Hinduism
History
Hinduism dates back to 4000 B.C. It originated in the Indus Valley and has grown and evolved from there. Hinduism typically refers to the religious, philosophical, and culture that is native to India. The term encompases the life practices that the people of that time had, and it developed into a religion that is widely practiced.
The Indus Valley civilization was invaded by Persians around 1500 B.C. and they gave them the official name of "hindus". Their religion of Vedism mixed with the native religion and it became what is Hinduism today.
Beliefs
Hindus believe that the purpose to life is to realize we are a part of God, and by doing so,
release one's spirit from the cycle of reincarnation. They believe that our true nature is
connected with God, who they call Brahman, and all who are ignorant of this will never reach
liberation. Hindus believe that Brahman has many parts. Siva is the name of the creator and
distroyer of life, and Vishnu is the preserver of life. They also have gods that deal with
the balance of light and dark, hot and cold, right and wrong, ect. But, they still believe
that God is a single deity. They teach that these forces need to be maintained in order to
carry out everyday activities. Hinduism directly determines a believers family, politics,
buisness, and behaviors. Hindus live under a caste system that decides the social standing
of each person. The higher you are on the caste system the closer you are to nirvana.
Caste System
- Brahmins (priests)
- Kshatriyas (warriors)
- Vaishyas (commoners
- Sudras (servants)
Rules Hinduists Follow
- Satyam: Speak the truth
- Ahimsa: Non-violence
- Aseyam: Do not take what does not belong to you
- Daya: Have compassion and sympathy
- Kshanti: Have patience, forgiveness, and tolerance
- Arjavam: Do not deceive
- Madhuryam: Have a sweet disposition
- Dama: Have self control
- Dana: Always give and help others
- Akalkata: Be free of sin
Four Aims of Hinduism
- Dharma: be righteous in life
- Artha: have material prosperity
- Kama: gratify all senses
- Moksa: free yourself from the cycle of life
Terms
- Samsara referst to the liberation of one's soul
- Karma referst to all of one's deeds. Good and bad
- Vedas are the sacred religious texts of Hunduism
Hindus believe that the purpose to life is to realize we are a part of God, and by doing so, release one's spirit from the cycle of reincarnation. They believe that our true nature is connected with God, who they call Brahman, and all who are ignorant of this will never reach liberation. Hindus believe that Brahman has many parts. Siva is the name of the creator and distroyer of life, and Vishnu is the preserver of life. They also have gods that deal with the balance of light and dark, hot and cold, right and wrong, ect. But, they still believe that God is a single deity. They teach that these forces need to be maintained in order to carry out everyday activities. Hinduism directly determines a believers family, politics, buisness, and behaviors. Hindus live under a caste system that decides the social standing of each person. The higher you are on the caste system the closer you are to nirvana.
Caste System
- Brahmins (priests)
- Kshatriyas (warriors)
- Vaishyas (commoners
- Sudras (servants)
Rules Hinduists Follow
- Satyam: Speak the truth
- Ahimsa: Non-violence
- Aseyam: Do not take what does not belong to you
- Daya: Have compassion and sympathy
- Kshanti: Have patience, forgiveness, and tolerance
- Arjavam: Do not deceive
- Madhuryam: Have a sweet disposition
- Dama: Have self control
- Dana: Always give and help others
- Akalkata: Be free of sin
Four Aims of Hinduism
- Dharma: be righteous in life
- Artha: have material prosperity
- Kama: gratify all senses
- Moksa: free yourself from the cycle of life