Civilizations of Early India

Hinduism
Seat work

Students will quietly enter the room, find your seats and discuss your three sticky notes on pages 212-219 with your row group.

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Civilizations of Early India

Hinduism
What religion slowly became Hinduism? Brahmanism What are the two Hindu epic poems the book discuses? Ramayana, Mahabharata What is liberation from reincarnation called? Moksha
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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

What does this diagram tell you about the Hindu belief of reincarnation, or rebirth?

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

Key Ideas
Hinduism grew out of Brahmanism. Hindus believe in a supreme God, Brahman, who is the source of all things.

Hindus believe that peoples actions determine how they are reincarnated.
Hinduism spread across India and to Southeast Asia and has had a lasting impact on those regions.
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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

The Roots of Hinduism

During the Vedic age, only Brahmins, or priests, could study the Vedas and perform rituals to gods. Thus, Brahmins held great power in early Indian society.

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

The Evolution of Hinduism

Around 500 B.C., Indian beliefs about old gods and rituals began to change. People began to ask questions about their lives. Thinkers known as gurus discussed the questions and wrote their ideas in the Upanishads.

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

The Evolution of Hinduism

The Upanishads, along with the epic poems Ramayana and Mahabharata, explain Hindu beliefs and practices. The most sacred section of the Mahabharata is the Bhagavad-Gita, which describes how Hindus view the nature of the soul, life, and God.

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

Beliefs About God

Hinduism has many gods and traditions, but it has two core beliefs. Hindus believe that all the gods that Indians worship are forms of Brahman, the supreme God and source of all things. The second core Hindu belief is that every person is born with a soul, which is also a form of Brahman.

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

Beliefs About Life

Hinduism teaches that when people die, most will undergo reincarnation. Good karma will bring rebirth into a higher caste. Bad karma results in rebirth into a lower caste.

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

Beliefs About Life

Hindus believe in four life goals: Doing what is right by following dharma and the rule of ahimsa Striving for well-being through honest work Seeking pleasure Achieving moksha

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

The Impact of Hinduism

Hinduism spread because it is flexible. It accepts all gods as forms of Brahman. It does not require priests or regular religious services. Hindus pray at local temples or personal shrines wherever they go.

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

The Impact of Hinduism

Where did Indian traders and priests spread Hinduism after A.D. 1?

What percentage of Indians today are Hindus?

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Civilizations of Early India Hinduism

How is Indian life influenced by Hinduism?

Effects of Hinduism on Indian Life

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