Hinduism

​Beliefs

​​Hinduism is based on the concept of reincarnation. Reincarnation is the belief that the soul, once a person dies, is reborn in another person.

Spirits return to earth many times in different forms trying to become one with Brahman. ● The soul moves up or down a hierarchy depending on their behavior in life.

​A person moves closer to Brahman by obeying the law of karma. Karma is the sum of all your deeds, good and bad. Good deeds involve following your dharma, or duties dependent on your position, gender and occupation.

​The caste system (outlawed since 1948) was an important part of Hinduism. ● Castes are social classes into which a person is born and lives their entire life. If a person has good karma, they may be reincarnated into a higher caste.

​The caste system separated Indian society into distinct social classes in which everyone knew their place. They believed that if they followed the dharma of their caste, they would be reincarnated into a better caste.

​Sacred Texts

​​Over the centuries Hindu beliefs were recorded into a number of sacred texts including the Vedas.

​Practices

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​Hindus believe the Ganges River is a sacred site. ● Thousands make a pilgrimage each year and many wish to be cremated and have their ashes sprinkled in the river upon death.

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​There are about 860 million followers worldwide. Video: Review of Hinduism https://youtu.be/lmV2Wd8bOcc

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