Chapter 15Learning About World Religions:
Hinduism
What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?
The Origins of Hinduism
Hinduism and the Caste System
Hinduism and the Caste System
Hindu Beliefs About Brahman
Hindu Beliefs About Deities
Hindu Beliefs About Dharma
Hindu Beliefs About Karma
Hindu Beliefs About Samsara
What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?
• Brahmanism followed a social organization that was described in the Vedas. There were four main classes, or varnas. Each class had certain duties. This caste system became more complex over time.• The main deities of Hinduism are Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva
(destroyer.• According to Hinduism, people must live honorably, by performing duties. Each
class has its own dharma, as well as a common set of values.• According to Hinduism, the good and evil done in a past life determine what
happens to one’s soul in the next life. • Hindus believe in samsara which is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The cycle
ends after many lifetimes, when the soul is reunited with Brahman and is no longer reborn. Hindu beliefs continue to affect daily life in India. Hindus still worship in temples, make pilgrimages, and celebrate religious festivals.