Introductory Questions: Hinduism Where did Hinduism originate? Hinduism is considered a major world religion. Why do you think this is? Is Hinduism polytheistic or monotheistic?

Basics of Hinduism Originated in India Dates back to 1500 BCE and many consider it the oldest religion in the world Third largest religion (# of adherents) Practiced by 80% of India’s inhabitants Derivative of word Hindu is the geographical term (Sindu River or Indus Valley) Hinduism originated in the area now called India and is still practiced by 80% of its inhabitants. Hinduism is considered a major world religion because of its approximately 700 million believers and its has influence on many other religions during its long history. Some authorities date it back to about 1500 BC and consider it the oldest religion in the world. This religion cannot be traced to a specific founder and does not have only one "holy book" as a spiritual guide. Unlike most other religions, Hinduism does not promote the worship of one particular deity. A Hindu may worship one or many different manifestations of the divine. They consider themselves successful Hindus when the reach the "Ultimate Reality" or nirvana in their lives.  

Origins of Hinduism Aryans Indus Valley 1500 BCE 4000 – 2200 BCE Poems and ritual texts called VEDAS (early sacred writings) Rig Veda – the oldest of the Sacred Texts Agni - worshipped forces of nature as gods Atman - human soul Indus Valley 4000 – 2200 BCE Built houses for worship Stone sculptures and charms to ward off evil Fire altars & animal sacrifices Rig Veda- authoritative scripture; earliest is Rig Veda which is earliest record of sacred knowledge which gave verse to interpretations called Brahmanas and mystical texts of human existence called Upanishads AGNI- worshipped forces of nature as gods; worshipped fire (AGNI) as link between gods and humans formed core of early Hindu practices ATMAN- emergence of atman (human soul) from Upanishads and prayer as breath of human life and fundmental aspect of Hinduism

Sacred Texts VEDAS Composed in Sanskrit Vedas literally means “knowledge“ Vedas called “Shruti” by the Hindus RIG VEDA Upanishads – mystical texts on human existence EPICS Ramayana – Hindu Epic of about 24000 verses including hero story of Rama Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita Legal Codes Laws of Manu Sanskrit (saṃskṛtam संस्कृतम्) is an Indo-European Classical language of India and a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It has a position in India and Southeast Asia similar to that of Latin and Greek in Europe, and is a central part of Hindu tradition. It is one of the oldest Indo-European languages in the world and boasts a rich tradition of poetry, literature, and philosophical and religious texts There are actually 4 Vedas (branches of knowledge) RIG VEDA = oldest text of 1028 hymns of praise or requests Upanishads (philosophical commentary in Vedas = more influence on modern day practices) Upanishads- deal with Vedic philosophy and form the conclusions of each of the Vedas. Specifically, they elaborate on how the soul (atman) can b united with the ultimate truth (Brahman) through contemplation, meditation, as well as the doctrine of karma (personal action) Ramayana- hero Prince Rama on various adventures displaying superior virtues and battle evil Mahabharata- longest story ever; conflict between man’s soul and good and evil; stress good values and moral lesson that forces of righteousness win out -best known is Bhagavad-Gita= universal soul and human soul will unite ; display bhakti yoga which is the intense devotion to a personal saviour god portrayed by Krishna

Hindu Beliefs & Deities Categorizing the religion of Hinduism is somewhat confusing: POLYTHEISTIC= worships multiple deities: gods and goddesses MONOTHEISTIC = it recognizes only one supreme God: the panentheistic principle of Brahman, that all reality is a unity. The entire universe is seen as one divine entity who is simultaneously at one with the universe and who transcends it as well TRINITARIAN= Brahman is simultaneously visualized as a triad -- one God with three persons: Brahma (the Creator) Vishnu (the Preserver, Shiva (the Destroyer) HENOTHEISTIC= recognize a single deity, and recognizes other gods and goddesses as facets, forms, manifestations, or aspects of that supreme God Brahma (the Creator) who is continuing to create new realities Vishnu, (Krishna) the Preserver, who preserves these new creations. Whenever dharma (eternal order, righteousness, religion, law and duty) is threatened, Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of ten incarnations. Shiva, the Destroyer, is at times compassionate, erotic and destructive. Strictly speaking, most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic; they recognize a single deity, and recognizes other gods and goddesses as facets, forms, manifestations, or aspects of that supreme God.

Brahman HINDU TRINITY Brahma (Saraswati) Shiva Vishnu (Lakshmi) (Parvati) Vishnu (Lakshmi) -is the supreme being -entity without form or quality -soul of universe -divine, invisible, unlimited Preserver Destroyer Creator

GANESHA Son of Shiva and Parvati Human body and an elephant’s head with only one short tusk Worshipped as the remover of all obstacles Milk Miracle – Sept. 25, 1995

Ten Avatars Vishnu has many AVATARS (incarnations)who appear on earth as humans or animals to conquer evil and establish righteousness 7th- Rama 8th- Krishna 9th- Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Beliefs and Goals The ultimate aim of all Hindu thoughts is to attain the universal soul or divine wisdom called Brahman Hindu’s believe in the freedom to individually worship and guide own spiritual experience. The goals of Hinduism consist of personal conduct and righteous living which equals to dharma Goal to achieve moksha, (liberation) from endless cycle of rebirths called Samsara and reunite atman with Brahman

Key Terms MAYA= all forms of existence are temporary and illusionary SAMSARA = endless cycle of reincarnation KARMA = Basic belief of cause and effect (all actions have a consequence) DHARMA =personal conduct and righteous living MOKSHA= the liberation from samsara and the uniting of ATMAN (human soul) with Brahman (ultimate soul)

OM Aum (also Om, ॐ) is the most sacred syllable in Hinduism and Vedas ॐ । असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ।। OM Asato mā sadgamaya, tamaso mā jyotirgamaya, mrityormāmritam gamaya "OM (Lead me) from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality." Aum (also Om, ॐ) is the most sacred syllable in Hinduism and Vedas Used in meditation and prayer as sound gives supernatural power Represents the original sound of creation To chant “om” will steady and elevate the mind

Swastika Good luck symbol representing “well being” Usually illustrated in red Used on wedding invitations, drawings Used in rituals to bring good luck and protect against evil Swastika

HINDU PRACTICES 4 Paths to Salvation 4 Stages of Life 4 Goals of Life Caste System Puja Upanayana Vegetarianism “holy cow” Arranged Marriages Diwali – Festival of Lights Ahimsa – non-violence Yoga – philosophy and exercise together – very spiritual

Mahatma Gandhi Best known Hindu in world Fought to end discrimination against Indians in South Africa Tolerant of all religions Religious ideals on duty, truth, non-violence (ahimsa) and spiritual liberation (moksha) Negotiated independence of India in 1947 Opposed social injustice of Hindu society (ie. untouchables) Assassinated in 1948