Theo4 - Hinduism and Aryan Influence

Questions and Answers

What was the Aryan influence on the origins of Hinduism?

Hinduism was greatly influenced by the Vedic religion of the Indo-Aryans and the Brahminical sacrificial rituals called bhakti (meaning devotion).

Who were Brahmins and what was their main function?

Brahmins were Hindu priests who performed ritual sacrifices around the time of 900 B.C.E.

What makes up the shruti?

Brahmanas, other reflections of the Brahmins, and the Vedas.

Describe Jainism.

Jainism contains elements from both Hinduism and Buddhism and emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and non-injury. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the years 300 to 1200 CE known as the Classical period of Hinduism?

This period is called the Classical Period because it is when Hinduism became recognized as a religion and temples were established. Signup and view all the answers

What happened when the Muslims came to India?

The newly arrived Muslim leaders did not try to convert Hindus to Islam but implemented a tax similar to those for Jews and Christians. Signup and view all the answers

What are some beliefs major Hindu figures of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries advocated?

They advocated non-violence, passive resistance, meditation, and mantra. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one movement of Hinduism that contributed to its expansion outside of India.

The period of transcendental meditation and mantra from the Beatles. Signup and view all the answers

What are shruti scriptures?

Hindus believe that they have been revealed to ancient seers by the gods and are considered sacred. Signup and view all the answers

What are smriti scriptures?

Literally means 'that which is to be remembered,' and are less authoritative than shruti. Signup and view all the answers

What is the dilemma of Arjuna in the Bhadgavad Gita?

His struggle between his duty to fight as a member of the warrior caste and his dedication to non-violence. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Puranas?

A collection of stories about the three great gods of Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aryan Influence on Hinduism

Hinduism was significantly shaped by the Vedic religion of the Indo-Aryans.
Key element of the Vedic tradition includes Brahminical sacrificial rituals known as bhakti, emphasizing devotion.

Brahmins

Brahmins served as Hindu priests, performing essential ritual sacrifices around 900 B.C.E.
Diverse schools of Brahmins developed, specializing in different types of sacrifices.

Shruti Scriptures

Composed of Brahmanas, Vedas, and reflections of the Brahmins.
Considered to be revealed texts, which should remain unchanged.

Jainism

Jainism incorporates aspects of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Core belief in ahimsa, or non-violence, is central to Jain philosophy.

Classical Period of Hinduism (300 to 1200 CE)

This era marks the formal recognition of Hinduism as a distinct religion.
Significant establishment of temples during this period enhanced Hindu practice.

Muslim Arrival in India

Muslim leaders did not actively convert Hindus to Islam; instead, they imposed taxes akin to those on Jews and Christians.
Some Muslim rulers displayed tolerance towards Hinduism, while others destroyed Hindu temples and icons.

Major Hindu Figures in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Advocated for non-violence, passive resistance, meditation, and the use of mantras.

Expansion of Hinduism Outside India

Transcendental meditation and mantras, popularized by the Beatles, contributed to the expansion of Hinduism worldwide.

Smriti Scriptures

Defined as "that which is to be remembered," these scriptures are less authoritative than shruti.
They include orally transmitted traditions that became widely accepted and referenced, with examples like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Dilemma of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita

Arjuna faces a profound conflict between his duty as a warrior to engage in battle and his commitment to non-violence.

Puranas

A collection of narratives focused on the three principal Hindu deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Puranas include mythological stories and historical accounts, being particularly influential among lower castes.

Description

Explore the foundations of Hinduism through Aryan influence in this quiz from Theo4 Chapter 5 sections 1 & 2. Understand the role of Brahmins and the significance of Vedic religion in shaping Hindu practices. Test your knowledge with these essential flashcards!