Hinduism Points of View

Perspective Worldview –The Absolute –The World –Humans The Problems for Humans The Solution for Humans –Community and Ethics –Rituals and Symbols Life After Death Hinduism and Other Religions

Worldview The Absolute –The force of life is everywhere –The depictions of deities are not to be taken literally –The number of deities heighten the belief that one can worship many manifestations of the same essence.

The World –The world is. –It is good and bad. –Creation involves destruction. –Life leads to death. –The gods represent a balance of forces.

Humans –Humans are more than corporeal nature. –The physical is only a glimpse of that which was, and is and is to come. –One follows the Law of Karma. –Although one cannot change what one is now, one can change now what one will be in the future.

Problem for Humans. –Samsara. The endless cycle of birth and death of the immortal soul. –The caste that one is in is the one that one is supposed to be in based on one’s previous actions.

Solution for Humans –One wants to break free from the cycle and be united with Brahman. –Atman is liberated from maya (illusion) –One can be reconciled to Brahman through one of the many paths.

Community and Ethics –Hinduism has strong moral code. –The family is sacred. “Husband and wives should be loyal to each other.” (116) They have the responsibility for caring for the children. –Hindus are not to harm other people or property. –The are responsible for helping holy people who are seeking god. –The cow is “a symbol for the value of all living things.” (116) –Hindus have strong humanitarians concerns.

Rights and Symbols –Samskaras – the rites by which a Hindu becomes integrated into the community. –Upanayana – in initiates a boy as twice born signifying that “he is responsible for his actions in religious regulations.” (117) –Vivaha – marriage; it is the entrance into the second stage of life, that of a householder. –Antyesti – funerals are the last rites for Hindus. Most people are cremated in a shraddha and is usually performed by the eldest son. –Puja is a form of worship that an individuals addresses toward a deities or a pair of deities.

Life After Death –Each soul is indestructible and the Law of Karma is in effect. Hinduism and Other Religions –Although Hinduism response to other religions is varied Hindus usually do not try to convert others and also resist conversion. –In fact, many Hindu religious leaders point out similarities between Hinduism and other religions.