Download - Current population 828 Million Location Largest portion of population in India and South Asia
Hinduism
Current population828 Million
LocationLargest portion of population in India and South Asia
OriginsNo Founder-developed through ancient Aryan
traditions and beliefs around the Indus Valley Region
VedasAryan traditions
were eventually written down in a series of works, know as the VedasContains hymns,
prayers, magical spells, and instructions for conducting rituals
Were recorded in the spoken and written language of Sanscrit
VedasRig Veda-oldest
and most important of the Vedas (means all of nature is holy)
Upanishads collection of works, written by Hindu teachers to explain the Vedas
BeliefsOne true Brahman
an all powerful spirit that creates and destroys
unites all atmans (souls of living beings)
BeliefsReincarnation
anything that has ever lived does not die entirely. Its inner-self is reborn into another form
BeliefsAll wise Hindus
seek Moksha
Moksha- a state of perfect understanding (reincarnation stops and the souls blend with Brahman)
Caste SystemWritten in the Rig
Veda
People are divided into four groups of classes, know as
varna
The varna (or groups) make up the parts of
the Hindu god
Caste SystemBrahmin: Priest
class-the highest class
(make up the gods mouth)
Kshatriya: Ruler and warrior class
(make up the gods arms)
Vaishya: Landowner, artisan and merchant class
(make up the gods legs)
Shudra: slaves and servants.
(make up the gods feet)
UntouchablesPeople considered
outside of the caste system
Considered outcasts who must stay away from others
Viewed as very dirty people
Many Brahmin priests believed contact with lower castes would contaminate their souls. Vedic prayers were considered so pure that they could not be recited or even heard by a person of a lower caste. One Indian law stated that if a Sudras was caught listening to the Vedas, molten lead was to be poured into his ears.
Foreigners, lawbreakers, people from isolated tribes, and people suffering from contagious diseases lived outside the caste system. These untouchables or “outcastes” were traditionally regarded as unsuitable for personal relations with people who belonged to a caste. Caste members were vegetarians, which meant that people who ate meat or fish were not accepted into their society.
Untouchables were hired to do work that members of the caste system would not do. These jobs included killing or disposing of dead cattle or working with their hides. The untouchables also worked as sweepers, washers, or in other jobs that required contact with human emissions such as sweat, urine, or feces.
Untouchables were often forbidden to enter temples, schools and wells where caste members drew water. In some parts of India, even the sight of untouchables was thought to be polluting. The untouchables were often forced to sleep during the day and work at night.
Caste System (continued)People are born
into a specific casteThere is no chance
to move up or down in this lifetime
Position in today’s world is based on earlier deeds made in a previous life
Rules of the Caste:Always marry within your casteEach caste lives in a separate part of the village
Stay in the caste for a lifetimeEach caste has its own customsAnimal life is sacred (many vegetarians)
KarmaEthical law of cause and effect
Moral behavior in one life guarantees rebirth in a higher caste
dharmaDuties or obligations that each member
of a caste hasOne must be a good member of their caste to move up
Ex.) Boy born in a the Kshatriya (warrior) caste must be willing to fight
Places of WorshipGanges River:
holy river used for bathing and purification
Benares: holy city located on the Ganges River
Famous WritingsVedas: 4 major collections of hymns
and prayers
Rig Veda: oldest, most important religious document of Hinduism
Upanishads-written teachings that explain the Vedas
Religious Leader:Brahmin priests- conducted the
major ceremonies and rituals
EnlightenmentPeople follow the Vedas and dharma
to improves status, and achieve mokshaMoksha- a state of perfect understanding (reincarnation stops and the souls blend with Brahman)