Hinduism

1. Core Beliefs of the Faith

1.1. People who believe in Hinduism believe in… -Karma (good karma leads to a good life, bad karma leads to a bad life) -Reincarnation (until moksha has been reached) -Multiple paths to god -Soul (every living creature had a soul) -Dharma (moral law or duty)

2. Overview of Hinduism for Beginners

3. Sacred Texts

3.1. Sanatana Dharma (or the Eternal teaching) is what the collection of Sacred Texts are called. The most commonly used sacred text are the Vedas that are separated into 4 sections, Rig Venda,Yujar Venda, Sama Venda, Atharva Venda.

4. Hindu Art

5. Where it spread and why

5.1. Hinduism spread as more and more people from India migrated to different places. They took their religion and culture with them. Hinduism spread not to one specific place but to around the world.

6. Social and Political Impacts

6.1. Social: Caste system includes 1.Brahmins: Priest and teachers 2. Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers 3.Vaishyas: farmers, traders and merchants 4. Shudras: laborers Outside of the caste system=the Dalits or the Untouchables: do nastiest jobs

6.2. Social: Segregation between higher and lower castes. (marry within caste, housing separation, etc.). Higher class=more priviledges.

6.3. Political: Only people who were Kshatriyas could be rulers. The religious ideas of Karma, Dharma, and the caste system allowed the higher classes to remain in power and enforce rules. Dharma: following caste system rules and obligations. By following one's dharma and karma, a person can eventually achieve liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara).

6.4. Political: In Hinduism, higher classes were 'obligated' to put down lower classes. Later in history, lower classes formed groups like the other Backward Castes (O.B.C.'s) and pursued more rights for lower castes (lots of conflict).

7. Origins and Founder

7.1. Hinduism has no specific founder. Instead Hinduism was formed by the evolving culture and beliefs of the people in India. It is described as a timeless religion.

8. Origin and Spread Map

9. Hindu Religious Artifact