Week 2 – Hinduism & JainismWeek 2 – Hinduism & Jainism

Review of Week 1Review of Week 1

Why is it important to study other Why is it important to study other religions?religions?– Global workplaceGlobal workplace– People from other religions see the world People from other religions see the world

differently than you dodifferently than you do

Overview of Week 2Overview of Week 2

Explain how Hinduism developed into a Explain how Hinduism developed into a religion.religion.

Describe the major tenets of the Hindu Describe the major tenets of the Hindu belief system.belief system.

HinduismHinduismThe world’s oldest religion, has no beginning—it The world’s oldest religion, has no beginning—it precedes recorded historyprecedes recorded history

Has no human founderHas no human founder

Is a mystical religion, leading the devotee to Is a mystical religion, leading the devotee to personally experience the Truth within, finally personally experience the Truth within, finally reaching the pinnacle of consciousness where reaching the pinnacle of consciousness where man and God are oneman and God are one

Development of HinduismDevelopment of Hinduism

Has been practiced in India since at least Has been practiced in India since at least 3000 BCE3000 BCE

Originated around the Indus river valleyOriginated around the Indus river valley– ‘‘Hindu’ is derived from ‘Indus’Hindu’ is derived from ‘Indus’– Used by the British to describe a great variety Used by the British to describe a great variety

of religious practices of religious practices – Not a native termNot a native term

Santana Dharma – Santana Dharma – Eternal TruthEternal Truth

HinduismHinduismIt was not started as a system, like Islam or ChristianityIt was not started as a system, like Islam or Christianity It is the product of the seers of the It is the product of the seers of the VedasVedas. It was . It was developed from age to age by the teachings of developed from age to age by the teachings of Avataras, Rishis, Avataras, Rishis, VedasVedas, the Upanishads, the Gita and , the Upanishads, the Gita and the Itihasasthe ItihasasHinduism is also known by the names Sanatana Hinduism is also known by the names Sanatana Dharma and Vaidika DharmaDharma and Vaidika Dharma– Sanatana Dharma means eternal religion, the Sanatana Dharma means eternal religion, the

Ancient LawAncient Law– Vaidika Dharma means the religion of the Vaidika Dharma means the religion of the VedasVedas. .

The The VedasVedas are the foundational scriptures of Hinduism. are the foundational scriptures of Hinduism.

Stages of HinduismStages of HinduismNature worshiping with prayers, chants, and sacred formulas Nature worshiping with prayers, chants, and sacred formulas -- ~ time of the Aryan invasion and the blending of religions-- ~ time of the Aryan invasion and the blending of religionsPriestlyPriestly Hinduism with the Brahmanas and a focus on Hinduism with the Brahmanas and a focus on sacrifice ~1000 – 800 BC(E)sacrifice ~1000 – 800 BC(E)PhilosophicPhilosophic Hinduism with the development of the Hinduism with the development of the Upanishads ~800 – 600 BC(E)Upanishads ~800 – 600 BC(E)LegalisticLegalistic Hinduism with the Code of Manu & stress upon Hinduism with the Code of Manu & stress upon obedience to a law ~250 BC(E)obedience to a law ~250 BC(E)Devotional Devotional Hinduism as exemplified in the Bhavagad-Vita 1Hinduism as exemplified in the Bhavagad-Vita 1stst century AD (CE)century AD (CE)Popular Hinduism with temples, shrines, sacred places, Popular Hinduism with temples, shrines, sacred places, pilgrimages, belief in transmigration since 1pilgrimages, belief in transmigration since 1stst century century

Comparison of World ReligionsComparison of World Religions. Heydt. 1967. (P. 18-19).. Heydt. 1967. (P. 18-19).

Background - PantheonBackground - Pantheon

The holy Hindu scriptures, the Veda, propound The holy Hindu scriptures, the Veda, propound the idea of the idea of 33 principal deities33 principal deities in the earlier in the earlier Hindu pantheon. Hindu pantheon. Because of a mistranslation Because of a mistranslation this has sometimes been interpreted as 330 this has sometimes been interpreted as 330 millionmillion – the word for ‘types or kinds’ and the – the word for ‘types or kinds’ and the word for 10 million (crore) are the same.word for 10 million (crore) are the same.

This, naturally has lead to accusations of This, naturally has lead to accusations of rampant pantheism when it really means that rampant pantheism when it really means that the One God had 33 distinct aspects, all with the One God had 33 distinct aspects, all with separate images and functions.separate images and functions.

The elements of World ReligionsThe elements of World Religions. Flowers. 1997. (P. 71).. Flowers. 1997. (P. 71).

Historical FiguresHistorical Figures

Rishis – the ‘forest seers’Rishis – the ‘forest seers’– Wrote down the VedasWrote down the Vedas– Vyasa- mythical (?) compiler/author of VedasVyasa- mythical (?) compiler/author of Vedas

Shankara Shankara

‘ ‘All plurality andAll plurality and

differentiation isdifferentiation is

nothing but an nothing but an

Illusion.’Illusion.’

Mahatmas (Great-Souled One) GandhiMahatmas (Great-Souled One) Gandhi

Background – Central TenetsBackground – Central Tenets

Central tenets of Hinduism:Central tenets of Hinduism:

Everything in existence is an expression of Everything in existence is an expression of GodGod

The proper aim of anyone’s life is to come The proper aim of anyone’s life is to come close, realize, and merge with Godclose, realize, and merge with God

World delights are temptations that divert the World delights are temptations that divert the person from pursuing his true purpose of person from pursuing his true purpose of coming near to Godcoming near to God

The elements of World ReligionsThe elements of World Religions. Flowers. 1997.. Flowers. 1997.

Hinduism: Central BeliefsHinduism: Central Beliefs

Plurality of BeliefsPlurality of Beliefs

Cyclical nature of universeCyclical nature of universe– Creation and destructionCreation and destruction

BrahmanBrahman

Reincarnation (Reincarnation (samsara)samsara)

KarmaKarma

Goal of human life: Goal of human life: mokshamoksha

CommonalitiesCommonalities

1. H1. Have deep ave deep roots in the Vedasroots in the Vedas and other and other scriptures but also in scriptures but also in direct personal direct personal experiences of the truth through meditationexperiences of the truth through meditation..2. H2. Hold ethics to be central to orderly social life. old ethics to be central to orderly social life. They attribute suffering to the law of They attribute suffering to the law of karmakarma, , thereby suggesting incentives to more ethical thereby suggesting incentives to more ethical behavior.behavior.3. H3. Hold that the old that the ultimate cause of suffering is ultimate cause of suffering is people’s ignorance of their true naturepeople’s ignorance of their true nature, the Self, , the Self, which is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, which is omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, perfect, and eternal.perfect, and eternal.

“Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence; recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are diverse; and the realization of the truth that the number of gods to be worshiped is large, that indeed is the distinguishing feature of the Hindu religion.”

-India’s Supreme Court, 1995

Who is a Hindu?Hinduism

Indian Supreme court definition of Indian Supreme court definition of HinduismHinduism

The Indian Supreme court has formally defined Hindu beliefs in a The Indian Supreme court has formally defined Hindu beliefs in a way that way that affirms universality rather than exclusivenessaffirms universality rather than exclusiveness. According to . According to the Court’s definition, to be a Hindu means:the Court’s definition, to be a Hindu means:– 1. 1. Acceptance and reverence for the Vedas as the foundation of Acceptance and reverence for the Vedas as the foundation of

Hindu philosophy;Hindu philosophy;– 2. 2. A spirit of A spirit of tolerance, and willingness to understand and tolerance, and willingness to understand and

appreciate others’ points of viewappreciate others’ points of view, recognizing that truth has , recognizing that truth has many sides;many sides;

– 3. 3. Acceptance of the belief that vast cosmic periods of creation, Acceptance of the belief that vast cosmic periods of creation, maintenance, and dissolution continuously recur;maintenance, and dissolution continuously recur;

– 4. 4. Acceptance of belief in Acceptance of belief in reincarnationreincarnation;;– 5. 5. Recognition Recognition that paths to truth and salvation are manythat paths to truth and salvation are many;;– 6. 6. Recognition that Recognition that there may be numerous gods and there may be numerous gods and

goddesses to worshipgoddesses to worship, without necessarily believing in worship , without necessarily believing in worship through idols;through idols;

– 7. 7. Unlike other religions, absence of belief in a specific set of Unlike other religions, absence of belief in a specific set of philosophic concepts philosophic concepts

Nature of the DivineNature of the Divine

Brahman Brahman – The ultimate reality behind all thingsThe ultimate reality behind all things

Impersonal and beyond description; without Impersonal and beyond description; without attributes; indescribableattributes; indescribable

Or – manifest in a personal way, as in a particular Or – manifest in a personal way, as in a particular deity (such as Siva, Krishna, or Vishnu)deity (such as Siva, Krishna, or Vishnu)

The GodheadThe GodheadUpanishads first suggested the idea of a God (Brahman) Upanishads first suggested the idea of a God (Brahman)

without form (akara) or quality (guna) around 6without form (akara) or quality (guna) around 6 thth century AD century AD (CE)(CE)Therefore the godhead must be represented by aspectsTherefore the godhead must be represented by aspects

The Trimurti (3 major aspects):The Trimurti (3 major aspects):BrahmaBrahma – – creative aspectcreative aspect of Brahman of Brahman

Consort is Sarawati goddess of Arts and LearningConsort is Sarawati goddess of Arts and Learning

VishnuVishnu – – preserver aspectpreserver aspect of Brahman of BrahmanConsort is Laxmi goddess of Good FortuneConsort is Laxmi goddess of Good Fortune

Rama and Krishna are avatars of VishnuRama and Krishna are avatars of Vishnu

ShivaShiva – – destroyer aspectdestroyer aspect of Brahman, also fertility and regeneration of Brahman, also fertility and regenerationConsort is Parvati who is worshiped in two formsConsort is Parvati who is worshiped in two forms

Benign form worshiped as Shakti – Mother GoddessBenign form worshiped as Shakti – Mother Goddess

Destructive form worshiped as Durga or Kali – who demands blood sacrificeDestructive form worshiped as Durga or Kali – who demands blood sacrifice

Both aspects combined form the dualistic play of cosmic forces Both aspects combined form the dualistic play of cosmic forces

Trimurti or TriadTrimurti or Triad

BrahmaBrahma, the , the CreatorCreator god god–Balance between Vishnu and Balance between Vishnu and

ShivaShiva

VishnuVishnu, the , the ProtectorProtector god god

ShivaShiva, the , the DestroyerDestroyer god god–Vishnu and Shiva represent Vishnu and Shiva represent

opposite forcesopposite forces

Brahma, the CreatorBrahma, the CreatorBrahmaBrahma is depicted as red in color is depicted as red in color with four heads, bearded faces, with four heads, bearded faces, and four armsand four armsHis hands hold a kamandalu, his His hands hold a kamandalu, his bow or a rosary, a sacrificial ladle, bow or a rosary, a sacrificial ladle, and the Vedas. and the Vedas. BrahmaBrahma is sometimes depicted as is sometimes depicted as sitting on a lotus.sitting on a lotus. The four Vedas are said to have The four Vedas are said to have originated from his head. originated from his head. The four castes (see The four castes (see Varna) are ) are also believed to have originated also believed to have originated from from BrahmaBrahma: the : the Brahmins from from his head, the Kshatriyas from his his head, the Kshatriyas from his arms, the Vaishyas from his arms, the Vaishyas from his thighs, and the Shudras from his thighs, and the Shudras from his feet.  feet. 

VishnuVishnu

SivaSiva

Vedic godsVedic godsSurya, the Sun godSurya, the Sun god– Surya is linked with Agni and VayuSurya is linked with Agni and Vayu

Agni, the Fire godAgni, the Fire god– Was one of the most popular of the Vedic deitiesWas one of the most popular of the Vedic deities– He acted as a mediator between gods and humans which often involved He acted as a mediator between gods and humans which often involved

aburning a sacrifice to the godsaburning a sacrifice to the godsIndra, the Warrior leaderIndra, the Warrior leader– He would lead the Vedic gods in battles against demonsHe would lead the Vedic gods in battles against demons– He was strong, brave and a great eater and drinkerHe was strong, brave and a great eater and drinker

Vayu, the god of the air and windVayu, the god of the air and wind– Often linked with Indra and his chariotOften linked with Indra and his chariot– Involved in conflicts with VishnuInvolved in conflicts with Vishnu

Varuna, the god of the sky and waterVaruna, the god of the sky and water– He is all-knowing and all-seeing and king of the Vedic godsHe is all-knowing and all-seeing and king of the Vedic gods– He had the power to punish sinsHe had the power to punish sins– To please him one had to lead a virtuous lifeTo please him one had to lead a virtuous life

Vishnu, the ProtectorVishnu, the ProtectorVishnuVishnu, the , the PreserverPreserver God, is the God, is the protector of dharma (righteousness) protector of dharma (righteousness) and the guardian of humanityand the guardian of humanityHis particular task is the conservation His particular task is the conservation or preservation of the Divine Order in or preservation of the Divine Order in the worldthe worldVishnuVishnu has had10 avatars or has had10 avatars or incarnationsincarnationsHe assumes these and comes down He assumes these and comes down to earth in order to help humanityto earth in order to help humanityIn reliefs, sculptures, and paintings In reliefs, sculptures, and paintings VishnuVishnu is shown possessing 4 arms is shown possessing 4 arms and has a long and narrow sign in the and has a long and narrow sign in the shape of a U inscribed on his shape of a U inscribed on his foreheadforeheadHis followers wear the same sign. His followers wear the same sign.

Avatars of VishnuAvatars of Vishnu

Matsya, the fish avatarMatsya, the fish avatar

Kurma, the tortoise avatarKurma, the tortoise avatar

Varaha, the boar avatarVaraha, the boar avatar

Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatarNarasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar

Vamana, the dwarf avatarVamana, the dwarf avatar

Parashurama, “Rama with the axe” avatarParashurama, “Rama with the axe” avatar

Rama, the Lord Rama avatarRama, the Lord Rama avatar

Krishna, demon king Kamsa avatarKrishna, demon king Kamsa avatar

Buddha, ninth avatarBuddha, ninth avatar

Kalki, the Final avatarKalki, the Final avatar

Shiva, the DestroyerShiva, the Destroyer

Shiva Shiva sits on Mount sits on Mount Kailasa in silent meditationKailasa in silent meditation

He is the king of yogis and He is the king of yogis and the original teacher of the original teacher of spiritual sciencespiritual science

The message of The message of ShivaShiva for for the spiritual seeker is to the spiritual seeker is to become one with become one with ShivaShiva's 's consciousness by consciousness by meditating within to meditating within to experience the Absolute experience the Absolute

Shakti, the Female Aspect of the Shakti, the Female Aspect of the godsgods

Sarasvati, the consort of BrahmaSarasvati, the consort of Brahma

Lakshmi, the wife of VishnuLakshmi, the wife of Vishnu

Shiva’s consorts take on many formsShiva’s consorts take on many forms– Parvati, the benignParvati, the benign– Durga, the fearsomeDurga, the fearsome

SarasvatiSarasvati

Sarasvati, the consort of Lord Brahma, is the Sarasvati, the consort of Lord Brahma, is the Hindu goddess of learning and the creative artsHindu goddess of learning and the creative arts. . With two of her four hands, she plays upon a With two of her four hands, she plays upon a stringed instrument called a veena; her third stringed instrument called a veena; her third hand holds a sacred book; and the fourth, which hand holds a sacred book; and the fourth, which bears a rosary, is raised in blessing. She is bears a rosary, is raised in blessing. She is usually depicted seated on a white swan or a usually depicted seated on a white swan or a peacock.peacock.

SarasvatiSarasvatiSarasvati is the Hindu Goddess of Sarasvati is the Hindu Goddess of all arts: all arts: music, painting, sculpture, dance, and music, painting, sculpture, dance, and writingwriting. . She is credited with presenting the gift of She is credited with presenting the gift of writing to mankind so that her songs could writing to mankind so that her songs could be written down and preserved. be written down and preserved. Sarasvati is often depicted on the back of a Sarasvati is often depicted on the back of a swan or peacock, and with four arms, with swan or peacock, and with four arms, with which she plays the lute or drum and which she plays the lute or drum and bestows jeweled blessings. bestows jeweled blessings. She is the Goddess of eloquence, and She is the Goddess of eloquence, and words pour from her like a sweetly flowing words pour from her like a sweetly flowing river. river. One myth of this Goddess is that She is a One myth of this Goddess is that She is a jealous rival of the Goddess of wealth, jealous rival of the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and that pursuing wealth alone Lakshmi, and that pursuing wealth alone will assure that Sarasvati's gifts will desert will assure that Sarasvati's gifts will desert youyou. .

LakshmiLakshmiLakshmi is the goddess of Lakshmi is the goddess of wealthwealth. . She is also called 'Sri' ' Money, She is also called 'Sri' ' Money, grain, cattle, land, gold, and silver grain, cattle, land, gold, and silver are forms of wealth. are forms of wealth. Everybody Everybody worships Lakshmi because one worships Lakshmi because one gets wealth if Lakshmi grants itgets wealth if Lakshmi grants it..

Wife of Vishnu. In different Wife of Vishnu. In different incarnations of Vishnu she married incarnations of Vishnu she married Sri Rama as Sita, Sri Krishna as Sri Rama as Sita, Sri Krishna as Rukmini and Sri Venkateshwara as Rukmini and Sri Venkateshwara as Padmavati. Devotees believe that Padmavati. Devotees believe that Lakshmi resides in a place where Lakshmi resides in a place where virtue, righteousness, truth and virtue, righteousness, truth and compassion prevail.compassion prevail.

Parvati, the BenignParvati, the Benign

Consort of Lord Shiva. Consort of Lord Shiva.

By rigorous penance she won over Shiva, By rigorous penance she won over Shiva, himself a great ascetic. himself a great ascetic.

Mother of Shanmukha and Ganesha. Mother of Shanmukha and Ganesha.

By becoming the wife of Shiva she paved By becoming the wife of Shiva she paved the way for the spread the way for the spread of peaceof peace

and felicity in the world. and felicity in the world.

GaneshaGanesha

Ganesha is the son of Ganesha is the son of Shiva and ParvatiShiva and ParvatiHe is the He is the god of good god of good luckluckPeople People pray to him to pray to him to remove any obstacles remove any obstacles they might face, they might face, especially before new especially before new undertakingsundertakings such as such as moving, marriage or moving, marriage or examsexams

A. Scriptures1. Vedas

Hinduism

2. Upanishads3. Bhagavad Gita4. Puranas

Sacred TextsSacred Texts

VedasVedas– ShrutiShruti and and SmritiSmriti

Four collections of texts (Four collections of texts (ShrutiShruti))– Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Arthava-Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda, and Arthava-

Veda Veda

Mostly hymns and ritualsMostly hymns and rituals

UpanishadsUpanishads – last of the Vedas – last of the Vedas– a shift to a more internal and speculative religion with a shift to a more internal and speculative religion with

the introduction of reincarnation and the importance of the introduction of reincarnation and the importance of moksha moksha

Sacred TextsSacred Texts

MahabharataMahabharata, , RamayanaRamayana & Code of Manu & Code of Manu– Epic poemsEpic poems– Mahabharata is loooooong…Mahabharata is loooooong…– Ramanya contains the Ramanya contains the Bhagavad GitaBhagavad Gita

Establishes Rama as the model for Hindu lifeEstablishes Rama as the model for Hindu lifeGrounds for Grounds for Bhakti – Bhakti – intense personal devotion to a intense personal devotion to a particular deityparticular deity

– Code of Manu: laws governing all aspects of life, Code of Manu: laws governing all aspects of life, including the proper conduct of rulers, dietary including the proper conduct of rulers, dietary restrictions, marriage laws, daily rituals, purification restrictions, marriage laws, daily rituals, purification rites, social laws, and ethical guidance. [around 100 rites, social laws, and ethical guidance. [around 100 A.D.]A.D.]

Ritual and PracticeRitual and Practice

BhaktiBhakti– Great variety of expressions of devotion, Great variety of expressions of devotion,

depending on which deity one is devoted to.depending on which deity one is devoted to.““The Hindu mind is averse to assigning an The Hindu mind is averse to assigning an unalterable or rigidly fixed form or name to the unalterable or rigidly fixed form or name to the deity. Hence it is that in Hinduism we have deity. Hence it is that in Hinduism we have innumerable god-forms and countless divine innumerable god-forms and countless divine names. And, it is a truth that is recognized by all names. And, it is a truth that is recognized by all Hindus that obeisance offered to any of these Hindus that obeisance offered to any of these forms and names reaches the one supreme God.”forms and names reaches the one supreme God.”

Devotional disciplinesDevotional disciplines

Yoga – means ‘to yoke.’Yoga – means ‘to yoke.’– Spiritual seekers are generally encouraged to engage Spiritual seekers are generally encouraged to engage

in disciplines that clear the mind and support a state in disciplines that clear the mind and support a state of serene, detached awareness. This desired state of of serene, detached awareness. This desired state of balance, purity, wisdom, and peacefulness of mind is balance, purity, wisdom, and peacefulness of mind is described as described as sattvicsattvic, in contrast with active, restless , in contrast with active, restless states or lethargic, dull states. The practices for states or lethargic, dull states. The practices for increasing increasing sattvic sattvic qualities are known collectively as qualities are known collectively as yogayoga. There are . There are four main yogic pathsfour main yogic paths, suited to , suited to different kinds of human personalities—different kinds of human personalities—rajaraja, , jnanajnana, , karmakarma, and , and bhaktibhakti..

4 types of yogic paths4 types of yogic paths

Raja yogaRaja yoga– Path of physical disciplines (Western or Hatha Path of physical disciplines (Western or Hatha

yoga)yoga)

Jhana yogaJhana yoga– Path of knowledgePath of knowledge

Karma yogaKarma yoga– Path of actionPath of action

Bhakti yogaBhakti yoga– Path of devotionPath of devotion

Yogic practicesYogic practices

The sacred sound of creationThe sacred sound of creation– ‘‘Om’ Om’ – The The OM OM symbol,symbol,

representing the originalrepresenting the original

sound of creation, issound of creation, is

topped by the sun andtopped by the sun and

the moon, harmonizedthe moon, harmonized

opposites. To chant opposites. To chant OMOM

is to commune with thisis to commune with this

cosmic sound vibration.cosmic sound vibration.

Hindu practicesHindu practices

PurificationPurification

PilgrimagePilgrimage

Holy DaysHoly Days– DivaliDivali– HoliHoli

AsceticismAsceticism

Hindu Ethics and MoralityHindu Ethics and Morality

KarmaKarma– Our actions have consequences, good or badOur actions have consequences, good or bad– Very strong moral teachingVery strong moral teaching

Code of ManuCode of Manu– describes the describes the four basic goals that motivate humansfour basic goals that motivate humans: :

pleasure, gain, righteousness and liberationpleasure, gain, righteousness and liberation..– Although each goal has its rightful place, all but the Although each goal has its rightful place, all but the

last (liberation) will exhaust themselves. To move last (liberation) will exhaust themselves. To move closer to liberation from the cycle of life and death, closer to liberation from the cycle of life and death, individuals must follow the highest principle (dharma) individuals must follow the highest principle (dharma) in themselves. They must hold the family sacred and in themselves. They must hold the family sacred and commit themselves to their community with commit themselves to their community with compassion and non-harmfulness. compassion and non-harmfulness.

4 Concepts of Morality4 Concepts of Morality

4 Main reasons for all human actions:4 Main reasons for all human actions:– DharmaDharma – to do what is right according to – to do what is right according to

religious and moral principles, age, education, religious and moral principles, age, education, occupation, and social caste (varna) with occupation, and social caste (varna) with different obligations depending on social classdifferent obligations depending on social class

– ArthaArtha – acquisition of wealth to support your – acquisition of wealth to support your family and to make their lives comfortablefamily and to make their lives comfortable

– KamaKama – enjoyment of the physical pleasures – enjoyment of the physical pleasures that life has to offerthat life has to offer

– MokshaMoksha – aiming for liberation from the – aiming for liberation from the endless cycles of birth, death, and rebirth endless cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and achieving oneness with God(samsara) and achieving oneness with God

CODE OF MANU

Hindu practicesHindu practices

CremationCremation– Since only the soul survives death, most Since only the soul survives death, most

bodies are cremated, and the ashes are often bodies are cremated, and the ashes are often scattered on sacred riversscattered on sacred rivers

ChantingChanting– Specified verbal formulas, sacred chants, Specified verbal formulas, sacred chants,

(called (called mantrasmantras) and sacred actions were to ) and sacred actions were to be used by the priests to invoke the breath be used by the priests to invoke the breath behind all of existence behind all of existence

Caste SystemCaste System

There are 4 castes;There are 4 castes;

1.1. Brahmans – priestly and intellectual casteBrahmans – priestly and intellectual caste

2.2. Kshatriyas – governing and military casteKshatriyas – governing and military caste

3.3. Vaisya – merchant and agricultural casteVaisya – merchant and agricultural caste

4.4. Sudras – the artisan and laboring casteSudras – the artisan and laboring caste

A non-caste is the untouchables whose A non-caste is the untouchables whose primary duty is management of dead primary duty is management of dead animals and peopleanimals and people

Hindu Ethics and MoralityHindu Ethics and Morality

Caste systemCaste system– Fought against by GandhiFought against by Gandhi– Not formally recognized by Indian Not formally recognized by Indian

GovernmentGovernment– Still very prevalent Still very prevalent

Nine Beliefs of HinduismNine Beliefs of Hinduism1.1. In the divinity of the Vedas, the world’s most ancient scripture, In the divinity of the Vedas, the world’s most ancient scripture,

and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God’s word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the hymns are God’s word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion which has neither beginning nor end.eternal religion which has neither beginning nor end.

2.2. In a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent In a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.

3.3. That the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, That the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.preservation and dissolution.

4.4. In karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual In karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.

Nine Beliefs of HinduismNine Beliefs of Hinduism

5.5. That the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have That the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha, spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle been resolved, and moksha, spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.of rebirth, is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.

6.6. That divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship, rituals, That divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship, rituals, sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion with these sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion with these devas and Gods.devas and Gods.

7.7. That a spiritually awakened master, or satguru, is essential to know the That a spiritually awakened master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation.pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation.

8.8. That all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, That all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, “noninjury.”“noninjury.”

9.9. That no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, That no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God’s Pure Love and Light, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God’s Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.deserving tolerance and understanding.

Four Facts of HinduismFour Facts of HinduismKarmaKarma– Karma is what the soul undergoes in one of two ways, Karma is what the soul undergoes in one of two ways,

according to whether its actions are virtuous or not; but according to whether its actions are virtuous or not; but both kinds subsist until the end of enjoyment in this world.both kinds subsist until the end of enjoyment in this world.-Svayambu Agama-Svayambu Agama

ReincarnationReincarnation– Through his past works he shall return once more to birth, Through his past works he shall return once more to birth,

entering whatever form his heart is set on. This mighty entering whatever form his heart is set on. This mighty soul unborn grows not old, nor dies, for the soul is soul unborn grows not old, nor dies, for the soul is immortal and fearless.immortal and fearless.-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad-Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

Four Facts of HinduismFour Facts of Hinduism

DharmaDharma– May noble wisdom come to us from all sides, undeceived, May noble wisdom come to us from all sides, undeceived,

unhindered, overflowing, so that the Devas may always help unhindered, overflowing, so that the Devas may always help us onward, unceasing is their care, our Guardians day by us onward, unceasing is their care, our Guardians day by day.day.-Rig Veda-Rig Veda

WorshipWorship– Offering of perfumed substances, flowers, incense, lamps Offering of perfumed substances, flowers, incense, lamps

and fresh fruit-these are the five elements of the traditional and fresh fruit-these are the five elements of the traditional puja which culminates with offering of the lamps.puja which culminates with offering of the lamps.-Kamika Agama-Kamika Agama

Another Indian Religion :Another Indian Religion :Jainism is one of the world's Jainism is one of the world's

oldest religions. Much of its oldest religions. Much of its history is unknown.history is unknown.

Two main parts Ahimsa Two main parts Ahimsa (non-violence) and (non-violence) and Aparigtaha (self-control).Aparigtaha (self-control).

Jainism teaching remained Jainism teaching remained predominantly in Indiapredominantly in India

JainismJainism

NotNot based on the Vedas based on the Vedas– Some say predate the VedasSome say predate the Vedas

Doesn’t acknowledge castesDoesn’t acknowledge castes

Approximately 6 million followers Approximately 6 million followers worldwideworldwide

From the word ‘jina’ or winner – one who From the word ‘jina’ or winner – one who has ‘won’ over the passionshas ‘won’ over the passions

Jain beliefsJain beliefs

ReincarnationReincarnationKarmaKarma– Sees karma as ‘subtle matter’Sees karma as ‘subtle matter’– Something to avoid accumulatingSomething to avoid accumulating

Non-violenceNon-violenceNon-attachmentNon-attachmentNon-absolutismNon-absolutismAsceticism (especially among monks)Asceticism (especially among monks)VegetarianismVegetarianismNo personal deityNo personal deitySelf is Self is mayamaya, an illusion, an illusion

Background of JAINISMBackground of JAINISM

Mahavira (Great Hero) was the teacher for the Mahavira (Great Hero) was the teacher for the current age and of Kshatriya clan like Buddhacurrent age and of Kshatriya clan like BuddhaLived in the mid 6Lived in the mid 6thth century BC(E) and was century BC(E) and was contemporary of Buddha. Died ~527contemporary of Buddha. Died ~527Son of minor Raja and renounced life at 30.Son of minor Raja and renounced life at 30.Spent 12 years of meditation, silence, and Spent 12 years of meditation, silence, and extreme deprivation to achieve mokshaextreme deprivation to achieve mokshaTaught for 30 years before his deathTaught for 30 years before his deathLast in the line of 24 teachers or Last in the line of 24 teachers or Tirthankaras-Tirthankaras-ford-finders/makers, ford-finders/makers, kevalinskevalins-single ones, -single ones, jinasjinas-conquerors -conquerors

The Human CyclesThe Human Cycles

Universe without beginning or end – like Universe without beginning or end – like Hinduism, but human progress is cyclicalHinduism, but human progress is cyclicalHumans are happy, long-lived, and Humans are happy, long-lived, and virtuous and do not need religionvirtuous and do not need religionThen humans look to elders for guidance Then humans look to elders for guidance and direction as things begin to and direction as things begin to deterioratedeteriorateFinally Tirthankaras must come to Finally Tirthankaras must come to establish religion and help guide establish religion and help guide humanity away from growing evilhumanity away from growing evil

TirthankarasTirthankarasFirst Lord Rishabha who established social First Lord Rishabha who established social

institutions like marriage, family, law, justice, institutions like marriage, family, law, justice, government, arts of agriculture, crafts, reading, government, arts of agriculture, crafts, reading, writing, & mathematicswriting, & mathematics

2222ndnd cousin of Lord Krishna who refused to marry cousin of Lord Krishna who refused to marry because of the slaughter of so many animals for because of the slaughter of so many animals for the wedding celebration – became an ascetic.the wedding celebration – became an ascetic.

2323rdrd lived ~877-777 BC(E) was an extreme ascetic lived ~877-777 BC(E) was an extreme ascetic and great preacherand great preacher

2424thth was was Mahavira Mahavira who is portrayed as sinless, who is portrayed as sinless, omniscient, pre-existent, and descended from omniscient, pre-existent, and descended from heavenheaven

Split with the ReligionSplit with the Religion310 BC(E) ~12000 priests moved into southern India 310 BC(E) ~12000 priests moved into southern India where they discarded all clothing for the duration of where they discarded all clothing for the duration of the 12 year faminethe 12 year famineUpon returning the found 2 major changes that split Upon returning the found 2 major changes that split religionreligion– Loosening of requirements about nudityLoosening of requirements about nudity– Convening of council to establish canon of 45 booksConvening of council to establish canon of 45 books

Digambaras (sky clad) do not accept changes believe Digambaras (sky clad) do not accept changes believe women can not reach highest heaven or lowest hellwomen can not reach highest heaven or lowest hellSvetambaras (white clad) believe women are able to Svetambaras (white clad) believe women are able to obtain liberation without being reborn male, also obtain liberation without being reborn male, also believe 19believe 19thth Tirthankaras was female Tirthankaras was femaleIslam invaded India and required Digambaras to wear Islam invaded India and required Digambaras to wear loin-clothesloin-clothes

Mahavira’s 5 VowsMahavira’s 5 Vows

Prohibition against:Prohibition against:

1.1. KillingKilling

2.2. LyingLying

3.3. StealingStealing

4.4. Sexual pleasuresSexual pleasures

5.5. Attachment to anythingAttachment to anything

Accumulating KarmaAccumulating Karma

Karma – defined as subtle matter that we Karma – defined as subtle matter that we acquire as we think and act –there are 3 acquire as we think and act –there are 3 approaches which help limit approaches which help limit accumulationaccumulation

Ahimsa – principle of non-violenceAhimsa – principle of non-violence

Aparigraha – principle of non-attachmentAparigraha – principle of non-attachment

Anekantwad – principle of relativismAnekantwad – principle of relativism

Observations about Jain Observations about Jain BeliefsBeliefs

Best practiced as priests/priestess (full time for best results)Best practiced as priests/priestess (full time for best results)Universe is eternal and run by certain specific natural principlesUniverse is eternal and run by certain specific natural principlesSupernatural beings subject to same ignoble passions as Supernatural beings subject to same ignoble passions as humanshumansTransmigration is instantaneousTransmigration is instantaneousKevala is the state of liberation and the person exists with Kevala is the state of liberation and the person exists with boundless vision, infinite righteousness, perfect bliss, existence boundless vision, infinite righteousness, perfect bliss, existence without formwithout formJains have high ethical standardsJains have high ethical standardsTirthankaras are elevated above the human plane and as such Tirthankaras are elevated above the human plane and as such are not available as helpersare not available as helpersLiberation from samsara is the result of personal effortLiberation from samsara is the result of personal effortThere are ~6,000,000 Jains There are ~6,000,000 Jains Jain scripturesJain scriptures consider all who practice Jain principles as Jains consider all who practice Jain principles as Jains