Hinduism PDF

Hinduism RELS – 1000 Dr. John Harding 94.3% Percent of World Hindus who live in India  Hinduism Geography © robinest.org  A India and Her Neighbors India and her...

Hinduism RELS – 1000 Dr. John Harding 94.3% Percent of World Hindus who live in India  Hinduism Geography © robinest.org  A India and Her Neighbors India and her Neighbors Hindu Buddhist Muslim © robinest.org  Hinduism Population of India © robinest.org Population of India HINDU MUSLIM OTHER  India and the World India Population: India, Pakistan, and Pakistan Bangladesh, all part of historic India, Bangladesh comprise almost one-quarter of the world’s population. © robinest.org  Hinduism Terms © robinest.org  Terminology River I N D U S Country I N D I A Person H I N D U Language H I N D I Religion H I N D U I SM © robinest.org  Sanskrit BRIH Root Root = to expand B R I H Absolute Reality B R A HM AN Creator God B R A HM A Vedic Texts B R A HM ANA S Priestly Class B R A HM I N S © robinest.org  Hinduism History © robinest.org  Indus Valley Civilization 3300 - 1300 BCE (declining from 1900 BCE) ”Harappan” Civilization Major city centers at Mohenjo-daro Harappa  Islamabad Amritsar Harappa r Rive us Ind Mohenjo-Daro New Delhi Karachi Ancient Site Modern City © robinest.org  Indus Valley Script (c. 3000 BCE) © robinest.org Postage stamp of Venda  Archaeological evidence of “Hindu-like” practice Bathing tanks in center of town; Clay goddess figurines. Clay tablets/seals with possible “proto-Shiva” images. proto-Shiva ?  Migration in the Indus Valley Nomadic Aryans (Noble Ones) enter Indian Subcontinent Brought Vedas (religious texts); originally oral Sanskrit language Intermingled with Dravidians Class / Caste system emerges Syncretism: mixing of different systems or cultural practices  Introduction FOUNDER: no historical founder Mixed traditions: Dravidian, Aryan, and indigenous tribes DATE: IVC (3300-1900 BCE) Vedic period (c. 1500-500 BCE) LOCATION: origin in India; mainly in India and Nepal, then spread south through India and East through Asia SCRIPTURE: The Vedas SIZE: 15% of world population CLASSES: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, Dalit  Key Terms Harrapan / Indus Valley Mohenjo Daro Aryan Dravidian Vedas Sanskrit Proto-Shiva Caste System  Hinduism Tradition as diverse as India itself Henotheistic – multiple deities (Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Durga, Kali, etc.) worshipped with one seen as the primary deity (when being worshipped) Vedas – made up of four sets of scriptures, each with four parts (p. 29) Vedas  Vedas Samhitas: 4 hymn collections (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva) of awe and praise for various deities Other texts: develop Vedic practice and thought Brahmanas: sacrificial ritual performance Aranyakas: meditative visualizations Upanishads: philosophical speculation  Vedas - Samhita Collection of hymns Made up of Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Rig Veda is the oldest text 1000+ Hymns To Agni, Indra, etc. Early Vedic Deities  Agni God of Fire Indra God of Thunder Transports sacrificial offerings to other gods, a messenger  Vedic Sacrifice by Brahmins l Depends on ritual exactitude l A “science” l would compel the gods to respond. l A reciprocal relationship. l Yajna nourished the gods,who in turn maintained cosmic stability  Hinduism Emphasis on ritual of different kinds, whether offerings, prayers, or devotional acts. Caste system dictates traditional role Karma à Samsara à Moksha (B. Nirvana) Surya - the sun  Soma Hallucinogenic properties Sacred for its ability to elicit visions, etc. Deities are diverse in Hinduism  Vedas - Brahmanas Instructions for Brahmins (priests) on traditional ritual Vedic ritual, sacrifice, hymns, prayers, etc.  Vedas - Aranyakas Aranyakas – “Forest Book” Often studied by ascetics, rishis, etc. Serve as a bridge between Brahmanas and Upanishads  Vedas - Upanishads Upanishad – “Sitting down beside” Teachings on Vedic philosophy, ethics, and morality Conversations between guru and student Emphasize philosophy True nature of self (Atman) and reality (Brahman)  Religious Texts SHRUTI SMRITI “that which is [divinely] heard” “that which is remembered” EPICS SAMHITAS (long stories about heroes and gods) Ramayana (hymns about the gods) Mahabharata (Bhagavad Gita) The Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva DHARMA SHASTRAS BRAHMANAS (laws of social structure and moral duties) (sacrificial rituals) Laws of Manu ARANYAKAS PHILOSOPHICAL TEXTS (various schools of philosophy) (forest meditations) Yoga Sutra UPANISHADS PURANAS (Vedic philosophical texts) (sectarian myths of gods and goddesses) TANTRAS (critique of Vedic orthodoxy)  Key Texts (smriti, not shruti) Dharmasastras Laws of Manu Epics Ramayana Mahabharata Bhagavad Gita Puranas Key texts in Hinduism establish goals, motives, and ideals for Hindu life. Class/Caste System 4+ Classes of Class/Caste System BRAHMIN: teachers and priests KSHATRIYA: rulers, landowners, soldiers VAISHYA: merchants, farmers, skilled workers SHUDRA: servants and laborers DALIT: classless (Untouchables); includes foreigners,  The Hindu Class System Twice Born © robinest.org  Class/Caste System Brahmin Kshatriya Vaishya Shudra Dalit $ priests rulers merchants servants others teachers landlords farmers laborers soldiers skilled workers Twice Born  Class/Caste System The caste system dictates all aspects of traditional orthodox Hindu life, including: Social roles Education Matters of karma / reincarnation Relationships Opportunities Responsibilities The caste system still affects Hindu culture today, but it is highly contested.  Manikarnika Ghat “Burning Ghat” in Varansi where cremations take place along the Ganges. Tending to the dead is seen as a sort of “necessary evil” and is left to those of the Dalit caste. Image source: varanasiguru.com  Cycles of Yugas Treta decay of dharma Satya Dvapara GOLDEN AGE Kali © robinest.org CHAOS  Mahayuga: Cosmic Time 1 Mahayuga = (4,320,000 human years) Kalpa: Treta-yuga 1000 Mahayugas = 1 Kalpa (Day of Brahma) (4,320,000,000 human years) Mahayuga Life of Brahma: 72,000 Kalpas = Dvapara-yuga 1 Life of Brahma) Satya-yuga 1 Life of Brahma = Kali-yuga 311,040,000,000,000 human years Fundamental Beliefs  Dharma Dharma – “Duty” or Cosmic Order Dharma may also be interpreted as ”teachings” (Buddhism) The ideal responsibilities and actions of an individual within the Hindu system of belief  Dharma Dharma dictates: How one should act Why one should act How to align with the cosmic order E.g. Putting aside aspirations of a career in politics when you are born into a shoe-maker family  Samsara Rebirth Cycle of reincarnation or Birth rebirth Death Dictated by karma Life Samsara  Cosmology The cosmos arises, exists, and dies, time and again Living beings, too, endure samsara Gods, demi-gods, humans, animals, ghosts, hell-dwelling creatures karma determines present and future circumstances (class, appearance, dispositions, & experiences) © robinest.org  Karma Karma dictates reincarnation All actions have karmic consequences Good karma vs. bad karma according to dharma  Moksha Moksha - ”Liberation” Rebirth The ultimate goal of Hinduism Moksha Birth Moksha is obtained Death when one is removed from Samsara (the cycle Life of reincarnation) Samsara  Hinduism vs. Non-Hindu Indian Religion Collective Name (Umbrella term) for diverse religions Share deities and basic presuppositions, such as karma, samsara, and aim for release (moksha/nirvana) But, Hinduism also emphasize social structure of caste system and sacred status of the Vedas, unlike non-Hindu religions Jainism and Buddhism (early 6th and 5th centuries BCE) Sikhism (late 16th century CE)  4 Life Stages and Goals Orthodox Hindu Values Dharma shastras, Laws of Manu Cosmic order = Dharma Dharma also = duty, righteousness Behaviour aligned with cosmic order  Thread Ceremony For males of the twice-born classes Traditionally begin with sacred thread ceremony where the boy (8 - 13 yrs.) is given a special thread, and enters “religious life.”  Stages of Life a Student arm Dh ma ha Householder Ka Art Forest-Dweller ha Ascetic ks Mo  Student 12 - 24 years – time to study with a guru Primary goal: to understand dharma Gender differences: girls traditionally study at home  Householder Marriage ceremony and beginning of work Primary Goal: Marriage For women, marriage functions like a sacred thread ceremony, a sort of coming-of-age ritual Marriages are often arranged and should be with the appropriate caste.  Householder Husband and wife pursue two goals: Artha: pursuit of knowledge, skills, and wealth Kama: love, pleasure – sexual, emotional and otherwise – as well as good relationships with in- laws, each other, etc. By focusing on artha, young couples focus on creating a family, providing for that family, and working towards the next stage of life. Couples become effective, contributing members of society  Forest Dweller Retirement from work and householder’s stage of life Prescribed for grandparents Wealth is transferred to children Focus and goals turn inwards with a greater emphasis on scripture, spirituality, etc.  Sannyasa - Renunciate Prescribed, but very uncommon. Death rituals performed. Ochre-colored robe, staff and begging bowl. Wandering ascetic, renouncing all social ties & obligations. Primary goal: seeks moksha (release/liberation).  Hinduism Asceticism © robinest.org  Hindu Ascetic Vaishnavas © robinest.org  Facial Markings Shaivas Vaishnavas © robinest.org Saiva Samnyasin Devotee of Shiva Vaisnava Samnyasin Devotee of Vishnu  Functioning Hindu Society The system serves to perpetuate traditional teachings and customs while still encouraging a practical, functioning society. If everyone actively pursued moksha, who would produce food or maintain infrastructure, etc.?  Many Spiritual Paths Based on: Tradition Age Caste Education Personality The Three Paths  Jñana Yoga: (realization/liberation through transcendental knowledge) Raja yoga is an example of the path of knowledge concentration may be on a sacred sound or phrase (mantra)  Meditating Yogi in Lotus Posture  Yoga stages A moral basis: non-violence (ahimsa), non-stealing, truthfulness, etc. Posture & breath control Concentration & meditation Meditative absorption: samadhi Highest state of samadhi one attains oneness with the true Self Shankara’s Vedanta: based on Upanishads (8th / 9th century CE religious philosopher) Who is it that is reborn? What is our true self? ATMAN The Self underneath all ego, personality, etc.  Brahman True foundation of all reality one and only thing in existence Maya = Illusion We perceive a world of many things Solution: Seeing Through Maya  Shankara’s Vedanta Ultimate Knowledge Atman = Brahman There is nothing except Brahman. It is the only reality Moksha – release (ends samsara)  Jñana Yoga and Moksha Discovering true nature grants freedom from karma and samsara Moksha (in this path) does not come from faith, dharma, or even good karma But results from realization/enlightenment after abandoning false views about the self and reality  Bhagavad Gita Part of Mahabharata Krishna (God / charioteer) counsels Arjuna (Warrior) Says: Duty for duty’s sake Individual has no power to kill on their own: it is the will of God Better not to have excessive joy or sorrow  Karma - Action Liberation through action – duty for duty’s sake Performing one’s duties according to one’s dharma Traditionally, the goal was a better rebirth, not moksha “Bhagavad Gita” emphasized moksha as obtainable through non-attachment to the fruits of action  Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) A political reformer who used eastern principles of non-violence in the struggle for Indian independence from Great Britain. © robinest.org Image from banknote of India  Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) A South African postage stamp honoring Gandhi, who started his principles of non-violent resistance to racial inequalities in South Africa. © robinest.org Postage stamp of South Africa  Bhakti - Devotion Liberation through love and devotion Made moksha available to all, regardless of caste, gender, etc. Requires one to offer thoughts, words, and deeds to their personal god Bhakti is the most popular and common form of yoga among Hindus and takes on many forms. Bhakti  Puja Bhakti worship Bhakti suggests helplessness deities are not obliged to respond Hare Krishnas: western wing of a bhakti-oriented Hindu group Their bhakti consists of public dancing and chanting of Krishna’s name  Puja At home or in a temple offerings of flowers incense a flame food a prayer food offerings are regarded as blessed Darshana: going for an audience (to see and be seen by) with a deity. Doing Puja at home shrine  Hinduism Deities © robinest.org  Brahma(n) Cosmic principle: Personified as Brahma one of 3 cosmic deities Brahma Creator Vishnu Preserver Shiva Destroyer Each has a “SHAKTI” Feminine principle © robinest.org  Gods and Goddesses: Shakti Feminine Shakti = active principle of the god © robinest.org Brahma: Creator Associated with Distraction of the mind Few Temples  Sarasvati Consort of Brahma Holds manuscripts, prayer beads and lotus (purity)  Creator emerges from Vishnu Brahma, the creator god, emerges from the navel of Vishnu, the Preserver. © robinest.org 3 main devotional sects Shaktism / Tantra: To Goddess replaced Brahma – worship Vaisnavism: To Vishnu Saivism: To Shiva  Brahman = Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti © robinest.org  Exterior Temple Art Temple Art Photo: Hillary Rodrigues before and after painting © robinest.org 501room © 123RF.com  Hindu Sects Shiva Vishnu Shakti Shaivism Vaishnavism Shaktism © robinest.org Images © exoticindia.com  Shiva Shaivism Shiva – The World Ender Shiva is essential for his role as a destructive force. The cycle of existence requires destruction for rebirth to take place; death originates life He is celebrated for renewing the cycle of creation Nataraja – the dance that enacts the end of the world  Murdeshwar, India Giant Shiva Statue on the Arabian Sea © robinest.org  Shiva and Ganga The god Shiva is often shown with the river goddess Ganga (Ganges) in his hair In myths, his matted hair (the Himalaya mountains) tames her descent to the plains He is shown with a third eye He has the crescent moon on his head and snakes as adornments © robinest.org  Shiva’s Family The god Shiva is shown with his consort/wife, Parvati In myths the elephant headed god Ganesha is their son © robinest.org  The Goddess Parvati Parvati’s origins are as a mountain goddess She is still worshipped in the Himalayan foothills She is portrayed as the beautiful spouse of Shiva She Is symbolically ever present in the yoni stones into which the Shiva linga is placed. © robinest.org Image from exoticindia.com  Offerings on Linga and Yoni Altars © robinest.org  Ganesha The elephant-headed god One of the most popular gods in Hinduism Aids in removing obstacles of all kinds, from the commonplace to the religious Son of Shiva and Parvati © robinest.org Image from exoticindia.com  Ganesha The elephant-headed god, who aids in removing obstacles of all kinds, from the commonplace to the religious © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  Vishnu Vaishnavism  Vishnu Has many avatars, including Rama and Krishna Preserves the cosmic balance  Hinduism Avataras of Vishnu © robinest.org  The Tortoise Avatara 2/10 The tortoise avatara’s back served as a pivot when the gods and demons churned the Sea of Milk to extract the Elixir of Immortality. See also the description of the Kumbha Mela festival, p. 78 © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  The Man–Lion Avatara 4/10 In this blended form, Vishnu slew a demon that could not be killed by a man or a beast. © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  The Rama Avatara 7/10 As the exiled prince Rama, of the Ramayana epic, Vishnu slew the demon Ravana, who had abducted his wife, the princess Sita. © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  The Krishna Avatara 8/10 One of Vishnu’s most beloved avataras, Krishna’s best- known myths are as a flute- playing cowherd and as kingly advisor in the Bhagavad Gita. © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  The Balarama OR Buddha Avatara 9/10 Some texts list Balarama, Krishna’s demon-slaying brother, or the Buddha, as Vishnu’s ninth avatara. The avatara scheme was not successful at incorporating the growing sect of Buddhism within the larger sect of Vishnu worship. © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  The Kalki Avatara 10/10 As the current degenerate Kali Yuga ends, Vishnu is predicted to return as a heroic figure on (or as) a white horse, to usher in a new cycle. © robinest.org Image © exoticindia.com  Krishna (8th Vishnu Avatar) Well-known as an irresistible flute-playing cowherd who charms the village milkmaids (gopi) Hero in the epic ”Mahabharata” who counsels Arjuna Holi Feb-March Defeat of demoness Holika Coming of Spring Carnival atmosphere Krishna, Radha and Gopis playing Holi  Holi Festival © robinest.org kruhs © 123RF.com  Rama (7th Vishnu Avatar) Warrior Hero in the epic ”Ramayana” Wife Sita is taken, Rama journeys to save her with the aid of Hanuman  Hanuman, the Monkey God Best known as the ideal devotee, for loyalty to Rama in the battles in the epic Ramayana. © robinest.org Image from exoticindia.com Shakti Shaktism  Consorts & Goddesses Hinduism emphasizes the strength and value of male and female power Gods often have consorts – goddesses that support and empower them Goddesses take on numerous traits, such as the fearsome Kali or the auspiciousness of Lakshmi Yoni paired with linga Tantric Hinduism focuses on various forms of the Goddess Durga – The Great Goddess Shakti, the power which animates the entire cosmos. Shiva convinces Gods to release their Shaktis from their bodies. They emerge in female form, All goddesses are considered to be merely aspects of Durga. Durga – The Great Goddess Also called Shakti, Mahadevi (Great Goddess), or Ma (Mother) She has a lion as her mount Has many arms that carry the weapons of the male gods She is a feminine conception of Absolute Divinity (without a spouse) Defeats a Buffalo Demon in her best known myth Parvati – Mountain Goddess She is portrayed as the beautiful spouse of Shiva (symbolically present in the yoni stones into which the Shiva linga is placed). Linga/Yoni Lakshmi – Goddess of Fortune She often is depicted seated on a lotus flower She may hold lotuses, and grants wealth and boons She is worshipped on the festival of Divali Consort of Vishnu Lakshmi  Diwali Celebrated in Canada Late Autumn, begins New Year for many groups; Lamps invite Lakshmi into homes Most Hindus live in India, though Hindu communities can be found in most nations. Hindus constitute about 1.5% of the population of Canada. © robinest.org Postage stamp of Canada Kali – Goddess of Destruction Terrifying goddess Kali is often shown upon Shiva’s supine (laying on back) body She is decorated with a garland of skulls She carries a cleaver and a severed head Kali represents Time and the power of destruction  Tantra: Goddess Worship Related to the worship of Durga/Kali etc in the Shaivite traditions. Centers on inseparability of Shiva and Shakti: Body is a microcosm of the universe, control of the body can then unit spiritual forces to unite Shiva (passive intelligence) and Shakti (active creative energy). Mandala, Mudra, Mantra Siddhi  Hinduism © robinest.org