Hinduism - Year 9

Hinduism - Year 9

1. Deities

   • Gods or Goddesses
   • Hindus have one true God - the Supreme Spirit, known as Brahman
     • But he is seen in many different forms
       • He is often represented by the symbol of Om
     • There are three main aspects of Brahman called Trimurti

2. Trimurti

   • The three main aspects of Brahman are known as the Trimurti
   • Shiva
     • Shiva is the destroyer God
   • Vishnu
     • Vishnu is the Protector
   • Brahma
     • Brahma is the Creator

3. Ramayana

   • Rama, prince of Ayodhya, won the hand of the beautiful princess Sita (seen here), but was exiled with her and his brother Laksmana for 14 years through the plotting of his stepmother. In the forest Sita was abducted by Ravana, and Rama gathered an army of monkeys and bears to search for her. The allies attacked Lanka, killed Ravana, and rescued Sita. In order to prove her chastity, Sita entered fire, but was vindicated by the gods and restored to her husband. After the couple's triumphant return to Ayodhya, Rama's righteous rule (Ram-raj) inaugurated a golden age for all mankind.
   • Why is it important?
     • It teaches Hindus to be determined, and have a positive attitude.

4. Beliefs

   • Reincarnation
     • The cycle of rebirth until Moksha
   • Moksha
     • Moksha is the release from the cycle of rebirth. It all relies on Karma.
   • Karma
     • Action = Reaction
   • Dharma
     • Dharma is an important term in Indian religions. In Hinduism it means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society. Hindus generally believe that dharma was revealed in the Vedas although a more common word there for 'universal law' or 'righteousness' is rita. Dharma is the power that maintains society, it makes the grass grow, the sun shine, and makes us moral people or rather gives humans the opportunity to act virtuously.
     • Dharma is one's morality and virtue. It is the way in which one should behave

5. Gandhi

   • Gandhi used non-violent ways of making India independent
     • He conducted peaceful protests/marches across India
     • He used the press to his advantage to make the British rule look bad infront of the world
       • He made the British look violent and opressive
     • He encouraged Indians not to rely on the British for items like clothing and food

6. How did Hinduism begin?

   • Hinduism is the fusion of two belief systems. Hinduism developed in approximately 2000BC,when the Aryans, an Indo-European people, who worshipped male gods, invaded India and massacred much of the Dravidians. Over time these two peoples mingled and the beliefs of Hinduism were formed, with features of both original religions remaining.

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