Hinduism

Hinduism Notes

Location

Hinduism developed in India around 1500 BCE.

It is one of the oldest religions in the world.

Today, Hinduism is largely practiced in India where over 80% of Indians claim to be Hindu.

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, behind Christianity and Islam.

Basic Beliefs

Hinduism does not come from the teachings of one man.

It is based on the religion practiced by the Aryans.

Aryan priests followed complicated prayers, rituals, and hymns known as The Vedas.

Today, there is not one single text that Hindus consider sacred, rather there are many like The Vedas that teach Hindus proper behavior.

Hindus worship many gods and goddesses.

Hindus believe that all living beings have souls (animals as well as people).

Some animals, like the cow, are especially sacred, and many Hindus are vegetarians.

Reincarnation

All Hindus believe in reincarnation; the idea that the soul does not die with the body but enters the body of another being (human or animal).

The type of life a person leads determines what the next life will be like.

A soul is reincarnated over and over again until it is good enough to achieve moksha (freedom from the cycle).

Hindus also believe that each person’s karma, or good or bad behavior, determines his fate.

Worship

Hindus worship in a building called a mandir.

Many families also have shrines in their homes.

During worship Hindus perform puja which is a form of ceremonial worship that includes a variety of rituals.

During puja symbolic offerings (such as fruit, burning incense, or flowers) are often made to an image or statue of a god.

Deities

For Hindus, there is a single, universal god known as the Supreme Being or Brahman. However, Hinduism also has numerous gods and goddesses, known as deva and devi, who represent one or more of Brahman's aspects.

Three significant deities are Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the sustainer), and Shiva (the destroyer)

Sometimes these gods appear as an avatar in which they are embodied by another god or goddess some examples are:

Ganesha who is the god of success, knowledge, and wealth and the destroyer of obstacles

Krishna who is the god of love and compassion (he is also an avatar of Vishnu)

Rama who is the god of truth and virtue (he is also an avatar of Vishnu)

Holidays

Holi-festival celebrated in the spring. It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring. It is also a celebration of thanksgiving for a good harvest. It is a very festive day and lasts for one night and day. The evening starts with a bonfire, and the next morning people often throw colored powder at each other to celebrate.

Diwali-Hindu festival of lights, celebrated in the fall. It lasts for 5 days and celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Homes, shops, etc are brightly lit to celebrate.

Caste System

Hindus live by the caste system (a belief that social class is hereditary and does not change throughout a person’s life).

The only way to change castes is to be born into a different one in the next life.

There are also divisions within each caste.

Traditional families would not let their children marry someone from another caste.

Many jobs in India are still awarded based on caste connections.

The caste system divides people into 4 main classes:

Brahmans (priests and wise men) – highest class

Kashatriyas (warriors, rulers, soldiers) – next class

Vaishyas (merchants, traders, small farmers) – third

Shudras (peasants and field workers) – last class

A fifth caste is considered even lower, the untouchables or pariahs, who do work that no one else

would do.

Hinduism Video Notes

History:

More than 80% of people living in India are Hindu.

What is a Varna? Four social classes Hindus are divided into.

What do people in the same jati typically share? A common background, occupation, diet, and religious tradition

Beliefs

Hindus believe in a divine unity that includes all living called ________. (Brahman)

Since it is so hard to understand Brahman Hindus think of Brahman in many different ______. (forms)

Describe the following:

Vishnu – creator and sustainer

Shiva – power to destroy and recreate universe

Ganesha – destroyer of obstacles

What symbols do people wear on their heads during worship? Girls=Bindi, Boys=Tilak

Why are many Hindus vegetarian? Out of a respect for life since Brahman is in all living things.

What is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion? The Ganges

Fill in the chart below:

Define reincarnation: Rebirth in a new and different body.

Define karma: all of the good and bad things that you do in a lifetime that adhere to your soul

How does karma impact the cycle of reincarnation? Bad karma means a person will be born in a lower position in the next life and good karma brings one closer to achieving Moksha

Spiritual Places

What traditions do Hindus do before entering a temple? Wash their hands and feet.

What is Mandir? A Hindu temple

Define puja: Worship or prayer, a way to show respect for Brahman

What is a family shrine? A small place of worship in Hindu’s home where people can perform puja and pray.

Sacred Writings

What are the Vedas? The sacred writings of Hinduism which include stories, legends, and epics which teach lessons about how life should be lived.

What important teaching is in the Upanishads? Reincarnation and Samsara

Why are stories about great heroes passed down from generation to generation? To teach important lessons about how life should be lived.

What is the Mahabharata? A long epic poem that tells the story of Hindu God, Goddesses, heroes, and avatars.

What is Ramayana? An epic poem that tells the story of Rama and Sita.

Mohandas Gandhi

What does “Mahatma” mean? Great Soul

What method did Gandhi use to promote social change? Non-violent protest

What movement is Gandhi best know for? Freeing India from British colonial control

Traditions

What is Raksha Bandhan? A tradition to honor one’s siblings.

List three interesting facts about a Hindu wedding. It can last for many days, there is a lot of singing, the bride and groom have their hands tied together and are sprinkled with water for a blessing, take seven steps for special blessings.

Holidays

What does Diwali celebrate? The new year.

What are two Diwali traditions? Lighting lamps and candles, puja in honor of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and fortune), tell the story of Rama and Sita, decorate doorways with colored powder, eat special foods

What does Holi celebrate? The return of spring.