Hinduism Case

Hinduism is the world's oldest known religion. It can be traced back to 5000-10,000 b.c. It is the third largest religion of the world with more than 1 billion followers. Most live in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. People who follow Hinduism are called "Hindus," and they have no single founder. Hinduism originated in India, and is largely based on the teachings from Vedas. The difference between Hinduism, Christianity and other monotheistic religions in that it doesn't have a single founder, specific theological system, a single concept of diety, a single holy text, a single system of morality, a central religious authority, or the concept of a prophet.

The Vedas are considered the earliest literacy record of Indo-Aryan civilization, and the most sacred books of India. "Veda" means wisdom, knowledge, or vision and it manifest the language of the Gods and human speech. Regulate the social, legal, domestic, and religious customs of the Hindus to the present day to include all obligatory duties of the Hindus at birth, marriage, death, ect owe their allegiance to the Vedic ritual.

www. Hinduism.about.com

Each Vedas consists of four parts- the Samhitas(hyms), the Brahmanas(rituals), the Aranyakas(theologies) and the Upanishads(philosophies). Watch rituals. The biggest being the Festival of lights. It is held on the darkest day of the year and last for five or six days. (Diwali is the equivalent to Christmas for Christians). Other rituals and worshipping are the Holi(Festival of colors), and Rakshabandhan(Or on a full moon day of Sravana (in August) sisters tie thread amulets on their brothers' wrists, praying for their longevity and happiness. Brothers, in turn are bound by the delicate threads to cherish and safeguard their sisters. The fragile threads symbolose a deep abiding relationship- loving, tender, devoted, protective and indulgent. Or strengthens the bonds between brother and sister.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMguvWvA5Yk

Hindus are polytheistic. They believe in one God named "Brahman" but view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations of Him. He can be in the form of an idol, rivers, mountains, trees, animals, and natural things which are useful for a human being. Cows are the most revered animal for Hindus.

Hindus worship in a place called a temple. Their main deities are Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. They are the creator, protector, and destroyer. Shoes are removed before going into the temple or the home to keep it holy. Parents, teachers and food are considered next to God. They consider wasting food as a very bad habit.

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