HinduismHinduism

World ReligionsWorld Religions

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

sacred texts: Vedas

hymns, legends, and religious rituals

Upanishads philosophical description of the universe

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

sacred texts: Vedas

hymns, legends, and religious rituals

Upanishads philosophical description of the universe

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

sacred texts: Vedas

hymns, legends, and religious rituals

Upanishads philosophical description of the universe

Polytheistic many gods

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

sacred texts: Vedas

hymns, legends, and religious rituals

Upanishads philosophical description of the universe

Polytheistic many gods

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

The Basic Beliefs of Hinduism:

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

sacred texts: Vedas

hymns, legends, and religious rituals

Upanishads philosophical description of the universe

Polytheistic many gods

unity of all life helps promote non-violence

helps people respect nature

originated 5,000 years ago

has no single founder or formal church

sacred texts: Vedas

hymns, legends, and religious rituals

Upanishads philosophical description of the universe

Polytheistic many gods

unity of all life helps promote non-violence

helps people respect nature

What is Ashima?What is Ashima? non-violence respect for all living things

non-violence respect for all living things

Brahman: A Single Supreme Force

Brahman: A Single Supreme Force

it is present in all living things

it is nameless, formless, and unlimited

it is made up of the many gods of Hinduism

it is present in all living things

it is nameless, formless, and unlimited

it is made up of the many gods of Hinduism

Feel the force Luke!

BrahmaBrahma The Creator of the Universe Indestructible Supreme Ruler Source of All Knowledge

The Creator of the Universe Indestructible Supreme Ruler Source of All Knowledge

VishnuVishnu The Preserver of All Existence

The Preserver of All Existence

SivaSiva The Destroyer of the Universe so it could be reborn again

The Destroyer of the Universe so it could be reborn again

Monotheism vs.Polytheism

(Is Hinduism monotheistic or polytheistic?)

Monotheism vs.Polytheism

(Is Hinduism monotheistic or polytheistic?)

The Creator The Preserver The Destroyer

Brahma Vishnu Siva

God Jesus Satan

Monotheism vs. PolytheismMonotheism vs. Polytheism Brahman

a single supreme force Brahma, Vishnu, Siva

Brahman a single supreme force Brahma, Vishnu, Siva

God a single supreme force?

Trinity Father, Son, Holy Spirit

God a single supreme force?

Trinity Father, Son, Holy Spirit

ReincarnationReincarnation rebirth of the soul in another bodily form

rebirth of the soul in another bodily form

MokshaMoksha free the soul from the body so it can unite with Brahman takes many lifetimes

free the soul from the body so it can unite with Brahman takes many lifetimes

DharmaDharma special moral duties if performed in this life, then reborn at a higher level

if not performed, reborn at a lower level

special moral duties if performed in this life, then reborn at a higher level

if not performed, reborn at a lower level

KarmaKarma based on actions in a previous life good or bad

based on actions in a previous life good or bad

A farmer sits intently at a gambling table, his grain harvest nearby. Pondering a wager which could make him rich or risk his family's wealth, he knows he is responsible for his karmas, good and bad. Siva silently witnesses all actions and reactions.

The law of karma is neutral, like the grain in the man's pouch. One lady puts out grain for hungry crows. Seeing a beggar's pleading tears, a man hoards his grain, bringing tears to his own eyes as well. Another man, caught stealing grain, lands in jail.