1. HINDUISM

2. Section 1: The Human Condition What is the human condition?
What is the cause of the human condition?
Section 2: The goals in life
What are the goals
What is the final aim of existence?
Section 3: The means (or path)
What teachings help to achieve the goals?
What practices help to achieve the goals?
Diwali, the Festival of Lights honouring Lakshmi,
Goddess of wealth, in the hope of a successful year

3. Read Introduction on page 1
Like many religions, Hinduism, has many branches (like a tree).
This course is also going to use a tree analogy 

4. Brahman Moksha Jivanmukti Samadhi Atman Jiva Samsara Avidya Maya Gunas
The Goals - to live a virtuous life and finally to achieve Moksha.
The Means – there are many paths which lead to Moksha. Brahman also has a role in the attainment of Moksha.
The Human Condition –life is a journey to union with God but, when they remain ignorant of this, human beings suffer and are continually reborn.
Moksha
Jivanmukti
Samadhi
Atman
Jiva
Samsara
Avidya
Maya
Gunas
Kama Dharma Artha
God’s Grace
Trimurti
Margas
Varnas
Ashramas
Ahimsa
Guru, rishi, swami
Shruti
Detachment

5. What is the Human Condition? p1
All life is a journey to union with Brahman
Until humans achieve this they will continue to suffer (dukkha) and be reborn (samsara)
Life is transient; brief and short-lived, ever-changing

6. sat cit ananda Who or What is Brahman ? p1
the ultimate reality behind existence
pure being – sat
pure consciousness – cit
pure bliss – ananda
Saguna – with attributes
Nirguna – without attributes
sat
cit
ananda

7. What aspects of Brahman are represented by the Trimurti ? p3
Creation – Brahma
Preserver – Vishnu
Destroyer – Shiva

8. What is the Atman? p6
The real self.
The one that is permanent.
A spark of the divine Brahman
Hinduism is all about realising the Atman & Brahman are the same.
The Atman goes through samsara, and controls moral behaviour
Moksha ends the Atman’s journey.

9. What is the jiva? p6
Some see jiva as the ‘person’ i.e. body & mind that the atman hides behind.
Some see it as impermanent and can’t achieve moksha
Some see it as ‘attached’ to atman and can achieve moksha

10. What is maya? p6
The grand illusion
Everyday reality makes false promises of comfort and security
Liberation will not be achieved until maya is ignored and the Ultimate reality is understood.
There is no lasting beauty or possibility of immortality in everyday reality.

11. What is samsara? p7
Samara literally means ‘continuous flowing’.
It is the cycle of birth, death, rebirth that the soul or atman travels through.
Samsara is the journey to moksha.
It can act as a motivation to improve a person’s life through following their dharma.
It is the cycle of life that Hindus strive to ‘escape’ from.
Reincarnation literally means ‘sea of change’

12. What is karma? p7
Moral and proper actions
Ruled by law of cause and effect
Past karma has affected present circumstances
Present karma will affect future rebirth
Answers questions on page 6

13. What is the cause of the human condition? P9
Attachment, specifically to the self, and ignorance (avidya) of true reality keep the human soul (atman) trapped in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (samsara)
Attachment to the self (or jiva)
Avidya; ignorance of the true nature of self and the universe
Maya (illusion)
Keeps the atman trapped in samsara

14. What is Avidya ? p9
Ignorance; stops spiritual enlightenment or the union of the Atman & Brahman.
Ignorance of the ‘true nature of reality’
Avidya is kept alive by materialism, Education is not the same as ‘knowledge’. (see Jnana Yoga)

15. What is darshana? p9
Differing schools of philosophy about the nature of reality.
Samkhya – dualistic: Reality is divided between physical & spiritual
Physical world remains imbalanced if gunas are imbalanced
Maya tricks humans into belief that existence is only physical
Once spiritual aspect is realised the physical will be forgotten
Shankara – non-dualistic: Only one reality – Brahman.
Maya (illusion) prevents understanding of this
Only when maya & avidya are overcome will liberation be possible

16. What are the gunas? p9
The 3 categories the world of matter can be divided into
Sattva: goodness or purity; represents all good and holy aspects of the world.
Rajas: passion or energy; represents the active component of the world
Tamas: dark or inactive; represents negative aspects of the world
There is peace when the 3 categories are balanced.
All 3 are present in humans and while they
are imbalanced liberation is not possible.

17. What are the goals during life? p11
To live with intention of improving situation so that better rebirths are gained until liberation (moksha) is achieved.
Follow dharma (duties and customs) for varna & jati
Follow dharma; act in harmony with the laws of the universe
Pursue kama
Pursue artha
Achieve moksha (liberation)
Of the four goals only Moksha is permanent; the other three are temporary and corruptible

18. What Is Dharma? p11
Right Conduct – behave yourself, duty of your caste/varna and your obligation or responsibility to society.
Religious or moral duty relating to specific varna and stage in life.
It gives order & harmony to the world and the universe
Affects a person’s journey through samsara.

19. How can a person affect samsara through their dharma? p11
Following your dharma well can help the atman progress through samsara
Samsara is the apparent endless cycle of rebirth the atman has to go through. Performing dharma and developing karma can attain a better rebirth
A Hindu aims to achieve Moksha and the end of samsara; carrying out their dharma makes it possible to move towards moksha.
Practice takes priority over belief and has more of an effect on dharma

20. What is artha? p11
A goal humans pursue in householder stage
Material wealth
Was first sought by Indian king as part of his dharma towards his people.
Householder has to provide for family
Must be pursued within moral structure of dharma or can result in poor karma

21. What is kama? P11-12
A goal humans pursue in householder stage
Pleasure such as music, drama, painting, sex.
Required for a well-ordered society
Should be pursued before moksha as it prepares a person for what is needed to be devoted to Brahman i.e. longing and loving adoration.
Achieving kama means a person is ready for higher spiritual achievement.

22. What is Moksha? p12
A Hindu’s final goal or destiny.
The final stage of existence after the release from the cycle of samsara.
The end of suffering.
Union of Brahman and atman; the atman is never reborn.
Highest state of happiness which cannot be described.
Achievable for only a few
Important to some Hindus; not important
to others.
Answer questions on page 10

23. What is the final aim of existence? p13
Achieve moksha
Release from samsara
Union of atman with Brahman
Jivanmukti - liberation while still living
Samadhi - attainment of bliss

24. How Moksha relates to other Hindu concepts: p13
Karma – the idea of moksha controls action & behaviour
Dharma – moksha encourages Hindus to follow dharma enabling individuals & society to operate more efficiently
Samsara – through karma & dharma, atman is advanced in the cycle, leading it closer to moksha
Margas – the scriptures stress the importance of the margas in achieving moksha

25. Why is Moksha Important to Hindus? p13
The ultimate goal for a Hindu is to achieve Moksha. Without re-uniting with Brahman, your atman/soul can never be at peace.
It encourages Hindus to lead a good/honest and peaceful life because to achieve Moksha requires good karma & following Dharma – varnashramadharma
Gives hope of a better life after this one

26. Why/when is Moksha not important to some Hindus? p13
Many Hindus struggle to survive from day to day and do not think about life after death.
Moksha has too many stages and some Hindus do not think it is achievable.
Scientific development has lead many Hindus to question the concept of reincarnation.

27. What is Jivanmukti? p15
Jiva (the soul of a person) Mukti (liberation)
Liberation while still living
Debate whether liberation is achievable while alive
True gurus are believed to have achieved liberation

28. What is Samadhi? p15
It means enlightenment.
It means realising who Brahman really is.
It is the final state of the Atman; there is no sense of 'I' or 'mine'
Cannot be described
Is not full liberation
The highest state that someone who practices yoga/meditation - some claim to levitate

29. What are the means (physical things) to achieving the goals in life
What are the means (physical things) to achieving the goals in life? p17
The Hindu Scriptures - known as ‘sruti’ or ‘shruti’
The guidance of a guru, acarya or swami
What scriptural teachings help to achieve the goals?
The Vedas
The Upanishads
The Epics
The Bhagavad – Gita

30. The Vedas: p17
4 books
Written around 600 BCE
Revered (regarded very highly), although few Hindus actually read them
The Upanishads:
Written around 500 BCE when a more philosophical approach regarding the Ultimate Reality took hold
New interpretations of the Vedas
The Epics:
Epic poems
Mahabharata & Ramayana extremely popular and influential

31. The Bhagavad – Vita p17-18
Means ‘The Lord’s Song’
One book of the epic Mahabharata
Holds special status
Includes famous conversation between the warrior Arjuna and the Supreme Being, Krishna Video clip
Arjuna, a young warrior is concerned about going into battle against the opposition which includes his uncle, cousin and former teacher. Krishna who is an avatar of Vishnu advises:
Not to fight isn’t noble – he should fulfil his duty as a warrior
The atman of the people he may kill won’t die anyway
Performing your own dharma requires detachment from any situation even if that means killing loved ones
Brahman will understand through his grace

32. What is the role of a guru and acarya in achieving goals in life? p19
Respected religious teacher and leader
Sometimes thought of as ‘divine being’
The same as or similar to a swami
Some believe it is necessary to have a guru or swami to achieve moksha or samadhi
Others believe it is possible to achieve moksha or samadhi without a teacher

33. What is an ashram? p19
A place for spiritual education, social work, medicine, religious activities and community activities
Where you will find a swami (religious teacher) or guru
Hindu Kings usually had an ashram where a raj guru (royal teacher) who would advise him
Ghandi’s ashram

34. What practices help to achieve the goals? p21
There are many paths which lead to moksha
Followers should choose the right one for them
Brahman has a role in the attainment of moksha
Practice margas; karma, bhakti, jnana
Follow dharma for ashrama
Varnashramadharma – dharma for varna and ashrama

35. Marga (way or path) and yoga (discipline) basically mean the same thing.
What are the Three Margas? p21
Forms of following dharma
Karma – performing duty
Jnana – Meditation & learning
Bhakti – devotion, puja

36. Karma Marga p21
Performing duties according to caste and ashrama – varnashramadharma
A person should only carry out a task because it should be done – not for any other reason
Includes thoughts as well as actions
A person should use their particular talents for the benefits of others i.e. family, society and cosmic order
‘How poor those who work for a reward’ Bhagavad Gita

37. Jnana Marga p21
Considered most difficult to follow
Knowledge of scripture is only the beginning
Spiritual learning e.g. meditation required
Some believe this requires a guru or swami (teacher)
Guru Ramana Maharshi (1879 – 1950) is claimed to have achieved Jivanmukti (liberation while alive). Others believe this is not possible while living.

38. Bhakti marga p22
Followed by the majority of devotees as it is more accessible than the other two
Hindus choose which god or deity to worship as a vehicle to Brahman
Worship or ‘puja’ can take place anywhere
Most Hindus have a shrine at home at which they worship daily; the mother is usually responsible for looking after it
Puja is also carried out as a community (16:08)
Worship also takes place in temples or Mandirs

39. Relationship between margas and dharma p22-23
Pursuing margas is part of a Hindus dharma (duty) in relation to their varna and ashrama e.g. bhakti marga is more accessible for lower castes; jnana marga is more relevant to a sunnyasin
Some believe jnana marga, for example, is necessary in order to achieve moksha and this is the most difficult path. However not all agree that following jnana marga is necessary.
Some choose not to follow jnana as it takes up too much time or is too difficult or they don’t have the opportunity. They may feel one of the margas that fits in to their lifestyle is more appropriate
Video clip

40. Being a Hindu in UK v India p23 Easier in India because:
Society is immersed in Hindu culture
Temples & gurus easily available
Not may as many distractions
Easier in UK because:
Temples & gurus available
People are freer to pursue ambition & potential as caste system less restricted
Hindu culture not so stereotyped
Neasden Hindu Temple in London

41. What does varna mean? p25
Varna literally means ‘colour’
Refers to the 4 social classes or castes.

42. Who are the Brahmins? p25
They are priests/professionals
They understand and study Hindu teachings.
They set a good moral example for others by remaining pure in words and deeds.
Paid by other castes

43. Who are the Kshatriyas? p25
They are the rulers & military forces in society, such as royal family, prime minister, members of the government and officers in the armed forces.
They are leaders, and protectors and guard the welfare of the people.
They were a secular (non-religious) power responsible for enforcing dharma.

44. Who are the Vaishyas? p25
They are the business people in society. They deal with money and commercial activities i.e. traders, bankers, financial advisers, solicitors and directors.
They were farmers or peasants involved in agriculture to provide food.
They are responsible for providing the material goods & the wealth in society.

45. Who are the Shudras? p25
Skilled workers eg potters, weavers and servants.
The working class. i.e. workers, labourers, factory workers and builders.
They do the physical and manual workers, serving the needs of others.
They were banned from access to scriptures.
Cannot be twice-born (sacred thread ceremony/ Upanayana)

46. Why are Varnas important for Hindu Society? p25
Everyone is given a role and responsibility to produce a stable society.
It was based on occupation ensuring that society had a thriving society with everyone depending on each other.
Your caste reflects your position and status in terms of a persons karma and therefore reincarnation.
It provides a moral incentive for all to improve their caste.

47. What are jatis? p25
Birth groups
Sub groups of the 4 varnas
Social divisions of which there are thousands
Who are the Untouchables?
Dalits
They are outside the caste system.
They deal with things considered unclean i.e. dead animals/rubbish.

48. What other practices help to achieve the goals? p27
What are the Ashramas ?
Stages laid out in Hindu law texts for the men of first three castes.
Student Stage – Brahmacharya
Householder Stage – Grihastha
Retirement Stage – Vanaprasta
Renunciation Stage – Sunnyasin

49. What is Brahmacharya (student stage)? p27
Students study Hindu scripture.
During this stage the initiation rite of the sacred thread called Upanayana, or twice-born, is performed only for boys in the upper 3 castes. This ‘second birth’ is one of knowledge and wisdom.
Traditionally boys would have their own scriptural teacher
Today this takes place in regular schools

50. What is Grihastha (householder stage)? p27
This begins when the student returns from his studies, marries and produces children.
This stage is considered a sacred duty.
Should carry out social and religious traditions
Pursue kama (pleasure)
Pursue artha (wealth)

51. What is Vanaprasthya (retirement stage)? p27
This stage occurs when the children are grown up and able to run their own lives.
He steps aside from society and work
Helps with grandchildren
May go on pilgrimage with his wife if she wishes
Concentrates on texts and spiritual matters
Not all men enter this stage

52. What is Sunnyasin (renunciation stage)? p27
Becomes a sadhu or wandering holy man
Practices detachment and renunciation from all worldly possessions
To give up all worldly ties, possessions, family and even name and devoting one's entire life to the spiritual god of liberation or moksha.
May attend his own funeral and is considered dead to his former life.
May follow a guru for some years before becoming homeless ascetic. (9:00)

53. The relationship between dharma and the ashramas p27-28
Hindus refer to their way of life as Sanatana dharma
Varnashramadharma is the duties of this way of life
Dharma for ashrama changes with different life stages
Dharma for varnas remains unchanged as they are fixed for life
Hindus do not go through all stages of ashramas – the third and fourth are difficult and many modern Hindus do not want to give up their lifestyle
However some argue carrying out all stages is
vital in order to achieve moksha as it can only
be done by complete detachment

54. The means to achieving the goals p29
What is Ahimsa?
Means non-violence to all things, this is because Hindus believe in the 'specialness' of all life.
All life is involved in samsara.
Some Hindus reject it because if we don't defend ourselves we can allow suffering to happen. This might mean poor karma and not following your dharma.

55. Mahatma Ghandi (1869 – 1948) campaigned in South Africa and India for equal rights for all castes and was a key figure in Indians independence from Britain. p29
‘Mahatma’ means great one or soul
Campaigned for equality for untouchables whom he named Harijan or ‘God’s children’
Campaign was based on ahimsa
‘…he who faces death without raising his little finger is braver.’
In South Africa he ended unjust against Indians/Hindus
In India he improved life for untouchables; some were now allowed into temples and draw water from any well
He helped India gain independence from Britain in 1947
However…

56. It could also be argued: p29
Ghandi’s non-violent approach caused thousands to be beaten or killed as they would not fight back
Following India’s independence there is still unrest between Hindus and Muslims
Ghandi himself felt he hadn’t been completely successful, ‘My 32 years of work have come to an inglorious end.’
Ghandi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist (who was a Brahmin); this was the 5th attempt on his life

57. Ramanuja (poem from Epics) Without it man is nothing on his own
What is God’s Grace? p31
Ramanuja (poem from Epics)
Without it man is nothing on his own
Impossible to achieve spiritual progression without it.
Vivekananda (Influential 19th C Indian monk)
Some Hindus believe it doesn’t exist; we are on our own
Some Hindus believe that man by nature is free, not dependant on God.
God’s grace
No God’s grace