Background - HinduismThe oldest of the five major religionsApproximately 800 million followers“OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful mantra“Hindu” is a Persian word which refers to non-Muslims living beyond the Indus River.Sanatana Dharma is the preferred name.
Origins of HinduismNo specific founderVedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago:
RitualsMany gods (polytheism)Sacred texts (Vedas)
Vedic Tradition developed into HinduismTransmitted orally for thousands of years
The Beliefs of Hinduism: Many Gods or One?
All the universe is part of the unchanging, all-spiritual force called BrahmanBrahman is too complex for most to understandMost worship a variety of gods
Beliefs of HinduismTrue essence of life – Atman (the soul), is Brahman trapped in matterReincarnation – Atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara)Karma - all the actions of this life affect the next lifeUltimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with Brahman (Moksha)
Three Paths to Moksha
Trimarga = “3 Paths”
Karma Marga• The way of action
Jnana Marga• The way of wisdom
Bhakti Marga • The way of devotion
Karma MargaFour Goods1.Good of dharma
– duty2.Good of artha –
wealth3.Good of kama –
pleasure of the senses
4.Moksa – the highest form of good
Moksha is a distant event in another lifetimeTo reach moksha you must give up the first three goodsActions
Follow caste & gender rolesRituals, festivals, pilgrimages
Jnana MargaFollows the Upanishads - metaphysical speculation (teachings of gurus)Brahman
Its only quality is that of not having qualitiesAtman & Brahman are the same
Path of wisdomGive up attachment to individualityTruth is found through meditation
Bhakti Marga
Devotion is more important than ritualWhat is done is not as important as how it is doneDo all things with devotion to God(s)Relationships
Parent/ChildFriendsMaster/ServantLovers
Gods of Hinduism
Gods are supernatural, but not omnipotentThousands of Gods/AvatarsThree Primary Gods
Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva
All Life is Sacred
Hindus have always had great respect for lifeNonviolence - AhimsaCow is especially significant
TransportationMilkFuel