IV四. Hinduism FCPS.pptVIP

Hinduism Beginnings Aboriginal – pre 6000 B.C. Dravidian Aryan (Indo-Europeans) I. Hinduism General Characteristics 1. mix of Aryan Dravidian beliefs 2. no single founder 3. monotheistic (brahman) or polytheistic? B. Vocabulary Brahman: the universal spirit dharma: code of conduct karma: the idea that one’s deeds will have an effect on this or the next life samsara: reincarnation or the cycle of the soul’s birth and rebirth moksha: release from samsara (salvation) atman: the soul of the individual puja: daily worship of one or more of the goddesses; one invites the god with offering