History of Hinduism

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History of the origin of Hinduism

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The religion dates back to 2500 BCE, but really began to take on its more modern shape around 1500 BCE with the invasion of the Aryans. The Aryans mixed their gods and beliefs with that of the natives of India, and the result was Hinduism.

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Basic Hindu beliefs about reincarnation

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It is the life, death, and rebirth of the soul. Hindus believe that the soul carries with it the effects of past lives, and that it takes many lifetimes to reach enlightenment.

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Definition of Karma

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Karma is the total of one’s behavior and its consequences. It is the idea that the soul carries the effects of past deeds or past lives.

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Caste system based on birth or family name

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It is a system of social control or discrimination. It WAS based on color (as implemented by the Aryans), but now is based on birth or family name. Similar to class, it assumes that some people are born better than or more privileged than others.

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4 basic varna and their jobs

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The 4 basic varna and their jobs are: - **Brahmins**: Priests and teachers. - **Kshatriyas**: Warriors and rulers. - **Vaishyas**: Farmers, traders, and merchants. - **Shudras**: Farmers and laborers. Additionally, Dalits (outcastes) performed tasks like street sweeping and latrine cleaning.

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Dalit are outside the caste system and known as untouchables.

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They were forced to do spiritually unclean tasks and were considered polluted, leading to social exclusion.

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The idea of dharma is attached to caste through jati duties.

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One’s jati (caste) duties were the dharma expected, and the dharma dictated karma and reflected the reincarnation. Thus one’s current life (or caste) reflected one’s past life.

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Hindu Holy books

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The Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagvad Gita, and the Ramayana.

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Swastika

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An ancient symbol of good fortune or protection.

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Lotus Flower

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A beautiful flower that blooms in swampy water, symbolizing birth.