Origins of Hinduism

Most scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between 2300 B.C. and 1500
B.C. in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan. But many Hindus argue that
their faith is timeless and has always existed.

Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no one founder but is instead a fusion of
various beliefs.

FOUNDER/LEADER: Because the religion has no specific founder, it’s difficult to

trace its origins and history.

GODS

 Brahma: the god responsible for the creation of the world and all living things
 Vishnu: the god that preserves and protects the universe
 Shiva: the god that destroys the universe in order to recreate it
 Devi: the goddess that fights to restore dharma
 Krishna: the god of compassion, tenderness and love
 Lakshmi: the goddess of wealth and purity
 Saraswati: the goddess of learning

KEY BELIFS/TEACHINGS

Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no one founder but is instead a

fusion of various beliefs.
 God Exists. ...
 All Human Beings Are Divine. ...
 Unity of Existence. ...
 Religious Harmony. ...
 Knowledge of 3 Gs.

STYLE of Worship

The Epic, Puranic and Classic Periods took place between 500 B.C. and
A.D. 500. Hindus began to emphasize the worship of deities, especially
Vishnu, Shiva and Devi.
Hindus worship a number of different gods and minor
deities, honor a range of symbols, respect several different
holy books and celebrate with a wide variety of traditions,
holidays and customs.

Though the development of the caste system in India was

influenced by Hindu concepts, it has been shaped
throughout history by political as well as religious
movements, and today is much less rigidly enforced.
These are puja, aarti, darshan and havan. Puja worship involves giving respect to Brahman
close BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God.,
and this is done through the puja ceremony.

The best word that describes and summarizes Hindu worship is puja,
which means respect, homage, or worship. Most—if not all—Hindus
have small altars at home on which they place pictures and/or statues
representing different deities, including those to whom the family is
particularly devoted.

Sacred Text
The primary sacred texts, known as the Vedas, were composed around
1500 B.C. This collection of verses and hymns was written in Sanskrit
and contains revelations received by ancient saints and sages.

Symbols:
There are two primary symbols associated with Hinduism, the om and
the swastika. The word swastika means "good fortune" or "being
happy" in Sanskrit, and the symbol represents good luck

Impact of the Religion in the World Today

 Current Events Article
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism/The-history-of-Hinduism

https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism#origins-of-hinduism

Origins of Buddhism: In India More Than 2500 Years Ago in India

FOUNDER/LEADER:

Buddhism is a faith that was founded by Siddhartha

Gautama—also known as “the Buddha”—more than 2,500
years ago in India.
Gods: The Three Buddhist Deities Vajrapāṇi, Mañjuśrī and Avalokiteśvara.

Key Beliefs and Techings:

 Followers of Buddhism don’t acknowledge a supreme god or deity.

They instead focus on achieving enlightenment—a state of inner
peace and wisdom. When followers reach this spiritual echelon, they’re
said to have experienced nirvana.
 The religion’s founder, Buddha, is considered an extraordinary being,
but not a god. The word Buddha means “enlightened.”
 The path to enlightenment is attained by utilizing morality, meditation
and wisdom. Buddhists often meditate because they believe it helps
awaken truth.
 There are many philosophies and interpretations within Buddhism,
making it a tolerant and evolving religion.
 Some scholars don’t recognize Buddhism as an organized religion, but
rather, a “way of life” or a “spiritual tradition.”
 Buddhism encourages its people to avoid self-indulgence but also
self-denial.
 Buddha’s most important teachings, known as The Four Noble Truths,
are essential to understanding the religion.
 Buddhists embrace the concepts of karma (the law of cause and effect)
and reincarnation (the continuous cycle of rebirth).
 Followers of Buddhism can worship in temples or in their own homes.
 Buddhist monks, or bhikkhus, follow a strict code of conduct, which
includes celibacy.

Style of Wordship:

 Buddhists worship at temples or monasteries, where they meditate and pray

 Buddhists worship at temples or monasteries, where they
meditate and pray. Some also set up shrines at home to worship
privately. Buddhists offer fresh flowers, lights, and lamps, or burn
fragrant incense at shrines with images of the Buddha.

Sacred Text: Known as the Tripitaka,

Symbols: here
is no single Buddhist symbol, but a number of images
have evolved that represent Buddhist beliefs, including the lotus
flower
The Bodhi tree, the Dharma wheel, and the stupa, occur frequently at all these major sites and
thus "the earliest Buddhist cult practice focused on these three objects".

One of the most popular symbols is the Dharmachakra, or eight-spoked wheel, which
represents the Buddha and Buddhism.

Impact of the Religion in the World Today

Current Event Article