Introduction to Hinduism

Study Notes

World's largest Hindu temple in New Delhi
5000 years old, the 3rd largest religion
Traditional religion of India, originating in the Indus Valley
Based on God-given truths/laws and universal principles
Influences remain in Thailand, Malaysia, and Bali, Indonesia
Polytheistic religion, no founder
Aryans settled along the Ganges River
Rig Veda, important sacred Hindu writings, adopted by the Aryans
Animal sacrifice was part of their religion
Vedas are a collection of writings, considered oldest known writings
Vedas mean "to know" divinely given knowledge
Vedas divided into Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda
Vedas have 4 parts: Mantras (prayers/hymns), Brahmanas (priest explanations), Aranyakas (forest books), Upanishads (universe origins)
Rig Veda, the oldest Veda, speaks of 33 gods born from one creator, Brahman
Hindu trinity:
- Brahman: Creator
- Vishnu: Preserver (balances good and evil)
- Shiva: Destroyer/Reproducer
Worship in homes involves shrines with images of family gods and associated objects (puja)
Worship in temples (mandirs) dedicated to specific deities
Basic Hindu Beliefs:
- Dharma: moral balance of all things (religious, social, family aspects)
- Karma: effects of actions/thoughts (consequences)
- Samsara: cycles of life, death, and rebirth (dependent on past karma)
- Moksha: release from Samsara, union with God (like heaven)

"Middle way of wisdom and compassion"
2500-year-old tradition, originating in India
Philosophy, religion, spiritual practice followed by 300 million
Based on Buddha's teachings
"Three Jewels" of Buddhism: Buddha (teacher), Dharma (teachings), Sangha (community)
Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama): Born into luxury, empathy for suffering
- 29 years old, rejected luxury to seek enlightenment
- Achieved Nirvana at 35, an awakening to life's truths
- Taught for 45 years, guiding others to peace of mind
Four Noble Truths:
- Life is suffering
- Suffering arises from self-centered desire and attachment
- Suffering ceases when desire and attachment end
- The path to end suffering is the Eight-Fold Path
Eight-Fold Path:
- Right understanding, motivation, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration
Buddhist texts: Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma
Schools of Buddhism: Theravada (Way of the Elders), Mahayana (Great Vehicle), and Tibetan Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle)

Ethical dimension, foundation of Chinese society
Ruism/philosophy, religion, developed by Confucius and disciples
Zhou Dynasty, technological growth, increase in wealth, trading
Confucius: Teacher, editor, politician, philosopher, (Spring and Autumn period, China) Latinized Kongzi/Kong Fuzi ("Master Kong")
Born 551 BCE, died 479 BCE, age 73
Confucian Classics: Book of Changes, Book of History, Book of Poetry, Classic Rites, Analects
Five Relationships: Ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, older/younger brother, friend-friend

Religious tradition from China, focuses on spiritual philosophy, and outlook on life
~2500 years ago, contemporary with Confucius
Lao Tzu: Founder, author of "Tao Te Ching" which emphasizes simplicity and naturalness, born 604 BCE, died aged 82
Tao/The Way: Represents ultimate reality, natural order, harmony in life
Yin and Yang: Opposing energies (cold/dark/passive; warm/bright/active)
Wu-Wei: Principle of non-action, harmony with nature
Chuang Tzu: Expanded philosophical narratives, self-transformation
Non-judgmental, favoring relativity in moral values
Primary Virtues: humility, non-competition, Wu-Wei, naturalness, passive understanding, and harmony with universe
Important Texts include Tao Te Ching