Online Class: Hinduism 101 — An Introduction

Welcome to this introductory course on Hinduism. In this course, the student will learn the foundations of one of the oldest religions in the world.

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  • 19
    Lessons
  • 38
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 477
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Journey into Hinduism: Discovering the Soul of an Ancient Faith

Embark on an enlightening journey as we unravel the mysteries of Hinduism, one of the world's most ancient and profound religions. This course provides a panoramic view, inviting participants to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and traditions that have shaped and sustained countless generations.

While Hinduism's roots run deep, its teachings are universal, transcending time and borders. You'll traverse its origins in the sacred Indus Valley, where the bedrock of the religion was laid. Through illuminating lectures, we'll delve into the intricacies of the Veda and the noble precepts of Dharma, guiding principles that form the very essence of Hindu thought.

As you advance, you'll uncover pivotal concepts like Karma, which governs the cyclical nature of life, and delve into the spiritual significance of mantras and tantras. Through captivating narratives, you'll meet an ensemble of deities, each with their unique lore, and understand the festivals that honor them, painting a vibrant tableau of celebrations that resonate deeply with millions even today.

Navigate the realms of Hindu beliefs to gain insights into profound ideologies like predestination and reincarnation, pivotal doctrines that have been instrumental in molding Hindu societies through millennia. From there, we journey into the heart of Hindu daily life, understanding the sanctity of customs, from rites of passage to dietary traditions. Dive deeper into the serene world of Yoga, a cornerstone of Hinduism, resonating with holistic well-being.

Central to our exploration will be the revered spaces of worship – temples, and the pivotal roles of Hindu priests. You'll experience the ebb and flow of rituals, ceremonies, and the joyous spectacles that are Hindu festivals.

In a tribute to the indomitable spirit of women in Hinduism, we shine a spotlight on the iconic women who have left an indelible mark on India's historical and contemporary tapestry. As we near the culmination of our journey, we'll explore how Hinduism, with its timeless wisdom, interfaces with the modern world, continually evolving yet steadfast in its core beliefs.

Concluding our course, we emphasize Hinduism's enduring quest - the pursuit of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood. This isn't just a doctrine for Hindus, but a clarion call to humanity, urging a harmonious coexistence amongst all faiths and cultures.

So, are you ready to embark on this transcendent journey, to glimpse the soul of a religion that has shaped civilizations, inspired thinkers, and offered solace to seekers? Join us and enrich your worldview with the timeless wisdom of Hinduism.

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Course Motivation

What is Hinduism? 
 
Hinduism is a religion and yet it's a practice in diversity. Hinduism is an ancient belief, one developed in the caste systems of India, and one that believes in karma, predestination and reincarnation. The Hindu religion is filled with traditions and beliefs closely linked with other practices such as meditation and yoga. Hinduism contains its own customs, festivals and holy books as well as a number of deities that intertwine its history, culture and Indian society, past and present. 

Hinduism is different than other major religions around the world, including Islam, Judaism or Christianity in that it does not claim one idea, person or entity as its founder. Hindus consider themselves monotheistic, while other cultures perceive them as being polytheistic. Hinduism is practiced in different ways depending on what region from India you come. Sages, teachers and gurus throughout history, as well as the lessons taught in epics, stories and poetry of the deities have influenced Hindu belief systems throughout its development. 

Hinduism is ever changing and yet finds its foundation in a constant theme - that God is found in everything and everybody. It's an exciting religion, one that, because it's so fluid, offers those who practice it not just one viewpoint or focal point in regard to morals, ethics, beliefs and religious practices, but many. Where you grew up in India also played a large role in how you or your family approached the religion. These differences are what make Hinduism different from other world religions such as Judaism or Christianity. Hinduism is not based so much on one holy book or perception of faith, but many.  

Hindus, unlike Christians or Muslims or Jews, do not rely on a single source (such as the Holy Bible, the Koran or the Torah) for the practice of their faith. Hundreds of Indians from throughout India contributed to Hindu practices and viewpoints over generations. This is why we say that Hinduism is a fluid religion. It is not static, but ever changing. Nevertheless, Hinduism, despite the changes, additions and different viewpoints offered by sages and philosophers, has always maintained a firm foundation in its roots. 

Hinduism is widely practiced by a majority of Indians today, although large Hindu communities are found throughout the world from Southeast Asia to South America to Africa, the United States, Europe and Australia. 

The word "Hindu" originated in the Indus Valley and the lands surrounding the river Indus, in India. Throughout history, various terms have been used to apply to this culture and society, from the British "Hindustan", meaning specifically the northwest portion of India, to Arabic text that referred to the individuals who lived in the Indus Valley as Al-Hind, a modern-day term for India. 

So what, exactly is Hinduism? In concept, Hinduism is not easily defined because it's made up of a wide range of ideas and traditions. Many of these traditions are based in sacred literature such as the Vedas, which will be explored more fully in this course.

People with differing viewpoints inside that religion compose Hinduism, like many other religions. For example, some Hindus consider certain rituals necessary for their salvation while others don't; some revere certain texts as sacred literature, while others don't. 

Hinduism, to a great extent, relies on the belief that all actions in life have certain consequences or effects. This concept is called karma. Many Hindus believe that their actions, and how those actions affect themselves or others, perpetuate an eternal cycle of death and birth. During this cycle, a person continues to improve in each and every consecutive life in a process known as reincarnation. Attaining the highest level of perfection possible results in salvation or freedom for the individual to break free of the reincarnation cycle. 

Other religions have similar beliefs, including Buddhism. The difficulty in defining Hinduism in a single sentence or two is that it has been, and it still being, created and developed from a variety of founders. Therefore, Hinduism is not defined by a specific creed or declaration. It's a combination of many teachings, beliefs and traditions. Because of this, Hinduism is different than the religions of Islam or Christianity, which are in essence, monotheistic. 

Following its independence, the first prime minister of India stated that Hinduism was "all things to all men" -- further illustrating that Hinduism in and of itself cannot be specifically defined as one thing or another. 

Throughout this course, in an effort to more specifically define the concepts and belief systems in Hinduism, we will explore various viewpoints when it comes to God, the Veda, Dharma, karma, and the writings of many of the holy books of Hinduism. We'll delve more deeply into the concepts of predestination and reincarnation, and how Hindu traditions developed into the form of religion as it's practiced today. 

Understanding Hindu deities and what place they have in Hindu and Indian society is an important aspect of understanding the Hindu religion. In a sense, Hinduism does not have boundaries. Its edges are often blurred and hard to define. 

The bottom line is that Hinduism as a religion embraces a variety of thoughts, beliefs, rituals and traditions. Hinduism is an ancient religion, and is thought by many to be older than Judaism or Christianity. However, Hinduism as it is practiced today came into being in the 19th century, making it a fairly new concept, but one whose origins dates back centuries. 
 
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  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
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  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.8 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(459 votes)

Lesson 1: What is Hinduism?

Understanding how Hinduism differs from other world religions, its history, and its basic tenants are introduced in this course. 40 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 1 Video B
  • Lesson discussions: Hinduism; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Origins

In this lesson, we'll offer a brief introduction of Hinduism's history and origins. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 2 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Indo-Aryan Society

In this lesson, we'll briefly touched on Indo-Aryan society and how caste systems evolved. Additional lesson topics: Aryans invade India 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 3 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Focal Points of Hinduism

In this lesson, we'll offer a very brief introduction into some of the major focal points of Hinduism from a religious perspective. Additional lesson topics: What is Dharma? 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 4 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: All About Karma

Like many different religions, the concept of living a good and moral life offer rewards in the afterlife. Additional lesson topics: Karma 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 5 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Holy Books of Hinduism

As in other religions, Hindus rely on the writings, texts, and both written and oral traditions of the founders of Hinduism. Additional lesson topics: The Vedas Video 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 6 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Hindu Deities

In this lesson, we'll briefly discuss and address the concept of deities in Hinduism, as well as the concept of the infinite Brahman known as Ishvara. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 7 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Predestination and Reincarnation

Hindus believe that a soul is born repeatedly and may be reborn in the form of a human, animal, or plant. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 8 Video B
  • Lesson discussions: Reincarnation
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Common Hindu Traditions

Hinduism is a fluid religion and, as such, a variety of traditions that have been practiced since the origin of the Hindu way of life as a practice have also changed. Additional lesson topics: Hindu Traditions; Science and Hinduism 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 9 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Hinduism and Yoga

In this lesson, we'll briefly discuss the importance of yoga, and the types of yoga practiced by Hindus around the world in their journey toward striving for more direct communication and spiritual companionship with God. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 10 Video B
  • Lesson discussions: Yoga
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Mantras and Gunas

Understanding what chanting is, why certain things are chanted, and the meaning of mantras and symbols in Hinduism offers students a greater understanding of why it is done. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 11 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Hindu Priests and Temples

In this lesson, we'll illustrate and offer a brief introduction into the different types of temple styles, why they evolved over time, as well as a brief glimpse into the duties of a temple priest. Additional lesson topics: Conversation with a Hindu Priest Video 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 12 Video B
  • Lesson discussions: Hindu Temple
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Hindu Customs

In this lesson, we'll introduce various Hindu customs, covering the lifespan of a religious follower from the pre-birth stage all the way until death, and subsequent funeral traditions and customs. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 13 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Hindu Festivals

In this lesson, we'll discuss a selected number of festivals that take place each year. Additional lesson topics: Hindu Festivals 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 14 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Hindu Women in Society

In this lesson, we'll discuss the reverence accorded to Hindu women in the early centuries of Indo-Aryan development, and conclude our lesson with brief profiles of women throughout India, ancient and modern. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 15 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 15 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 15 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 15 Exam

Lesson 16: Hindu Foods

In this lesson, we will discuss Hindu foods and how they are regarded in a spiritual sense, as well as how those of the Hindu faith eat on a daily basis. Additional lesson topics: How to Cook Hindu Foods 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 16 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 16 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 16 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 16 Exam

Lesson 17: Hinduism in the 21st Century

In this lesson nearing the end of this basic introductory course on Hinduism, we'll discuss how Hinduism is practiced in the 21st century. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 17 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 17 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 17 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 17 Exam

Lesson 18: Striving for Harmony and Peace

One of the most important aspects of Hinduism is tolerance, acceptance, and harmony. 125 Total Points
  • Lesson 18 Video A : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson 18 Video B
  • Complete: Lesson 18 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 18 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam

Bibliography and Online Resources

Bibliography and Online Resources 0 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
725
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define Hinduism is.
  • Describe origins of Hinduism.
  • Describe Indo-Aryan Society.
  • Describe Focal Points of Hinduism.
  • Recognize and define karma.
  • Summarize Holy Books of Hinduism.
  • Summarize Hindu Deities.
  • Describe predestination and reincarnation.
  • Describe common Hindu traditions.
  • Describe Hinduism and yoga.
  • Describe mantras and gunas.
  • Summarize Hindu priests and temples.
  • Describe Hindu customs.
  • Summarize Hindu festivals.
  • Describe Hindu women in society.
  • Identify Hindu foods.
  • Summarize Hinduism in the 21st century.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

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Course Title: Hinduism 101: An Introduction
Course Number: 7550557
Lessons Rating: 4.8 / 5 Stars (459 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: November 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Mac is an amazing instructor. He is always available and always positive comments and when I don't quite understand something, he is very patient in explaining it so that it is easily understood." -- Diana C.
  • "Thanks. I had wanted to learn more about Hinduism and this course gave me the information I needed about the religion and culture. I understand karma and the different types of religious practices much better now. Great course." -- Tama V.