Hindu Mythology

World’s Oldest(& 3rd most-popular)

Religion

Vedas & Upanishads

Ganges River

Brahman: Absolute Truth

Trimurti

Shiva: Destroyer

Vishnu: Preserver

Brahma: Creator

Sarasvati: Brahma’s Consort

Lakshmi: Vishnu’s Consort

Parvati: Shiva’s Consort

Vidya: Unitary Thought

Atman: Life Source in all Things

4 Classes of Ancient India

• Brahmin (Priests)• Kshatriya (Noble Warriors)• Vaishya (Traders & Farmers)

• Shudra (servants)

Earth’s Creation

Samsara: Eternal Cycle of Birth, Death & Re-birth

Karma: Cause of a Particular Destiny

Moksha: Becoming one with Brahma; and end to Samsara

4 Goals in Human Life

• Moksha• Dharma (Code for Leading Life)• Artha: Pursuit of Material for by

Lawful Means• Karma

Valmiki

The Golden Age of India

• Dasa-ratha: the ideal king in the ideal city

• Rama: the ideal prince• Sita: the ideal wife

Moral Epic: Good vs. Evil

Iliad Connection

Odyssey Connection