WR 2 NOTES (ADVANCE) PDF

Hinduism I.pdf Background and Development Origins: Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, with roots in the Vedic civilization (around 1500 BCE). It has no single founder and is a blend of Aryan and Dravidian beliefs. Aryans: Nomadic people who settled in the Indus Vall...

Hinduism I.pdf Background and Development Origins: Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, with roots in the Vedic civilization (around 1500 BCE). It has no single founder and is a blend of Aryan and Dravidian beliefs. Aryans: Nomadic people who settled in the Indus Valley, bringing their gods and rituals. They established the caste system, with Brahmins at the top. Dravidians: Indigenous people of India, whose religion (Shaivism) was integrated into Hinduism by the Aryans. Terminology Hindu: Derived from the Persian word Sindhu (Indus River), originally a geographical term for people living beyond the Indus. Brahmanism: Early form of Hinduism, centered around the worship of Brahman and the caste system. Scriptures Shruti ("heard"): The most authoritative texts, including: o Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda. o Brahmanas: Ritual texts. o Aranyakas: Forest texts for hermits. o Upanishads: Philosophical texts on Brahman and Atman. Smriti ("remembered"): Traditional texts, including: o Epics: Mahabharata (includes the Bhagavad Gita) and Ramayana. o Code of Manu: Hindu sacred law. o Puranas: Mythological texts on gods, creation, and destruction. Core Beliefs Sanatana Dharma: The eternal law or duty that upholds the universe, emphasizing right conduct, morality, and justice. Reincarnation: The soul is reborn based on past actions (karma). Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through knowledge, devotion, or righteous action.  Hinduism II.pdf Theology and Belief Systems Vedic Gods: Early Hinduism centered around the worship of numerous deities associated with natural phenomena. o Celestial Deities: Varuna (rain), Mitra (sun), Vishnu (preserver). o Atmospheric Deities: Indra (thunder), Vayu (wind), Rudra (destruction). o Terrestrial Deities: Agni (fire), Soma (libation). Puranic Gods (Trimurti): 1. Brahma: The creator, least worshiped. 2. Vishnu: The preserver, known for his avatars (e.g., Rama, Krishna). 3. Shiva: The destroyer, also associated with dance and reproduction. Trishakti (Goddesses): Female deities like Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Parvati are associated with the Trimurti and are central to Shaktism. Ishtadeva: The concept of choosing a personal deity for worship, such as Shiva, Vishnu, or a goddess like Kali. Pantheism: Hinduism accommodates many deities, all seen as manifestations of the universal God, Brahman. Doctrines Karma-Samsara Cycle: The doctrine of rebirth, where one's actions (karma) determine their future incarnations. Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through: 1. Karma Yoga: Path of action and duty. 2. Jnana Yoga: Path of knowledge and meditation. 3. Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion and love for a deity. Papa and Punya: Concepts of sin (papa) and merit (punya), with each action carrying karmic consequences. Maya: The illusion of the material world, which prevents one from seeing the true unity of Brahman. Avidya: Spiritual ignorance, the root cause of human suffering.  Hinduism III.pdf Caste System (Varnashrama) Definition: The caste system, or varna, is a social stratification system unique to Hinduism, based on birth (jati). Origins: Scholars speculate on its origins, with some attributing it to the Dravidians. The Vedas mention varna, but its development timeline is unclear. Four Major Classes: 1. Brahmins: Priests and spiritual leaders. 2. Kshatriyas: Rulers, warriors, and nobles. 3. Vaishyas: Farmers, merchants, and traders. 4. Shudras: Laborers and servants. Untouchables (Chandalas): A fifth category, excluded from communal rituals and public spaces, often required to identify themselves as untouchables. Religious Justification: The caste system is justified by karma and samsara (rebirth), where one's birth caste is determined by past actions. Rites and Rituals Yoga: Derived from Sanskrit Yuj, meaning to unite. It is more than physical exercise; it aims for spiritual consciousness and union with God. o Types of Yoga: 1. Karma Yoga: Path of duty, combining physical and mental aspects. 2. Jnana Yoga: Path of knowledge, requiring intellectual strength. 3. Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion, the most popular form, emphasizing love and surrender to a deity. Stages of Life (Ashramas): 1. Brahmacharya: Student stage, from ages 8-12 to 20-24. 2. Grihastha: Householder stage, involving marriage, wealth accumulation, and pleasure. 3. Vanaprastha: Forest dweller stage, focusing on reflection and detachment. 4. Sannyasa: Renouncer stage, aiming for liberation (moksha). Initiation (Upanayana): A ceremony for boys aged 8-12, marking their entry into student life. They receive a sacred thread and study under a guru.  Marriage: A sacred ceremony involving rituals like the lighting of a sacred fire (agni) and taking seven steps (saptapadi) around it, each step symbolizing different aspects of life. Funerals (Antyesti): Hindus cremate their dead, with the eldest son lighting the pyre. Ashes are scattered in a river, preferably the Ganges. Worship and Prayers: Rituals are central to Hindu life, with daily offerings to gods, ancestors, seers, animals, and the poor. Temples are places for communal worship. Pilgrimages: Visiting holy places like Varanasi is a sacred duty, believed to bring religious merit and ensure a better rebirth. Festivals: Hinduism has numerous festivals, such as Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Holi (Festival of Colors), celebrating deities, seasons, and mythological events. Contemporary Hinduism Hinduism is characterized by eclecticism and syncretism, leading to the birth of Sikhism and the modern theory of religious pluralism. Hinduism has been open to foreign traditions, as seen in the coexistence of Aryan and Dravidian cultures and the doctrine of Ishtadeva (chosen deity).  Buddhism I: Founder and Scriptures 1. Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Born: 563 BCE in the Sakya kingdom (modern Nepal). Father: Chieftain of the Hindu Kshatriya (warrior) caste. Mother's Dream: White elephant entering her womb, interpreted as a sign of future greatness. Name Meaning: "Buddha" means "Awakened One" or "Enlightened One." Life of Luxury: Raised in comfort and privilege, shielded from suffering. The Four Passing Sights Aged 29, Siddhartha encountered: 1. Old Man – Aging is inevitable. 2. Sick Man – Suffering exists. 3. Dead Body – Death is certain. 4. Ascetic Monk – A life of renunciation may provide answers. The Great Renunciation Left his family and kingdom in search of truth. Practiced severe asceticism but found it ineffective. Discovered The Middle Way: A balance between self-indulgence and self-denial. Enlightenment Under the Bodhi Tree Meditated for 49 days in Bodh Gaya, India. Mara (the tempter) tried to distract him with fear and desire. Attained Nirvana at age 35, gaining profound insight into suffering and liberation. 2. First Sermon: Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma Delivered at Deer Park, Sarnath (India) to five former ascetics. Introduced the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. 3. Buddhist Councils Held to preserve and codify teachings. 1. First Council (5th century BCE) – Compiled Buddha’s teachings. 2. Second Council (4th century BCE) – Led to a schism between Theravada and Mahasanghika. 3. Third Council (3rd century BCE) – Canonized Buddhist scriptures under Emperor Ashoka. 4. Fourth Council (1st century CE) – Formalized commentaries, further sectarian divisions. 4. Sacred Texts Tripitaka (Three Baskets) 1. Vinaya Pitaka – Monastic rules. 2. Sutta Pitaka – Buddha’s discourses. 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka – Philosophical analysis. Other Texts Dhammapada – Collection of Buddha’s sayings. Jataka Tales – Stories of Buddha’s past lives. Mahayana Sutras – Texts like the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing compassion and Bodhisattvas.  Buddhism II: Doctrines and Beliefs 1. Core Buddhist Beliefs The Triratna (Three Jewels) 1. Buddha – The teacher and ideal model. 2. Dharma – His teachings and the path to liberation. 3. Sangha – The community of monks and followers. The Four Noble Truths 1. Dukkha – Life is suffering (includes dissatisfaction, pain, impermanence). 2. Samudaya – Cause of suffering is desire and attachment (Tanha). 3. Nirodha – Suffering can end by eliminating desire. 4. Magga – The Eightfold Path leads to liberation. The Eightfold Path (Middle Way) Wisdom (Prajna) 1. Right Knowledge – Understanding the Four Noble Truths. 2. Right Intention – Developing compassion and renouncing greed. Morality (Sila) 3. Right Speech – Avoid lying, gossiping, and harmful words. 4. Right Action – No killing, stealing, or sexual misconduct. 5. Right Livelihood – Honest work that does not harm others. Meditation (Samadhi) 6. Right Effort – Cultivating good and abandoning harmful habits. 7. Right Mindfulness – Awareness of body, thoughts, and emotions. 8. Right Concentration – Deep meditation leading to enlightenment. Karma and Samsara Karma: Actions have consequences in this and future lives. Samsara: Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Nirvana: Ultimate liberation from suffering. 2. Buddhist Precepts Five Precepts (For Laypeople) 1. No killing. 2. No stealing. 3. No sexual misconduct. 4. No lying. 5. No intoxicants. Monastic Precepts Additional rules like no eating after noon, avoiding entertainment, and celibacy. 3. Buddhist Traditions Theravada Buddhism (Way of the Elders) Oldest tradition, dominant in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos. Focuses on individual enlightenment (Arhat Ideal). Strict monastic discipline. Uses Pali Canon (Tripitaka). Mahayana Buddhism (Great Vehicle) Dominant in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet. Emphasizes compassion and the Bodhisattva Ideal (helping others attain Nirvana). Uses Sanskrit and Chinese texts. Sects include Pure Land, Zen (Ch’an), and Nichiren Buddhism. Vajrayana Buddhism (Diamond Vehicle) Found in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia. Uses Tantric practices, mantras, and visualizations. Central figure: Dalai Lama. Buddhism III: Rites, Rituals, and Festivals 1. Rites and Rituals Stupas and Pagodas House Buddha’s relics (teeth, bones, hair). Pilgrims walk around stupas three times as a sign of devotion. Offerings and Worship Flowers, incense, candles, and food are given at home shrines or temples. Worshippers recite prayers, chant sutras, and meditate. Pilgrimages Visits to Buddhist holy sites bring spiritual merit. Four main pilgrimage sites: 1. Lumbini (Nepal) – Buddha’s birthplace. 2. Bodh Gaya (India) – Enlightenment site. 3. Sarnath (India) – First sermon. 4. Kushinagar (India) – Buddha’s passing into Nirvana. 2. Buddhist Festivals Global Festivals 1. Vesak (Buddha Day) – Celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death (April/May). 2. Bodhi Day – Buddha’s enlightenment (December 8).  3. Nirvana Day – Commemorates Buddha’s passing (February 15). Japanese Buddhist Festivals 4. Ohigan – Observed during spring/autumn equinox, focuses on Six Perfections (virtues). 5. Obon (Festival of Souls) – Honors deceased ancestors (July/August). Theravada Buddhist Festivals 6. Dharma-Chakra Day – Celebrates Buddha’s first sermon (July full moon). 7. Poson – Commemorates Buddhism’s arrival in Sri Lanka (June full moon).  SIKHISM 1. Historical Background Origin: Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of India around the 16th century. Interpretations: Some scholars view it as a reform movement of Hinduism. Others see it as a blend of Hinduism and Islam (religious syncretism). Sikhs reject these interpretations, asserting it is a new, divine revelation and an independent religion. Political Involvement: In the 17th century, Sikhs became politically active, leading to conflicts with the Mughal dynasty. Many Sikhs, including a guru, were executed during Emperor Aurangzeb's reign (1658-1707). This led to the development of military characteristics within Sikhism. 2. The Founder: Guru Nanak Biography: Born in 1469 in Talwandi, India, to Hindu parents. Influenced by both Islamic and Hindu scriptures. Married young but had an unhappy marriage, leading him to wander in search of truth. Experienced a transformative revelation at age 30, proclaiming the message of the True Name and the oneness of humanity. 3. Succession of Gurus Guru Lineage: Guru Nanak was succeeded by nine other gurus over 150 years. Notable Gurus include: Guru Angad: Developed the Punjabi script. Guru Arjan Dev: Compiled the Guru Granth Sahib and built the Golden Temple. Guru Gobind Singh: Established the Khalsa and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. 4. Scriptures Guru Granth Sahib: The primary scripture of Sikhism, compiled by Guru Arjan in 1604. Includes teachings from Sikh Gurus and selected writings from non-Sikh saints. The scripture emphasizes the oneness of God and the universality of truth. Dasam Granth: A secondary scripture attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, containing various writings and poetry. 5. Theology and Doctrines Core Beliefs: Monotheism: There is only one God (Sat Nam). God's Nature: God is both personal (Saguna) and impersonal (Nirguna). Guruship: Spiritual authority is vested in the Guru, with the community and scripture also serving as forms of Guru. Mukti (Salvation): Attained through honest living and meditation on God. Emphasizes faith and remembrance of God rather than renunciation or fasting. 6. Rites and Rituals Social Service: Integral to Sikh life; service to others is essential for spiritual progress. Amrit Pahul (Baptism): Initiation ceremony involving the preparation of Amrit (sugar and water) and the recitation of prayers. Represents clarity, sweetness, valor, and spirituality. Five Ks (Symbols of Faith): Kesh: Uncut hair, symbolizing acceptance of God's will. Kangha: Wooden comb for maintaining hair. Kara: Steel bracelet representing strength. Kirpan: Small sword symbolizing self-defense and justice. Kaccha: Special shorts representing readiness for battle. 7. Worship and Prayers Private and Public Worship: Sikhs are encouraged to meditate on God early in the morning. Recitation of prayers like Japji is common. Gurdwara: Sikh place of worship, symbolizing community and collective unity. Open to all, with customary etiquette (removing shoes, covering heads). Langar: Community kitchen providing free meals to all, regardless of background. 8. Dietary Practices Meat Consumption: Sikhs may eat meat occasionally, primarily during ceremonies. Halal meat is prohibited due to historical context. Fasting: Not regarded as a spiritual practice; emphasis is on Nam-Simran (God- remembrance) and Sewa (selfless service). 9. Marriages Arranged Marriages: Parents seek suitable partners within the community. Marriage is seen as a union of families, not just individuals. Anand Karaj: The sacred marriage ceremony involving hymns and prayers. 10. Funerals Death Rituals: Dying individuals are encouraged to recite Wahe Guru. Cremation occurs soon after death, with prayers for peace. Ashes are scattered in flowing water, symbolizing the return to nature.  CONFUCIANISM 1. Background and Demographics Approximately 6 million self-identified Confucians globally, primarily in East Asia. Confucianism originated in China and has influenced cultures in Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Despite a decline in active followers, Confucian values persist in modern societies, including Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. The Communist government in China has attempted to suppress Confucianism, but its influence remains significant. 2. Founder: Confucius Confucius (K’ung Fu-tzu) lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. Born in the state of Lu, China, to an aristocratic family. His father sought a wife to bear a male child, leading to Confucius's birth. Received education despite family poverty; aimed for a political career. Held minor government positions and began teaching around age 40. Disillusioned with the political system, he traveled China seeking a ruler to implement his ideas. Died at age 73; his teachings gained prominence posthumously. 3. Teachings and Philosophy Confucius emphasized moral codes based on ethics, humanity, and love. Introduced the "Golden Rule": "Do not do to others what you would not wish them to do to you." His teachings were preserved in the Analects, compiled by his disciples after his death. Confucius edited five ancient classics, which became foundational texts in Confucianism. 4. Scriptures Analects of Confucius: Most important scripture containing his teachings. Wu Jing (Five Canonical Works): 1. I Jing (Book of Changes)  2. Shu Jing (Book of Historical Records) 3. Shi Jing (Book of Odes) 4. Li Ji (Book of Rites) 5. Chun Qiu (Spring and Autumn Annals) Si Shu (Four Books): 1. Yun Lu (Analects) 2. Da Xue (Great Learning) 3. Zhong Yong (Doctrine of the Mean) 4. Mengzi (Sayings of Mencius) Later Additions: 1. Zhou Li (Rites of the Zhou) 2. Yi Li (The Etiquette and Rites) 3. Xiao Jing (Classic of Filial Piety) 4. Luxuriant Gems of the Annals 5. Dai De and Dai Sheng 6. Zhong Yong (Center of Harmony) 5. Confucianism as a Moral Code Confucianism is often viewed as a moral code rather than a religion. Followers may also practice Buddhism or Christianity while engaging in Confucian rituals. Focuses on human behavior in society and the ideal way to live. The ideal person is the "noble person," defined by cultivating true humanness (jen) through rituals (li). 6. Key Doctrines and Ethical Codes Emphasizes the importance of humaneness and respect in social relationships. Five key relationships: 1. Ruler – Subject  2. Father – Son 3. Elder Brother – Younger Brother 4. Husband – Wife 5. Friend – Friend Each relationship has specific duties and rituals associated with them. The Five Constants of Confucian ethics: Rén (仁): Benevolence, humaneness Yì (义): Righteousness, justice Lǐ (礼): Proper rite Zhì (智): Knowledge Xìn (信): Integrity Additional virtues include loyalty (Zhōng), filial piety (Xiào), and others emphasizing moral character and social responsibility. 7. Conclusion Confucianism has shaped Chinese civilization and continues to influence modern societies. Its teachings promote a framework for ethical behavior and social harmony, emphasizing the cultivation of personal virtues and respect for others. ___________________________________________________________________________ v BY: AIMAN & MINHAL