The Spirit of India: Hinduism

The Origins of Hinduism Aryans conquer India, ~1800 BC Aryans bring Indo- European Polytheism with them. Aryan myth + native India religions = Hinduism

Sacred Texts Vedas – hymns, myths, and rituals of ancient India. (~ 600 BC) Upanishads – conclusion to the Vedas. discuss the relationship of the soul (Atman) and the ultimate truth (Brahman). Bhagavadgita – Hindu philosophy

Beliefs, Part I/2: the Gods Brahman “The Force” the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality which is the divine ground of all matter, energy, time, space, belief , and everything beyond in this Universe. Trinitarian God: - Brahma “The Creator” - Vishnu “The Preserver” - Shiva “The Destroyer” Other gods are manifestations of the Brahman or Avatars - Ganesh “Remover of Obstacles” - Krishna - Avatar of Vishnu, protector of humans

Beliefs, Part 2/2 Samsara/Reincarnation - Brahman can't be destroyed, so transferred at death. Karma – what you do to the Brahman, it does to you. The Four Aims: dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (sensual gratification), moksa (liberation from reincarnation)

Practices Yoga Meditation Chant Bindi – third eye, sign of inner contemplation Caste system - Brahmin – priests - Kshatriyas – warriors/nobles - Vaishyas – merchants - Shudras – artisans, workers - Dalits - “untouchables” Temples – Sacred building

Checkpoint: Explain how the Hindu “Brahman” is similar to the Christian idea of God. When Jews, Christians, and Muslims wish to communicate with God, they speak to him through prayer. How do Hindus communicate with God? Explain Samsara/Reincarnation.

© 2012 Jason Cote