Hinduism

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Dr. Margareta Thomson

par Katie Mack

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par John Pene

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par Heidi Nerud

AUTUMN

par Luna Del Río

Hinduism

Sects of Hinduism

Smarta- followers of Brahman and all major deities

Shaktism- followers of Devi

Vaishnava- followers of Vishnu

Shaivism- followers of Shiva

Gods/Goddesses

Saraswati- the goddess of learning

Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth and purity

Krishna- the god of compassion, tenderness, and love

Devi- the goddess that fights to restore dharma

Shiva- the god that destroys the universe to recreate it

Vishnu- the god that preserves and protects the universe

Brahma- the god responsible for the creation of the world and all living things

Origin

Concept of dharma was introduced in new texts, and other faiths, such as Buddhism and Jainism, spread rapidly

The Epic, Puranic/Classic Period took place between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D. HIndus began to emphasize worship to deities, particularly Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi

The period in which the Vedas were composed were known as the Vedic Period

Hinduism is a fusion of other beliefs

Started in Indus Valley (2300 B.C. - 1500 B.C.) near modern-day Pakistan

Location

There are pilgrimages to temples and other sacred sites

Hindu worship, puja, takes place in a temple

Indian Subcontinent

Hindu Holidays

Maha Shivaratri- the great festival of Shiva

Raksha Bandhan- a celebration of the bond between brother and sister

Krishna Janmashtami- a tribute to Krishna's bday

Holi- a spring festival

Navaratri- a celebration of fertility and harvest

Diwali (Deepavali)- the festival of lights

Hindu Caste System

Many sub categories exist within the different castes of India

Untouchables are the class outside caste and considered to be the lowest of all people

Shudras- the unskilled laborers

Vaisyas- skillful producers

Kshatriyas- the protectors and public servants of society

Brahmin- intellectual and spiritual leaders

Beliefs

Food is an important part and most Hindus are vegetarian

Dharma- Code of good conduct and morality

Atman-belief in souls and moksha- salvation ends cycle of rebirth and becomes part of the absolute soul

Henotheistic- worship a single deity, Brahman, b recognize other gods/goddesses

Embraces many religious ideas- "way of life"

Doctrines of samsara- circle of life, death, reincarnation- and karma- universal law of cause and effect