LearningAboutWorld Religions:Hinduism / 15
WhataretheoriginsandbeliefsofHinduism?
P R E V I E W
Think about how religion affects life in the United States today. In the box below draw a picture that represents one way that religion influences the way of life of Americans in the 21st century. Then write a sentence explaining what you drew.
R E A D I N GN O T E S
KeyContentTerms
As you complete the Reading Notes, use these terms in your answers.
Hinduismdharma
Vedaskarma
Sanskritreincarnation
Brahmanism
pilgrimage caste
Section15.3
1. Use the spoke diagram below to show the social structure of the caste system. Use the spokes to identify and describe each of the four social classes, or castes, described in the Vedas.
Section15.2
1.Who founded the religion of Hinduism?
castesystem
2.Complete the flowchart below by providing descriptive details in each box.
Vedicreligion
Brahmanism
Hinduism
2.How did the caste system change over time? You may either answer in sentences below or modify your spoke diagram above (label any changes you make).
The caste system developed many different castes- due to the ever increasing types of work- new industries/ professions.
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3.In what ways did the caste system affect life in ancient India?
3. How does the chart help explain the relationship of the Vedic religion, Brahmanism, and Hinduism?
The chart is arranged in the order that they evolved
from each other.
Section15.4
1.Record three key points that describe some Hindus’ beliefs about Brahman.
•The universal power- supreme power- greater than all other deities.
•Only Brahman exists forever.
•Everything is a part of Brahman, including human souls.
2.Followers of the ancient Vedic religion and Brahmanismcommunicated with their deities by . . .holding elaborate rituals, and offering sacrifices outdoors. (Not in a temple in ancient times-different from Egyptians and Mesopotamians.)
3.List three details that describe Hindu temples.
•many huge and very elaborate- fancy, elegant.
•doors often face the east (rising sun).
• covered with beautiful carvings and sculptures
4.In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates how time is expressed in many Indian traditions.
Section15.5
1.Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about deities.
•Some believe all deities are part of Brahman.
• 3 Important Deities: Brahma- creates
Vishnu- preserves, Shiva-destroys
•Many deities in Hindu worship and sacred texts.
2.One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .children read/hear the literature full of stories of deities battling evil
3.Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .there are many festivals and religious holidays centered on sacred stories about theses deities.
Ramayana- Story about Rama fighting Ravana (devil) (Video Clip)
4.In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about deities.
Section15.6
1.Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about dharma.
• Law, obligation and duty
•Each varna/social class each has its own dharma to perform.
•Shared dharma- things everyone should do or take care of ( marriage, share food, care for your soul, practice non-violence).
2.One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .it is supposed to lead harmony if everyone is doing their dharma. Hindus practice non-violence out of respect for all life.
3.Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .respect for animals, especially the cow as a sacred animal- never to be slaughtered.
4.In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about dharma.
Section15.7
1.Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about karma.
• Do your dharma and get good karma!
• Disregard your dharma and get bad karma!
• Karma is made up of the good and bad you have done in past lives.
2.One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .karma explains why people are in certain levels of the caste system. You build up of bad or good karma determines whether you move up or down in the caste system ladder.
3.Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .karma justifies why some people deserve to be at a low level.
4.In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about karma.
Section15.8
1.Record three key points that describe Hindu beliefs about samsara.
• cycle of birth , death, rebirth
•samsara ends when Brahmin’s soul is released to become with Brahman
•It takes many lifetimes for your soul to work through the levels and your karma to be correct and be released from reincarnation.
2.One effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .
People would worship faithfully in order to promote their soul in the next life.
3.Another effect that these beliefs have on life in India is . . .
Hindus make pilgrimages to such places as the Ganges River to cleanse their souls.
4.In the circle, draw a simple visual or symbol that illustrates these beliefs about samsara.
P R O C E S S I N G
Compose an acrostic poemfor the word Hinduism. Follow these guidelines as you compose your poem, using the letters and space below.
•Include a sentence for each letter in the word Hinduism. A sample sentence is provided below.
•Use all of the Key Content Terms at least once and underline them in your completed poem.
•Summarize three ways Hindu beliefs have influenced life in India.
Hindusareexpectedtofollowacommondharma,orsetofvalues, suchassharingfoodwithothersandpracticingnonviolence.
I NDUISM