HinduismHinduismZach Ben-Amots

Colin StaubHannah Gustafson

Eli Kalmus

Hearth of HinduismHearth of HinduismIndus River Valley (Modern-day Pakistan)No single founder or theologyMostly originated from practices in

Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa◦Ritual Bathing◦Belief in Reincarnation

Hearth no longer considered to be Pakistan - found more in India.

Rituals & BeliefsRituals & BeliefsHenotheistic – various expressions of

BrahmanEthnic religionKarma – all beings are part of hierarchy.

Good deeds move you higher within it.Not entirely organized – no prophets or

single book of scripturesThe Vedas – four sacred books.Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Shiva

DiffusionDiffusionBefore Christianity, Hinduism diffused

throughout South-East AsiaHindu theology was affected by the

diffusion of Islam and ChristianitySmall distribution due to Buddhist and

Islamic influenceRelocation diffusionSpreads slowly and doesn’t proselytize.

Modern DistributionModern DistributionBritish Colonialism transported hundreds of

thousands of Hindus – mostly to S. America Still mostly concentrated in India

Holy/Sacred SitesHoly/Sacred SitesKumbh Mela – four sites of Hindu

pilgrimage Ancient holy towns & cities

Places of Worship/ ArchitecturePlaces of Worship/ Architecture

Two basic styles of architectures:Nagara – distinguishable due to its “bee-

hive”Dravida – made up of small stories of

pavilions.Progressively smaller the higher you go.Temples/Shrines

Places of Worship/ArchitecturePlaces of Worship/Architecture

SymbolsSymbolsOm (Aum) – represents the universe and

ultimate realitySwastika – symbol of luck and fortune. Sri Yantra – interwoven triangles that

represents the bond between men and women.

Lotus – the representation of creation, symbolizes “Vishnu” “Brahma” “Lakshmi”

Burial Rights & PracticesBurial Rights & PracticesCremation – believed to be one of the

ways to release the soul from the bodyPhysical body cannot be present or visible

– soul will lingerRitual cleansing, dressing and adorning of

the body.

ConflictsConflictsPacifistEvery state follows a different form of the

major gods.Ethnic conflict between Hindus and

Buddhists and between Hindus and Muslims.

1948 conflict on Sri Lanka – dated back 2000 years by Hindus and Buddhists in the region – somewhat associated with independence