Hinduism
Hinduism is the Oldest Religion in the world —over 3500
years old.
It began around 1500 BCE.
There are 900.00,000 (900 Million) Hindu's in the world.
That means that one in every 8 living on the earth today is a
Hindu. 13% of the total population of the world is Hindu.
Most live in India.
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Has no single ruler - or founder
It is a way of life
Has no church service or missionary work
Prayer is their only form of worship.
Believe in over 33.000 Gods (1/2 or female)
Hindu Gods
Each person can choose which God he or she might want to
worship. Each God or Gods control a part of nature i.e.. Sun,
Fire, Thunder.
They believe in a Trinity (Godhead) which is served by three
Gods
Temples are used to worship Idols.
The cow is the most sacred animal and is thought to be a
God. It roams around freely. However the cow is used to
its fullest. Such as:
• Milk is used
• Skin is used for making shoes
• Bones are used lo make combs and knives -teeth
I Hindu ancient writings are called: Vedas
These scriptures are separated into four parts
These scriptures were composed around 900 BC and
written down 300 BC
The only one who has access to these scriptures is the
Priest.
Rig Vedas- Basic understanding of Hinduism
Yajar Vedas- Prayers—How to and why
Sama Vedas- Emphasis is on chants and magic
Atharva Vedas- A detail of all three
***Swami-Teachers***
***Guru- Spiritual leader***
Cycle of Life
Stage #1
Adolescent (age 10-12) Receive the "sacred
Thread". Begins the course of study and
service.
Stage #2
Adulthood. When one marries, has children,
works hard, earns money and also does
service to community.
Stage #3
Begins around the age of 40.
Individuals must now detach themselves from
any sensual and material life. Direct life to
concern and service toward humanity.
Stage #4
Prepare the soul for death. Prepare for
Mukti. Self-realization that prepares soul to
merge with the infinite soul.
Stage #5
Eternal Life
When a Hindu dies it is believed that in accordance to their
good deeds and life style on earth they are reincarnated.
Because land is sparse they cremate their dead. After they
throw their ashes into the Ganges River. There fate depends
on Karma (deeds). If you are born into a low degree of
suffering, poverty it is due to the sins committed in a previous
life.
The Highest form of reincarnation is the Human
form.
It is said that a foolish man will be reborn as a Monkey.
A Cunning man will be reborn as a Jackal
A greedy man will be reborn as a Crow
A Jealous man will be reborn as a Chili Plant. ____________
If you live a good life you will be rewarded by Brahma (God)
and can live with him.
Purpose in Life
A Hindu believes that their purpose in life is to achieve
ABSOLUTE
There are different paths in which you can
achieve this:
1. Worship Shiva—God that avoids all
pleasures. Some believe that man
must avoid worldly and material
pleasure to be humble enough to live up
to the Absolute
2. Yoga—Connecting Mind, Body and
Spirit. This is used to control the body
and to free the mind. People who
practice Yoga are called Yogi.
Famous Hindu's
Gandhi- powerful man 5 foot 1 inch 95 pounds
Harry Krishna