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Objectives: Examine Religions of South Asia. Do Now: Describe 3 morals/lesson taught by Ramayanna (yesterday’s story). Religion and Philosophy of South Asia. Hinduism. Originated more than 3000 year ago. Do not have 1 specific founder.
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Objectives: Examine Religions of South Asia Do Now: Describe 3 morals/lesson taught by Ramayanna (yesterday’s story)
Hinduism • Originated more than 3000 year ago. • Do not have 1 specific founder. • 3rd most practiced religion in the world with about 1 billion followers (1.4 million in US) • Originated in India • Belief in a supreme spirit • Oldest in the world but developed over the centuries from many different texts. • There is no hierarchy like Catholic
Background • The term Hindu originates from the Sindhu, the ancient name for the Indus river. • Classical language=Sanskrit. It is the language for Hinduism and is one of India’s 22 official languages (less than 50000 fluent) • The faiths traditions and beliefs developed from the ancient Vedic tradition.
Vedas and Roots of Hinduism • Unlike many religions, Hinduism bases its principles on a collection of teachings compiled over time. • Earliest collection are the Vedas Scriptures. • Other notable scriptures are the Bhagavad-Gita, the Brahma Sutras, and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata
Vedic Teaching • The Vedas was orally transmitted throughout centuries if not millennia • Most who practice will admit that a portion of what is written is myth, it is more about the morals and principles than the stories themselves
Core Concepts • Dharma- Ethics, duties and obligations • Samsara-Rebirth • Karma- Right actions • Moksha- Salvation for every soul
Dharma • Duty and Obligation based on Compassion. • An individuals dharmic path must be followed or bad Karma will result • Working to fulfill obligations on the contrary, will result in good karma • The goal is to achieve Moksha(spiritual enlightenment or a spiritual experience)
Samsara • A cycle of birth, death and rebirth that is a matter of fact to those who practice Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism • Atman (the human soul) transfers from one life to the next.
Karma A Law of Cause and Effect • The sum of a persons actions in one of his/her states of existence • The purposeful actions of the mind or the body In other words- What you do now will help/haunt you in the future
Moksha (Mukti) • The release of the soul from the state of transcendence (the birth, death, rebirth cycle) • This can only be achieved through self enlightenment. The state of realization • Intangible • Not monistic
Brahman • This Supreme Cosmic Spirit is regarded to be eternal, genderless, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, yet indescribable. It can be at best described as infinite Being, infinite Consciousness and infinite Bliss. It is regarded as the source and sum of the cosmos, that constricted by time, space, and causation, as pure being, the ‘world soul’ which also can take many forms or manifestations of the thousands of gods. It was deemed a singular substrate from which all that is arises, and debuts with this verse:
The Varna (Caste System) 4 different castes– Never change within a lifetime. • Brahmin- priests and educated people • Kshatria- Rulers and Aristocrats • Vaisia- Landlords and Businessmen • Sundra- Peasants and working class Untouchables (literally cannot be touched by the other 4 castes)- Cleaning, sewage, etc.
Jat • The Varna is broken down further into various Jat or Jati. • Must eat according to Caste • Must work according to Caste • Must marry within the Caste
Do Now What are the benefits of the Hindu Caste System?
Temples • Originally did not have temples, idols or icons. • There are temples that exist today that are usually dedicated to one deity. • Temples are often sites of pilgrimages.
Hindu and Diet • Many Hindus are vegetarian • Since the divine soul flows through all beings, many devout Hindus support non-violence. • Some will not eat meat on important days • If meat is eaten, usually fish or chicken • Cows are Venerated (highly respected) at it is illegal to slaughter a cow in most Indian states • Because they provided milk and helped plow fields. They were caretakers
Festivals • Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. • GaneshChaturthi, the festival celebrating Lord Ganesha. • MahaShivaratri, The night of Lord Shiva when he drank Halahala to save gods and demons from its effect. • Ramanavami, celebrates the birthday of Lord Ram • Holi, The spring festival of colors and light.
Aum- (Om) is the most sacred symbol of Hinduism. Most mantras begin with this sound. It represents Brahman (the universal spirit) Swastika- Represents the 4 Vedas Symbols
Religions of India • Hinduism 80% • Islam • Christianity • Sikhism • Buddhism • Jainism • Other
Siddhartha Gautama • Born in 560 BCE into wealth • One day journeyed beyond walls and saw suffering. • He left his wife and family and searched out the cause of suffering. • After six years of searching he found enlightenment while sitting under a sacred tree.
The Buddha (Enlightened One) • Teachings– 4 noble truths • Suffering is universal (everyone suffers) • The cause of suffering is desire • The only way to end suffering is to be rid of desire • By following the Eightfold Path, suffering can end. • Nirvana is the condition of wanting nothing
Siddhartha believed himself to be a Hindu Nevertheless Rejected the caste system God did not exist Priest were not necessary– Individual journey Similarities Reincarnation Karma Dharma Nirvana (Moksha) self-enlightenment Buddhism Vs. Hinduism
Spread of Buddhism • People began carrying the message of Buddhism throughout Asia • Monasteries and convents provided a place where people could devote themselves to the Eightfold Path. • Two sects developed • Theravada– Did not worship anyone • Mahayana– Worshiped Buddha and other enlightened ones as god
Jainism Jainism • Based on Hinduism • 3 Jewels– Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct • Mahivira was the founder • Emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence) • Strict vegetarians • Swept ground to avoid killing • Reincarnation • Objective– Rid jiva (soul) of all Kharma • Gods do not help (religion of self-help)
Jainism Continued • 5 Mahavratas • Non Violence • Non-Attachment • Sexual Restraint • Not Lying • Not Stealing • Agamas– Sacred texts (had to be memorized due to non-attachment) • 2 Sects-- the Digambara (meaning "sky clad") sect and the Svetambara (meaning "white clad") sect • Nuns and Monks are spiritual leaders
Sikhism Sikhism • 1500 CE • Nanak was the founder • One God- Waheguru • Teachings of 10 Sikh gurus • Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture) • Punjab – almost exclusively • Attention on god rather than self • Karma • Become one with god by serving others
Sikhism • 3 foci • Keep god in mind at all times • Earn an honest living • Give help to others • 5 Vices • Lust • Covetousness and greed • Attachment to things of this world • Anger • Pride