India+-+Hinduism

Hinduism in Ancient India

I. The Beginnings of Hinduism - prayers passed down from generations - Aryan + existing cultures mixed = Vedas - Hinduism = one of the oldest religions

-A Blend of Religion --- people are different = different ways to approach god(s) --- one of the world's major religions --- no one single founder, but great religious thinkers --- __brahman__ = a single spiritual power which lives in everything

-Gods & Goddesses --- __Avatar__ = representation of Hindu god or goddess in human or animal form --- //Brahma// = "the Creator" --- //Vishnu// = "the Preserver" --- //Shiva// = "the Destroyer"

II. Teachings of Hinduism - The Upanishads - Reincarnation - A Hindu's Duties

-The Upanishads --- religious text --- means "sitting near a teacher" --- questions by pupils + answers by teachers --- too complicated for humans to understand --- Brahman has no physical form

-Reincarnation --- "rebirth of the soul" --- good behavior = higher caste in next life --- bad behavior = lower caste or animal for in next life --- perfect life frees soul from cycle of death & rebirth = soul becomes one with Braham

-A Hindu's Duties --- __dharma__ = religious or moral duties --- __ahimsa__ = nonviolence --- all living things must be treated with respect --- most Hindus do not eat meat or harm living things

III. The Practice of Hinduism - Yoga - Private Devotion

-Yoga --- help free soul from cares of the world --- soul unites with Brahman --- Types of Yoga -Physical Activity -Selfless Deeds -Learning Sacred Writings -Honoring Personal Gods

-Private Devotion --- worship + perform rituals in temples --- practice privately at home --- choose personal gods --> offer foods/gifts --- devotion brings soul closer to Brahman