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Major Concepts in Hinduism

Major Concepts in Hinduism. Hindu Worldview and Purpose. http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTBE2NQnG5A – the meaning and significance of dharma in Hindu tradition In Hinduism the goal is to reach moksha , or release from samsara . Moksha is also the reunion of the atman with Brahman .

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Major Concepts in Hinduism

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  1. Major Concepts in Hinduism

  2. Hindu Worldview and Purpose • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTBE2NQnG5A – the meaning and significance of dharma in Hindu tradition • In Hinduism the goal is to reach moksha, or release from samsara. • Moksha is also the reunion of the atman withBrahman. • In Hindu society, social order is significant in determining dharma (or righteous duty), and morality. • Traditionally, society is divided into castes.

  3. The caste system Traditionally, Aryans were in the “twice born” castes and could read the Vedas. Non-Aryans were low caste.

  4. Issues related to caste • Equality exists within castes but not between them. • Justice (responsibility and consequences) is dependent on caste: • High caste people have higher penalties (sometimes 4x higher) for breaking the law. • Lower castes have fewer rules regarding eating meat, remarriage. • Caste is rejected by the Buddha and reformed by Gandhi.

  5. How does a person know their dharma? • Hindus believe caste comes from karma of past lives. • Determined by gender, stage of life, path and caste. • The 4 traditional stages of life: • Student • Householder • Forest Dweller/Retirement • Ascetic/Wanderer

  6. Paths to Salvation • The ultimate goal of Hindu life is moksha. • The way the goal is reached is flexible. • Paths are called either yoga (union, yoking) or marga (path) • Path of action/work (karma yoga) • Path of knowledge/theory (jnanayoga) • Path of devotion/emotion (bhakti yoga) • The Royal Path (rajah yoga) – controlling the mind

  7. Determine the Dharma! Know your DHARMA To get good KARMA To escape SAMSARA To achieve MOKSHA

  8. Determine the Dharma • In your small group: • Determine the dharma, good and bad karma for each person. • A married mother of 3 who works part time. • A retired man whose wife has died. • A male high school student with a younger brother. • A high caste Hindu man.

  9. Moksha vs Earthly Goals • Hinduism accepts that moksha may be a distant goal. • Goals for earthly life: • Sensual pleasure (kama) – within appropriate context • Material success (artha) – honest earning • Right conduct (dharma) – practicing compassion, purity, goodness

  10. Hindu righteous living • People can get good karma by living a life of kama, artha and dharma • eventually people need to give these up - karmic system keeps people bound to samsara • Hindus will need to devote their entire life to God to be released from samsara.

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