early belief systems hinduism. aryans transform india move from caspian sea to india – (1500 bce)...
TRANSCRIPT
Early Belief Systems
Hinduism
Aryans transform India• Move from Caspian
Sea to India – (1500 BCE)
• Only major artifact remaining is the Vedas (Sacred text of prayers, songs)
• They were taller and paler then native Indians
The Caste
• Impacted all areas of life– Level determined your career– Must marry within your caste
A way to think of Caste
Brahmins (priests) = Mouth
Rulers & Warriors = Arms
Peasants & traders = Legs
Laborers = FeetUntouchables
A Caste SystemWarriors
Peasants & Shudras (non-Aryan workers)
Untouchables – those with unclean jobs (garbage collection, gravediggers . . .)
Brahmins or priests
- Do we have a caste system?- Discuss with a partner/share
The Origins of Hinduism
• Resulted from the blending of Aryan and non-Aryan beliefs
• No single founder
• Mahabharata – epic of Aryans, non-Aryans and their gods– Dishonor is worse than Death
Hinduism Grows
• Goal is to liberate the soul from illusions, disappointment & mistakes
• Moksha – a state of perfect understanding
• Atman – individual soul (Self)• Brahman – world soul that unites all
atman (all force in universe)
Achieving Moksha
• The soul is reincarnated until moksha is achieved
• Karma – (the good or bad of the soul) impacts reincarnation
• Brahman is often viewed as three gods: Brahma-creator, Vishnu-protector & Shiva-destroyer
Gods and Paths• Three Paths
– Path of right thinking– Path of right action– Path of religious devotion
• Hinduism lead to Buddhism
Hindu Symbols and Art
Om or Aum• Represents all existence
• Holiest of all symbols
"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is OM. This syllable OM is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma." ~ Katha Upanishad I
Swastika
• Auspiciousness
• Sun’s four part circle
• Cardinal points of the earth
• Placed on homes and animals for protection (Good Luck)
Holy Books
• Vedas
• Upanishads – part of Vedas, stories and philosophies
• Bhagavad Gita – establishing a relationship with the eternal
Temples
• Hindus worship at temples and at private shrines
• Shrines are might to reflect personal devotion– Shrines are often transported with
families
Holy Places
• Ganges River – Sacred river that is viewed as a goddess
• Hindus bath in it to wash away sin
• Ashes are washed away to heaven
• Some take its water home in brass containers
Additional Terms• Dharma – living a
righteous life
• Yoga – meditation dedicated to transcending this world of illusion