World ReligionsA Voyage of Discovery
Hinduism
Some Basics
95% of Hindus live in India Hinduism emerged as a religion,
it did not begin with a founder or particular event
Hinduism shares no doctrinal statements
Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly claim knowledge of absolute truth
Experiential Moksha
• Liberation or release of the individual self (atman) from the bondage of samsura; salvation; one of the four life goals
Samadhi• Trance like state where
mind is absorbed into the ultimate reality; goal of the 8 steps of yoga
karma deathbirth
rebirth
Samsara - the cycle of rebirth
Mythic Stories & descriptions of 330 million gods & goddesses
• Polytheistic• Extensions of the One Reality• Important triad of gods; Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Avatars- incarnations of the gods or goddesses• Provide points of contact with individuals
Cosmology• Many worlds, many lifetimes• Somehow came to be
Long periods of creation & destruction, endless repetition
Reincarnation; cyclical pattern to human life also• Occurs on different levels, sometimes transcends the earthly
for many years and then returns to earth
An avatar is the incarnation of a god or goddess e.g. Krishna and Rama
3 primaryforms of Brahman
1. Brahma is the Creator god2. Vishnu is the Preserving god3. Shiva is the Destroying god
Doctrinal Monism
• The Ultimate Reality is made up of only one essence; Brahman• The atman or eternal self which is identified with Brahman
Salvation through moksha• Cycle of rebirth• The fourth goal of life• Karma• Three Paths to Liberation
Karma Marga Jnana Marga Bhakti Marga
Sacredness of life• Four goals of life• Four stages of life
Ethical Dharma
• Living in harmony with the station in life Karma is determined by adherence to
dharma The Three paths of Liberation
• The Path of Works• The Path of Knowledge• The Path of Devotion
Three Paths to Liberation
Path of Action• Service to others
Path of Knowledge• Learning- information• Thinking- reflection on learning• View of self- assimilating reflection
Path of Devotion• Devotion to Brahman
Yoga: discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility
Ritual
Home Shrines• Puja
Visiting temples of particular gods or goddesses
Decorating and venerating cows
Social The Caste System Brahmins
• Priests- purest, wisest, most learned Kshatriyas
• Warriors- protect and rule Vaishya
• Farmers & Merchants- provide food and goods Shudra
• Servants- serve all the other castes- not permitted to study scripture
Asprishya• Untouchables- lower than the lowest caste-
degrading jobs Outlawed in India
Four Stages of Life Student
• From about 13 to marriage• Studies with a guru
Householder• Marriage to first grandchild• Pursues a career• Marries, raises a family
“Forest dweller”• Retreats from worldly bonds• Wife may accompany him
Spiritual Pilgrim• Wandering ascetic• Transcend ordinary ways of the
world Forsakes all worldly possessions, even
his name
Most men progress through the first two
only
Hindu males of the first 3 castes Women are to be
daughters, wives and mothers (Patriarchal society)
Four Goals of LifeDharma
one’s duties in life, especially as dictated
by caste Artha
pursuit of bothmaterial and
political wealthKama
pursuit of artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure Moksha
pursuit of liberationfrom the cycle ofrebirth through
actions, thoughts, and devotions
Materialtemples
many images ofgods/goddesses
home shrinesmany images ofgods/goddesses
murti
Ganges Riversymbol of life w/o end
ritual bathing and other rivers Scriptures
ScripturesShruti Scriptures (the most sacred)
TheHoly
Vedasc
1. Rig Veda - hymns to various gods
2. Soma Veda - hymns chanted at sacrifices
3. Yajur Veda - instructions for priests regarding sacrifices
4. Atharva Veda - hymns, charms, spells and incantations for domestic use
TheVedas
TheUpanishads
Shruti Scriptures – also…
TheUpanishads
concerned with the cycle of rebirth
the mystical relationship between Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and atmon (soul)
often shared in a dialogue between guru and student
MahabharataPuranas
a Hindu epic poem stories of the gods:Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Smirti Scriptures
Hinduism
Beliefs and Practices (continued)Atman:
• is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions are “maya” or illusions)
• Hindus strive for release from maya in order to achieve union with Brahman/atman
• Moksha (liberation) is achieved through rigorous physical and mental discipline
Hinduism
Hinduism through a Catholic LensSimilarities:
• Tolerance of religious diversity• pursuing social issues• honoring Jesus and his teachings• the tradition of depicting and venerating
religious images
Hinduism
Hinduism through a Catholic Lens (continued)Differences:
• karma• reincarnation• the caste system• Jesus as the one and only incarnation of God