1. BRAHMAN (MONISM): ALL REALITY IS ULTIMATELY ONE! Hinduism

2. Hinduism in Canada The world is home to over 900 million Hindus. Most live in India, but large numbers live in Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Hinduism has spread with immigration to Canada and other countries. It is the third largest religion in the world, after Christianity and Islam. In Canada, the Hindu population is about 297 200, or just under 1%. – This makes Hinduism Canada’s fourth most followed religion, after Christianity (76%), Islam (2%), and Judaism (1.1%). The majority of Hindus in Canada were born elsewhere. Most live in Ontario, Québec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Hinduism is a tradition that means many things and has many variations. – It is not a unified, centralized religion like Roman Catholicism. – It has no formal church and no single authority. – It has no founder and no fixed doctrines.

3. Origins Veda: First Phase IN 1500 BCE, groups from Central Asia or Europe known as the Aryans came in to the Indus valley and brought with them their religion that was combined with that of the people who were there before. Hinduism was used a term used by the British to identify all the different religions in India that weren’t Christian, Buddhist or Muslim Their philosophy and rituals were written in texts called the Veda. These are considered the earliest Hindu scriptures Hinduism has over 330 million Gods

4. Origins Upanishads: Second Phase The second phase of the evolution of Hinduism began with the sacred writings known as the Upanishads (which means to “sit before a teacher”) They are teachings on the meanings of the Vedas It marks the beginning of a new focus. No longer did they focus on the gods of nature but on an inner focus. It focused on the sacred truth behind all appearances, the one reality…. BRAHMAN

5. Four key concepts of human nature Samsara: The endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth Karma: Our actions govern the cycle of death and rebirth Dharma: The law of right action in any lifetime (our duty or path) Moksha: Liberation from samsara and the illusion (Maya) of this world

6. Brahman is Atman Atman is Brahman Atman: Is the Hindu equivalent of our soul. It is the only REAL part of us. Therefore it is the connection to Brahman. In fact it is Brahman since Brahman is the only reality. Hindus describe Brahman as “Neti, Neti” Meaning: Not this, not this

7. Gods The Triad Brahma: The creator of the universe Has four faces and is seated on a lotus Holds a book, a rosary and a gourd His female counterpart is Saraswati: Goddess of learning and the arts She holds a book and a musical instrument Sits on a peacock or swan

8. Triad continued Vishnu: The preserver of the universe A loving and forgiving figure Has four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a lotus and a mace He rides on an eagle Has many avatars (he has come as a human) His companion is Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth and happiness Holds gold coins Often surrounded by elephants

9. Triad continued…. Shiva: The destroyer god he holds a trident, a rosary and a gourd in his hands, he rides a bull He is also depicted as the god of the dance called Nataraj who holds a drum, serpent and a sacred fire in his hands while performing the dance of creation Holds water from the river Ganges in his hair

10. Shiva’s complicated wife Shiva’s wife is Parvati also known as Shakti or female energy She takes on many forms including Durga: “the unapproachable” she is the warrior goddess Devi: “the goddess "and Kali “The Black One” the destroyer.

11. Other Gods Ganesh: is the son of Shiva and Parvati He has the head of an elephant with only one tusk His other tusk is used as a pen for writing wise sayings from scriptures He is the remover of all obstacles

12. Hanuman He is the monkey god a model of devotion and everyone’s protector

13. Avatars Avatars: Incarnations of gods (Gods coming as humans) The two most important avatars of Vishnu are Rama and Krishna

14. Important Poems Ramayana Written around 1500 CE Contains 24000 verses and is the story of Rama Rama’s wife Sita is abducted by Ravana Rama beats Ravana in battle with the help of Hanuman and he and his wife live happily ever after

15. Poems continued Mahabharata The longest poem in the world at 100 000 verses Probably compiled between 400 BCE and 400 CE It is the story of the Pandavas (the good guys) And the Kauravas (the bad guys) In the end the good guys win and rule for many years

16. Bhagavad-Gita A very important component of the Mahabharata Is considered by some to be the Hindu Bible Is in the form of a dialogue between Krishna and his friend Arjuna

17. Salvation: Moksha “How do I get out of Here?” For Hindus There are many ways or Paths to Salvation so that there is hope for all! Let us examine the 4 ways or paths to Salvation

18. Paths to salvation #1 The Path of Devotion A simple path which involves devotion to a personal deity as well as Puja: Acts of worship and offerings paid to a god or goddess

19. Paths….. #2 Path of Action To do good deeds, to follow one’s dharma To live in harmony with the Eternal Dharma or design of things It is from this path that the caste system gets its strong following

20. Paths….. #3 Path of Wisdom This is a much more difficult path that is for those who like philosophy Followers learn about the relationship between the Brahman and atman And the nature of the universe

21. Paths….. #4 The Path of Meditation What is involved here is meditation and deep contemplation on Brahman Leads to a trance-like state If one can get in to this state they can acquire knowledge of the Truth They can become one with Brahman

22. The Caste System

23. In traditional Hindu society, all life was arranged as a hierarchy. Performing good deeds and following the assigned code of behaviour determined whether people earned the right to be reborn at a higher level. These beliefs were expressed in Hindu society’s division into castes. Roles, jobs, social standing, and religious structures were organized according to the hierarchy of castes. The caste system is said to have come to ancient India around 1500 BCE with the Aryans, however, this caste system is not part of the philosophy of Hinduism. Following one’s dharma means strictly following the rules of caste. Acting above one’s caste is ignoring dharma and generates bad karma. Today in India, discrimination based on caste or occupation is illegal, but some division among caste lines remains. Many Hindu teachers argue that the Hindu sacred writings never intended the social and occupational discrimination of the caste system.

24. Caste system continued 1. Brahmins: they are the priestly caste. They are well educated and considered the highest caste. They are the Hindu intellectuals. 2. Kshatriya: they are the warrior class. They are also the political leaders and police. They are courageous, and strong in governing 3. Vaishya: they are the merchants and farmers. They are also the entrepreneurs of the society (in modern day, the middle class) 4. Sudras: they are the servants and labourers. They must serve the top three above. 5. Untouchables (or Outcastes): Because of their jobs they are considered so low, you do not associate with them at all. They often times are the poorest of the poor. Gandhi called them Harijans (children of God)

25. The Four Hindu Stages of life 1. Student: Duty is to gain knowledge, learn rules and rituals of Hinduism and show respect for elders 2. Householder: Time to get married, have children and provide for one’s family. Also, must give to those in need and practice faith 3. Forest Dweller: This stage is traditionally marked by the birth of the first grandchild. The person at this stage, goes on a spiritual quest, leaving behind all worldly bonds 4. Sannyasin (or ascetic): this stage is for those forest dwellers who are able to enter society again but detached from all that is normal life. They even give up their names and their past. If a person can reach this level, they are often called Mahatma (meaning great soul). It is only from this level that one can achieve Moksha after death.

26. The Four goals of life 1. Kama: Sensual pleasure. This is seen as a good not a bad, but it is the lowest goal and a true sign one is not prepared for a “higher” life let alone Moksha. One is truly caught up in the illusion of the world. 2. Artha: Material Success. This is the desire for power and praise from others. At this stage there is the need to be the boss, to be popular, to be “rich and famous”. Again, this is seen as fine but a lower goal. It is higher than Kama because it is a little less self centered but again shows an attachment to the illusion. 3. Dharma: To conduct one’s duty with compassion toward all beings. A higher goal because of the true concern for others. There is a starting to understand the “silliness” of being concerned with self…..illusion 4. Moksha: To want to achieve liberation from the world that is Maya (illusion)

27. Women in Hinduism Traditionally a woman’s role was to follow her husband (her dharma is to be obedient to her husband and follow his lead). Divorce is frowned upon. An ancient practice was Sati: where a wife’s responsibility was to jump on the funeral pyre of her husband’s This practice has been outlawed for close to 100 years in India but there are still examples of it taking place in some of the small villages from time to time

28. Symbols in Hinduism

29. OHM The Ohm represents creation and is also a Mantra(repeated chant) which is used to help one focus on Brahman; The ultimate reality.

30. Swastika The Swastika is a Hindu symbol for Good Luck!

31. Holy Cow Hindus see the cow as “a manifestation of all that is good and precious” They have put the cow in a place of importance for the following reasons; 1. Milk 2. Transportation 3. Farming 4. Many uses of manure

32. Bonus Assignment For 25 marks Knowledge and 25 marks Communication In complete sentences/paragraph form work on and hand in by the end of class on Thursday Oct. 8 the following questions from the Hinduism Chapter. Page 120: 1,2 Page 129: 1,2,5 Page 136: 2,4 Page 139: 2 Page 140: 3 Page 143: 2 Page 147: 4 Page 151: 1

33. Festivals Diwali (or Divali): The Hindu festival of lights is the religion’s most popular holiday. Celebrated over five days at the end of October or the beginning of November. Hindus set off fireworks, decorate their houses with lights, give gifts and wear new clothes to celebrate the triumph of good and knowledge over the dark forces of evil and ignorance.

34. Festivals continued Holi It is a spring festival that takes place sometime in March Hindus of all ages join in the merriment of squirting coloured water on friends and family members. They eat sweets and pretend to be of another caste

35. Festivals continued….still Mahashivaratri Takes place in February It is a special event dedicated to the devotion of Shiva Devotees worship, keep vigil and fast for 24 hours

36. And still…..festivals….. Navaratri The word means “nine nights” and is held in the spring The first three nights, Hindus worship Durga The next three nights they offer puja to Lakshmi The final three nights are dedicated to Saraswati The next night (the tenth), they observe Vijayadasami, or the Day of Victory

37. Marriages Marriages in Hinduism are arranged. Parents of the two (potential bride and groom) check to see they are compatible socially (same caste), culturally and financially. The ceremony last approximately three hours.

38. Funerals When a person dies, the body is cremated and traditionally on the river bank of the Ganges The name of the Rama is chanted and holy songs are sung. The family takes the ashes and scatters them in the river.

39. Rituals: Puja Puja involves worshipping one or more Hindu deities. The image of a deity is called a murti. Puja usually takes place in the home, but it can also be conducted in a temple.

40. Rituals Puja in a Hindu Home Most Hindu families have a place of worship in their home. Worshippers remove their shoes, ring a bell to summon the murti, light a lamp, and burn incense. The murti is washed and decorated with garlands or flower petals. A small amount of red paste is placed on the foreheads of the murti and the worshippers. Worshippers make an offering of fruit, light, flowers, or sweets to the murti. Any food that has been part of the puja is eaten by everyone present.

41. Temple Worship Hindus visit the mandir (temple) any time. A Hindu temple is a complex of shrines, each devoted to a different deity. As worshippers enter the temple, they remove their shoes and wash their hands. They approach the shrine to make an offering as they approach, they ring a bell to announce their arrival to the murti. In another important ritual, haven, a fire offering, the priest lights a fire, then pours butterfat or oil into it while chanting from the Vedas. Guru, Swami or Priest (Hindu Religious Leaders)