Introduction to Hinduism

Background - Hinduism The oldest of the five major religions Approximately 800 million followers “OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful mantra “Hindu” is a Persian word which refers to non- Muslims living beyond the Indus River. Sanatana Dharma is the preferred name.

Origins of Hinduism No specific founder Vedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago: Rituals Many gods (polytheism) Sacred texts (Vedas) Vedic Tradition developed into Hinduism Transmitted orally for thousands of years

The Beliefs of Hinduism: Many Gods or One? All the universe is part of the unchanging, all-spiritual force called Brahman Brahman is too complex for most to understand Most worship a variety of gods

Beliefs of Hinduism True essence of life – Atman (the soul), is Brahman trapped in matter Reincarnation – Atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara) Karma - all the actions of this life affect the next life Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with Brahman (Moksha)

Three Paths to Moksha Trimarga = “3 Paths” Karma Marga The way of action Jnana Marga The way of wisdom Bhakti Marga The way of devotion

Karma Marga Four Goods 1.Good of dharma – duty 2.Good of artha – wealth 3.Good of kama – pleasure of the senses 4.Moksa – the highest form of good Moksha is a distant event in another lifetime To reach moksha you must give up the first three goods Actions Follow caste & gender roles Rituals, festivals, pilgrimages

Jnana Marga Follows the Upanishads - metaphysical speculation (teachings of gurus) Brahman Its only quality is that of not having qualities Atman & Brahman are the same Path of wisdom Give up attachment to individuality Truth is found through meditation

Bhakti Marga Devotion is more important than ritual What is done is not as important as how it is done Do all things with devotion to God(s) Relationships Parent/Child Friends Master/Servant Lovers

Gods of Hinduism Gods are supernatural, but not omnipotent Thousands of Gods/Avatars Three Primary Gods Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva

Lord Brahma God of Creation Four faces represent the four Vedas

Lord Vishnu Most popular Hindu God Preserver of the universe Goodness & Mercy Avatars Rama Krishna

Lord Shiva The Destroyer The Procreator Most powerful of Gods Lord of the Dance

Lord Ram 7 th Avatar of Vishnu Hero of the Ramayana Representation of an ideal man

Lord Krishna 8 th Avatar of Vishnu Representation of ideal love Delivers the Bhagavad-Gita

Durga Divine Mother Multiple arms (6, 8, up to 20) When male logic fails she destroys evil

Lord Ganesh Son of Shiva & Durga Remover of obstacles

All Life is Sacred Hindus have always had great respect for life Nonviolence - Ahimsa Cow is especially significant Transportation Milk Fuel

Places of Worship Household shrines Temples (Mandirs) Importance of Rivers Ritual purity