Incarnations: Rama, Krishna, (others)
• Vishnu defends Dharma (moral law)
• Goal is moksha (liberation) spend eternity
in Vishnu’s presence
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism

182. Srivaishnava Sect
• Doctrine of Vishishtadvaita (non dualism)
• The phenomenal world is illusory
• But it is the medium to access Krishna
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism

183. Madhva Sect
• Followers of the philosopher Madhva
• Doctrine of Dvaita (dualism)
• God & the Atman are separate entities
• Atman depends on Brahman but is not
equal to it.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism

184. Pushtimarg Sect
• Followers of Vallabhacharya
• Phenomenal world is NOT illusory but real
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism

185. Gaudiya Sect
• Followers of Chaitanya
• Phenomenal world is NOT illusory but real
• Relationship between Brahman and the
world is inconceivable (we can’t
understand).
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism

186. 2. Shaivism
• Devotion to Shiva
• (1) Pluralism - many realities
• (2) Monism - only one reality
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2015, March 5). Shaivism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shaivism

187. Shaiva-Siddhanta
• Shiva philosophical system in South India
• Dated 5th to 9th Century
• Three Universal Realities
1. Pashu - the individual soul (not Atman)
2. Shiva - the Lord, ultimate reality
3. Pasha - soul’s bondage to the body
• Ignorance - we are all ignorant of realities
• Freedom obtained by (a) acts of service, (b)
worship ( c) Yoga - spiritual discipline, and
(d) deep learning.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2016, April 6). Shaiva-siddhanta. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shaiva-siddhanta

188. 3. Smartas
• Traditional sect
• Members of the Brahman, Kshatriya, and
Vishya sect
• Follow the Smriti Texts
• Follow Shankara (8th Century teacher)
• Head monastery in Karnataka, India.
• Follow 5 deities: Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti,
Surya, and Ganesha.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2007, March 1). Smarta sect. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Smarta-sect

189. 4. Shaktas
• Worship goddess Shakti (means power)
• Mostly in Bengal and Assam
• Shakti was wife of Shiva
• The Divine mother
• Absolute surrender to her power
• Shakti is a coiled serpent within each
person that is released upon surrender to
the goddess Shakti.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2015, January 19). Shaktism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shaktism

190. Hindu Holidays

191. Holi
Festival of Color (spring)

192. Diwali
Festival of Lights

194. Maha Shivaratri
Venerates Shiva

195. Raksha Bandhan
Honoring brothers & sisters

196. Krishna
Janmashtami
Birthday of Krishna

197. Ganesh Chaturthi
Birth of Ganesha

198. Navrati
Feast of Nine Nights
Rama’s Victory over Ravana

199. Rama Navami
Birth of Lord Rama

200. Ugadi
New Years

201. Hindu Adoptions of
Christian Narratives

202. Jesus in India
Nicolas Notovitch (1887)
Swami Abhedananda (1922)
Levi Dowling (1908)
Nicholas Roerich (1925)

203. Reincarnation
of Krishna
Similar stories
Similar teachings
Allegedly both Avatars