Hinduism

Hinduism

1. Gods

   • There are many Hindu gods, but they are all incarnations of Brahman
     • There are 3 aspects of god and they are represented by the Trimurti
       • Brahma-Generator
       • Vishnu-Observor
       • Shiva-Destroyer
       • The first letters spell god
       • These 3 gods have more incarnations
   • There are 8 main gods
     • Brahma
     • Vishnu
     • Lakshimi
     • Hanuman
     • Agni
     • Ganesh
     • Saraswati
     • Shiva
   • Hindus believe god is in everything and in everyone

2. The cast system

   • A pyramid that shows how close you are too god
   • Brahmins
     • Closest to god. Religious priests and teachers.
   • Kshatriyas
     • 2nd closest from god. Soldiers and warriors
   • Vaishyas
     • 3rd closest from god. They are royalty and highly skilled workmen and buisnessmen
   • Sudras
     • 4th closest to god. Unskilled workmen.
   • Untouchables
     • The least closest to god. Do the jobs no one wants to do and are not included on the pyramid.

3. Worship

   • Hindu worship of gods and goddesses is called Puja. Puja is usually preformed every day and can take place at home or in a Mandir.
   • Shrines
     • A Hindu home usually has a shrine where they can pray. It may be big or simple.
     • Bell
     • Divali Lamp
     • Incense burner
     • Prayer beads
     • Clothes to dress the god
     • Image of a god called murti
     • Food and water for the god
     • Kum kum powder
     • They chant mantras from holy books
   • The five senses
     • Sight-Shrine, murti, decorations
     • Smell-incense sticks, food, candle
     • Taste-Holy food blessed by gods
     • Touch-Murti, clothes, prayer beads
     • Hear-The bell to announce presence
   • Worship is the word we use to describe what people do when they are in a relationship with their god.
   • Chanting
   • Singing
   • Prayer
   • Dance
   • Reading

4. Life after death (Reincarnation)

   • Reincarnation is where a Hindus soul or atman reincarnates and moves into a different body depending on their karma.
   • Karma is how well a living thing does in its life.
     • If they have good karma they will move up in the system and therefore be closer to god and vice versa for bad.
   • A Hindus goal in life is to go to Moksha, where their soul is with god and end the cycle of samsara.
   • There are 3 ways to promote your soul up the ladder of life and rebirth and to reach Moksha.
     • The Path of Knowledge
       • Teach other people
     • Good Works
       • Charitable
       • Kind to others
       • Good deeds and jobs
     • Love and devotion to god and others.
       • Regular, daily praying
       • Helping others
       • Being kind

5. Ghandi

   • Ahisma is one of the key teachings in Hinduism. It means non-violence and Ghandi was a key exponent of this teaching. He practiced this in many ways
   • Fasting/Hunger Strike
   • Set fire to clothes
   • Protest marches
   • Burn government passes