Hinduism

Belief Structure Worship many gods believing that “God is one, but men call him by many names” This polytheistic views offer more concrete/tangible connection with the divine Monism (not to be confused with monotheism) is the belief that all that is is one; all reality is one thing Brahman is the connectedness and essence of all as one For instance, water as rivers and oceans Sacred texts: Rig Veda (4000 years old) God is one; tree with branches Upanishads: teach Brahman as pure spirit; Atman as Ultimate self which emphasizes contemplation as means of spiritual development

Belief Structure (continued) Cyclical cosmology: The re-creation of the universe (the pause at the end of universe) Reincarnation across levels of existence (animals, humans, gods) Patience as an important virtue: it may take many lifetimes to seek and find liberation Liberation (moksha) is release from the finite into the ocean of the divine Sense of infinite being, awareness and bliss The returning to the sacred source Salvation comes by liberating ourselves from the constraints of the human condition

Belief Structure (continued) Karma: action and deeds moral cause and effect (what goes around comes around) determines status of reincarnation only humans can effect karma, which is both a privilege and a responsibility Dharma: standard of what is right and wrong as determined by the divine order complete rule for life fours sources for seeking Dharma (listed in order of importance) divine revelation through sacred scripture sacred tradition seek the counsel of the wisest people you know conscience

Societal Structure Caste system: social and economic classifications Brahim-priest class Kshatriya-warriors and leaders Vaishya-farmers, merchants and artisans Shudra-laborers and servants Untouchables Karma, dharma and reincarnation determine where you are This is primarily a historical model – it is rarely seen in practice today

There are three paths to Liberation Spiritual Paths There are three paths to Liberation Karma Marga: “the Path of Works” nonviolence and social action acting the right way because it is the right way, not for some benefit Jnana Marga: “the Path of Knowledge” intense philosophical reflection; learning and meditation awareness of the self and of truth primarily chosen by those of the priestly class in one of three forms Vedanta: all is one with a loss of individuality Sankhya: freedom from human limitations Yoga: incorporating the body and mind through breathing and meditation Bhakti Marga: “the Path of Devotion” a more emotional, worship focused path centers on prayer and devotion to a god or gods ceremonial dress and ritual practiced frequently pilgrimages to sacred places religious festivals

Jainism

Beliefs Similar to Hinduism and Buddhism in both doctrine and origin (India) but also unique in belief and practice. Derived from the word “jina” (“conqueror”); spiritual conquering. Cosmology: the universe is, was and always will be “loka” The universe moves in cycles, and cycles determine the state of the world Upturn=good, downturn=bad According to Jainism, we are currently in a down turn.

Beliefs (continued) Believe in many Hindu gods, but these gods cannot assist with the quest for salvation. One must work within “samsara” (cycle of reincarnation birth and rebirth) to achieve it. “jivas” is the perfect soul “ajiva” is everything else Salvation is liberating the soul from all matter “kevala” or spiritual perfection Karma is like the concept of karma already seen in Hinduism. Salvation is not attainable in a ‘downturn.’ Instead, one strives for a good rebirth.

Principles and Practices Non-violence (ahisma) and Asceticism Five Great Vows: Ethical principles for living for monks and nuns (lay people take less intense vows) 1. Do not injure other life forms. 2. Avoid lying. 3. Do not take what has not been given to you. 4. Renounce sexual activity. 5. Renounce possession. Ahisma: guilt only to the extent of the will; level of violence determines level of stain on one’s soul.

Principles and Practices (continued) Asceticism: rigorous self denial is seen as the only way to achieve spiritual perfection. All family ties are severed One can become a monk or nun as early as 8, but it is preferred if one waits to young adulthood. Vegetarianism strongly encouraged to avoid harming any life form. “Sweep the bugs out of the way.” Avoid walking during the rainy season because more bugs are out when it rains. Repentance is performed twice a day in the presence of one’s teacher. An admission of wrongdoing is made which includes the phrase “I ask pardon of all living creatures. May all creatures pardon me. May I have friendship for all creatures and enmity towards none.”

Sikhism

Historical Perspectives Sikh means learner or disciple (one who follows) originated with a Pakistani Hindu practitioner about 500 years ago Most followers today live in Northern India. Sikhs are the minority as compared to India’s Hindu population. Turbans are the traditional garb that identifies the wearer as Sikh. Beards are also common. Sikhism serves as a link between Hinduism and Islam. It has at times been cohesive (merging beliefs) and at other times has been involved in violent conflicts with Hindus and Muslims. Guru as spiritual teacher (established with Hinduism) A person who brings someone out of the darkness of ignorance into enlightenment. Guru is used in three ways: to refer to the 10 historical Sikh leaders, to refer to the ancient text-Adi Granth (grunth), and to refer to God as “True Guru” (the creator God as truth.)

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) “Founder” of Sikhism Struggled for meaning as many holy people do Learned from both Hindu and Muslim holy men Asserted the oneness of God and the need to move close to God (intimate relationship) The way to intimacy is through meditating and singing hymns of praise to God Nanak was a musician who composed many hymns for worship; lead sung praises for followers down by the river.

Guru Nanak (1469-1539) Nanak’s major enlightenment/conversion/awakening experience One day, he does not return from bathing in the river. It is believed that he drowned. Three days later he returned but did not speak until the following day. “I shall follow God’s path. God is neither Hindu nor Muslim and the path which I follow is God’s.” He tells of an encounter with God in which God invites him to drink of the cup of salvation. He states, “This is the cup of the adoration of God’s name. Drink it. I am with you. I bless you and raise you up. Whoever remembers you will enjoy my favor. Go, rejoice in my name and teach others to do so. I have bestowed the gift of my name upon you. Let this be your calling.” After awakening Travels to many holy places and visits many holy people. Some places he is accepted, some he is rejected. He rejected many traditional customs and rituals, which made him unpopular. He always asserted his humanity, flaws and all, and referred to himself as God’s slave. Formed a community with those who followed him and created the lifestyle that is common still today for Sikh believers.

Beliefs and Practices Worship: Gurdwara (doorway of the Guru) Sikhs worship in the gurdwara No set time or day of the week for worship Sense of unity among believers; very informal Ritual bathing, singing hymns, telling stories of the Gurus Tithing to charitable causes, not necessarily to the gurdwara

Beliefs and Practices Belief structure: combination of Western monotheism and Eastern mysticism Ultimate purpose of life is complete union with God Salvation is union with God Seeks liberation from samsara (cycle of reincarnation) God is formless and shapeless Often called Truth, True Guru God is immanent within creation and inspires loving devotion Revelation brings us from darkness to enlightenment Human limitations are pride and selfishness God’s grace frees us from our limitations