MR. Burton

5.2K-W-L: Hinduism

The Varnas• Divided into four man groups in Aryan

Societies:• Brahmins-Priests• Kshatriyas-Rulers/Warriors• Vaisyas-farmers, craftsmen, traders• Sudras-laborers/non-Aryans

Caste System• Caste system was decided on your birth,

wealth, occupation.• Over 3000 separate caste were at one

time.• It was possible to get out of your caste

but it was difficult. The LOWEST level of the caste system was called the untouchables: you cleaned hides and disposed of dead animals.

Caste Rules

• Not allowed to marry someone from a different caste.

• Couldn’t eat with someone in a different caste.

• People who broke these rules would be banned from their caste.

Religion

• Brahmanism: belief system of the Aryans.

• Beliefs were from the Vedas: • Oldest is the Rigveda

Veda Text

• First one: religious rituals• Second: only certain people perform.• Final: Upanishads: religious students

and teachers.

Hinduism• Largest religion in India.• Belief of many gods.• Each god is part of the single universal

spirit called Brahman.• Each persons goal was to reunite with

the Brahman—the universal spirit.

Hinduism continued• Believe in reincarnation—our world is an

illusion. Brahman is the only reality.

• Once you die, you are born into a new body.

• Karma: the effects that good or bad actions have on a persons soul.

Hinduism STILL?!?

• What you do in life, determines what you will become back reincarnated.

• Each person had to accept his/her duties, this is called: dharma.

• Hinduism helped preserve the caste system in India.

Religious Struggles?

• Jainism-belief on the teachings of Mahavira.

• Four beliefs: injure no one, tell the truth, do not steal, and own no property.

• Jains practice non-violence

Jains

• Vegetarians• Do not kill/hurt any creature• No animal sacrifice• Do not eat any food that comes from

animals.

Acts of Civil Disobedience• Ghandi