The Caste System
Caste of priests and teachers
Brahmans
red, 4 heads and 4 arms
Brahma
"The Creator"
Brahma
the soul, the self
Atman
What came first, Hinduism or the caste system?
The caste system began over 1000 years after Hinduism began.
Non-caste Hindus who have traditionally done "unclean" work (sanitation, etc.)
Dalits
holds a serpent and a trident
Shiva
"The Destroyer"
Shiva
Dharma
How do you escape from Samsara?
Fulfill your dharma over several lifetimes. Achieve Moksha, when the soul (Atman) breaks free of the cycle and joins Brahma.
Caste of warriors and rulers
Kshatriyas
takes the form of an elephant
Ganesh
"The Preserver"
Vishnu
the connections between all beings, past, present, and future
Karma
Who is the founder of Hinduism?
There is no official founder or central leader.
Caste of laborers
Shudras
often (but not always) blue, has many hands
Vishnu
the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth
Samsara
How many gods are there in Hinduism?
So many! 33 categories of divine manifestations, but practically infinite gods within each category
Caste of farmers, merchants, traders, and landlords
Vaishyas
wears a garland of skulls; often carries a severed human head
Kali
A god who is incarnated on earth in human form to restore balance during times of chaos
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How many people in the world practice Hinduism?
1.4 billion people