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Explore Hindu gods, moksha, caste system, life stages, aims, worship practices, and festivals like Divali. Learn about Gandhi's fight for equality.
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Hindu gods • Supreme reality = Brahman • He is eternal and source of life – he is in everything but invisible (like salt water) • However, Hindus worship many gods/goddesses – they are all representations of Brahman • Different gods/goddesses represent different aspects of Brahman • Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva • Can you name any of the other deities? • Advantages and disadvantages of having many gods/goddesses
Cycle of life and death The aim: to reach moksha and escape the cycle • Reincarnation – born into another form after death • Samsara – cycle of life, death and rebirth • Aim: to escape samsara and have one’s soul reunited with Brahman (moksha) • Karma – law of cause and effect – how does this relate to samsara? Samsara
The caste system • Caste system – system of social classes in Hindu culture, based on the roles people have within society. (the groups are known as varnas) • Some people feel the caste system should be abolished • Others feel it can have a useful part to play within society • Some Hindus believe that the caste that you are born into is an indication of karma built up in past lives – if you are born into a good caste, this is a sign of good karma • What are the advantages and disadvantages of the caste system?
Stages in Life • To attain moksha, need to fulfil particular duties during each particular stage of life (ashrama) • 4 ashramas: • Student • Householder/parent • Retirement • Sannyasin • Why do you think some Hindus choose not to fulfil all ashramas?
Stages in Life • 4 life aims: • 1) Dharma – fulfilling one’s religious, personal and social duty • 2) Artha – earning wealth honestly • 3) Karma – achieving rightful desires of the senses through action • 4) Moksha– breaking free from the cycle of reincarnation • What are the advantages of having set aims?
Hindu Worship • Worship is showing respect to Brahman all throughout life- not just at a set time of the day/week • In Hinduism ‘worship’ can take many forms: it may the through a specific act of worship e.g. puja), a lifestyle choice (e.g. respecting others as they are part of Brahman) or developing one’s talents (as you are using them to make the world a better place). • Common forms of worship: • Yoga – specific exercise to control body and mind • Meditation – breathing techniques/sounds to help focus on the divine • Why might some people say these are helpful/unhelpful forms of worship?
Hindu Worship: Puja • Puja = ‘worship’ • Can be carried out in the home alone/with family or in the Mandir with other worshippers • What are the advantages/disadvantages of this flexibility? • Enables worshippers to honour and focus on particular gods through murtis (images/statues of the gods) • Are images helpful? • Multi-sensory – involves the use of sight, taste, smell etc. • What might the advantages/disadvantages be of this?
Divali • Festival of lights • Festival celebrating the victory of good over evil. • Also honours the goddess of wealth • Time for people to reflect in preparation for the new year ahead. • Many will pray to Lakshmi for a prosperous new year
Gandhi • Longed for an end to inequality and prejudice. • Fought for: • Independence for India • End to the caste system • Pacifist – engaged in non-violent protest and activities to bring about change • Did Gandhi approach things in the right way? Was he right to demand change?
