Hinduism

1
Hinduism

• Mae Langhorn, Lauren Alexander, Mandy Arnold,
  Tyler Austin

2
The Origins of Hinduism

• Hinduism was born in India
• The roots of Hinduism date back as far as 2000
  BC, making it one of the oldest religions still
  in existence
• Because of its age, the early history of Hinduism
  is unclear
• The most ancient writings have yet to be
  deciphered

3
Holy TextShruti and Smritis

• Shruti, the earliest record of the Hindu
  scriptures. They are thought of as the laws of
  the spiritual world. Hindus believe these truths
  of the are eternal, they continue to be expressed
  in new ways.

• Smritis, contains philosophical teachings from
  Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu

4
Where?

• Hinduism is practiced all over the world by
  different races, but is most commonly found in
  India and some surrounding countries.

5
(No Transcript)
6
Beliefs

• The core of Hinduism is the belief in the
  superior being Brahman, the creator, and Shiva,
  the destroyer.
• Hindus believe in a continuous cycle of death and
  reincarnation that continues until they reach
  enlightenment, or being one with Brahman. Only
  then can one reach nirvana which is the end of
  the cycle of life.

7
Beliefs Continued

• Hindus also believe in karma - that each action
  has a consequence, good or bad, that affects
  which caste they will be in during the next life.
• 1.Priests (Brahman)
• 2.Warriors and rulers
• 3.Merchants and farmers
• 4. Laborers

8
Afterlife

• Hindus believe in heaven as Svargam and hell as
  Narakam.
• Noble souls go to Svargam. In heaven they
  experience ultimate pleasure and happiness
  without pain, worry or other worldly problems.
• Indra is the ruler of heaven, but his seat is not
  permanent, demons from hell can take it, so he
  must protect it

• Narakam is dark filled with evil people and
  cries of pain. You must undergo torture to pay
  for what you did on earth.
• Hell is ruled by Yama, a god of highest virtue
  with self-discipline power. He administers
  appropriate punishment.
• They believe that there are many Svargams and
  Narakams.

9
A Day in the Life Mahashivaratri

• The day of Mahashivaratri is spent on meditation
  and fasting (some may eat water or fruit).
  Temples dedicated to Shiva are filled with people
  offering prayers. You bathe in milk, honey and
  water, and make food offerings to Shiva.

• You sing hymns and chant mantras, especially Om
  namah Shivaya. Some sit around a sacred fire
  and toss offerings of grain into the flames while
  chanting to Shiva. After fasting and meditating
  throughout the day, a vigil is held all night
  with continued prayers and meditation.