Ancient India (Hinduism)

Ancient India (Hinduism)

What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?

No Single Person Founded Hinduism.

Hinduism was developed over thousands of years as a collection of traditions.

Some ideas from here, some ideas from there.

Vedas

The roots of Hinduism are found in the Vedas (VAY-Duhz), which most Hindus believe contain eternal truths. This is a collection of sacred texts written in Sanskrit.

Vedas is Sankrit for "knowledge"

Vedas were handed down through story from generation to generation.

Multiple Choice

Vedas play a large role in Hinduism. How were these important parts of culture preserved over the years?

• Written in a book and passed around.

• Told over and over again from generation to generation.

• The Hindu god came down and etched them on stone.

• Recorded on snapchat and saved to the roll.

Hindusim & Social Structure

Early Hinduism viewed society as a sum of equal parts. The Vedas is described in 4 main parts:

- Brahmins (priests, scholars, and teachers)

- Kshatriyas (KSHA-tree-uhs) (rulers & warriors)

- Vaishyas (VIESH-yuhs) (merchants, artisans, and farmers)

- Shudras (SHOO-druhs) (servants & laborers)

Multiple Choice

The 4 Main parts of Hinduism are similar to...

• A Pie Chart

• Nothing, it's new

• Christianity

• Social Class Structures

Vedas

According to Vedas, each Varna had its own duties according to one's talent or natural calling. For example, Brahmins studied and taught the Vedas. Warriors had a duty to become skilled with weapons.

Hindu Beliefs About Deities

• There are many different Deities in Hindu worship. Each deity represents an aspect or quality of Brahman.

• 3 Important Gods:

• Brahma (Creates) & Saraswati (Knowledge)

• Vishnu (Preserves) & Lakshmi (Good Health)

• Shiva (Transforms) & Shakti (Love)

Hindu Sacred Text describe deities battles

One famous story is found in the Ramayana. It tells of Rama's fierce battle with Ravana, a demon king. The stories teach valuable lessons about the difficulties every individual faces as an obstacle to doing the right thing.

Diwali

The Hindu new year is celebrated at the Diwali (dih-WAH-lee) festival. Diwali means "row of lamps."

The lamps are symbols of good (light) winning over evil (darkness).

Multiple Choice

The Diwali festival represents good winning over evil. Which of these is representing evil?

• light

• dark

Dharma

• Dharma is a central concept in Hinduism & other Indian traditions.

• Dharma is described as a duty, a way of life that helps people live happily.

• Each social class has its own duty. Duties include studying text, herding animals, trading goods, or serving as a warrior.

• If everyone follows their role, society would be in harmony.

Multiple Choice

The idea of Dharma is similar to which Chinese philosophy?

• Legalism

• Daoism

• Confucianism

Hindu Beliefs about Karma

• Karma is another belief Hindus share with other Indian traditions. it explains the importance of living according to dharma.

• The law of karma governs what happens to people's souls after death.

• It is believed that every action has consequences, and those consequences are felt over a number of lifetimes.

Poll

Karma says that how you act towards yourself and others has an impact on your future. Based on how you have lived your life so far, what do you believe you will come back as?

• Butterfly

• Rat

Hindu Beliefs about Samsara

• Hindu's believe in a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. They call this cycle samsara.

• Samsara ends when the soul escapes the cycle of rebirth. The time when some Hindus believe that they are united with Brahman.

4 Paths to liberation

• Path 1: Selfless service.

• Path 2: Studying Scriptures.

• Path 3: Unconditional love for Brahman

• Path 4: Deep meditation.

Multiple Choice

You will continue rebirth and the cycle of life until you complete all 4 paths HONESTLY and TRULY.

• True

• False

Open Ended

What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?

Elaborate (explain) your answer fully. You can go to TCI to pull additional information if needed.