NATIHinduism-Michele

Hinduism[[image:Hinduism_&_Vedic_Traditions.jpg width="191" height="241" align="right"]]
Hinduism is one of the most confusing and fascinating world religions. At first it may seem overwhelming; but you can clear it up with some simple Q&A and vocabulary (highlighted in pink).

Q: What is Hinduism anyway? A: Hinduism is a complex middle-east religion that has since spread all over the world. It is made up of combined belief and a multitude of practices.

Q: When did Hinduism start? Who started it? Combined beliefs? What?! A: Hinduism started in northern India and there is no "official" founder. The combined beliefs mentioned previously is the beliefs of the conquered Indus and Ayran people.

Q: Okay, but when did this religion start? A: In app. 4,000 B.C, about 6,000 years ago.

Q: What are their main beliefs? A: Hindu followers believe in a cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation. They believe that if you live a good devoted life in your next one you shall move up a class in the Caste System. The Caste System is a division of people based on their wealth. The only way to move up in the system is by reincarnation. One you have finished living in the highest class you reach Brahman which is all the gods of everything. It is like Hindu heaven and is sacred.

Q: Wait, so how many gods do they have? A: Over 200,000 gods and goddesses!

Q: How would they worship all those gods? Do they worship all of them at church? How about at home? A: First things first, they do not go to church. Hindu followers go to temples. Inside the temples are shrines devoted to specific gods. The pandit or priest actually treats the statue like it is a living thing. They wash them and "feed" them. The statues are called murti. At home people create shrines dedicated to a certain god which the family chooses. They pray to them often.

Q: What are the main symbols of Hinduism? What do they mean? A: Aum or Om, they both reflect on the essence of the universe.

Q:What are some of their religious festivals? Why do they celebrate them? How do they celebrate them? When do they celebrate them? A: Hindus have a holiday for everyday of the year.The Holi Spring Welcoming is on March 1st. On this particular day they play in the streets and douse each other with bright paints and powder. Another holiday is Shiri Shyam Bhajan on August 15th when 125,000 lamps are lite.

Q: You said that a prayer leader was a pandit. Was there ever a famous pandit ? A: Ever heard of Gahnd i  ? He worked toward a goal of freedom in India. Eventually he was arrested. He was tried and then killed. This sparked fury in Hindu followers and Indians alike.

Q: Do they have sacred writings? A: Yes they do. Hinduism followers have the book Mahobharta. The writings have 18 sections.

Q: Can I become a Hinduist? A: Sure!

The previous was a webpage by Michelle Krzemieniecki