Hindus have one true God - the Supreme Spirit, known as Brahman
But he is seen in many different forms
He is often represented by the symbol of Om
There are three main aspects of Brahman called Trimurti
Trimurti
The three main
aspects of
Brahman are
known as the
Trimurti
Shiva
Shiva is the destroyer God
Vishnu
Vishnu is the Protector
Brahma
Brahma is the Creator
Ramayana
Rama, prince of Ayodhya, won the hand of the beautiful
princess Sita (seen here), but was exiled with her and his
brother Laksmana for 14 years through the plotting of his
stepmother. In the forest Sita was abducted by Ravana, and
Rama gathered an army of monkeys and bears to search for
her. The allies attacked Lanka, killed Ravana, and rescued Sita.
In order to prove her chastity, Sita entered fire, but was
vindicated by the gods and restored to her husband. After the
couple's triumphant return to Ayodhya, Rama's righteous rule
(Ram-raj) inaugurated a golden age for all mankind.
Why is it important?
It teaches Hindus to be determined, and have a positive attitude.
Beliefs
Reincarnation
The cycle of rebirth until Moksha
Moksha
Moksha is the release
from the cycle of rebirth.
It all relies on Karma.
Karma
Action = Reaction
Dharma
Nota:
Dharma is an important term in Indian religions. In Hinduism it means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society. Hindus generally believe that dharma was revealed in the Vedas although a more common word there for 'universal law' or 'righteousness' is rita. Dharma is the power that maintains society, it makes the grass grow, the sun shine, and makes us moral people or rather gives humans the opportunity to act virtuously.
Dharma is one's morality and virtue. It
is the way in which one should behave
Gandhi
Gandhi used non-violent ways of making India independent
He conducted peaceful
protests/marches across
India
He used the press to his advantage to
make the British rule look bad infront of the
world
He made the British look violent and opressive
He encouraged Indians not to rely on the British for
items like clothing and food
How did Hinduism begin?
Hinduism is the fusion of two
belief systems. Hinduism
developed in approximately
2000BC,when the Aryans, an
Indo-European people, who
worshipped male gods, invaded
India and massacred much of the
Dravidians. Over time these two
peoples mingled and the beliefs of
Hinduism were formed, with
features of both original religions
remaining.