Hinduism

Beliefs

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

Embraces many religious ideas- "way of life"

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

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

Dharma- Code of good conduct and morality

Food is an important part and most Hindus are vegetarian

Hindu Caste System

Brahmin- intellectual and spiritual leaders

Kshatriyas- the protectors and public servants of society

Vaisyas- skillful producers

Shudras- the unskilled laborers

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

Many sub categories exist within the different castes of India

Hindu Holidays

Diwali (Deepavali)- the festival of lights

Navaratri- a celebration of fertility and harvest

Holi- a spring festival

Krishna Janmashtami- a tribute to Krishna's bday

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

Maha Shivaratri- the great festival of Shiva

Location

Indian Subcontinent

Hindu worship, puja, takes place in a temple

There are pilgrimages to temples and other sacred sites

Origin

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

Hinduism is a fusion of other beliefs

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

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

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

Gods/Goddesses

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

Vishnu- the god that preserves and protects the universe

Shiva- the god that destroys the universe to recreate it

Devi- the goddess that fights to restore dharma

Krishna- the god of compassion, tenderness, and love

Lakshmi- the goddess of wealth and purity

Saraswati- the goddess of learning

Sects of Hinduism

Shaivism- followers of Shiva

Vaishnava- followers of Vishnu

Shaktism- followers of Devi

Smarta- followers of Brahman and all major deities