This document provides an overview of Hinduism through its history, beliefs, and practices. It covers the major periods in Hinduism's development from the Indus Valley Civilization through modern India. Key beliefs discussed include Brahman, Atman, karma, and the concept of cyclic time through the Yuga cycle. The document also looks at Hindu scriptures, the Trimurti gods, and comparisons with Abrahamic religions. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive introduction to Hinduism for educational purposes.

1. Culture Quiz
1

2. Essay Feedback
• Good job using the resources!
• Please remember to write a thesis sentence in next essay.
• Please use the template and headings
• The next essay is essentially a quiz on general Hinduism
• Cite Scripture in the reflection part.

3. In this essay, I will introduce Hinduism, introduce the three main
Hindu deities, describe India’s caste system, discuss a Christian
church in India, discuss barriers a Hindu faces in considering the
gospel, and compare four key Hindu beliefs with Christiian beliefs
3

4. Citation
(Lastname, date, location)

5. Citation
“Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, originating in Central Asia and
the Indus Valley, still practiced in the present day” (Mark, 2020, para. 1).
References
Mark, Joshua. (2020 June 8). Hinduism in World History Encyclopedia.
https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

6. Citation
“For God so loved the world” (John 3:16, ESV).

7. Americanization of Eastern
Religions

8. Americanization of Religion
• Seeks to be universalist (interfaith) instead of particularist
• Seeks to be individualist instead of collective (person instead of community)
• Seeks to be therapeutic and self-help
• Seeks to provide practical, daily help instead of abstract theology
8

9. Hinduism
INT-244 | World Religions | Topic 4

10. Origin of the Name

11. Indus River Valley
Sindhu (Sanskrit)
Hindu (Persian)
India (Greek)
India
I
n
d
u
s
R
i
v
e
r
Origin of the Name
“Hindu”

12. Sanatan Dharma
The eternal path
India
I
n
d
u
s
R
i
v
e
r
Hindus call their religion:

13. Demographics

14. World Religions
Christianity 2.5 billion 32%
Islam 1.9 billion 24%
Hinduism 1.2 billion 15%
Buddhism 533 million 7%
Chinese Folk 466 million 6%
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/hindu-countries; World Religion Database. (2020). https://worldreligiondatabase.org

15. Demographics
• Considered oldest religion
• Worldwide 1.2 billion
• 15% of world’s population
• 3rd largest religion in world
worldreligiondatabase.org (2021)

16. Demographics
• Worldwide 1.2 billion
• India 1.09 billion
• United States 2.5 million
• Arizona 33,000
(https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/hindu-countries; AZCentral, 2014)

17. Hinduism is the second-largest practiced religion, after Christianity, in
Arizona, according to the U.S. Religious Congregations & Membership Study
from 2010. The study showed that there are nearly 33,000 people who
belong to approximately 35 Hindu congregations throughout the state.
https://uscanadainfo.com/religion-in-arizona/

18. Pew Research (2014)

19. Pew Research (2014)
What do most of these countries have in common?

20. Pew Research (2014)
What do most of these countries have in common?

21. Indians are a diaspora people.
“According to the Minister of External A
ff
airs, There are 29 million non-resident Indians
living outside of India comprising the largest diaspora people-group…Every year 2.5
million Indians emigrate out of India”
"Population of Overseas Indians". mea.gov.in. Ministry of External A
ff
airs, Government of India. 2023-02-15.

22. History

23. 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)

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

25. Indus Valley Civilization 2700-1500 BC

26. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

34. 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

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

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

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

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)

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

40. 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)

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

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

43. 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/

44. Buddhism split
Jainism split
Early Classical

45. 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)

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

47. 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)

48. 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

49. 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)

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

51. 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)

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

54. Beliefs

55. Abrahmic Religions v Hinduism
Mt. Sinai
Moses
The Gospel
Jesus
Quran
Muhammad

56. Hinduism v. Abrahamic Religions
Time is cyclic
Polytheist
Truth is heard and transmitted
All religions have truth
56
Time is linear
Monotheist
Truth is revealed by a prophet
Only community has the truth

57. Revelation in Hinduism
Truth — There is an ultimate truth. It is not relative. It is passed down.
Shruti — Truth that is heard, recorded, and transmitted by sages
Smriti — Truth that is remembered by ordinary people and transmitted.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2015, February 27). Shruti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shruti

58. Universe is Cyclic
• Humans go through cycles of reincarnation
• Universe is endlessly cyclic

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

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

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

62. Atman & the Soul
Brahman The Ultimate Essence Atman comes from
Atman आ
त्म
न् Eternal essence of self
Prakrit
प्र
क
ृ
ति
Body, the physical matter
Ahamkara अहंकार Ego, Self-Identity
Citta
चि
त्त
Mind, Your Consciousness
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia

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

64. Past Life Present Life Future Life
3. Karma

65. 1. What do you agree with?
2. What do you disagree with?
3. What is a bridge to explain the gospel to a Hindu?

66. 4. Yuga Cycle
Aka Kalpic Cycle

67. Summary
4 Yugas = 1 Mahayuga
1 Mahayuga = 1 Universe
1000 Mahayugas = 1 Kalpa
1 Kalpa = 1 Day in Brahma’s life

68. Mahayuga महायुग
1 Mahayuga
1 cycle of the universe
4 Yugas
4.32 Million Years

69. Duration
Satya 1,728,000 yrs
Treta 1,296,000 yrs
Dwapar 864,000 yrs
Kali 432,000 yrs

70. Ratios
Satya 4
Treta 3
Dwapar 2
Kali 1

71. Satya Yuga
Aka Krita Yuga
1,728,000 years
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
SATYA

72. Satya Yuga
• Brahma the Creator Rules
• Golden Age
• No Castes
• No Distinctions
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

73. Satya Yuga
Dharma the Bull has 4 legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

74. Treta Yuga
1,296,000 years
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
TRETA

75. Treta Yuga
• Brahma the Creator Rules
• Silver Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

76. Treta Yuga
• Human Civilization
• Humans became greedy
• Brahma has to create a caste
system to maintain order
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

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

78. Dwapar Yuga
864,000 years
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

79. Dwapar Yuga
• Vishnu the Maintainer
rules
• Bronze Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

80. 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

81. Dwapar Yuga
• Vishnu has to intervene in the
world to maintain order.
• He sends his avatar Krishna
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

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

83. Kali Yuga
432,000 years
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

84. Kali Yuga
• SHIVA the Destroyer Rules
• Iron Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism

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

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

87. World is Destroyed
World is recreated
Cycle starts again

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

89. Summary
4 Yugas = 1 Mahayuga
1 Mahayuga = 1 Universe
1000 Mahayugas = 1 Kalpa
1 Kalpa = 1 Day in Brahma’s life

90. Creation Story

91. 1. What do you agree with?
2. What do you disagree with?
3. What is a bridge to explain the gospel to a Hindu?

92. 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/

93. 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/

94. 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/

95. 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/

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

97. 3 Goals to achieve Moksha
1. Dharma — Perform one’s duty in life
2. Artha — Acquire material wealth in life
3. Kama — Experience Love, sexuality, Pleasure
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/

98. 3 Helps & Hinderances
1. Sattva — wisdom, goodness, detachment
2. Rajas — passionate intensity, aggression
3. Tamas — darkness, confusion, helplessness

99. 7. Vedas
The sacred texts of Hinduism

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

101. Caste System

102. Caste
Born into a caste because of Karma (divine
justice), as the result of your actions in a previous
life. It is your Dharma (duty) to ful
fi
ll the role you
were born into.

103. Historical Origins

104. 1500 BC
Indus River
Valley
Aryans became the ruling class over the inhabitants

105. 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

106. 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

107. Caste System in History
• British exploited castes (1757 - 1930s)
• British established laws protecting (1930s - 1947)
• Gandhi ended caste system (1947)
• Castes continue as social discrimination

108. (KING 5 News)_
Seattle becomes
fi
rst city to outlaw caste discrimination

109. Mythological Origins

110. 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 Brahmin was his mouth, 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

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

113. Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaisyas
Sudras
Dalits

114. TPS
Imagine planting a church in rural India where the Caste
System persists.
1. What ethical issues will you navigate?
2. How will your church function?

115. Hindu Deities

116. Brahma Vishnu Shiva
Krishna Ganesha Murugan
Parvati & Sati

117. The Hindu Deites

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

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

120. Trimurti (history)
Earliest record 500 AD
Poem Kumara Sambhava
“The Birth of the War God”
Describes the Trimurti
• Bramha the Creator
• Vishnu the Preserver
• Shiva the Destroyer
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism

121. Trimurti (history)
Earliest depiction is 500 AD
Sadashiva Stone relieve in a cave Temple
Elephant Island, India
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism

122. Trimurti (history)
Historians claim the Trimurti, was
an attempt to integrate different
legends and 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

123. Tell the Story of the Gods
Brahma https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/
Vishnu https://www.worldhistory.org/Vishnu/
Shiva https://www.worldhistory.org/shiva/
Krishna https://www.worldhistory.org/Krishna/
Ganesha https://www.worldhistory.org/Ganesha/
Murugan https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Murugan

124. 1. Brahma
The Creator
ब्र
ह्मा
“The Ultimate One”
Rules over Dwapara & Treta Yugas

125. Brahma (Art)
• Four Heads
• Holding the Vedas (sacred texts)
• Mala (beads) symbolizing time
• Pitcher for water, source of Creation
• 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

126. The Four Vedas (texts)
Four Yugas (epochs)
Shiva cut off a 5th head because he
looked at a pretty girl.

127. Brahma (history)
• Earliest description 2000 - 1000 BC
• First described in Prapathaka (lesson)
• Called the Grandfather
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/

128. 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/

129. 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/

130. 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

131. 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

132. Saraswati
Brahma’s wife
Goddess of learning

133. 2. Vishnu
The preserver
वि
ष्णु
“The all Pervasive one”
Rules over the Satya Yuga

134. Vishnu (Art)
• Blue - he is infinite
• Four arms - 2 human world, 2 spiritual world
• Cobra — Sheshtnag representing the many
desires of the mind. Sits over him showing he
mastered desires
• Mace — the power of knowledge, time, intellect
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

135. Vishnu (Art)
• Conch — produces sound “OM” the sound of creation.
• Discus — cuts down abhorrent men
• Parma (Lotus) — divine perfection, purity, unfolding
spiritual consciousness or rebirth.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

136. Vishnu (history)
• Earliest description 1300 - 1000 BC
• In the Rig Veda (64 times)
• Vishnu saved world from a great flood
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

137. Vishnu (history)
Bhagavad Gita, a following of
devotees develops and becomes
(Vishnuism)
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492

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

139. 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

140. 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

142. Jesus Buddha Krishna

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

144. Ten Avatars of Vishnu

145. 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

146. 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

147. 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

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

149. 3. Shiva
The Destroyer
“The Auspicious One”
Rules over Kali Yuga
Doniger, W. (2021, May 6). Shiva. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva

150. Shiva
• Depicted as both male & female
• At end of Kali Yuga will do a dance
• The world will be destroyed
Doniger, W. (2021, May 6). Shiva. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva

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

152. Shiva (History)
• Shiva (the auspicious, beneficent)
• First described 2600 BC in a royal seal
• From Northern India
• First described in the Ramayana (600 -300 BC)
and then in Mahabharata (700 BC - 100 AD)
• Shvetashvatara Upanishad (300 BC) claimed
Shiva was the highest deity.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406

153. 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

154. Shiva (Mythology)
• First Appears with wife Sati
• Sati dies, is reincarnated as Parvati, his 2nd wife.
• Son Ganesha, god of lifting heavy objects
• Son Murugan, god of war
• Brought the Ganges river from the Milky Way
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406

155. Shiva’s Wives
Paravati & Sati

156. Sati
First wife of Shiva
Daughter of Daksa (sage)
Shiva took her as wife without Daksa’s
permission.
Daksa refused to invite Shiva to a
great Sacrifice
Sati died of embarrassment
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, June 6). Sati. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sati

157. Paravati
Second wife of Shiva
Reincarnation of Sati
Benevolent goddess
Daughter of the Himalayan Mountains
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, August 18). Parvati. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parvati

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

159. Hindu Flood Narrative

160. Kalpa - 1 Day in Life of Brahama
• 994 Yugas = 1 Kalpa
• 2 Kalpas = ONE 24-hour Brahma day
• 1st Kalpa is daytime, Brahma is awake
• 2nd Kalpa is nighttime, Brahma sleeps

161. Characters
• Hayagriva — the horse demon

162. Characters
• Hayagriva — the horse demon
• Matsya — the fish avatar of Vishnu

163. Characters
• Hayagriva — the horse demon
• Matsya — the fish avatar of Vishnu
• Shraddhadeva — (aka Manu) the
progenitor of the human race who saves
the world from a global flood.

164. Hindu Flood Narrative

165. Sacred Texts

166. Sacred Texts
• Four Vedas
• Thirteen Upanishads
• Great Sanskrit Epochs
• Eighteen Puranas

167. The Sacred Texts

168. 4 Vedas
1500 - 1200 BC
Vedic Period
Orally transmitted
Divine Texts
Doniger, W. (2023, January 4). Veda. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Veda

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

170. 1. Rig Veda
Oldest Texts
Truth, Ultimate Reality,
First Cause, and Human Existence
Hymns to the gods

171. 2. Yajur Veda
Worship Knowledge
Recitations, chants, mantras
Ritual instructions

172. 3. Sama Veda
Melody Knowledge
Liturgical songs
Intended to be sung with dance

173. 4. Atharva Veda
Curses, blessings, and spells
Ward off evil spirits
Marriage and funeral ceremonies

174. 13 Upanishads
800 - 500 BC
Divine Texts
Answers philosophical questions
in the Vedas

175. 2 Sanskrit Epics
400 BC - 400 AD
1. Mahabharata
2. Ramayana
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata

176. 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

177. 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

178. 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

179. 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

180. 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

181. The Bhagavad Gita

182. 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

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

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

185. 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

186. Religious Leaders

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

188. 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.

189. 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.

190. 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.

191. 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.

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

193. Practices

194. 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.

195. Namaste I bow to you
Namas “I bow”
Te “to You”
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.

196. Namaste
• The Atman in me, salutes the atman in you
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.

197. Yoga

198. History

199. Vivekananda
1893 Chicago Parliament of World
Religions
Presented Yoga as a spiritual path
without exercise or postures

200. Shri Yogendra
1919
Indian guru, author, and poet
Introduced Hatha Yoga to the US
Founded the “Yoga Institute”

201. Yoga Institute
1919
Bear Mountain, New York
About 1 hr north of NYC
Drew students and taught Hatha
Yoga.

202. Krishnamacharya
Father of Modern Yoga
Taught Hatha Yoga
Developed postural yYoga that we
know today

203. Indra Devi
1947
Student of Krishnamacharya
Opened Hatha Yoga Studio in
Hollywood

204. Types of Yoga

205. Raja राजयोग
Meditation
Focusing on attaining oneness w Brahman

206. Bhakti भ
क्ति
योग
Devotion
Loving devotion to a personal deity
Religious worship

207. Karma क
र्म
योग
Action
Sel
fl
ess service performing charity and
deeds

208. Jnana
Wisdom
Yoga of the Intellect stressing learning and
achieving self-realization

209. Vegetarianism

210. Vegetarianism
Hindus value Non-violence
Maintains Dharma with nature
Vegetarianism purifies soul

211. 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

212. Why is the cow sacred?

213. The Chakras

214. 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

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

217. Vedic Fire Ritual

218. 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.

219. 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.

220. 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.

222. Hindu
Holidays

223. Four Hindu Holidays

224. Holi
Festival of Color (spring)

225. Diwali
Festival of Lights

227. Maha Shivaratri
Venerates Shiva

228. Raksha Bandhan
Honoring brothers & sisters

229. Krishna
Janmashtami
Birthday of Krishna

230. Ganesh Chaturthi
Birth of Ganesha

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

232. Rama Navami
Birth of Lord Rama

233. Ugadi
New Years

234. Branches

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

236. 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

237. 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

238. 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

239. 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

240. 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

241. 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

242. 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

243. 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

244. 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

245. Self-Realization
Fellowship
International Fellowship
Of Krishna Consciousness
Hinduism in America
Transcendental
Meditation

246. Transcendental
Meditation

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

248. The Beatles with Maharishi Mahesh (1968)

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

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

253. International Society for
Krishna Consciousness

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

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

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

257. My Sweet Lord (George Harrison, 1969)

258. Hindu Adoptions of
Christian Narratives

259. Jesus in India
1887 Nicolas Notovitch, Russian
Journalist claims he found the
story in a Hindu Manuscript. He
was later exposed as fraud.

260. Jesus in India
1887 Nicolas Notovitch
1922 Swami Abhedananda
founded the Vedanta Society in NY
claims he went to Tibet and
learned the story from a guru.

261. Jesus in India
1887 Nicolas Notovitch
1922 Swami Abhedananda
1908 Levi Dowling published the
Aquarian Gospel of Jesus claiming
it was “channeled” in which Jesus
retold the story of coming to India

262. Jesus in India
1887 Nicolas Notovitch
1922 Swami Abhedananda
1908 Levi Dowling
1925 Nicholas Roerich, a Russian
Mystic fled Russia after the
revolution, traveled to India and
claimed the Ladakhi people told
him stories of Jesus traveling to
India.

263. Jesus in India
• No written historical evidence
• Travel in 1st century those distances was
prohibitive.
• No evidence of Hindu theology in the
gospels. NT is very Jewish, and very
monotheistic
• Proliferation of Jesus in India coincides with
Western fascination with Eastern Religion in
the latter 19th Century

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