The World’s Great Religions

Hinduism

The Hindu “Trinity”Brahman

The Ultimate Reality The Absolute

Shiva Lord of Creation, Fertility, Power & Sex The Creator

Vishnu Lord of Grace, Compassion, Wisdom & Divine Love The Preserver

Brahman - Atman Dualism

Brahman The Divine Force in all of Creation

Atman The Divine Force that resides in each if us

Questing Outer Questing vs. Inner Questing

Theological Questions

What is the problem faced by all humans? Reincarnation – The River of Samsara

How does Reincarnation operate? The Law of Karma dictates Caste

How can the devout overcome Reincarnation?

Pursuing the Purusharthas

The Caste SystemIndividuals are born into a particular Caste

Individuals cannot change Caste during their lifetime

Interaction between Castes is prohibited or proscribed

Caste system includes five principal groupsBrahmin – the elites – originally the priestly class

Kshatriya – the prosperous – originally the warrior class

Vaishiya – the middle class – originally the property owning class

Shudra – the poor – originally the laboring and landless class

Chandalas – the outcastes – originally considered ritually dirty and not allowed to participate in Hindu society

Each Caste is further divided into countless Jati (sub-castes)

The Four Purusharthas

Dharma – Duty (beginning upon youth)

The Obligatory duties according to Caste

Artha – Wealth (beginning upon adulthood)

The pursuit of wealth for family and community

Kama – Desire (beginning upon adulthood)

Pursuing desire in balance with desire of divine

Moksha – Liberation (beginning anytime)

Pursuing God through intellectual knowledge, doing good deeds, pious devotion or renunciation of all things

Core Concept of Hinduism

Diversity

Many Gods

ManyPaths

One Faith