NATIHinduism-Becky

=HINDUISM=

__**Who was the founder of this religion? In what year?**__ In Hinduism, there is no recognized founder. They believe that their founder, or rescuer has not come yet. The is also no recognized year. All that is known is that it was founded somewhere around 4,000 years ago.

__**Who are the religious leaders of this religion?**__ Mohandas Gandhi is one main religious leader. He was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar. He was assassinated January 30, 1948 while taking his nightly walk across public grounds. His killer and the people he worked for were later executed. __**What is the place(s) of worship of this religion?**__ In this religion, they have two places of worship- a temple, called a mandir, and in their own homes. In a temple, they must take off their shoes, wash their feet, and ring a bell when they enter. When in their home, they also purify themselves and ring a bell as they enter.

__**Where did this religion begin? Where is it practiced today?**__ Hinduism began in India but by no known people. Today it is practiced by 14% of the worlds population, the most common countries that practice Hinduism are India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Recently though it has been spreading to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

In Hinduism, they have a supreme spirit named Brahman. They have a God named Trimurti, that is the most important creator, destroyer, and preserver. Another God is Vishnu. He is a preserver. He is not as important as Trimurti. Another God is Siva. He is also a destroyer. He is also not as important as Trimurti though.
 * __Does this religion have a God(s)? Describe the God(s).__**

In Hinduism, they believe in idol worship, reincarnation, karma, dharma, and moshka. The Grihasha Dhrama has four main goals:
 * __What are the main beliefs of this religion?__**
 * karma- or sensual pleasure
 * artha- wealth and preoperty
 * dharma- the laws of life
 * moshka- liberation from the cycle of births.

They practice fulfilling the duties of ones life. They do yoga, the practice of medatative move. And Puja, a ritual Hindus perform every morning and night in which they bathe and dress before eating.
 * __Describe the religious practices of this religion. How do they worship? How do they practice their beliefs?__**

Some religious festivals are Divali, which is the new year, Holi, which is a spring festival where they splash colors or chalk on eachother, and Raksha Bahhan, whick is a wedding ceremony. Wedding ceremonies are the most important ceremonies.
 * __What are the religious festivals?__**

The sacred writings are called the Vedas, there are four of them. They are called Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajor Veda, Atharva Veda. They contain hymns, incantations, and rituals.
 * __What are the sacred writings of this religion?__**


 * __What are the main symbols of this religion? What do they represent?__**
 * Swastika- an ancient symbol that represents a cross with bent arms. To Hindus, it is a sign of peace and good luck.
 * Om- sometimes spelled oum or aum. Represents the sound of Brahman.
 * Lotus Flower- Symbolizes purity of heart and mind