hinduism. hinduism is more like an encompassing way of life, then a religion. hinduism has grown to...
TRANSCRIPT
Hinduism is more like an encompassing way of life, then
a religion.
Hinduism has grown to become the world's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam.
It claims about 950 million followers -- about 14% of the world's population. 2
It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Vedas
Hindu sacred texts are perhaps the most ancient religious texts still surviving today
The primary sacred texts of Hinduism are the Vedas:
The Vedas contain hymns,, and rituals from ancient India
Important text/stories are the Ramayana & the Mahabharata (Gita)
Trinity of Gods
Brahma the Creator
Vishnu, (Krishna) the Preserver.
Shiva, the Destroyer
Brahman* The power behind and within the cosmos that makes it
function and live.
Vishnu & his
incarnations/Avatar
Boar- 3rd
Buddha- 9th
Turtle- 2ndWhenever dharma
(righteousness, religion, law and
duty) is threatened,
Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of
ten incarnations.
Goals of Hinduism
The main goal is : moksa: break the cycle of reincarnation. This is considered the supreme goal of mankind.
dharma: righteousness in their religious life. This is the most important of the three. Duties or obligation; which change depending on your age (student, parent, elder)
Karma- every deed (action) in this life affects your fate in the next life.
Reincarnation, determined by karma, reincarnation as animal, plant or human.
If you do your Dharma, you will get good Karma and will be reincarnated into a higher life.
River Ganges & Varanasi
Shiva makes his home in Varanasi & grants enlightenment there.
Sacred act to take a pilgrimage to city.
Wash away sins, remember ancestors etc.
Many come here to die & get cremated near the river.
Holidays and Festivals
Of the annual festivals, the two-day rites of Holi mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a time of fun, joy, and hope for nature's rebirth.
In late summer, Krishna's birthday is celebrated at the Janmashtami.
Shortly afterwards, Ganesha
is honored with the festival
of Ganesh Charurti.
Hindu Temples
Visit temples any time, Puja (worship) happens any time
of the day. Bells announce a worshipers, incense is burnt,
flowers or candy offered.
Many Hindus have area’s of worship in there homes to
their favorite god.
Idols represent gods in temples, awaken gods with bells, wash and dress for
special occasions.
Caste System
Social System brought by the Aryans
Exist throughout history in the sub continent.The System becomes
illegal when India becomes Independent in
1947.
Separate Notes for the Caste System