Introduction to World Religions Week 9 PDF

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEM WEEK 9 GRADE 11 1 MCA Montessori School, Inc. “WEEK 8”  Would you prefer to live only once and get it over and done with? Would you rather live again, with a ch...

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEM WEEK 9 GRADE 11 1 MCA Montessori School, Inc. “WEEK 8”  Would you prefer to live only once and get it over and done with? Would you rather live again, with a chance to set things right, but not know what form of life you will assume in your next reincarnation?  CHAPTER 8: HINDUISM Prepared by Adrian M. Borinaga ORIGIN OF HINDUISM The First traceable roots of Hinduism lies with the invading of Aryans, who move into the northwest of Indian subcontinent from about 1500 BCE. The ritual hymns which they chant passed down orally for many centuries are gathered in the Rigveda, the earliest of all religious texts. The religion of the Aryans was polytheistic and animist in nature, also to Greco-Roman mythology, with gods and goddesses personifying forces of nature.  Hinduism in Southeast Asia: from the 1st century CE On the mainland (Burma, Cambodia, the southern part of Vietman) and in the islands (Sumatra, Java), Hindu kingdoms are established. Angkor Wat is merely the best-known Hindu temple that is built.  Hinduism in Southeast Asia: from the 1st century CE Hinduism is one of the oldest known organized religions-its sacred writings date as far back 1400-1500 BCE. It is also one of the most diverse and complex, having million gods. It is the third largest religion in the world with 1.2 billion followers. Hinduism exists primarily in India and Nepal.  Hinduism in Southeast Asia: from the 1st century CE Hinduism can be: 1. Monistic – Only one thing exists; Sankara’s school 2. Pantheistic – Only one divine thing exists so that God is identical to the world; Brahmanism 3. Panentheistic – The world is part of God; Ramanuja’s School 4. Theistic – Only one God, distinct from Creation; Bhakti Hinduism.  HINDUISM The name “Hinduism” is itself relatively recent: The term was introduced by Persians in 9th Century B.C.E. to refer to people residing near and beyond the eastern side of Sindhu (or Indus Sacred Om River).  HINDUISM Those who follow the ancient religious traditions of India rarely refer to it as Hinduism; many prefer to simply call it Dharma, Some prefer to it as Sanātana Dharma, the timeless and Sacred Om universal Dharma.  Creation Stories in Hinduism In Hinduism, the universe is millions of years old. In line with the Hindu belief in reincarnation, the universe we live in is not the first or indeed the last universe. For Hindus, the universe was created by Brahma, the creator who made the universe out of himself. After Brahma created the world, it is the power of Vishnu which preserves the world and human beings. As part of the cycle of birth, life and death it is Shiva who will ultimately destroy the universe. This is not necessarily as bad as it might sound because it allows Brahma to start the process of creation all over again.  Creation Stories in Hinduism A lotus flower grew from Lord Vishnu’s navel with Brahma sitting on it. Brahma separated the flower into three parts - the heavens, the Earth and the sky.  Creation Stories in Hinduism Out of loneliness, Brahma split himself into two to create a male and a female. From this male and female all beings were created.  Creation Stories in Hinduism Another story refers to life coming from the cracking of an enormous egg, which is the life from which the universe is born. The Hymn of Creation from the Rig Veda concludes that nobody knows how the universe came into being and even questions whether Brahman knows. HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES The Rig Veda, Vedic gods: Eight Vasus Eleven Rudras Twelve Aditayas Indra and Prajapathi  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES The earliest accepted Gods are: - Dyaush – pita – the sky father - Prithivi mata – the earth mother - Parjanya – the rain god - Surya – the sun god - Varuna – the god of oceans - Agni – the fire god - Indra – the war god - Soma – the god of speech, deity of soma creeper - Ushas – the goddess of dawn  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES The earliest accepted gods are: - Yama – the god of death - Adityas – a group of deities, who are six in number in the Rig Veda, eight most the Brahmanas and twelve in Satapatha Brahmana - Aswini – twin deities - Rudras – eight in number - Vasus – eleven in number - Visvedevas – ten in number - Nakshatra – The Constellations or stars  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES The Hindu sacred scriptures were eloquent or smooth-spoken while drawing the qualities of God and describing briefly. The all-Hindu gods and goddesses are all powerful and all-knowing. They are very personification of love, beauty and justice. They are ever ready to show their mercy, grace and blessings on their creation.  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES Brahman - a metaphysical concept of Hinduism referring to the ultimate unchanging reality, that is uncreated, eternal, infinite, transcendent, the cause, the foundation, the source and the goal of all existence. “Brahman was understood as an individual entity but so immensely powerful that the human mind could not comprehend it.”  Triple Gods or Trimurti Three of the most significant forms of Brahman are Brahma, Shiva an d Vishnu. These three gods are key aspects of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. The word ‘Trimurti’ means ‘three forms.’ In the Trimurti, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is the destroyer. Triple Gods or Trimurti VISHNU THE PRESERVER Murtis of Vishnu express splendor and power. His four arms carry symbols of power – a discus, a lotus flower, a conch shell and a mace. Vishnu, god of light and enlightenment, has appeared on Earth through AVATARAS. Vishnu (and his avataras, including Krishna) are worshipped by many millions of Hindus today. BRAHMA THE CREATOR Images, or murtis, of Brahma have four heads, seeing in all directions at once and symbolising the four Vedas. Brahma’s four arms carry symbols of power – a goblet, a bow, a sceptre and the Vedas. In Hindu creation stories, Brahma brings the universe into being. Brahma is not worshipped by many Hindus today, in comparison to the other two murtis. SHIVA THE DESTROYER Murtis of Shiva vary. He is often pictured dancing and with four arms. He holds a drum and a flame, and he points to his dancing feet with one hand and holds in the other hand a pen, meaning ‘fear not’. His necklace of cobra snakes is another sign of power. Shiva is worshipped by many millions of Hindus today.  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES The main Hindu gods; - Shiva gods – Shiva including His consort, His sons, His other forms.  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES Vaishnava gods – Vishnu including His consort, His various incarnations.  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES Sakthi/Saktha/Durga - Forms of goddess Sakthi  HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES The great and chief Hindu goddesses, Hindu trinity goddesses – “Tridevi” Goddess Saraswati – The consort of god Brahma, the goddess for knowledge. Goddess Laxmi – The consort god of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth, delight, beauty and love. Goddess Parvati – The consort of god Shiva and the goddess of transformation power and destruction. The gods and goddesses' incarnation Sati Maa- the form of goddess shakti Parvati Durga Maa- the form of goddess Parvati and the energy of mother Kali Mata - having the destructive power and harmful energy The Mahadevi - the powerful form of Shakti Sita Mata-the consort of lord Rama Rukmani - the consort of lord Krishna Radha- the divine devotee and fan of lord Krishna Ganga Mata - the holy river Yamuna Maa- the holy river Gayatri Maa- the goddess of learning Santoshi Maa- the form of goddess shakti The gods and goddesses' incarnation Mata Vishnodevi - the goddess Maa Annpurna - the goddess of harvests God Rama- the seventh incarnation of god Vishnu God Krishna- the eighth incarnation of god Vishnu God Bhirav- the strong and powerful incarnation of god Shiva  Sons and Relatives Ganesh-son of god Shiva and Goddess Parvati Kartikeya- Subramaynan, Shanmuga-son of Shiva and Parvati Krishna- son of Vasudeva and younger brother of Balarama Balarama-Elder brother of lord Krishna Hanuman- son of Vayu Vasudeva- The father of lord Krishna  Other notable gods and goddesses Hindu Vedic and lesser gods Celestial beings Animal deities in Hindu mythology The Hindu Pantheon of gods and goddesses is so vast. There are 330 millions or more in Hindu religion. All the Hindu gods and goddesses have their own and extra ordinary images and deities to represent.  MAJOR SCRIPTURAL TEXTS IN HINDUISM The Shruti Scriptures The Smriti Scriptures (“that which is heard”) (“that which is remembered”) Vedas 1. Mahabharata 1. Rig Veda 2. Ramayana 2. Sama Veda 3. Sharma Shastras 3. Yajur/Yahur Veda 4. Bhagavad Gita a. Sukla Yajurveda 5. Puranas b. Krishna Yajurveda 4. Atharva Veda 5. Upanishads SACRED TEXTS OF HINDUISM  The Vedas The Vedas, meaning “knowledge,” are the oldest texts of Hinduism. They are derived from the ancient Indo- Aryan culture of the Indian Subcontinent and began as an oral tradition that was passed down through generations before finally being written in Vedic Sanskrit between 1500 and 500 BCE.  The Vedas The Vedas are structured in four different collections containing hymns, poems, prayers, and religious instruction. The Indian caste system is based on a fable from the Vedas about the sacrifice of the deity Purusha. The Four Vedas The Rig Veda The most important and, according to scholars, oldest of the Vedas. It is divided into ten books (called mandalas) and has 1028 hymns in praise of various deities. These include Indra, Agni, Vishnu, Rudra, Varuna, and other early or "Vedic gods." It also contains the famous Gayatri mantra, and the prayer called the Purusha Shukta (the story of Primal Man). The Four Vedas Yajur/Yahur Veda Sanskrit for “incantation” A priestly handbook for use in the performance of yajnas (sacrifices) Contains instructions for religious rituals that guide Brahmins. The Four Vedas Sama Veda Consists mainly of hymns about religious rituals. This consists of chants and melodies to be sung during worship and the performance of yajna. The Four Vedas Atharva Veda Consists of spells against enemies, sorcerers, and diseases. Contains hymns, mantras and incantations, largely outside the scope of yajna. Hymn V – To the waters, for strength and power 1. Ye, Waters, truly bring us bliss, so help us to strength and power that we may look on great delight. 2. Here grant to us a share of dew, that most auspicious dew of yours, like mothers in their longing love. 3. For you we fain would go to him to whose abode ye send us forth, And Waters give us procreant strength. 4. I pray the Floods to send is balm, those who bear rule o’er precious things, And have supreme control of men.  Upanishads The Upanishads are a continuation of the Vedic philosophy, and were written between 800 and 400 B.C. They elaborate on how the soul (Atman) can be united with the ultimate truth (Brahman) through contemplation and mediation, as well as the doctrine of Karma-- the cumulative effects of a persons' actions. At the same time, Upanishad has also been interpreted to mean “secret teaching” or “revealing underlying truth”.  The Puranas Are post-Vedic texts which typically contain a complete narrative of the history of the Universe from creation to destruction, genealogies of the kings, heroes and demigods, and descriptions of Hindu cosmology and geography.  The Mahābhārata It is the longest epic poem known and has been described as "the longest poem ever written". Interwoven into this narrative are several smaller stories about people dead or living, and philosophical discourses. Krishna-Dwaipayan Vyasa, himself a character in the epic, composed it; as, according to tradition, he dictated the verses and Ganesha wrote them down.  The Ramayana Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic poem which narrates the struggle of the divine prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Along with the Mahabharata, it forms the Sanskrit Itihasa. It is also the shortest epic poem.  Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita (“Song of God” or “Song of the Lord”) is among the most important religious texts of Hinduism and easily the best known. It is commonly referred to as the Gita and was originally part of the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The Gita is a dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and the god Krishna who is serving as his charioteer at the Battle of Kurukshetra fought between Arjuna's family and allies (the Pandavas) and those of the prince Duryodhana and his family (the Kauravas) and their allies. Belief System and Practices of Hinduism:  SAMSARA The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.  KARMA Karma is a term that you may have heard before. It probably brings to mind the idea of “what goes around, comes around.” To some extent, this is accurate, but the Sanskrit word “karma” simply means “action” or “deed.”  KARMA It is important to remember that an individual’s karma is based on their thoughts, words, and actions and the choices they make.  REINCARNATION Hindu teachings state that every birth is the result of an individual’s unique karmic circumstances. Thus, when a person or living thing dies, their soul is attracted to circumstances that will help balance out their karmic needs and debt in order to advance spiritually.  MOKSHA Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara/samskara).  FOUR YOGAS/MARGAS/ WAYS OF SALVATION To attain moksha, Hindu Dharma proposes four disciplines [yogas] or ways [margas] of salvation: (1) karma yoga, “the yoke of action/work;” (2) jnana yoga, “the yoke of knowledge/wisdom,” (3) raja yoga, “the royal yoke” of physical discipline, (4) bhakti yoga, “the yoke of love/devotion.”  DHARMA Dharma is roughly translated as “religious duty.” There are two principle dharmas, namely Sanatana- dharma and varnashrama- dharma.  DHARMA In practical terms, dharma refers to leading a righteous life in harmony with natural laws as defined in scripture. In pre- modern, rural India, this was regulated through stable, sustainable lifestyles and traditional norms of behavior.  DHARMA Dharma is an important term in Indian religions. In Hinduism it means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society.  ATMAN Atman means 'eternal self'. The atman refers to the real self beyond ego or false self. It is often referred to as 'spirit' or 'soul' and indicates our true self or essence which underlies our existence.  NAMASTE (Na-mas-tey) In the Indian subcontinent, it is customary to respectfully acknowledge another person’s presence by pressing one’s hands together with a smile while saying “Namaste.” Derived from Sanskrit, the word namaste literally means “[I] bow to you.  CASTE SYSTEM It is a social hierarchy passed down through families, and it can dictate the professions a person can work in as well as aspects of their social lives, including whom they can marry.  CASTE SYSTEM  SECTS IN HINDUISM Shaivism (Shaiva) Shaiva tradition is probably the oldest among Hindu sects. In Shaiva sect, Lord Shiva is the main deity, he is considered as the form of the supreme being.  SECTS IN HINDUISM Vaishnavism - is the worship and acceptance of Vishnu (Sanskrit: “The Pervader” or “The Immanent”) or one of his various incarnations (avatars) as the supreme manifestation of the divine.  FESTIVALS IN HINDUISM Diwali – “festival of lights” celebration last for five days. Makar Sankranti : - Is the first Hindu holiday on the western calendar. also called Lohri. Maha Shivarati - Celebrated the night and day before the new moon. Holi - Festival of colors - it is not a religious holiday, - commonly celebrated in northern India. Ram Navami - Celebrates the birth of lord Rama.  SHARPEN YOUR MIND! Please do EXERCISE #8, pages 125- 127 of your book. Put your answer in 1 whole sheet of pad paper. Answer/s will vary (22pts) Follow the instructions then you are good to go Goodluck and God bless us all STAY SAFE!  REFERENCES Mejia, Reynaldo S., Introduction to World Religious and Belief System Hindu Symbols, meaning, tattoos, iconography, signs. (2022, August 12). Hinduism Facts. https://www.hinduismfacts.org/hindu-symbols/ Creation stories in Hinduism - The existence of God - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - CCEA - BBC Bitesize. (2023). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zv2fgwx/revision/7#:~:text=A%20lotus%20flower%20grew%20f rom,female%20all%20beings%20were%20created. https://historycollection.com/emerging-darkness-9-bizarre-creation-myths/4/ Mysticism > The Cosmic Egg. (2023). Otago.ac.nz. https://www.otago.ac.nz/english- linguistics/english/lowry/content/11_mysticism/c_cosmicegg/c_cosmicegg.html https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/bhixi4/do_you_know_about_the_four_vedas/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigveda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yajurveda Mark, J. J. (2020, June 10). Upanishads. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Upanishads/  REFERENCES https://instaastro.com/blog/what-are-the-18-puranas-in-hinduism/ https://www.amazon.in/Mahabharata-Indian-Epic-Om-Books/dp/8187108258 https://www.amazon.in/Ramayana-Om-Books-Editorial-Team/dp/8187107677 https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/bhagavad-gita-as-it-is-1 https://pureflow.yoga/10-hindu-gods-and-goddesses-to-know-for-yoga/ https://gaurav101.medium.com/brahman-68cb5021ce29 https://study.com/learn/lesson/lord-vishnu-incarnations-symbols.html Mark, J. J. (2021, September 29). Brahmanism. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahmanism/ Hindu gods – the trimurti - Nature of God and existence in Hinduism - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize. (2023). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z44bcj6/revision/3 https://wordzz.com/tridevi-lakshmi-durga-saraswati/ https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-of-the-similarities-and-differences-among-the-Hindu-goddesses- Durga-Kali-Tara-Saraswati-and-Lakshmi  REFERENCES Hindu gods – the trimurti - Nature of God and existence in Hinduism - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - Eduqas - BBC Bitesize. (2023). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z44bcj6/revision/3 What is Karma? (n.d.). https://www.hinduamerican.org/wp- content/uploads/2019/12/KarmaMokshaandSamsara2.0_0.pdf Dharma – Heart Of Hinduism. (2023). Iskconeducationalservices.org. https://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/practice/dharma/ BBC - Religions - Hinduism: Hindu concepts. (2014). Bbc.co.uk. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/concepts/concepts_1.shtml https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35650616 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaivism https://www.iskconsiliguri.org/about-vaishnavism.php https://www.jiva.org/questions-on-gaudiya-vaishnavism/ https://vedictribe.com/dharma/hinduism/what-is-atman-soul-and-brahman-in-hinduism/ https://www.britannica.com/story/holi-festival-of-colors https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/diwali-2022-significance-of-diwali-how-diwali-is- celebrated-580059.html THANK YOU!!! MCA Montessori School, Inc. “WEEK 8” 95