World History Note Sheet











Name_________________________________________________

The Ancient Origins of Avatar: The Rise of Hinduism



What is an AVATAR in the Hindu tradition?

Many ideas for Avatar come from the Ancient Hindu text, ______________________________. This is a 50,000 line poem written in the 4th century. It is the story of the hero, ______________----who is actually the god ____________________ who has come to earth as an avatar.

Much of Hinduism is based on ancient Indian texts. RIG VEGA:

“VEDA” is a Sanskrit word for ______________________________. How many Vedas are there? _______________ Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions on earth; going strong after 4,000 years. It grew out of traditions in the _____________________ and then mixed with the culture of the __________________, who invaded around 1500 BCE. There is no single founder.

How is Hinduism both Polytheistic and Monotheistic?

Brahman: Moksha: People are trapped in a cycle of birth and death through ____________________________ until Moksha is reached. One can work towards moksha by obeying the laws of _________________, which are ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________. Karma determines the __________________ to which one is born.

Hinduism is a “non-dogmatic” faith. Look up the word “dogmatic.” What does it mean? ________________________________________

So what does this quote mean in relation to Hinduism?