Powerpoint 2 Hinduism

When and where does Hinduism date back to

4000 Years ago in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization

How much of the worlds population follows Hinduism

13.6% of the worlds population making it the third largest religion in the world, behind Christianity and Islam 

Where do that vast majority of Hindus live

The Indian Subcontinent with over 1 billion Hindus living in India alone

Outside of Asia where do most Hindus live

The United states where there are 2 million

What does Hindu mean

Hindu is in reference to the Indus River but the term Hinduism only came into use in the 19th century

Hinduism is an overarching term

Is Hinduism a centralized or decentralized religion  

Decentralized. there is no creed, no founder, no single religious leader, no authority defining what the religion is. 

Do Hindus concern themselves with recruting converts?

No

Commonalities across most Hinduisms

The Universe including the human soul is permeated with a divine reality called Braham

Brahman can be known in many names and forms

A souls journey cannot be completed in a lifetime 

Deeds during life shape the soul’s journey in future lives.

The Vedas are sacred texts containing divine wisdom

What is the problem in Hinduism

Samsara

Samsara

The cycle of reincarnation which keeps the atman (human soul) tehered to earthly life

Rebirth is not seen as a positive experience.

Often pictured as a wheel

Atman

The immortal and transmigration human essence

What is the solution for Hinduism

Moksha

Moksha

The soul’s release or liberation from the cycle of Samsara

3 Margas/ways to escape the cycle in Hinduism 

Jnana

Karma

Bhakti

Jnana

The path of wisdom. 

Followers of Jnana Marga or Jnana yoga are often renounces, ascetics, or monks. 

Definition of yoga

Discipline

Karma

Translates into action

The effects of one’s actions return to you either as postivie or negative consequences

Binds us to the wheel of Samsara

determines the circumstances of a personons birth in their next life

Dharma

No direct translation.

Multiple meanings. “order and custom”" “right way of living” “religious and moral duties”

Following Dharma is part of creating good Karma

Definition of Devas and Devis

God and Goddesses

How many gods or devas/devis are there

anywhere from 1 to 330 million

Definition of Brahman

The absolute, ultimate reality which pervades all places and beings 

What are dieties in Hinduism

Manifestations of Brahman all with unique characteristics.

Avatars and Manifestations

Parvati

Kali

Durga

What is the Trimurti 

Trinity of the 3 supreme deities 

what gods are in the Trimurti

Brahma

Vishnu

Shiva

4 most popular deities in modern Hinduism

Shiva

Devi

Vishnu

Ganesh

What does the god Shiva represent 

The god of destruction and recycling. Assist the dying 

What does the God Vishnu represent

God of comic maintenance.

Typically worshiped in the form of one of his avatars Rama or Krishna 

What does the god Devi represent

All aspects of womanhood

Many different manifestation

What does the god Ganesh represent

The remover of obstacles and is thought to bring good luck. Popular in home altars.

Varnas or Caste system levels in order

Brahmins

Kshatriyas

Vaishuas

Shudras

Dalits/Outcasts

Who are Brahmins 

Priests and scholars 

Who are Kshatriyas

Warriors, administrators, and rulers

Who are Vaishyas

Merchants, tradespeople, farmers, artisans

Who are Shudras

Peasants, Laborers, servantsW

Who are Dalits

Outcasts. Outside the caste system, Called untouchables

What is the sacred site for Hinduism

The Ganges River

What do Hindus do in the Ganges River

fulfill pilgrimages, purification rituals, funeral ceremonies.

What does Puja mean

Worship

Where does Puja take place

Conducted at home or a table as a part of a public ritual or at a shrine P

Puja takes form of what?

An offering, usually a sacred flame aarti 

Indus River Valley

Where the origin of the word Hindu

Where Hinduism began

Hindu pantheon 

Made up of many devas and devis who are manifestation of Brahman

The Ganges River 

The most sacred site in Hinduism