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.
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Why are the years 300 to 1200 CE known as the Classical period of Hinduism?
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What happened when the Muslims came to India?
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What are some beliefs major Hindu figures of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries advocated?
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Describe one movement of Hinduism that contributed to its expansion outside of India.
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What are shruti scriptures?
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What are smriti scriptures?
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What is the dilemma of Arjuna in the Bhadgavad Gita?
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What are the Puranas?
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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.
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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!