MIEJSCE POCHODZENIA
LATA, KTÓRE SIĘ ZACZĄŁ
POCHODZENIE
BELIEFS
SYMBOLS OBJECTS
HOUSES OF WORSHIP
SPIRITUAL LEADERS
POPULATION TODAY
Hinduism originated in Northern India in the Indus River Valley near Pakistan. Hinduism is a broad term that encompasses the various religious traditions that originated in India, and are now are practiced all around the world.
Hinduism is the world's oldest religion but when it actually began is disputed. Most scholars agree it began about 4000 years ago.
Hinduism has no specific founder as it developed out of Brahminism, a tradition which may date to prehistoric times. The word "Hindu" comes from the name of the river Indus. The Indus River flows for 1800 miles from Tibet through Kashmir and Pakistan to the sea.
Hindus believe in one God, Brahman, and a trinity of gods that together make him up: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Karma or actions dictate what your next life will be. Moksha is the belief that a person has become one with Brahman is released from the cycle of reincarnation. The most sacred texts of the Hindu religion are the ancient Vedas.
Om is the main symbol. It is a sound recited during meditation or prayer to merge one’s thoughts with God and represents Brahman. The Lotus flower is symbolic of the soul and represents creation. The cow is revered as the source of food and symbol of life and may never be killed. Dharma is the code for leading a good life and is represented by the wheel. Japamala or mala are prayer beads.
Hindu temples are called Mandirs. They are often dedicated to different gods. Many Hindus worship (perform puja) every day at home and have a shrine with pictures or statues where family members can worship together and make offerings to a murti (a sacred statue). Many Hindus also take pilgrimages to temples and sacred sites in India.
Hinduism has a variety of types of religious leaders. A Hindu priest may be a Pujari (a Temple Priest) or a Purohit (a Family Priest). Hindu priests take care of the temples, lead devotions in worship, prepare offerings, tend to holy fires, and conduct rituals and ceremonies. There are monks called Sannyasa and gurus who are teachers of the Hindu scriptures.
There are about 1.2 billion Hindus in the world making up about 15% of the population. Hinduism is the third largest religion and the majority religion in India and Nepal. Hindus also live in Mauritius, Bali, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Europe, North and South America, and all over the world!
FACTS ABOUT HINDUISM
2300-1500
B.C.E.
“Love says 'I am everything.' Wisdom says 'I am nothing.' Between the two, my life flows.”
-Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Spiritual Teacher
1.2 Billion Hindus Worldwide!
15% of the World's Population are Hindu!
Liane Hicks