Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 5 Hinduism

Chapter 5 Hinduism The Basics 95% of Hindus live in India Hinduism emerged as a religion, it did not begin with a founder or particular event Hinduism shares no doctrinal statements Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly claim knowledge of absolute truth

Chapter 5 Hinduism Periods of Hindu History Pages 184-185

Chapter 5 Hinduism History (continued) Major developments of: The Indus Valley Period (3000-1500 BCE) emphasis on ritual purity focus on fertility and regeneration the practice of meditation emphasis on peacefulness

Chapter 5 Hinduism History (continued) Major developments of: The Brahminical Period (1500-300 BCE) ritual sacrifices by the Brahmins (priests) home ritual sacrifices gurus (teachers) train disciples in personal devotion to the gods the gods Shiva and Vishnu gain in prominence rise of ascetical practices

Chapter 5 Hinduism History (continued) Major developments of: The Classical Period (300-1200 CE) establishment of Hindu temples growth of home-based rituals the Vedas become the authoritative scripture emphasis shifts from the transcendent to the immanent emphasis on personal transformation the concepts of karma and reincarnation emerge the evolution of the caste system

Chapter 5 Hinduism History (continued) Jainism: founded by Mahavira in the sixth century BCE contains elements of Hinduism and Buddhism practice non-violence or non-injury

Chapter 5 Hinduism The Vedas Sacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures Shruti Scriptures (the most sacred) 1. Rig Veda - hymns to various gods 2. Soma Veda - hymns chanted at sacrifices 3. Yajur Veda - instructions for priests regarding sacrifices 4. Atharva Veda - hymns, charms, spells and incantations for domestic use The Vedas The Holy Vedasc

Chapter 5 Hinduism Sacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures (continued) Shruti Scriptures – also… The Upanishads The Upanishads concerned with the cycle of rebirth the mystical relationship between Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and atmon (soul) often shared in a dialogue between guru and student

Puranas Puranas Chapter 5 Hinduism Mahabharata Mahabharata Sacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures (continued) Smriti Scriptures Puranas Puranas Mahabharata Mahabharata stories of the gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva a Hindu epic poem

Chapter 5 Hinduism Beliefs and Practices Most Hindus hold these beliefs in common: the caste system the cycle of rebirth the sacredness of life millions of gods and goddesses the four stages of life

Chapter 5 Hinduism Beliefs and Practices (continued) Brahman = one Ultimate Reality or Absolute Reality which: is manifested in gods and goddesses cannot be grasped by the five senses includes every- thing material and immaterial is transcendent is the life- force of the universe has no attributes

Chapter 5 Hinduism Beliefs and Practices (continued) 3 primary forms of Brahman 1. Brahma is the Creator god 2. Vishnu is the Preserving god 3. Shiva is the Destroying god An avatar is the incarnation of a god or goddess e.g. Krishna and Rama

Chapter 5 Hinduism Beliefs and Practices (continued) Atman: is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions are “maya” or illusions) Hindus strive for release from maya in order to achieve union with Brahman/atman Moksha (liberation) is achieved through rigorous physical and mental discipline

Chapter 5 Hinduism Beliefs and Practices (continued) Samsara - the cycle of rebirth rebirth breaking the cycle: knowledge good deeds devotion birth karma death

especially as dictated Chapter 5 Hinduism Moksha pursuit of liberation from the cycle of rebirth through actions, thoughts, and devotions Beliefs and Practices (continued) The major pursuits of life: Artha pursuit of both material and political wealth Dharma one’s duties in life, especially as dictated by caste Kama pursuit of artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure

Chapter 5 Hinduism Sikhism a blending of Hinduism and Islam is monotheistic beliefs: karma, samsara, moksha, equality rejects: caste system, idol worship signs of devotion: unshorn hair, comb, short pants, steel bracelet, short sword many have a desire to found and establish their own homeland

Chapter 5 Hinduism Sacred Places and Sacred Spaces temples many images of gods/goddesses home shrines many images of gods/goddesses puja honoring the gods Ganges River symbol of life w/o end ritual bathing

Chapter 5 Hinduism Hinduism through a Catholic Lens Similarities: toleration of religious diversity pursuing social issues honoring Jesus and his teachings the tradition of depicting and venerating religious images

Chapter 5 Hinduism Hinduism through a Catholic Lens (continued) Differences: karma reincarnation the caste system Jesus as the one and only incarnation of God

Chapter 5 Hinduism Vocabulary Brahmins shruti gurus bhakti Sanskrit karma caste system mantra Hare Krishnas Avatar Brahman transcendent Atman maya samsara yoga satyagraha puja iconoclasm devas