PRAYER FOR THE

HINDU BLOC

Existence: Hinduism is the world’s oldest known religion. History of Hinduism can be traced back to 5,000 – 10,000 B.C.

Size and Rank: 3rd largest religion of the world with more than 1 billion followers. Hindu population constitutes 14% of the world population.

LOCATION: 85% of Hindus live in India, the rest in Nepal, Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. India is also called “Hindustan.”

A.K.A. People who follow Hinduism are called as “Hindus,” Hinduism is known as Hindu Dharma, Hindu Religion, Sanatan Dharma (Eternal Religion) or Vedic Dharma.

NO single FOUNDER It has been evolving over a thousand of

years; ORIGINATED in India, its teachings are largely based from Vedas;the name HINDU was given by the Greeks and Arabs to those living

near the “Sindhu” River and the way of life of those people began to be called HINDUISM.

DEITIES: Lord Brahma (creator), Lord Vishnu (protector), Lord Vishnu (destroyer)

Sacred books Four Vedas, Upanishadas, Bhagvadgita, 18Puranas, Ramayana, MahabharataNO MEAT VEGETARIAN diet

KARMA (deeds) reaping what we sow; status in the next life depends on Karma (Reincarnation)

CASTE SYSTEM: based on four Varnas, useful in arranging marriages(1)Brahmin (priests)(2)Kshatriya (warriors)(3)Vaishya (business people)(4)Shuda (laborers)(5)Dalits (untouchables) – beggars, “polluted” people

Prayer points:(1)Missionaries to be equipped and sent to Hindu communities (2)Opportunities to share the gospel(3)Spiritual warfare – the Hindus have a certain belief system where they have accepted a counterfeit for the true Living God. Let us bind this deception, so they can receive the Truth.

Prayer points:(4) Since gaining access and favor among the Hindus can be very tricky, let us pray that workers will have the wisdom of God to navigate political, cultural and religious issues.