Hinduism Religion Test 2 Review PDF

Origin: - Hinduism is one of the Oldest Religions in the World. It dates back 4000 Years Ago. - Hindus do not call their religion “Hinduism”. But, refer to it simply as SANATANA DHARMA.This means ETERNAL LAW or ETERNAL TEACHINGS. - It has no specific founder. - The religion evolve...

Origin: - Hinduism is one of the Oldest Religions in the World. It dates back 4000 Years Ago. - Hindus do not call their religion “Hinduism”. But, refer to it simply as SANATANA DHARMA.This means ETERNAL LAW or ETERNAL TEACHINGS. - It has no specific founder. - The religion evolved over time through fusion of two cultures. History: - Hinduism is based on the ancient traditions of INDIA. - Central to this tradition is a body of SACRED scriptures (Much like our Bible). Its written in a language called SANSKRIT, beginning with the writings in the VEDAS. - By approximately 2500 B.C.E. a complex and sophisticated civilization had arisen in the valley of the INDUS river, located in NORTHWESTERN India. - The people living in the valley of the Indus River were FARMERS who Domesticated ANIMALS. They grew COTTON, barley and wheat. - In about 1500 B.C.E. this land was OVERRUN by invaders from the NORTH. The invaders were ARYANS, who came from the Hindu Kush MOUNTAINS and spoke SANSKRIT. The Aryans were skilled warriors who used CHARIOTS in combat. - Aryan life was based on CATTLE herding. When they settled into the Indus Valley, they DIVIDED their society into those who were warriors, PRIESTS and cattle herders/Farmers. - Scholars are UNSURE of the full extent of the ENCOUNTER between the Indus Valley and the Aryans. - The Aryans seem to have worshipped a number of FIERCE warrior gods who lived in the SKY. - The Indus Valley people, on the other hand, emphasized FERTILITY, and worshipped a great MOTHER goddess. - Over a period of time, a FUSSION of cultures and BELIEF took place between the ARYANS and the earlier inhabitants of the land and this fusion created the religion of HINDUISM. Indus river civilization: - 500 B.C. Buddhism and Jainism become offshoots of Hinduism. - 400 – 100 B.C. Other sacred texts written, Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana. - 200 C.E. Hinduism spreads to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia. - 1175 Muslim empire takes over India. - 1818 British Rule India. - 1869 - 1948 Mohandas Gandhi. - 1947 End of British Rule. Creation of modern day India and Pakistan. Creed: - People of Vedic Period worshipped many gods (polytheism). - Today, Hinduism is Monotheistic Hindus worship one God who they call “LORD” or BRAHMAN - Three major Deities (TRIMURTI) of BRAHMAN are: BRAHMA - CREATOR VISHNU - PRESERVER SHIVA - DESTROYER - All together there are 300 million Deities. Other Hindu Deities - Ganesh - Saraswati Brahma: - Four Faces - Ladle - Vedas - Holy Water (Ganges River) - Prayer Beads - Lotus Throne Vishnu (10 avatars): - Fish - warning about flood - Tortoise – elixir of immortality - Boar – hoisted world above water - Man Lion – destroyed a demon - Dwarf – trickster figure - Rama with an Axe – restore caste - Krishna – lover, hero - Buddha – founder of Buddhism - Kalki – Yet to come (like Messiah). - Ff Shiva: - Ring of fire - Drum - Fire - Snake belt - Male and female earrings - Hands (refuge and blessing) - Crushing dwarf of ignorance Code: - Brahman – ultimate reality - Atman – individual soul - Samsara – endless cycle of life, death and rebirth - Dharma – Duty or particular way of behaving which governs life - Karma – Person’s actions, good or bad. Every action shows results in their next life - Moksha – Release from the cycle of samsara – replace Ignorance with wisdom - Maya – Prevents people from doing this illusion. Caste System: - Division of society into 4 classes or VARNAS - Dates back to the Vedic period - BRAHMIN – Priests - KSHATRIYA - Warriors, rulers - VAISHYA – Merchants, farmers - SUDRAS – Servants, laborers  - PARIAHS – Untouchables - They are not considered part of caste system. Gandhi referred to them as Harijans, children of god. Hindus path to salvation: - YOGA – Path (Yoke – attaining union with Brahman) Path to knowledge: - Jnana Yoga (wisdom) - Raja Yoga (meditation) - Meditation - Liberation through enlightenment - Realization that Brahman and atman are one, everything else is Maya - Includes deep breathing and training in morality - Concentration on mandalas (complex designs ) - Repetition of Chants or mantras (Om) Path to devotion: - Bhakti Yoga (Devotion) - Devotion to a particular deity or practice. - Puja (act of worship, prayer) - No harsh disciplined acts are practiced. Path of action: - Karma Yoga (Action) (emphasis on good deeds and unselfish actions) - 4 stages of life (20 years for each) - Last 2 stages for men only (not all man enter last two stages either) - Student - religious education - Householder – duty to family, job - Forest dweller* - retreat from worldly bonds, focus on spirituality - Ascetic* - give up everything meditate, attains salvation Samsara Questions: 1. What is Samsara? Why is Samsara regarded as a trap or curse? Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It is considered a trap because it keeps the soul bound to the physical world which is temporary, always changing and artificial. 2. Explain why Hindus believe the soul never dies. Hindus believe the soul (Atman) is eternal and indestructible, continuing its journey through different lives until liberation. 3. How is Maya connected to Samsara? Maya, or illusion, is considered the imperfect world that binds individuals to Samsara by making them focus on temporary, material things instead of spiritual truths. 4. What impact will a belief in Samsara have on a Hindu’s moral behaviour? A belief in Samsara encourages hindus to live a moral life, as good karma from ethical actions leads to better rebirths and bad actions will lead to a worse rebirth  5. What is the goal of all Hindus? The ultimate goal of all Hindus is to achieve Moksha, or liberation from the endless cycle of rebirths into this world and to unite the atman with the brahman. Path to Salvation: Bhakti Yoga (The Path Karma Yoga (The Jnana Yoga (The Path of Raja Yoga (The Path of of Devotion Path of Action) Wisdom & Knowledge) Meditation) How does a Using Bhakti Yoga a By performing By attaining self realization By mastering the mind and Hindu reach hindu reaches salvation selfless acts without and understanding the true body through meditation, salvation using by devotion and showing attachment to the nature of self (atman) as one leading to union with the this path? love toward a personal results, dedicating the with the ultimate reality divine and self realization. deity, surrendering fruits of their labour brahman. themselves to god, and to god. developing an emotional connection with god. What does a Hindus perform rituals, Hindus engage in Study scriptures, engage in Practice meditation, control Hindu actually sing devotional song work or duties meditation, participate in breathing (pranayama), and DO to follow (bhajans), recite prayers, aligned with dharma discussions with spiritual follow ethical guidelines this path? temple worship, and (ethical duty) while teachers, and practice (yamas and niyamas) while offer food or flowers to renouncing personal discernment to separate engaging in physical and their chosen deity. desires or rewards for illusion (maya) from reality. mental discipline. the actions. The Sacred The Bhagavad Gita and The bhagavad gita The upanishads and other The yoga sutras of patanjali Text or Puranas emphasize talks about the vedantic texts form the provide the philosophical and Scripture this bhakti yoga and provide importance of selfless foundation of this path. practical framework for raja path is based stories of devotion action as a means to yoga. upon spiritual liberation Hindu festivals and Symbols DIWALI What is it: Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. When is it celebrated: It is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. How do Hindus celebrate this festival: Hindus light oil lamps (diyas), decorate their homes, burst firecrackers, exchange gifts, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. HOLI What is it: Holi is the festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. When is it celebrated: It is celebrated in March, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. How do Hindus celebrate this festival: People smear colors on each other, dance, sing, and enjoy festive foods like gujiya and thandai. MAHASHIVARATRI What is it: Maha Shivaratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrating his divine energy and the cosmic dance. When is it celebrated: It is celebrated in February or March, on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna. How do Hindus celebrate this festival: Devotees observe fasting, perform night-long prayers, and offer milk, honey, and bel leaves to Shiva’s lingam. NAVARATRI What is it: Navaratri is a nine-day festival honoring Goddess Durga and her various forms, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. When is it celebrated: It is celebrated twice a year: in spring (Chaitra Navaratri) and autumn (Sharad Navaratri). How do Hindus celebrate this festival: Devotees perform daily prayers, observe fasting, and engage in cultural dances like Garba and Dandiya. Symbols & Icons in Hinduism FOREHEAD MARKS: These are symbolic marks, like the tilak or bindi, representing spiritual energy, devotion, and identity. SWASTIKA: A sacred symbol representing prosperity, good fortune, and well-being in Hinduism. SACRED COW: The cow is considered sacred in Hinduism, symbolizing non-violence, motherhood, and the sustenance of life. Hindu Rites of Passage: 1. What two measures are taken by parents to ensure a healthy baby? Parents perform rituals and recite prayers to protect the fetus. The mother eats only healthy foods 2. Explain the significance of the “OM” symbol to a newborn baby. The father writes the Om symbol on the baby’s tongue with honey, symbolizing truth and hoping the child will always speak truth, as sweet as honey.  3. How is a baby often named? A baby is named after a favorite god or goddess, and the name is whispered into the baby’s ear about a week after birth. 4. What is the significance of the haircut in relation to reincarnation? Haircutting symbolizes renewal and the shedding of wrongdoing from past lives. 5. Who is permitted to participate in the Ceremony of the Sacred Thread? Male members of the three upper castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. 6. What does the “Sacred Thread” represent? Provide examples. The Sacred Thread represents the interconnectedness of all things. It has seven strands, each representing virtues like power of speech, memory, intelligence, forgiveness, steadfastness, prosperity, and good reputation. 7. What is the difference between a “modern day” young man and an “early times” young man with reference to the Sacred Thread ceremony? In early times, young men lived with a guru to study scriptures and practice austerity. Today, only those aspiring to be priests or ascetics undergo such training. 8. What are the three generally accepted requirements of a Hindu marriage? Parents arrange the marriage, it usually occurs within the same caste, and the couple must consent. 9. What is the most significant act that takes place at a wedding? Why? The seven steps around the fire are most significant, as they symbolize bonding and sanctify the union for life. 10. What is done with a body after a person has died? The body is cremated, and the ashes are thrown into a river, often the Ganges. 11. What do prayers and offerings do for the deceased body? They are believed to help cleanse the deceased for rebirth and protect relatives from evil spirits. 12. What is significant about the Ganges River with reference to death? The Ganges is believed to purify the soul and help the deceased in the afterlife. HINDUISM – THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GANGES RIVER 1. Where did the river get its name from? - The river got its name from the goddess Ganga, who is considered the personification of the river. According to the myth, Ganga descended from heaven to purify the ashes of the 60,000 sons of King Sagara. 2. The Ganges has literal and symbolic meaning. It is a source of three key things: ○ a) Life ○ b) Renewal ○ c) Hope 3. When people visit the Ganges, what are some common practices? Why is this important? - People visit the Ganges to wash themselves or immerse the ashes of loved ones into its waters. This is considered important because it is believed that contact with the sacred river helps to purify a person’s soul, balance their karma, and provide spiritual renewal. 4. How does this myth portray one of the great gods, Shiva? - In this myth, Shiva is portrayed as a powerful god who has the ability to withstand the overwhelming force of the Ganges. He agrees to hold the river in his matted hair to prevent it from destroying the Earth, showing his compassion and power to protect and purify. 5. What does another of the great gods promise to those who worship Ganga? - Brahma promises that those who worship Ganga will receive purification and redemption, as the river flows across the Earth, offering blessings and spiritual cleansing to the faithful. HOLY PLACES IN HINDUISM - "THE HOME OF A GREAT GOD" 1. What is the name of the holiest city in the world for Hindus? What was it formerly called? - The holiest city is Varanasi, which was formerly known as Kashi. 2. Where exactly is it located? - Varanasi is located in the northern part of India, on the banks of the Ganges River in the state of Uttar Pradesh. 3. What is this city known as in English? - In English, it is often referred to as "The City of Light" or "The Spiritual Capital of India". 4. What important god is this city the home of? How did they honor him? - Varanasi is considered the home of the god Shiva. People honor him through offerings, rituals, and prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered temples dedicated to Shiva. 5. What do Hindus believe is so significant about this city? - Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi and being cremated on the banks of the Ganges grants them liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The city is considered a place of ultimate spiritual significance. 6. What are ashrams? How are they used in Hinduism today? - Ashrams are spiritual retreats or hermitages where people can go for meditation, study, and spiritual growth. Today, ashrams are used by Hindus for personal reflection, yoga, and to learn about Hindu scriptures and philosophy. 7. What are the other two major world religions that consider this city holy too? Why? - Buddhism and Jainism also consider Varanasi significant. For Buddhists, Varanasi is important because it is near Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon. For Jains, Varanasi is revered because it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara.