Hinduism

1. Hinduism

2. Hinduism is considered an Umbrella Religion because is absorbs all other religious beliefs and gods. (Gods as part of the whole reality of Brahman) It has no founder, no fixed doctrine, no common words. Monism – they believe that everything is a part of one reality Brahman. Polytheistic – they also believe in the existence of many gods (330 million Indian gods) who are all part of the one God, Brahman. (These gods are all different aspects of Brahmans) The Nature Of Hinduism

3. Sacred Cow – symbol of the human obligation to protect the weak, the oppressed, and the handicapped. • Doctrine of Non-Violence (Ahimsa) – believe that Brahman permeates the world, so it is wrong to kill anything; it is an attack on Brahman • Many Hindus are vegetarians.

4. Karma and Samsara – The Flow of Life Karma • under the law of Karma (action), you are born into a situation in life that is merited by the deeds of your former life Samsara – the process of rebirth (transmigration) • right life – leads to rebirth into a higher station in life • a person must go through countless rebirths before they reach the ultimate state of release and reunion with Brahman (moksha)

5. Cyclical Time • samsara also refers to the Hindu notion of time • after billions of years of existence all of creation is dissolved and enters a state of suspended being when Brahman alone exists • the world is recreated, society reformed and scriptures recomposed. • Cosmology – an explanation regarding the nature of the universe • it is important to understand what the universe is, and why it is, but there are no easy obvious answers • Hindus deal with the universe as it is now, seeking salvation from the world’s bonds

7. Law and Order • Karma (“actions” or “deeds”) and dharma (ethical duty) link the divine to this world. • Karma is best understood as the moral law of cause and effect; it is the law of nature. • Every action causes a reaction • Is connected to reincarnation (and samsara), because our past lives are directly connected to our present lives. • Dharma is the complete rule of life; for every activity there is a way of acting that conforms to dharma. • closest to our understanding of religion.

8. Ultimate Reality & Belief Ultimate Reality: • Ultimate Reality is absolute and unknowable; Brahman is a remote transcendental force which is this ultimate reality. Belief: • only Brahman is reality; everything our senses experience is an illusion (Maya) • Atman – the soul of human beings • The soul of man is Brahman expressed in a personal form, thus Atman is Brahman, and Brahman is Atman. • Humans are blinded by the illusion of the world. Life prevents our union with Brahman. Death leads only to rebirth. • Hope of the Hindus: release from Maya (Illusions) and union with Brahman

9. Development of Hinduism Occurred over a 5000 year period, in 3 distinct historical periods or stages The Pre-Vedic Period (2500 – 1500 BCE) • in the Indus Valley in northern India, where a mother goddess was worshipped; she was a predecessor to the many goddesses worshipped in India today • sacrifices made to a horned, three-faced god (early form of the Trimurti) • may have practiced renunciation rites and exercise like yoga.

10. The Vedic Period (1500 – 600 BCE) • the Aryans invaded northern India in the middle of the second millennium BCE, imposing their gods and elaborate system of sacrifice on the residents. • Marked the origin of the Vedas (veda = “seeing” or “knowing”), the earliest Hindu scripture. • Traditions focus on this world: rituals are aimed at maintaining a social order that will ensure for the individual a long and robust life; afterlife is believed to be a continuation of this life.

11. The Upanishadic Period (600 BCE – present) • Upanishad literally means “to sit down before” a teacher • The last book of the Vedas, the Upanishads are different from them; they seek liberation from the world; they advocate withdrawal from society and the use of meditation and techniques associated with asceticism (severe exercises in self-denial). • The tension between fulfilling a social role and renouncing the world totally has been a focus of Hindu writings of this period.

12. Hindu Scripture strong oral tradition 2 groups: 1)Shruti • “as heard” or “as revealed to man” • the revealed word of God • natural law • most revered (honoured) • the Vedas – oldest and most revered; highest in authority in all matters (religious, philosophic, or practical) • written in rhythmic verse, in Sanskrit (language) • mantras – what is said when trying to realize God • Aum – most powerful mantra sound in the universe

13. 2) Smriti • “as remembered” • tend to be stories - Upanishads • explanation of the teaching of the Vedas • the source of Hindu doctrines, Gods realization and ethical teaching • - Brahmans • another explanation of the Vedas

14. deal with worship rituals and their religious significance • - Laws of Manu • Hindu set of laws • Social and religious laws set out by a man considered and equivalent to Moses • 2 Epics (also Smriti) very long poems describing the actions of ancient heros • Ramayana & Mahabharata

15. Offshoots of Hinduism Sikhism: • founded by Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539 CE) a Hindu born into the ruler – warrior caste – vision of “the True Name” • Nanak abandoned his family to absorb himself in prayer, fasting, and meditation • Was influenced by both Hindus and Muslims – followers believe he was charged with a redemptive mission to convert them to a more socially responsible faith • Kept Hindu concepts of reincarnation and karma, rejected non-violence • Accepted Muslim idea of submission to God

16. Believed in need for obedience to divinely directed human gurus (Nanak was the first, plus nine others) • Fifth guru – Arjun (1563 – 1606) compiled a sikh “Bible” – Guru Granth • Rest of the later gurus focussed on military; the tenth and final guru, Gobind Singh instituted a military order open to any caste member to become free and fearless soldiers, members of the Khalsa • Formal worship occurs in a temple • 20 million in the world • have distinctive clothing – usually wear white and a turban; maintain their customs and languages

17. Jainism: • founded by Mahaiva (c. 599 – 527 BCE) • arose in Northern India during the Axial Period • Mahariva (“the great hero”) claimed to be the last of 24 Tirthankras (“pathmakers”) who have planted the seeds of Jainism. • 2000000 Jains in India in 2 main sects: • “sky-clad” – southern sect; monks naked; no salvation for women • “white-clad” – northern sect; abandoned nakedness; salvation for women.

18. strong opposition to caste system, strong reverence for life (ahimsa) • all things separated into 2 classes: living matter possessed of souls and non-living matter. • All living forms were once pure souls, but they became filled with the “fine dust” of karma; removal of this dust allows the soul to float freely to salvation; must acquire the Three Jewels. • Right knowledge – Jainist creed • Right faith – believing the creed • Right conduct – following the creed, especially non-violence • most are vegetarian, and reject jobs that call for killing of any kind.

19. Buddhism: • has its roots in Hinduism • also had a great effect on Hinduism – need to recognize the unity of Brahman (the cosmic Self) and atman (the personal soul) in order to achieve salvation.

20. Hindu Deities • by saying that there are 330 million gods and goddesses in Hinduism; Hindus mean that there are too many gods to be counted, yet they are all images of the Ultimate Reality. • Brahman is manifested in creation as the • many Hindu gods and goddesses The three primary forms of Brahman symbolize the cycle of life: The Trimurti • Brahma – the creator; four forces and four arms; considered above worship • Vishnu – the preserver; attentive to earthly matters • Shiva – the destroyer; indifferent to earthly matters; calls to liberation

21. Avatars • the incarnation of a god or goddess who has descended to the world to rid it of evil. • Two most popular: Krishna (also a god) and Rama • Krishna – popular god in Hinduism who offered hope that people can work hard and be freed from illusion, reaching union with Brahman. • Rama - "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king." • Guatama the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is also considered an avatar. Krishna Rama

22. There are also female forms of the Ultimate Reality: • Saraswati - goddess of learning, literature, and music, associated with Brahma. • Lakshmi - goddess of prosperity, good fortune and beauty; associated with Vishnu. • Parvati - “the Divine Mother”, often represents Devi, the Great Goddess, when presented in her milder form, and connected with Shiva; Can be represented with wilder side as Durga, riding on the back of a tiger or Kali, the black figure who delivers justice.

23. The Caste System and Duty • while Hindus are very tolerant of individual beliefs, most are less tolerant of straying from one’s social group in Hindu society, called castes. • the Aryans first introduced a three-fold caste system into India; a fourth caste was added later. • the castes are related to karma and samsara in that caste is dependant action upon action in the previous life.

24. The four castes (highest to lowest) • Brahmins • the highest caste; priests • from families who are considered purest • wisest and most learned. • Kshatriyas • chiefs and warriors • rule and protect society • Vaishya • merchants, farmers, artisans • Shudra • the servant class • they serve those in the other levels • not permitted to study scripture

25. * Below the lowest caste are the aspishya or “untouchables”. These families are considered defiled (impure) because of the degrading jobs they have in society (like cleaning human waste). It is also believed that they, in some way, lived a vile, unacceptable previous life. • escape from caste is not possible until death. Fidelity to dharma (duty) demands that a person submit willingly to the social status, occupation, eating habits, dress, and religious rituals prescribed by the caste.

26. After death, one is either reborn to a higher form, a lower form, or into the experience of release and reunion with Brahman know as Moksha. • The caste system is illegal today (thanks in great part to Mohadas Ghandi, ), though most Hindus still observe it. Mahatma Gandhi – social reformer in India; spent most of his life living out the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita (part of the Hindu Scripture), in which Krishna teaches that renunciation of the world is the surrender of selfish action. His campaign was to teach non-violence and fearlessness. He worked for the abolition of the “Untouchables” and independence from British rule.

27. Three Paths to Liberation There are three paths to liberation The Path of Action • selfless to others • right actions are performed for the sake of Brahman The Path of Knowledge • 3 steps • learning – from the outside • thinking – internal reflection • viewing – seeing from God’s point of view • use meditation to see how the person is attached to this world

28. The Path of Devotion • most common • pure, lifelong devotion to Brahman Yoga - A type of training designed to discipline the entire human person – mind, body, and soul; designed to help attain moksha

29. Stages of Life for men of the three higher castes following the Path of Action Student • 10 – 20 years of study; practice of chastity and other virtues and rituals under a guru (teacher) Householder • marriage & fulfillment of duties to caste, family and community Hermit • sexual abstinence and retirement into solitude for meditation and prayer Spiritual Pilgrim • a return to society as a wandering ascetic, preparing for death and final liberation

30. Hindu Worship & Festivals • may worship at home or at temples; most homes have shrines • performed either individually or by a group of people • in preparation, they must purify themselves – washing, dressing Holi • most popular of all rituals • takes place in the spring; dedicated to Krishna • normally forbidden behaviour allowed – act as a member of other castes • celebrations, practical joking

31. Divali • joyous autumnal festival; national festival of India; “garland of lights” • beginning of a new year & a fresh start: new house paint, banking • special devotion to Lakshmi – fireworks, gift-giving Puja (acts of reverence) • common ritual, often performed in shines in the home daily • begins with washing, symbolizing purity of mind and body; also wash statue of god. • water – symbol of purification and love • a mark, or “tilak” is applied to forehead – red in colour to signify blood (calls the life-giving essences of the god)

32. flower offered; showers image of god with garland of flowers or petals • dresses image of god in red to signify a more personal level • lamps are lit (fire is a key part of Hindu rituals) – illumination & desire for spiritual light within and around self; prayers of request offered • offering of fruit made (later shared by worshiper and others to show closeness to god) • bowing before god, praying with the Vedas • actual rituals vary by caste (the higher the caste, the more complex the ritual

33. Kumbh Mela • once every twelve years, millions of people gather to worship at the Ganges River, or “Mother Ganges” (people worship there daily) Ugadi • Hindu New Year • officially at the beginning of the Indian summer though may be at other times • rituals to welcome the New Year – asking for gifts from god • make Rangdi – coloured patterns on the ground outside (words or greeting)

34. Pilgrimages • go to worship at special places (religious duty) • often end at a temple; 12 have been identified s especially important; 4 of greatest importance: Badrinath, Rameshwaram, Puri, and Dwarka 2 Reasons for Festivals • celebrate events in the lives of the gods • mark the changing seasons

35. Hinduism - Salvation is self directed, it depends on your own efforts. - Many Gods (*aspects of Brahman) - No fixed Doctrines Sacred Books Moral Teaching Christianity - Only Jesus Can Save us from oursins. - Only one God - Official set of Doctrines Books (Bible) Moral Teaching Hinduism and Christianity

36. - Reincarnation – soul gets as many chances as needed - Atman exists in all people - Moksha – Goal in life to disappear - Priest direct, not perform rituals - Rituals usually solitary or Family based - Soul only gets one chance - One soul to one person - Goal in life is eternal happiness with God - Priests lead religious rituals - Most rituals are congregational

37. Hindus do not see themselves as participants with God in making the world a better place to live – Hinduism is basically “world-denying” • Christians see themselves as “the hands of God” whose purpose it is to bring God’s kingdom to the earth. Christianity is “world-transforming” • this is changing, as Hinduism is becoming more involved in civil and human rights in India – the caste system is now illegal

38. Women in Hinduism • traditionally, women are to be daughters, wives, and mothers, and live under the protection of a man • “purdah” (curtain, in Persian) – the custom of veiling and secluding women (both Hindu and Muslim) in India • requires participation of both men and women • men and women communicate only with their own spouse – men cannot “see” other women, so they are not “tempted” • marriages are often arranged by the parents and the children rarely meet each other before. The wife generally moves in with the husbands family. Often they are “married” for several years before actually living together.