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Hinduism

Hinduism. The Eastman Readings. The Hindu View of Life pp. 16-22. Characteristics of Indian Philosophy. Man is spiritual in nature. Philosophy and life are inseparable. Introspective approach to reality. Idealistic. The ultimate can only be known through intuition.

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Hinduism

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  1. Hinduism The Eastman Readings

  2. The Hindu View of Life pp. 16-22

  3. Characteristics of Indian Philosophy • Man is spiritual in nature. • Philosophy and life are inseparable. • Introspective approach to reality. • Idealistic. • The ultimate can only be known through intuition. • Acceptance of Authority. • God is one, but men call him by many names.

  4. The Four Ends of Life • Moksa = spiritual/intellectual • Kama = emotional wellbeing • Artha = material wellbeing • Dharma = rule of right practice

  5. Do this: • Make a T-Chart in your notebook. • Reflect on ways that Hinduism is similar to your own religion or philosophy, and ways in which it is different. • At the bottom of the chart, note something that was new or unexpected to you.

  6. Selections, Bhagavad-Gita pp. 40-53

  7. These are excerpts. • Anywhere you see a jump in numbers, there is text missing. • The full text contains 18 Teachings/Chapters.

  8. The First Teaching • Arjuna is preparing to go to war. • Why does Arjuna approach Krishna? • What questions does Arjuna pose?

  9. The Second Teaching • The impermanent has no reality --- reality lies in the eternal. (18) • The self/soul exists and transcends the body. (20) • There is joy in duty. (66)

  10. Third and Fourth Teachings • What is the nature of evil? • How do we protect “men of virtue”?

  11. The Fifth Teaching • “Simpletons separate philosophy and discipline, but the learned do not…” (4) • Notice the example of the close relationships between philosophy and life.

  12. The Sixth Teaching • Arjuna has been listening carefully, but begins to lose his way again. • Krishna recalls Arjuna to his duty.

  13. The Seventh Teaching • This teaching is mainly about Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge). • The editing of this excerpt focuses our attention on the shifting of Hinduism toward monotheism. • Krishna is an Avatara of Vishnu. Remember, Vishnu is the preserver and takes many forms. “My nature has 8 aspects…” (4) relates to this.

  14. The Sixteenth Teaching (yes, I skipped ahead.) • Krishna lists the pitfalls that men face along their path. • Do this: List at least 5 hurdles Krishna expects Arjuna to face.

  15. What is left out of this excerpt? • Karma = Action leads toward rebirth. • Jnana Yoga = Contemplative path of spiritual wisdom • Karma Yoga = Active path of selfless service • Bhakti Yoga = Process of devotional service

  16. Further Reading • It pains me to make this recommendation, but you might find the summary of the Bhagavad-Gita on Wikipedia helpful. • I will never admit out loud that I made this recommendation.

  17. Chudala pp. 59-65

  18. Do this: • Spend 3-5 minutes writing about Chudala. • What is the plot of this story? • What is the lesson of this story? • Comment on the gender roles in the story.

  19. All Religions are Divinely Inspired Mahatma Ghandi pp. 68-70

  20. Yes, this is an excerpt. • I recommend that you read this whole letter by Ghandi. • But I wanted to focus your attention on his willingness to consider the tenets of other religions.

  21. Study Religion Through Known Votaries (not hostile critics.) • Why?

  22. “If we had attained the full vision of the Truth, we would no longer be mere seekers…” • Comparison of ethnocentric thinking to the frog in the well. • Religion evolves and progresses. It is a path, not an end. • Religion is divinely inspired, but still is a product of the human mind, and thus imperfect.

  23. A Lesson in Humility • “My effort should never be to undermine another’s faith but to make him a better follower of his own faith.” • Does Ghandi favor missionary work that is carried out with a view to conversion?

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