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Learning About World
Religions: Hinduism
15
What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism?
P R E V I E W
Think about how religion affects life in the United States today. In the box
below draw a picture that represents one way that religion influences the way of
life of Americans in the 21st century. Then write a sentence explaining what
you drew.
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R E A D I N G
Key Content Terms
Section 15.3
As you complete the Reading Notes, use
these terms in your answers.
Hinduism
dharma
Vedas
karma
Sanskrit
reincarnation
Brahmanism
pilgrimage
N O T E S
caste
Section 15.2
1. Use the spoke diagram below to show the
social structure of the caste system. Use
the spokes to identify and describe each of
the four social classes, or castes, described
in the Vedas.
Brahmins- the
priests and
religious scholars
Kshatriyas- rulers
and warriors.
1. Who founded the religion of Hinduism?
No single person founded Hinduism. ( No
Abraham) it developed over a long period of
time with traditions from various groups.
2. Complete the flowchart below by
providing descriptive details in each box.
Vedic religion
Named after the Vedas, beliefs of the Aryans who
invaded. Several deities based on forces of nature and
social order.
Brahmanism
When the rituals began to become more elaborate/complex,
the Brahmin class of priests and scholars interpreted the
written Vedas and performed rituals.
Hinduism
The religion that has evolved out of the previous two, many
different beliefs, forms of worship, deities, in different
regions. Vedas sacred text still.
3. How does the chart help explain the
relationship of the Vedic religion,
Brahmanism, and Hinduism?
The chart is arranged in the order that they evolved
from each other.
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caste
system
Vaishyas- herders
and merchants
Shudra- servants,
farmers, laborers
2. How did the caste system change over
time? You may either answer in sentences
below or modify your spoke diagram
above (label any changes you make).
The caste system developed many different castesdue to the ever increasing types of work- new
industries/ professions.
****
3. In what ways did the caste system affect
life in ancient India?
The caste system kept the people of India separated into rigid
classes that did not intermarry or associate with each other
very much.
Untouchables- new caste- lowest- not really considered
part of the society but forced to live separately. Call
themselves “The Dalits” meaning the crushed or
suppressed people.
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Section 15.4
1. Record three key points that describe some Hindus’ beliefs about Brahman.
• The universal power- supreme power- greater than all other deities.
• Only Brahman exists forever.
• Everything is a part of Brahman, including human souls.
2. Followers of the ancient Vedic religion and Brahmanism communicated
with their deities by . . .holding elaborate rituals, and offering sacrifices
outdoors. (Not in a temple in ancient times-different from Egyptians and
Mesopotamians.)
3. List three details that describe Hindu temples.
• many huge and very elaborate- fancy, elegant.
• doors often face the east (rising sun).
• covered with beautiful carvings and sculptures
4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates how time
is expressed in many Indian traditions.
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Section 15.5
1. Record three key points that describe
Hindu beliefs about deities.
• Some believe all deities are part of
Brahman.
• 3 Important Deities: Brahma- creates
Vishnu- preserves, Shiva-destroys
• Many deities in Hindu worship and
sacred texts.
2. One effect that these beliefs have on life
in India is . . .children read/hear the
literature full of stories of deities battling
evil
3. Another effect that these beliefs have
on life in India is . . .there are many
festivals and religious holidays
centered on sacred stories about theses
deities.
Ramayana- Story about Rama fighting
Ravana (devil) (Video Clip)
4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or
symbol that illustrates these beliefs
about deities.
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Section 15.6
1. Record three key points that describe
Hindu beliefs about dharma.
• Law, obligation and duty
• Each varna/social class each has its
own dharma to perform.
• Shared dharma- things everyone
should do or take care of ( marriage,
share food, care for your soul, practice
non-violence).
2. One effect that these beliefs have on life
in India is . . . it is supposed to lead
harmony if everyone is doing their
dharma. Hindus practice non-violence out
of respect for all life.
3. Another effect that these beliefs have
on life in India is . . .respect for
animals, especially the cow as a sacred
animal- never to be slaughtered.
4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or
symbol that illustrates these beliefs
about dharma.
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Section 15.7
1. Record three key points that describe
Hindu beliefs about karma.
• Do your dharma and get good karma!
• Disregard your dharma and get bad
karma!
• Karma is made up of the good and bad
you have done in past lives.
2. One effect that these beliefs have on life
in India is . . .karma explains why people
are in certain levels of the caste system.
You build up of bad or good karma
determines whether you move up or
down in the caste system ladder.
3. Another effect that these beliefs have
on life in India is . . .karma justifies
why some people deserve to be at a low
level.
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Section 15.8
1. Record three key points that describe
Hindu beliefs about samsara.
• cycle of birth , death, rebirth
• samsara ends when Brahmin’s soul is
released to become with Brahman
• It takes many lifetimes for your soul
to work through the levels and your
karma to be correct and be released
from reincarnation.
2. One effect that these beliefs have on life
in India is . . .
People would worship faithfully in order to
promote their soul in the next life.
3. Another effect that these beliefs have
on life in India is . . .
Hindus make pilgrimages to such places as the
Ganges River to cleanse their souls.
4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or
symbol that illustrates these beliefs
about samsara.
4. In the circle, draw a simple visual or
symbol that illustrates these beliefs
about karma.
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P R O C E S S I N G
Compose an acrostic poem for the word Hinduism. Follow these guidelines
as you compose your poem, using the letters and space below.
• Include a sentence for each letter in the word Hinduism. A sample sentence
is provided below.
• Use all of the Key Content Terms at least once and underline them in your
completed poem.
• Summarize three ways Hindu beliefs have influenced life in India.
H indus are expected to follow a common dharma, or set
of values, such as sharing food with others and
practicing nonviolence.
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