Religious Traditions of India Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism

Religion Population Percent Major Religions1,028,610, % Hindus827,578, % Muslims138,188, % Christians24,080, % Sikhs19,215, % Buddhists16,947, % Jains4,225, % INDIA

Origin of Hinduism in India  Unique in that there is NO founder  Ancient Aryan belief/practice  Religious texts:  Vedas and Upanishads  Vedas are truths revealed to “wise men”  Upanishads help to explain the ideas/messages of the Vedas

Indian Epics  Epics are long narrative poems that tell of ancient Hindu values  Two of the most famous are pictures above; Ramayana and Mahabharata

Brahman  Thousands of Gods  Polytheistic  All these Gods are part of ONE force  Brahman is  Nameless  Formless  Unlimited in power

Deities 3 principle gods: 1. Brahma, creator of the universe 2. Vishnu, preserver of the universe 3. Shiva, destroyer of the universe  These gods can take many forms because there are creators, preservers, and destroyers for everything

Reincarnation (samsara)  Atman: spirit or soul  Moksha:  Uniting of Atman and Brahman  Break free from cycle of reincarnation  Karma: present situation is a reflection of past deeds  Dharma: duties and obligations that must be fulfilled in order to achieve moksha

Caste System  Rebirth and Karma are linked to Caste  Some believe Caste developed when the light- skinned Aryans conquered the dark skinned non- Aryan people  Others believe it is based on occupation

4 Varna (divisions of the caste system) Brahmins (priests) Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) Vaishyas (landowning farmers and merchants) Sudras (low status laborers and artisans) One is born into a subcaste, or community – called jati Dalits – “the oppressed”, untouchables Adivasis – descendents of the region’s original inhabitants Not part of caste system

Rules of the Caste Caste rules governed… Eating habits Marriage Employment Living location Gods worshipped Clothes worn Rules meant to help people remain spiritually pure

Caught in Caste: Marketplace Radio Segment  How and why was the reporter forced into observing the caste system against her will?

Modern India and Caste Today A. Politics and Legality a. Constitution forbids practicing discrimination based upon caste b. Quota Systems – more developed/modern areas; college entrance, jobs, ect. B. Social Characteristics a. More flexible in larger urban areas b. Developing India  Caste unable to contain the socioeconomic changes C. Dalits a. 160 million untouchables, 15% of population b. Gandhi called untouchables Harijans  Children of God c. Untouchables called themselves Dalits  Oppressed i. Shunned, insulted, banned from temples and higher caste homes, made to eat and drink from separate utensils in public places, and, in extreme but not uncommon cases, are raped, burned, lynched, and killed

Difference in Beliefs Hinduism  Many Gods  Caste System  No Founder  Non-Violence  Nations in the Region  India  Sri Lanka  Nepal Islam  One God  Equality  Prophet Muhammad  Laws of the Koran  Nations in the Region  Pakistan  Afghanistan  Bangladesh

Jainism  Emphasis on the immediate consequences of one's physical and mental behavior  Every living being has a soul  Ahimsa; meaning to do no hard.  Strict vegetarians  Goal of life is Moksha

Jainism  Jain monks can be seen with their nose and mouth covered by a cloth mask to ensure that they do not kill any germs or insects while breathing

Sikhism  23 million worldwide  Punjab region of India  Combination of Hindu and Muslim teachings  Monotheist  Rejects the Caste System  Rituals and ceremonies not important

Sikhism  Middle or surname:  Boys given name “Singh”  Girls given name “Kaur”  The way to lead a good life is:  Keep God in heart and mind at all times  Live honestly and work hard  Treat everyone equally  Be generous to the less fortunate  Serve others Prime Minister of India: Manmohan Singh

The Five Evils of Sikhism  Influences of ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust —known as the Five Evils—are believed to be particularly destructive.  The fate of people exposed to the Five Evils is separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion.

The 5K’s  Kesh – unkempt hair = living in harmony with the will of god  Kanga – comb = keep hair clean and tidy  Kara – steel bracelet = restraint from evil deeds  Kacha – soldiers shorts = self-restraint  Kirpan – sword = courage and self-defense  Amrit Ceremony - All baptized Sikh’s are bound to wear the 5 k’s

Kacha: To be worn by all baptized Sikhs as undergarment. A ka ṛ ā, ka ṅ ghā and kirpān. The 5 K’s of Sikhism

Buddhism  Began in South Asia but only 1% practice it  Sri Lanka  Bhutan