Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO HINDUISM
HINDUISM - Vedas are a collection of Hindu writings
- world’s largest Hindu Temple in New Delhi - considered to be world’s oldest writings
- the oldest major world religion - word ‘Veda” means “to know”
- 5000 years old and is the 3rd largest - Vedas are believed to be divinely given (god
given) or revealed knowledge
- traditional religion of India, originated in the
Indus Valley - Vedas are divided into 4 scriptures: the Rig
Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva
- the religion is based on God-given truths of Veda
laws, and is a way of life based on universal
principles - each Veda has 4 parts
FAITH SPREADS BEYOND INDIA 1. “Mantras”
- prayers and hymns
- about 1000 years ago, the faith was carried 2. Brahmanas “priests”
along trade routes to lands to the east. - provide information and explain
- Hindu influences remain in Thailand, the rituals, ceremonies and
Malaysia and Bali, in Indonesia importance of saying prayers
3. Aranyakas “ the forest books”
THE WORLD’S OLDEST LIVING FAITH - written for hermits and saints
who lived simple lives isolated
- it has no founder therefore it is not based on in the forest
the teachings of a person or group of people; - contain meditations and
most likely the Indus Valley people asceticism
- archeologists have found many statues of a 4. Upanishads “sitting down near”
female figure in the homes of Indus Valley - writings about the origins of the
people universe, characteristics of God
and the presence of the atman
- a collection of beliefs and practices or soul in all living beings
developed over thousands of years - are religious conversations
between holy men that ordinary
- Hinduism is a polytheistic religion
people could listen to
THE ARRIVAL OF THE ARYANS
RIG VEDA
- as the Indus Valley cities declined, the Aryans
- the oldest and most important section of the
came to India and settled along the Ganges
Vedas
river
- the Rig Veda tells of 33 gods, all of whom are
- the Aryans religious hymns, called the Rig
born of one creator, Brahma
Veda, were adopted by the Hindus and are the
most sacred writings of Hinduism - the 3 gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva form
the Hindu trinity
- in early days, animal sacrifice to the gods
was an important part of their religion but soon A. How do Hindus Worship?
lost its popularity as the feeling grew that
animals should not be killed for sacrifices - believe in one supreme being, whom they
call Brahma
WISDOM – VEDAS: THE HOLY
WRITINGS
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
- worship that one God in various forms, VISHNU: THE PRESERVER OF THE
according to the different functions they believe UNIVERSE
He performs
Vehicle: Garuda (bird)
- believe that God is omnipresent (always
present) everywhere in all living things - maintains balance between good and evil
-they believe that the deity may be represented - appears in 10 different forms or avatars
in masculine and feminine ways - has 4 arms, a blueish complexion, and rests on
How do Hindus Understand God? a snake
- some Hindus say that the three letters of the - was incarnated (born as an animal or human)
word G-O-D relate to the deities’ three main nine times with one more still to come; is the
functions main god of Vaishnavism
1. G: Generator SHIVA: THE DESTROYER
- this represents God’s ability to Vehicle: Bull
create things
2. O: Operator - worshiped as the destroyer or reproducer
- this represents God’s ability to
preserve things and keep them - fire represents cycle of birth and death
going - crushes dwarf to symbolize ignorance
3. D: Destroyer
- this represents God’s ability to - holds the flame of destruction, purification,
destroy things and renewal
- Hindus believe that these three roles are - his hands symbolize blessing and protection
fulfilled in the Hindu Trinity.
- snakes symbolize his power over evil forces
B. The Hindu Trinity/Trimurti
- has matted hair, a third eye, a blue throat and a
- the Hindu Trinity is composed of Brahma, trident in his hand
Vishnu and Shiva
- often worshiped in the featureless lingam form;
- Hindus believe in more than one god or deity is the main god of Salvism
- they are polytheistic SHAKTIS (FEMALE ASPECTS):
- worshippers will devote themselves to one 1. Saraswati
god, their personal deity
Vehicle: Swan
- household shrines feature pictures and
- goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts
statues of the chosen gods
- wife of Brahma
BRAHMA: THE CREATOR
- sits on a white lotus playing a veena
Vehicle: Swan
2. Lakshmi
- supreme presence, or God all other gods
originate from Brahma Vehicle: Owl
- has 4 heads, 4 arms, and a reddish complexion - goddess of wealth and prosperity
- not commonly worshiped; not to be confused - wife of Vishnu
with Brahman (the ground of all being) or
Brahmin (priestly caste) - usually shown bestowing coins and flanked by
elephants
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
3. Parvati - usually portrayed as a child and a prankster,
often shown playing the flute
Vehicle: Lion
7. Hanuman
- the divine mother
- an ape-like god known for assisting Rama
- the reincarnation of Shiva’s first wife
8. Surya
- has many forms, such as the popular Durga
and Kali (see below); often shown together with - god of the sun
Saraswati and Lakshmi as the Tridev (triple
goddess) - pulled on a chariot by horses
OTHER POPULAR HINDU GODS C. How do Hindus Worship?
1. Ganesh Worship in the Home
Vehicle: Mouse - have a small shrine that contains an image of
the family’s chosen god, and objects associated
- god of the intellect and the remover of with them
obstacles
- has flowers, jewelry and other decorations to
- son of Shiva & Parvati show that the god is honored and special
- has an elephant’s head - perform activities such as prayer,
meditation, recite mantras and study
2. Murugan sacred writings
Vehicle: Peacock - images are washed regularly
- son of Shiva & Parvati - Puja is the name given to the ritualistic
- popular in Tamil areas worship
- also known as Skanda - the shrine in the house contains a Puja tray
3. Durga - items on the Puja tray symbolize different
things
Vehicle: Tiger
- Bell: rung to let the deity know that worship is
- a fiercer form of Parvati about to start
- has ten arms holding many weapons - Dish containing sandalwood paste: used
to mark the worshiper’s forehead as a symbol of
4. Kali devotion, blessing and protection of God
Vehicle: Donkey - Food: offerings of rice, nuts, sweets, Fruit that
- goddess of time and death symbolizes an exchange of Love between the
worshiper and deity
- usually portrayed as dark and violent
- Holy Water: used for purification and
5. Rama Cleansing. Sometimes water is from the River
Ganges.
- the 7th avatar (reincarnation) of Vishnu
- Incense stick: lit to purify the air
- the central figure in the epic story Ramayana
- Lamp: represents the elements of the
6. Krishna
Universe: earth, air, fire, water, ether
- the 8th avatar (reincarnation) of Vishnu
D. Worship in the Mandir
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
- the Hindu place of worship is called a - fifth level = the untouchables or polluted
mandir or temple. - did all the dirtiest jobs
- the mandir is considered to be the “home of LESSON 2: INTRODUCTION TO
God” BUDDHISM
- each mandir is dedicated to a god or deity GEOGRAPHY
4 BASIC HINDU BELIEFS - the largest Buddhist Communities
1. Dharma - top 10 Countries with the Highest Proportion
ofBuddhists
- is the moral balance of all things
- approximately 376m
- is played out in all aspects of life: religious,
social, family - 4th largest
2. Karma DIVISIONS OF BUDDHISM
- belief that a person experiences the effects of 1. Theravada Buddhism
his or her actions—that every act or thought
has consequences. - found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos,
Cambodia, Myanmar & in part, Indonesia,
3. Samsara Vietnam & Malaysia
- reincarnation “Samsara” – represents the 2. Mahayana Buddhism
cycle of life, death and rebirth in which a
person carries his or her own karma - found in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam
- a person may experience effects of past lives 3. Vajrayana Buddhism
and a worldly status depends upon actions in a - found in Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and
past life. Mongolia
- good thoughts and actions can liberate a 4. Jodo Shin Buddhism or Pure Land
person. Buddhism
4. Moksha - mainly from India, Japan
- like heaven for the Christian, Hindus strive to 5. Zen Buddhism
reach Moksha or a state of changeless bliss
- mostly in Japan
- this is achieved by living a life of religious
devotion or moral integrity HISTORY
- the ultimate reward is a release from samsara India Prior To Buddhism…Hinduism:
and union with God
- established in 1500 BCE
E. The Caste System
-Vedas texts
- the caste system is the basis for social
divisions in Hinduism - Caste system
- each Hindu is born into a caste group THE CASTE SYSTEM:
- whether one is born into a high or low cast 1. Brahmin
depends on the cycle of rebirth and depends - Priests
on the deeds of one’s previous life 2. Kshatriya
- Warriors
The Four Classes – Caste System 3. Vaisya
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
Social Sciences 12-1)
LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO HINDUISM
HINDUISM - Vedas are a collection of Hindu writings
- world’s largest Hindu Temple in New Delhi - considered to be world’s oldest writings
- the oldest major world religion - word ‘Veda” means “to know”
- 5000 years old and is the 3rd largest - Vedas are believed to be divinely given (god
given) or revealed knowledge
- traditional religion of India, originated in the
Indus Valley - Vedas are divided into 4 scriptures: the Rig
Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva
- the religion is based on God-given truths of Veda
laws, and is a way of life based on universal
principles - each Veda has 4 parts
FAITH SPREADS BEYOND INDIA 1. “Mantras”
- prayers and hymns
- about 1000 years ago, the faith was carried 2. Brahmanas “priests”
along trade routes to lands to the east. - provide information and explain
- Hindu influences remain in Thailand, the rituals, ceremonies and
Malaysia and Bali, in Indonesia importance of saying prayers
3. Aranyakas “ the forest books”
THE WORLD’S OLDEST LIVING FAITH - written for hermits and saints
who lived simple lives isolated
- it has no founder therefore it is not based on in the forest
the teachings of a person or group of people; - contain meditations and
most likely the Indus Valley people asceticism
- archeologists have found many statues of a 4. Upanishads “sitting down near”
female figure in the homes of Indus Valley - writings about the origins of the
people universe, characteristics of God
and the presence of the atman
- a collection of beliefs and practices or soul in all living beings
developed over thousands of years - are religious conversations
between holy men that ordinary
- Hinduism is a polytheistic religion
people could listen to
THE ARRIVAL OF THE ARYANS
RIG VEDA
- as the Indus Valley cities declined, the Aryans
- the oldest and most important section of the
came to India and settled along the Ganges
Vedas
river
- the Rig Veda tells of 33 gods, all of whom are
- the Aryans religious hymns, called the Rig
born of one creator, Brahma
Veda, were adopted by the Hindus and are the
most sacred writings of Hinduism - the 3 gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva form
the Hindu trinity
- in early days, animal sacrifice to the gods
was an important part of their religion but soon A. How do Hindus Worship?
lost its popularity as the feeling grew that
animals should not be killed for sacrifices - believe in one supreme being, whom they
call Brahma
WISDOM – VEDAS: THE HOLY
WRITINGS
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
- worship that one God in various forms, VISHNU: THE PRESERVER OF THE
according to the different functions they believe UNIVERSE
He performs
Vehicle: Garuda (bird)
- believe that God is omnipresent (always
present) everywhere in all living things - maintains balance between good and evil
-they believe that the deity may be represented - appears in 10 different forms or avatars
in masculine and feminine ways - has 4 arms, a blueish complexion, and rests on
How do Hindus Understand God? a snake
- some Hindus say that the three letters of the - was incarnated (born as an animal or human)
word G-O-D relate to the deities’ three main nine times with one more still to come; is the
functions main god of Vaishnavism
1. G: Generator SHIVA: THE DESTROYER
- this represents God’s ability to Vehicle: Bull
create things
2. O: Operator - worshiped as the destroyer or reproducer
- this represents God’s ability to
preserve things and keep them - fire represents cycle of birth and death
going - crushes dwarf to symbolize ignorance
3. D: Destroyer
- this represents God’s ability to - holds the flame of destruction, purification,
destroy things and renewal
- Hindus believe that these three roles are - his hands symbolize blessing and protection
fulfilled in the Hindu Trinity.
- snakes symbolize his power over evil forces
B. The Hindu Trinity/Trimurti
- has matted hair, a third eye, a blue throat and a
- the Hindu Trinity is composed of Brahma, trident in his hand
Vishnu and Shiva
- often worshiped in the featureless lingam form;
- Hindus believe in more than one god or deity is the main god of Salvism
- they are polytheistic SHAKTIS (FEMALE ASPECTS):
- worshippers will devote themselves to one 1. Saraswati
god, their personal deity
Vehicle: Swan
- household shrines feature pictures and
- goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts
statues of the chosen gods
- wife of Brahma
BRAHMA: THE CREATOR
- sits on a white lotus playing a veena
Vehicle: Swan
2. Lakshmi
- supreme presence, or God all other gods
originate from Brahma Vehicle: Owl
- has 4 heads, 4 arms, and a reddish complexion - goddess of wealth and prosperity
- not commonly worshiped; not to be confused - wife of Vishnu
with Brahman (the ground of all being) or
Brahmin (priestly caste) - usually shown bestowing coins and flanked by
elephants
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
3. Parvati - usually portrayed as a child and a prankster,
often shown playing the flute
Vehicle: Lion
7. Hanuman
- the divine mother
- an ape-like god known for assisting Rama
- the reincarnation of Shiva’s first wife
8. Surya
- has many forms, such as the popular Durga
and Kali (see below); often shown together with - god of the sun
Saraswati and Lakshmi as the Tridev (triple
goddess) - pulled on a chariot by horses
OTHER POPULAR HINDU GODS C. How do Hindus Worship?
1. Ganesh Worship in the Home
Vehicle: Mouse - have a small shrine that contains an image of
the family’s chosen god, and objects associated
- god of the intellect and the remover of with them
obstacles
- has flowers, jewelry and other decorations to
- son of Shiva & Parvati show that the god is honored and special
- has an elephant’s head - perform activities such as prayer,
meditation, recite mantras and study
2. Murugan sacred writings
Vehicle: Peacock - images are washed regularly
- son of Shiva & Parvati - Puja is the name given to the ritualistic
- popular in Tamil areas worship
- also known as Skanda - the shrine in the house contains a Puja tray
3. Durga - items on the Puja tray symbolize different
things
Vehicle: Tiger
- Bell: rung to let the deity know that worship is
- a fiercer form of Parvati about to start
- has ten arms holding many weapons - Dish containing sandalwood paste: used
to mark the worshiper’s forehead as a symbol of
4. Kali devotion, blessing and protection of God
Vehicle: Donkey - Food: offerings of rice, nuts, sweets, Fruit that
- goddess of time and death symbolizes an exchange of Love between the
worshiper and deity
- usually portrayed as dark and violent
- Holy Water: used for purification and
5. Rama Cleansing. Sometimes water is from the River
Ganges.
- the 7th avatar (reincarnation) of Vishnu
- Incense stick: lit to purify the air
- the central figure in the epic story Ramayana
- Lamp: represents the elements of the
6. Krishna
Universe: earth, air, fire, water, ether
- the 8th avatar (reincarnation) of Vishnu
D. Worship in the Mandir
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Exam Reviewer (Humanities and
Social Sciences 12-1)
- the Hindu place of worship is called a - fifth level = the untouchables or polluted
mandir or temple. - did all the dirtiest jobs
- the mandir is considered to be the “home of LESSON 2: INTRODUCTION TO
God” BUDDHISM
- each mandir is dedicated to a god or deity GEOGRAPHY
4 BASIC HINDU BELIEFS - the largest Buddhist Communities
1. Dharma - top 10 Countries with the Highest Proportion
ofBuddhists
- is the moral balance of all things
- approximately 376m
- is played out in all aspects of life: religious,
social, family - 4th largest
2. Karma DIVISIONS OF BUDDHISM
- belief that a person experiences the effects of 1. Theravada Buddhism
his or her actions—that every act or thought
has consequences. - found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos,
Cambodia, Myanmar & in part, Indonesia,
3. Samsara Vietnam & Malaysia
- reincarnation “Samsara” – represents the 2. Mahayana Buddhism
cycle of life, death and rebirth in which a
person carries his or her own karma - found in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam
- a person may experience effects of past lives 3. Vajrayana Buddhism
and a worldly status depends upon actions in a - found in Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and
past life. Mongolia
- good thoughts and actions can liberate a 4. Jodo Shin Buddhism or Pure Land
person. Buddhism
4. Moksha - mainly from India, Japan
- like heaven for the Christian, Hindus strive to 5. Zen Buddhism
reach Moksha or a state of changeless bliss
- mostly in Japan
- this is achieved by living a life of religious
devotion or moral integrity HISTORY
- the ultimate reward is a release from samsara India Prior To Buddhism…Hinduism:
and union with God
- established in 1500 BCE
E. The Caste System
-Vedas texts
- the caste system is the basis for social
divisions in Hinduism - Caste system
- each Hindu is born into a caste group THE CASTE SYSTEM:
- whether one is born into a high or low cast 1. Brahmin
depends on the cycle of rebirth and depends - Priests
on the deeds of one’s previous life 2. Kshatriya
- Warriors
The Four Classes – Caste System 3. Vaisya
Lagi’t lagi para sa bayan— at kabataan. Good luck! (੭˃ᴗ˂)੭
