E data chart:

Hinduism

Key Question

Copy and paste information from a website or write notes Summary of the key ideas from the from your reading information in the middle column Bibliographical details of resources Also include questions, any BBC Religions observations, things you agree or http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/ http://www.abc.net.au/religion/library/religion.htm disagree with, things you don't http://www.religionfacts.com/big_religion_chart.htm understand, related resources, relevance to the question, etc.

Sample questions the boys may want to choose: 1. What are the origins of the religion / spiritual framework and how has it developed / changed over time? 2. What are the core beliefs of this religion? 3. How does its values guide the way people live? 4. What part do specific texts (include written and visual texts, icons etc) play? 5. What questions do you have about this religion? What are the origins of the religion / Hinduism originated around the Indus Valley near the spiritual framework and how has it River Indus in modern day Pakistan.12q (BBC) developed / changed over time? Why is Vishnu the main God?

Vishnu's worshippers, usually called Vaishnava, consider him the greatest god. They regard the other gods as lesser or demi gods. Vaishnava worship only Vishnu. Vishnu monotheism is called Vaishnavism. (BBC) The majority of Hindu homes have a shrine where offerings are made and prayers are said.

What is the normal procedure when you have to pray?

Because Hinduisms originated from a remote place, it still not know if Hinduism originated from the Indus River. In Hinduism, even though Vishnu is the second God in the triumvirate, the Vaishnava still consider hom the greatest God and other Gods as l lesser or demi God. In Hinduism, most homes have a shrine so they can pray or make offerings. A shrine can be anything:

A shrine can be anything: a room, a small altar or simply pictures or statues of the deity. Family members often worship together. Rituals should strictly speaking be performed three times a day. Some Hindus, but not all, worship wearing the sacred thread (over the left shoulder and hanging to the right hip). This is cotton for the Brahmin (priest), hemp for the Kshatriya (ruler) and wool for the vaishya (merchants). (BBC) Brahma is the first god in the Hindu triumvirate, or trimurti. Brahma's job was creation of the world and all creatures. (BBC)

a room, a small altar or simply pictures or statues of the deity. Usually you member choose to worship together and should be performed three times a day. Only some Hindus choose to wear the sacred thread Brahma is the first God in the Hindu triumvirate or tree even though Vishnu is considered to be the greater God. Brahma's job was creation of the world and all creatures.

Who is the main God?

Why isnt Brahma Worshiped as much There are a number of stories in the Hindu mythology like the other Gods? which point to why he is rarely worshipped. These are

Apparently, the first view is also part of how the universe was created. two of them. Brahma created a women to help him create the universe whose The first view is that Brahma created a woman in order to name was Shatarupa. But because aid him with his job of creation. She was called she was so beautiful, Brahma Shatarupa. spouted four heads in every directions so he could gaze at her in She was so beautiful that Brahma became infatuated with every direction. And now because her, and gazed at her wherever she went. This caused Brahma did this, Shiva admonished her extreme embarrassment and Shatarupa tried to turn him and now Shiva is the God that from his gaze. most people pray to. The other view which personally believe is that its But in every direction she moved, Brahma sprouted a now Shiva is now the creator of the head until he had developed four. Finally, Shatarupa universe and Brahmas role is now grew so frustrated that she jumped to try to avoid his over. gaze. Brahma, in his obsession, sprouted a fifth head on top of all. It is also said in some sources that Shatarupa kept changing her form. She became every creature on earth to avoid Brahma. He however, changed his form to the male version of whatever she was and thus every animal community in the world was created. Lord Shiva admonished Brahma for demonstrating behaviour of an incestuous nature and chopped off his fifth head for 'unholy' behaviour. Since Brahma had distracted his mind from the soul and towards the cravings of the flesh, Shiva's curse was that people should not worship Brahma.

As a form of repentance, it is said that Brahma has been continually reciting the four Vedas since this time, one from each of his four heads. A second view of why Brahma is not worshipped, and a more sympathetic one, is that Brahma's role as the creator is over. It is left to Vishnu to preserve the world and Shiva to continue its path of cosmic reincarnation. (BBC)

What are the core values or beliefs of

Authority of the Vedas and Brahmas

Like Bukta said, The Vedas and

Hinduism?

The authority of the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas as well as that of the priests known as the Brahmans are two concepts that are fundamental to Hinduism and differentiate the faith from Buddhism and Jainism. Brahma: Ultimate Reality - Most Hindus venerate one or more deities, but regard these as manifestations of Ultimate Reality. So who, or what, is the Ultimate Reality that is behind the universe and all the gods? In the Rig Veda, it is referred to as "the One." In the Purushasukta, it is given the name "Purusha," and in the Upanishads it is called "Brahman," "the One," and several other names. Karma - The Sanskirt word karma means "actions" and refers to the fundamental Hindu principle that one's moral actions have unavoidable and automatic effects on one's fortunes in this life and condition of rebirth in the next. Purpose of Life - In Hinduism, there is not just one purpose of human life, but four: Dharma - fulfilling one's purpose; Artha - prosperity; Kama - desire, sexuality, enjoyment; and Moksha enlightenment. http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs.htm

Brahmas are very, VERY important to Hinduism.

This only the first time if actually head about Brahma Being the ultimate reality and I dont understand this called Purushasukta.Is there a difference from a vedas and Purushasukta?

This belief if Karma is one that I personally love because Hindus belief that you never die, only your body and that your soul still lives in other forms of life. This is also a belief I love as well as it also relates to Islam. Like the five pillars, Hajj (Muslims must at least pray at Mecca at least once in their life time) sought of relates to Dharma and these four beliefs Hindus believe in is what I also love about this culture.