Hinduism The Eastman Readings

The Hindu View of Life pp

Characteristics of Indian Philosophy 1) Man is spiritual in nature. 2) Philosophy and life are inseparable. 3) Introspective approach to reality. 4) Idealistic. 5) The ultimate can only be known through intuition. 6) Acceptance of Authority. 7) God is one, but men call him by many names. 1) Man is spiritual in nature. 2) Philosophy and life are inseparable. 3) Introspective approach to reality. 4) Idealistic. 5) The ultimate can only be known through intuition. 6) Acceptance of Authority. 7) God is one, but men call him by many names.

The Four Ends of Life  Moksa = spiritual/intellectual  Kama = emotional wellbeing  Artha = material wellbeing  Dharma = rule of right practice  Moksa = spiritual/intellectual  Kama = emotional wellbeing  Artha = material wellbeing  Dharma = rule of right practice

Do this:  Make a T-Chart in your notebook.  Reflect on ways that Hinduism is similar to your own religion or philosophy, and ways in which it is different.  At the bottom of the chart, note something that was new or unexpected to you.  Make a T-Chart in your notebook.  Reflect on ways that Hinduism is similar to your own religion or philosophy, and ways in which it is different.  At the bottom of the chart, note something that was new or unexpected to you.

Selections, Bhagavad-Gita pp

 These are excerpts.  Anywhere you see a jump in numbers, there is text missing.  The full text contains 18 Teachings/Chapters.  These are excerpts.  Anywhere you see a jump in numbers, there is text missing.  The full text contains 18 Teachings/Chapters.

The First Teaching  Arjuna is preparing to go to war.  Why does Arjuna approach Krishna?  What questions does Arjuna pose?  Arjuna is preparing to go to war.  Why does Arjuna approach Krishna?  What questions does Arjuna pose?

The Second Teaching  The impermanent has no reality --- reality lies in the eternal. (18)  The self/soul exists and transcends the body. (20)  There is joy in duty. (66)  The impermanent has no reality --- reality lies in the eternal. (18)  The self/soul exists and transcends the body. (20)  There is joy in duty. (66)

Third and Fourth Teachings  What is the nature of evil?  How do we protect “men of virtue”?  What is the nature of evil?  How do we protect “men of virtue”?

The Fifth Teaching  “Simpletons separate philosophy and discipline, but the learned do not…” (4)  Notice the example of the close relationships between philosophy and life.  “Simpletons separate philosophy and discipline, but the learned do not…” (4)  Notice the example of the close relationships between philosophy and life.

The Sixth Teaching  Arjuna has been listening carefully, but begins to lose his way again.  Krishna recalls Arjuna to his duty.  Arjuna has been listening carefully, but begins to lose his way again.  Krishna recalls Arjuna to his duty.

The Seventh Teaching  This teaching is mainly about Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).  The editing of this excerpt focuses our attention on the shifting of Hinduism toward monotheism.  Krishna is an Avatara of Vishnu. Remember, Vishnu is the preserver and takes many forms. “My nature has 8 aspects…” (4) relates to this.  This teaching is mainly about Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).  The editing of this excerpt focuses our attention on the shifting of Hinduism toward monotheism.  Krishna is an Avatara of Vishnu. Remember, Vishnu is the preserver and takes many forms. “My nature has 8 aspects…” (4) relates to this.

The Sixteenth Teaching (yes, I skipped ahead.)  Krishna lists the pitfalls that men face along their path.  Do this: List at least 5 hurdles Krishna expects Arjuna to face.  Krishna lists the pitfalls that men face along their path.  Do this: List at least 5 hurdles Krishna expects Arjuna to face.

What is left out of this excerpt?  Karma = Action leads toward rebirth.  Jnana Yoga = Contemplative path of spiritual wisdom  Karma Yoga = Active path of selfless service  Bhakti Yoga = Process of devotional service  Karma = Action leads toward rebirth.  Jnana Yoga = Contemplative path of spiritual wisdom  Karma Yoga = Active path of selfless service  Bhakti Yoga = Process of devotional service

Further Reading  It pains me to make this recommendation, but you might find the summary of the Bhagavad-Gita on Wikipedia helpful.  I will never admit out loud that I made this recommendation.  It pains me to make this recommendation, but you might find the summary of the Bhagavad-Gita on Wikipedia helpful.  I will never admit out loud that I made this recommendation.

Chudala pp

Do this:  Spend 3-5 minutes writing about Chudala.  What is the plot of this story?  What is the lesson of this story?  Comment on the gender roles in the story.  Spend 3-5 minutes writing about Chudala.  What is the plot of this story?  What is the lesson of this story?  Comment on the gender roles in the story.

All Religions are Divinely Inspired Mahatma Ghandi pp Mahatma Ghandi pp

Yes, this is an excerpt.  I recommend that you read this whole letter by Ghandi.  But I wanted to focus your attention on his willingness to consider the tenets of other religions.  I recommend that you read this whole letter by Ghandi.  But I wanted to focus your attention on his willingness to consider the tenets of other religions.

Study Religion Through Known Votaries (not hostile critics.)  Why?

“If we had attained the full vision of the Truth, we would no longer be mere seekers…”  Comparison of ethnocentric thinking to the frog in the well.  Religion evolves and progresses. It is a path, not an end.  Religion is divinely inspired, but still is a product of the human mind, and thus imperfect.  Comparison of ethnocentric thinking to the frog in the well.  Religion evolves and progresses. It is a path, not an end.  Religion is divinely inspired, but still is a product of the human mind, and thus imperfect.

A Lesson in Humility  “My effort should never be to undermine another’s faith but to make him a better follower of his own faith.”  Does Ghandi favor missionary work that is carried out with a view to conversion?  “My effort should never be to undermine another’s faith but to make him a better follower of his own faith.”  Does Ghandi favor missionary work that is carried out with a view to conversion?