The Origins of Hinduism, Study notes of Religion

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The Origins of Hinduism

To explore: the origins of the Hindu

religion.

To know: Key facts about Hinduism.

Date: 29/02/

Learning outcomes

Starter

Brainstorm what you

already know about

Hinduism…

Hinduism

• Hinduism is older than any other living religion. It began so long ago that no one really knows how old it is, but it goes back at least 5,000 years.
• The name ‘Hindu’ was given to describe the people who lived near the River Indus in India: the word ‘Indus’ became ‘Hindu’.
• Hinduism was not begun by any one person, it developed gradually as different groups of people met and shared their ideas and their ways of practising their beliefs.
• Today, Hinduism has many different ‘branches’ and its followers have a wide range of beliefs and ways of worshipping.
• Hindus believe in one God, called Brahman, but there are many deities (gods/goddesses) that each represent a different aspect of God.
• Hindus do not usually talk of their religion as ‘Hinduism’. They prefer to call it sanatana dharma. This means ‘eternal truths’.

Think about what you have just heard…

What does each picture tell us about Hinduism?

A C

B

YouTube - INDIA

D

The Hindu symbol is made up of Sanskrit letters. Sanskrit is a very old language. The letters spell the word ‘Aum’, which is a sacred Hindu word. Aum is the sound of the universe.

Questions

1. What do most Hindu’s call their religion and why?

2. What are the Hindu sacred writings called?

3. Where and when did Hinduism begin?

4. Which two ancient civilizations are said to have combined some of their beliefs and practices to make Hinduism?

5. Describe the Hindu attitude towards other religions.

6. Look at the map of India. Why do you think this area is important if you want to find out about Hinduism?

Extension: Make a list of all the things you believe always to be true no matter what the circumstances.

Homework Due:07/03/

Hindus in the UK trace their family roots back to India.

1. Draw your own family tree to show your roots
2. Why are these roots important?

True or False

1) Hinduism began 500 years ago.

False, Hinduism began 5000 years ago.

2) Hinduism originated in Northern India.

True.

3) The word ‘Indus’ became ‘Hindu’.

True.

4) Sanatan Dharma means extinct religion.

False, it means eternal religion.

5) The letters of the Hindu symbol spell ‘Aum’.

True.

6) The Ganges is a mountain in India.

False, the Ganges is a sacred river in India.