Objectives:

• Review the main beliefs of Hinduism

• Review how the ideas of Hinduism promoted believers to seek a better life

• To understand the main rituals and practices of Hinduism

• Review the caste system

That is right! Hinduism is the 3rd largest religion in the world. Anyone know what is #1 and #2?

Hinduism is #3. Numbers 1 and 2 are:

• 1-Christianity

• 2-Islam (not Muslim!!)

• Hinduism is one of the oldest religions

• It began with the Aryans

• It has the largest following for a polytheistic religion

The ultimate goal of Hindus is for their soul to connect with Brahma

• Several beliefs on why 4 heads (one you can't see)

• Levels of consciousness

• 4 Vedas (Book of Knowledge)

• He sees all (in all directions)

The Triumvirate (3) main gods of Hinduism

• Brahma-creator

• Vishnu-preserver

• Shiva-destroyer

• Why do they have multiple arms & legs?

• Show their immense strength, can perform many acts at once & that they are greater than humans

• There are 33 core gods/goddesses but there are about 330 million total

Reincarnation

Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul into a new life/being based on the actions of your current life

This is all determined by the idea of karma. What does karma mean?

Bad Karma Video

Karma:

• "what goes around, comes around"

• your good actions are rewarded

• your bad actions are punished

• Important: do things because its the right thing to do, not because you get something out of it

• Now, lets combine the idea of reincarnation & karma...

Karma & Reincarnation: Two Worlds Collide!!

• Remember: ultimate goal of Hindus is for their soul to reunite with Brahma

• Your actions (through karma) dictate how you are reborn

• Good actions: possibly reborn into a higher caste (status)

• Bad actions: possibly reborn into a lower caste (status)

• End game: you no longer reincarnate because your soul is at peace with Brahma

Forms of rituals/worship:

• Temples don't have a scheduled time of worship/prayer

• Each home typically has a shrine. What is a shrine?

• A special religious place typically with the gods/goddesses the family worships

• Use yoga & meditation as a way to connect the mind, body & spirit

• Yoga uses the Hindu term, "namaste" at the end of each session. What does namaste mean?

Hinduism and other religions

• Overall, Hinduism has a lot of similarities with other major religions

• Believe in some form of prayer & self-reflection (home/temple/church/synagogue/etc)

• Promote the idea of making yourself better through your actions

• Work to achieve some type of connection with their creator (on earth and in an afterlife/heaven)

• Belief in a sense of community/support

• Focus on living a moral and proper life (through your behavior)

Review:

• Hinduism is the 3rd largest religion

• Ultimate goal: your soul no longer reincarnates when it connects with Brahma in the end

• Karma & Reincarnation work together to determine your fate

• Hindus use daily prayers, worship, reflection, yoga and meditation to create a strong sense of mind, body & spirit