Spirituality in India
Hinduism
One of the oldest major religions. Polytheism: belief in many gods. Hindus do not eat beef. Fourth largest world religion. (Christianity 1, Islam 2, Buddhism 3)
Hindu Facts Death Custom: burn the body eldest son lights the fire. Three days later the ashes are collected and placed in a river. Hindus try to live according to Dharma. This is a duty to behave certain ways and accept role in life. Most sacred place to pilgrimage is on the banks of the Ganges. Hindu people believe that bathing in the Ganges will reduce sins. It is also believed that the dead will reach heaven if their ashes are immersed in the river.
There are over a million Hindu gods. Here are a few of the popular ones! The elephant god: Ganesha Shiva: the Destroyer Vishnu the Preserver Brahma the creator
Hindu Religious Text Bhagavad Gita: sacred scripture, history, literature and philosophy Vedas: ancient texts in Sanskrit from the Aryans
Two Important Beliefs of Hindus Reincarnation: belief that the soul is reborn again and again in different forms. Karma: belief that positive or negative things will happen based on the sum of human behaviorkarma affects new life status.
Hindus do not worship cows; they honor cows.
Hinduism Review T/F: 1. Hinduism is the 2 nd largest world religion. 2. Hindus do not eat beef. 3. Hindus worship from the Koran. 4. Hindus believe in reincarnation. 5. Hinduism is a fairly new religion. 6. Hindus bury bodies of loved ones. 7. Turn to a neighbor and explain Karma
Buddhism
Founded in 500 s B.C. Prince Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism and is known as the enlightened one. Teaches one can avoid sorrow if people follow certain rules. Escaping from suffering is known as NIRVANA.
Teachings of the Buddha Four Noble Truths: first teaching of the Buddha after attaining enlightenment NOBLE EIGHT FOLD PATH it is a path with eight steps to end suffering. Middle Way: important guiding Buddhist principle moderation. Emphasizes meditation and focus
Buddhist customs Holy texts: Sutras House of House of worship: Stupa
Buddhism spread from India to other places in Asia. Today it is practiced mostly in East Asia- such as China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
Buddhism Review Siddhartha Gautama became the. Reaching an end to suffering is known as. The Middle Way is a suggestion to follow a path of.
Jainism
Founded around the same time as Buddhism. Reject all forms of violence. Teaches that all things in nature-stones, plants, and animals have souls.
Strict vegetarians; don t even eat root vegetables as the whole plant dies when its roots are pulled up. Some cover their noses with a cloth and walk with a broom to prevent swallowing or stepping on insects. Do not wear any animal products, i.e. leather Share some beliefs with Buddhists and Hindus.
T/F: Jainism Review 1. Jainism was founded around the time of Buddhism. 2. Jainism is similar to Hinduism. They cover their hair. 3. Jainism believes that all things have souls.
Sikhism
Monotheistic religion Discovered in the 15 th century. Combines elements of Hinduism and Islam. Belief in faith and justice.. Sikhs are not allowed to cut their hair and wear turbans.
There are 23 million Sikhs throughout the world. Most live in the Punjab region of India. Main leader is a Guru. Sikhs feed the poor and needy everyday at their temples. The holy book contains writings from Hindus and Muslims.
Sikh temple is called a gurdwara means door to the Guru. There are no priests anyone can read from the scriptures. Men and women sit on the floor.
Sikhism Review T/F: 1. Is a combo of Hinduism and Buddhism. 2. Was started in the 13 th century. 3. Men must never trim their beards. 4. Not many people follow this religion. 5. They will cover their mouths. 6. Sikh temple is called a gurdwara