History Ch. 5 Lesson 3

The world's oldest religion and the main religion of India.

Hinduism

How is the Rig Veda important to people who practice Hinduism?

Hindus sing these hymns and important ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

a lifelong social group into which a person is born

caste

What are some things that are determined by your caste?

which job you were qualified for, who you could marry

How did Hinduism likely start?

with the religious beliefs of the Aryans and the first people who lived in the Indus River.

What are the 3 forms of Brahman?

1. Brahma, the creator 2. Vishnu, the preserver 3. Shiva, the destroyer

What are some of the 7 Essential Truths of Hinduism?

1. peaceful living 2. freedom of thought 3. respect for nature and animals 4. becoming one with Brahman 5. the belief that good and bad actions will one day affect us

What are the caste rankings?

1. priests and teachers 2. rulers and warriors 3. farmers and merchants 4. servants of all others

Is Hinduism a monotheistic or polytheistic religion?

Both. Hinduism is often thought of as a religion with many gods, but some Hindus recognize only one universal being (Brahman).

Why is Hinduism different from many other religions?

It has no founder

What is Brahman?

One universal being; the source and final destination of everything.

What is the Rig Veda?

a collection of more than 1,000 hymns that are dedicated to Aryan gods.

Why are many Hindus vegetarians?

it is part of the way of life based on the respect for other living things.

the process through which a person goes from one life to the next. once a person dies, he or she is reborn into a new life.

reincarnation

What is the goal of a good life for a Hindu?

the end of rebirth by becoming one with Brahman

What is dharma?

the order of the universe. Hindus believe it is maintained by Vishnu