Hinduism: Exploring the Origins

Answer the following questions using pages 114 – 120 in the textbook.

1. Read the article “Thousands in Toronto See Ganesha Miracle”.

a) In your own words, describe the “miracle”.

b) What possible explanations does the article propose for this miracle?

c) Do you believe in miracles? How would you explain this “miracle”?

d) Describe any other miracles that you have witnessed or of which you are aware.

e) Visit the website http://www.mcn.org/1/Miracles/ and print one article that interests you

2. What does the word “hindu” mean and what is its origin?

3. What are some common elements of the Hindu faith?

4. How does the fact that there is no specific founder of Hinduism relate to the actual structure of the religion?

5. Complete the following chart on the two groups of people that laid the foundations of Hinduism.

Group	Location	Description of Civilization	Evidence of Influence on Hinduism
Indus Valley civilization
Aryans