The One/Brahman/God/Goddess Permeates all things, including the atman (soul) Knowledge of the One as means to moksha (liberation)

Shankara ( ) Two levels of knowledge of Brahman Nirguna Brahman (without qualities) Saguna Brahman (with qualities)

Shankara’s teaching about maya (illusion): If one knows saguna Brahman, the world is real If one knows nirguna Brahman, one recognises that the world is an illusory projection upon nirguna Brahman

Others maintaining distinction between self and Brahman Others advocating for own deities, e.g. Vishnu, Shiva, Mahadevi/Devi (incl. Kali, Shakti, Durga) Varied approaches to divine

The human position: Tension between dharma (cosmic order) and quest for moksha (liberation) from samsara (cycle of death/rebirth) Law of karma affecting individual dharma from life to life The problem of ignorance

Paths of transformation: Path of Knowledge (jñana-marga, incl. jñana yoga and raja yoga, Smith 29-32, 41-50) Path of Work (karma-marga, incl. karma yoga, Smith 37-41) Path of Devotion (bhakti-marga, incl. bhakti yoga, Smith 32-36)

Puja: worship of deity in temple or home

Pregnancy: “Parting of the hair” Naming ritual about 10 days after birth First haircut at about 3 years old, leaving sacred tuft Initiation for upper-caste boys (c. 8-12), also puberty-initiation rites for girls in some traditions

Hindu weddings Usually arranged, but not forced At bride’s house

Ceremonies including: Seizing the bride’s hand Bride placing foot on grindstone Knotting garments together Seven steps around fire Groom touching bride over heart, putting cosmetic on forehead Observing Pole Star

Hindu funerals Preparing the body Procession Cremation Taking the remains to River Ganges Later rituals

Hindu dietary laws Often vegetarian Sacred cows Virtue of ahimsa (non-violence), e.g. Gandhi

Samnyasin (renouncer) Renouncing possessions, caste, friends, family Quest for moksha (liberation)