Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 5

Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 5: Hinduism

Chapter 5, Introduction Modern Religion with Ancient Origins n n n World’s oldest living religion— 1500 BCE No founder or foundational event Synthesis of: Indo-Aryan Vedic religion; brahminical sacrificial rituals (bhakti = devotion in Sanskrit); asceticism & meditation (including Jains & Buddhists) Hindu from Sanskrit “sindhu” = river Originally Indus River but now Ganges River British who occupied from 1858 -1947 saw Hinduism as any Indian religious belief or practice besides: Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Parses, Muslims, Jews, or Christians Only left subcontinent in 1800’s so 95% of Hindu’s still live in India Not a worldwide religion but a world religion—long history Categorize self not by belief but by caste, family, origin, philosophy, & rituals Very accepting of other religions—no one religion can attain absolute truth Ultimate reality others call God is unknowable Encourage to find own best representation even if outside Hinduism

Chapter 5, Introduction cont. The Basics • 95% of Hindus live in India • Hinduism emerged as a religion, it did not begin with a founder or particular event • Hinduism shares no doctrinal statements • Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly claim knowledge of absolute truth , which is why Hinduism is often called a lifestyle rather than a religion

Periods of Hindu History Chapter 5, Introduction cont.

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism n n n No founder, date, or event; emerge rather than began; non liner path back Thus no doctrinal statements Analogy of the banyan tree (up & down) = continual growth & expansion The Indus Valley Period (3000 -1500 BCE) n n n n n Thriving civilization in the Indus Valley region of northwest India before 1500 BCE when the Aryans arrived from central Asia but in decline in 1500 Baths (ritual purity); female figurines & seals (fertility & regeneration); few weapons (peace) Hinduism is fusion of Indus Valley civilization with Aryan culture Main contributions were language (Sanskrit) & scripture (Vedas = divine knowledge) Vedas were passed down orally by priests from ancient seers called rishis Spoken word is good or evil depending on pronunciation so only priests kept Not written down for thousands of years until Muslim arrival—fear of change over rode the fear of defiling the sacred Hundreds of more years before priests released for scriptures of the people Not translated until the 1700’s when the British arrived

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. The Brahminical Period (1500 -300 BCE) n n n n The Aryans intermarried w/ the Indus people & moved to the Ganges More elaborate civilization around 900 BCE Brahmanic ritual sacrifice; schools; elaborate & expensive; home rituals emerge Schools of sacrifice developed; more complex; commentaries called Brahmanas Shruti = Vedas, Brahmanas, other Brahmin reflections, & later Upanishads Guru (personal teacher) & bhakti (devotion) + 550 -300 BCE as Brahmins – Shiva & Vishnu gained prominence along with asceticism Classical Perod (300 BCE – 1200 CE) n n n Hinduism becomes recognized as a religion & dramatic ritual change Temples established, home rituals grew, & vernacular replaced Sanskrit Shruti scriptures became authoritative & smriti scriptures emerged Shift from transcendent to immanent; cosmos to personal transformation Karma, samsara, reincarnation, caste system, behavior regulation develop

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. The Hindu-Muslim Period (1200 -1600 CE) n n n n Muslims reached India by 700 CE & conquered northwest by 1021 CE No forced conversion but taxed Expanded to central India in 12 th & 13 th centuries—New Delhi capital Islamic Mughals conquered in 1500’s & expanded even more Some sultans were tolerant others like Akbar (1556 -1605) & later were not Hindus reacted by establishing practices that clearly differentiated them Great creativity ensued—Islamic mysticism under poet Kabir (1440 -1518) & Sikhism under Guru Nanak (1459 -1539) The Modern Period (1600 CE-Present) n n Britain defeated Muslims in 1700’s & colonized India bringing West w/ them Most disruptive period of Indian history—questioned Hinduism, especially the caste system but also the beliefs and practices of Hinduism Muslims broke away to establish Pakistan in 1947 to escape the West Some stayed in India & border in Kashmir became debated as Britain left

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. The Modern Period (1600 CE-Present) cont. n n n n n Christians with Thomas the Apostle had reached India as early as the 100 CE Steady flow only in 1500’s with Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier Rise of Hindu religious reformers—Sri Ramakrishna (1836 -1886) said all religions are paths to God & Mohandas (Mahatma = Great Soul) Gandhi (1869 -1948) said all religions are equal & advocated ahimsa & satyagraha Assassinated in 1948 by a Hindu that felt he had sold out to Muslims Hinduism begins to expand outside of India 1 st Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893—Swami Vivekananda Beatles spread Transcendental Meditation of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1960’s) Meditation through mantras became popular in the West A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada (1896 -1977) founds ISKON—International Society of Krishna Consciousness aka Hare Krishnas—robes & preaching Jainism n n Founded by Mahavira (Great Hero) in 6 th century BCE as reaction to Brahmins Blend of Hinduism & Buddhism—ahimsa, vegetarians, most in India some outside

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Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. Major developments of: The Indus Valley Period (3000 -1500 BCE) • Emphasis on ritual purity • Focus on fertility & regeneration • The practice of meditation • Emphasis on peacefulness • Contributed the Vedas of divine knowledge

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. Major developments of: The Brahminical Period (1500 -300 BCE) • Ritual sacrifices by the Brahmins (priests) • Home ritual sacrifices • Gurus (teachers) train disciples in personal devotion to the gods • The gods Shiva & Vishnu gain in prominence • Rise of ascetical practices

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. Major developments of: The Classical Period (300 -1200 CE) • • Establishment of Hindu temples Growth of home-based rituals The Vedas become the authoritative scripture Emphasis shifts from the transcendent to the immanent Emphasis on personal transformation The concepts of karma & reincarnation emerge The evolution of the caste system

Chapter 5, Section 1: A Brief History of Hinduism cont. Jainism: • Founded by Mahavira in the sixth century BCE • Contains elements of Hinduism & Buddhism • Practice non-violence or non-injury • Vegan, commitment to not harm any living thing

Chapter 5, Section 1 Review Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. What was the Aryan influence on the origins of Hinduism? Who were Brahmins & what was their main function? What makes up the shruti? Describe Jainism. Why are the years 300 to 1200 CE known as the Classical Period of Hinduism? What happened when the Muslims came to India? What are some of the beliefs major Hindu figures of the nineteenth & twentieth centuries advocated? Describe one movement of Hinduism that contributed to its expansion outside of India.

Chapter 5, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures n n Shruti—more sacred; revealed by gods to ancient seers; don’t change; “that which is to be heard” Smriti—“that which is to be remembered”; less authoritative; passed orally; more popular Shruti Scriptures n n n n Vedas—earliest; Aryan era; hymns; fire sacrifice; 4; exclusive; priests; memory Rig Veda—oldest; most sacred; 1, 000 hymns & mantras; Sanskrit; 1300 BCE Soma Veda— 900 BCE; sacrificial hymns Yajur Veda—prose; priestly sacrificial instruction Atharva Veda— 700 BCE; domestic hymns; healing for sacrificial mistakes Upanishads—personal action & cycle of rebirth; liberation; relationship between Brahman (Ultimate Reality) & atman (soul); “to sit down beside”; guru to student Svetaketu—father instruction; being & soul not seen, heard, thought; salt water; Chandogya Upanishad

Chapter 5, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures cont. Smriti Scriptures n n Mahabharata—Hindu epic; 200 k verses; family war over inheritance; Krishna; avatar of Vishnu; 9 avatars & 10 th end of world; supports family Bhagavad Gita—contained in; most popular; brother Arjuna; fight as warrior caste or non-violence; debate with charioteer Krishna; disinterested love in personal duties Ramayana— 2 nd greatest Hindu epic; Prince Rama; exiled with wife & brother; Ravana kidnaps wife; Rama rescues & becomes king Puranas—stories about 3 Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva; creation; world’s history; popular with lower castes; miracles & personal devotion Knowledge of the Heart n Svetaketu— 12 years of studying; head knowledge but not heart; nyagrodha tree; fruit, seed, nothing; essence of all creation is nothingness & flow

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Chapter 5, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures cont. Shruti Scriptures (the most sacred) 1. Rig Veda - hymns to various gods The Holy Vedasc 2. Soma Veda - hymns chanted at sacrifices 3. Yajur Veda - instructions for priests regarding sacrifices 4. Atharva Veda - hymns, charms, spells & incantations for domestic use

Chapter 5, Section 2: Sacred Stories & Scriptures cont. Shruti Scriptures – also… § Concerned with the cycle of rebirth The Upanishads § The mystical relationship between Brahman (Ultimate Reality of all living things) & atman (soul) § Often shared in a dialogue between guru & student

Chapter 5, Section 2 Review Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. What are shruti scriptures? What are smriti scriptures? What is the dilemma of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita? What are the Puranas?

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices n n n No absolute beliefs & practices but some that most hold: Beliefs—deities, cycle of rebirth, sacredness of life Practices—communal life, caste system, stages of life Deities n n n n 330 million = so many that they cannot be counted All images of Brahman = Absolute Reality, all pervading life force of the universe, material & immaterial, one essence Human attributes but not Brahman which is transcendent Even 5 senses fall short! Primary forms = life cycle—Brahma (Create), Vishnu (Preserve), Shiva (Destroy) Avatars—incarnation of a deity, form of Brahman along with primary forms Krishna & Rama are avatars of Vishnu Gautama the Buddha also of Vishnu—founder of Buddhism

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Female Goddesses n n Female forms of Brahman Parvati—Shiva; love, fertility, devotion, divine power & strength or standing alone Devi = Great Goddess, Durga = Warrior, Kali = justice deliverer Saraswati—Brahma; learning, literature, & music Lakshmi—Vishnu; prosperity, good fortune, & beauty Atman n n Individuals essential nature, real self, & innermost soul Identical to Brahman; goal is union with Brahman = union with atman Moksha = liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth Hidden & elusive so physical & mental discipline Body, mind, emotions not included since are maya = illusions & passing

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Cycle of Rebirth n n n n n Life is cyclical not linear; nature exemplifies Karma determines cycle; moral law of cause & effect; consequences Samsara = cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth (reincarnation or transmigration) Eternal atman lives on in another body determined by karma Determined not by judge but by nature; seed Moksha = liberation from samsara by removing karmic residue to rebirth Yoga = 3 disciplines or practices for doing so; training of entire person; body, mind, spirit; goal is to make an identity between Brahman & atman Karma yoga (Path of Action)—selfless service to others; purge motives; even desire for liberation; action Jnana yoga (Path of Knowledge)—learning, thinking, & viewing self in 3 rd person; meditation Bhakti yoga (Path of Devotion)—pure, long devotion to Brahman; most Hindus; stresses immanence over transcendence

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. The Sacredness of Life n n n Brahman is in all things so all things are sacred Ahimsa = desire to not harm any form of life; basis of non-violence, vegetarianism, & cows being sacred Satyagraha = application by Mohandas Gandhi to British attacks in liberating Caste System n n n n n Diverse beliefs but more uniform actions 4 stages & 4 pursuits of life in context of 3 -4 -5 castes; high to low Tolerant of individual beliefs but not of straying from castes Aryans introduced 3, 4 th added later, 5 th so low not even part of Related to karma & samsara—caste depends on actions of previous life Brahmins—priests; highest; pure, wise, learned families Kshatriyas—warriors; protect & rule Vaishya—farmers & merchants; provide Shudra—servants; lowest; serve other castes; no scripture study

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Caste System cont. n n n Asprishya—“untouchables”; defiled families; degrading work; garbage men; vile actions in previous life; Gandhi sought to raise; discrimination illegal now Caste system still has a strong hold today; bound by birth until death to caste & duties of caste (clothing, habits, religious practices) How one lives differs but not reasons for living Dharma—social & caste duties Artha—material/political wealth Kama—artictic, recreational, sensual Moksha—liberation from cycle The Stages of Life n n n Ashramas; 4; general patterns of life; Hindu males traditionally; women called to be daughters, wives, & mothers under the protection & support of a man; 1 st 3 castes; most only 2; must fulfill 1 & 2 if going to pursue 3 & 4 Bhahmancarin—learn Hindu traditions from a guru Grihastha—householder, marry, family, contribute to society Vanaprastha—”forest dweller”, slowly move away from life as a hermit Sannyasin—spiritual pilgrim, renounce all, pursue moksha

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Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Most Hindus hold these beliefs in common, though they are not “doctrines”: The caste system Millions of gods & goddesses The sacredness of life The cycle of rebirth The four stages of life

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Brahman = one Ultimate Reality or Absolute Reality which: Cannot be grasped by the five senses Is manifested in gods & goddesses Is transcendent Includes everything material and immaterial Has no attributes Is the “life. Force” of the universe

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. 3 primary forms of Brahman 1. Brahma is the Creator god 2. Vishnu is the Preserving god 3. Shiva is the Destroying god An avatar is the incarnation of personification of a god or goddess e. g. Krishna & Ganesh

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Atman: • Is the “real self” (mind, body, & emotions are “maya” or illusions) • Hindus strive for release from maya in order to achieve union with Brahman/atman • Moksha (liberation) is achieved through rigorous physical & mental discipline

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Samsara - the cycle of rebirth Rebirth Breaking the cycle: Ø Knowledge Birth Karma Death Ø Good deeds Ø Devotion

Chapter 5, Section 3: Beliefs & Practices cont. Moksha The major pursuits of life: Artha Dharma One’s duties in life, especially as dictated by caste Pursuit of both material & political wealth Pursuit of liberation from the cycle of rebirth through actions, thoughts, & devotions Kama Pursuit of artistic, recreational, & sensual pleasure

Chapter 5, Section 3 Review Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. What is meant by Brahman? How is Brahman linked to atman? What are three primary forms of Brahman? Describe the Hindu cycle of rebirth related to the three paths of liberation. Name & describe the four stages of life for Hindu castes; also define “untouchables”. Name & describe the four stages of life for Hindu males. What are the four life goals for a Hindu male in the first three castes?

Chapter 5, Section 4: Sacred Times n n n n Lunar calendar—more complicated than Jew or Muslims 11 day difference; adjust one whole month but no name Named for month before or after it; 7 months every 19 years added 6 seasons not 4—add Monsoon (after Summer) & Dewey (after Winter) Each season has two months Festivals and Life Cycle events/Rites of Passage Many gods leads to many unique festivals but two held in common Festivals—Diwali & Holi n n n n Diwali—“Festival of Lights” Similar to Hanukkah or Christmas—start of New Year for some No universal calendar so no universal start date; always Fall though North India 5 days & South 1 day (also Sikhs & Jains) Return of Rama (7 th avatar of Vishnu) from 14 year exile Oil lamps to light path but symbolic of light piercing darkness (Jn. 1) Colorful lights, candles, firecrackers, bonfires (evil deities), special food & clothes Protection from evil spirits

Chapter 5, Section 4: Sacred Times cont. Festivals—Diwali & Holi cont. n n n Holi—love between Krishna & Radha Riotous spring festival Castes suspended Pranks recalls Krishna’s youth Red liquid & powder recalls Holika trying to poison Krishna with milk Krishna won Life Cycles n n n Samskaras—rites of passage in the life cycles; 16; ward off bad karma Birth—womb placing, male rite, hair parting, rite of birth Childhood—name giving, feeding, ear piercing, hair cut, formal education Adulthood—fit/proper season, beard shaving, settlement/word-giving, marriage Funeral Rite—preparation of body, cremation, scattering of ashes

Chapter 5, Section 4: Sacred Times cont. Sikhism n n n Blending of Hinduism & Islam; Sikhs disagree, see as unique; learners God revealed himself to Guru Nanak in 1459 CE in Pakistan today 10 incarnations to Geru Gobind Singh in 1708 who with community & scripture are 11 th Fled Pakistan in 1947 when establsihed as a Muslim nation; want own homeland Monotheistic; God transcendent; seen through nature & experience; Ultimate Reality; formless, eternal, no beginning or end Mool Mantra expresses beliefs Believe karma, samsara, moksha, & equality of persons Reject caste system, ahimsa, & idol worship The Five K’s Kesh (uncut hair); Kanga (comb); Kacha (short pants); Kara (steel bracelet); & Kirpan (short sword) Gurdwara (service—scripture & song) led by granthu (prayer leader if available) in a temple

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Chapter 5, Section 4: Sacred Times cont. Sikhism • A blending of Hinduism and Islam • Is monotheistic • Beliefs: karma, samsara, moksha, equality • Rejects: caste system, idol worship • Signs of devotion: unshorn hair, comb, short pants, steel bracelet, short sword • Many have a desire to found and establish their own homeland

Chapter 5, Section 4 Review Questions 1. 2. 3. How do Hindus compensate for the different number of days between solar & lunar calendars? What do the festivals of Diwali & Holi celebrate? How are they celebrated? Name & explain at least two of the sixteen stages of the Hindu life cycle.

Chapter 5, Section 5: Sacred Places & Spaces n n Synthetic & natural sites are sacred because Brahman is present everywhere Temples, public & individual home shrines, mountains & rivers esp. Ganges Temples n n n Most towns & all major cities; many gods adorn but dedicated to 1 (caste) Individual worship; minimal participation Brahmin offers puja—bells wake, bathed, dressed, incense, food, & flowers Murti (depiction) is decorated & processed on “feast” days 3 fold structure—outer hall, temple proper, & womb chamber (residence on earth of deity) each with an ambulatory for clockwise veneration Puja = Honoring n n n Honoring & gratefulness are signs of divine love—imitation, honor, love, play) Imitate what divine love is already doing for us in nature to offer back Flower (love), fruits (food), candle (sun & moon), incense (5 senses = deep feeling)

Chapter 5, Section 5: Sacred Places & Spaces cont. Home Shrines n n n Most homes; to perform puja; room or table but always a murti of significance Individual or collective (women) Flowers, fruit, incense, wash, dress, prayers, hymns, texts Receive a blessing & eat food offered Murti NOT god but represents or may dwell in during puja Ganges River n n n Most sacred place Symbol of life without end Kubach festival every 12 years Spiritual healing through ritual bathing—removes bad karma At death, many scatter ashes in Especially near Varanasi (Benares)

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Chapter 5, Section 5: Sacred Places & Spaces cont. Temples Home shrines many images of gods/goddesses Ganges River symbol of life w/o end ritual bathing Puja honoring the gods

Chapter 5, Section 5 Review Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. Why is everything sacred to Hindu’s? Describe a home puja and its purpose? How does a temple puja differ from a home puja? Why is the Ganges River the most sacred place for Hindus?

Chapter 5, Section 6: Hinduism Through a Catholic Lens n n n n NA 2: divine mystery, myths, philosophy, freedom, anguish of humans, asceticism, meditation, love, trust Hindus very tolerant of religious diversity Accept ansolute truth but deny complete knowledge of it Each religious has a piece & points towards it Sum does not = absolute truth but gets us closer to it Tolerance leads Hindus to exhort all religious traditions Ghandi–“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ” Tolerance does not = minimizing own tradition but does require an open mind Clarifying + and – is essential to dialogue Find fragments of truth, delve deeper into own, & deeper commitment Deepest base of dialogue is social issues/human dignity—esp. poverty India is very poor—fragile economy & caste system Ghandi & Mother Teresa led reforms for poor Deepest sources of misunderstanding are: Jesus & religious images

Chapter 5, Section 6: Hinduism Through a Catholic Lens cont. Jesus, The Incarnate God n n n n n Continuous interaction b/w Hindus & Catholics since 1700’s with British St. Thomas (apostle) in the 1 st & St. Francis Xavier (Jesuit) in the 16 th As a result, Hindus have a wide variety of beliefs about Jesus Hidden years in India learning from sages; social/moral reformer; one of many avatars of Vishnu; a yogi (disciplined & ascetical life) Some question historical existence but all are attracted to his Beatitudes Christians agree that Jesus challenges us towards love, compassion, kindness, sympathy, reconciliation, & justice Christians hold Jesus’ real historical existence—Josephus & Tacitus Taught about reign of God rather than Hindu concepts Jesus is God & the only incarnation of God rather than 1 avatar among many Phil 2: 5 -11

Chapter 5, Section 6: Hinduism Through a Catholic Lens cont. Religious Images n n n n Long history of using religious images but also misunderstanding Assumption of worshiping idols in depiction & appreciation Used in Eastern & Western Christianity from beginning 8 th century Iconoclast Controversy b/w East & West Iconoclasm again in 16 th century Protestant Reformation History of religious images in Hinduism—temples, home shrines, & public Muslim destruction of images, objects, & sacred spaces in India Ornamental (not primary), stories, education, & veneration not worship Similar in misunderstanding but different in content Veneration in Hinduism—honor & assists in meditation Fruit, flowers, incense, candles, food Devas (sitting ones) depict an aspect of Brahman—anthropomorphically Avoid danger of too human by arms, heads, clothing, objects, animal features In Christianity (East—icons & West statues) historical figures—human & divine venerated but not worshiped

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Chapter 5, Section 6: Hinduism through a Catholic Lens cont. Similarities: • Toleration of religious diversity • Pursuing social issues • Honoring Jesus and his teachings • The tradition of depicting and venerating religious images

Chapter 5, Section 6: Hinduism through a Catholic Lens cont. Differences: • Karma • Reincarnation • The caste system • Jesus as the one and only incarnation of God

Chapter 5, Section 6 Review Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. In dialoguing about human dignity, what topic in particular do Hindus have in mind? Name at least three views of Jesus that can be found among Hindus. Name similar views Catholics and Hindus have about Jesus. List three functions of religious imagery.

Chapter 5 Conclusion n n n n Difficult to define No founder, founding event, & universal creed or scriptures Rich variety of rituals, scriptures, beliefs, & deities Central concepts of Brahman, atman, karma, samsara, & moksha Caste system & personal duties are most important However, individual person is more important than individual beliefs This gives rise to 16 life cycle rituals or rights of passage Not seeking to convert people—Brahman is a universal essence so all paths towards it are valid Still standing after many ups & downs of history

Chapter 5: Hinduism Vocabulary n n n Bhakti n Hindu n Vedas n Rishis n Brahmins n Brahmanas n Shruti n Gurus n Sanskrit Mahabharata n Bhagavad Gita n Ramayana Karma Samsara Caste System Ahimsa Satyagraha Transcendental Meditation Mantra Hare Krishnas Jainism n n n Rig Veda Soma Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda Upanishads Brahman Atman Smriti Avatar Puranas Transcendent

Chapter 5: Hinduism Vocabulary cont. n n n Brahma Vishnu Shiva Parvati Saraswati Lakshmi Maya Moksha Yoga Karma Yoga Jnana Yoga n n n Bhakti Yoga Kshatriyas Vaishya Shudra Asprishya Dharma Artha Kama Ashramas Brahmancarin Grihastha n n n n n Vanaprastha Sannyasin Diwali Holi Samskaras Sikhism Siri Guru Granth Sahib Mool Mantra The Five K’s Granthu

Chapter 5: Hinduism Vocabulary cont. n n n Gurdwara Puja Murti Temples Home Shrines Ganges River St. Thomas the Apostle St. Francis Xavier Yogi Iconoclasm Devas

Chapter 5 Hinduism – Vocabulary Definitions Bhakti – personal devotion to gods; from Sanskrit Hindu – river; sindhu in Sanskrit Vedas – Ancient Hindu scriptures in Sanskrit from Aryan’s Rishis – primordial seers Brahmins – Vedic priests in charge of sacrifice; highest caste Brahmanas – Commentary on Vedas by Brahmins Shruti – Oldest Hindu Scriptures; contains Vedas & Upanishads Gurus – teacher in Sanskrit; personal spiritual guide Sanskrit – “perfected”; Ancient Indian language; Vedas in; from Aryan Mahabharata – 1 st major epic of smriti; family war over inheritance Bhagavad Gita – part of Mahabhrata; Arjuna’s dilemma Ramayana – 2 nd major epic of the smriti; good vs. evil; Prince Rama Karma – effect of personal actions; determines next life form of soul

Chapter 5 Hinduism – Vocabulary Definitions cont. Samsara – the life cycle; birth, life, death, rebirth until liberation Caste System – Hindu social class system prevalent in India Ahimsa – principle of non violence Satyagraha – passive resistance; advocated by Gandhi against British Transcendental Meditation – deep relaxation through mantra; Beatles brought the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1960’s to west Mantra – sacred verbal formula repeated in prayer Hare Krishnas – International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON); founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupafa in 1960’s Jainism – 6 th century BCE blend of Hinduism & Buddhism; Mahavira Rig Veda – oldest & most sacred Veda; fire sacrifices Soma Veda – second oldest; for Soma sacrifices; hallucinogenic drink Yajur Veda – third oldest; prose; priestly sacrificial instruction Atharva Veda – newest Veda; domestic; healing

Chapter 5 Hinduism – Vocabulary Definitions cont. Upanishads – 2 nd type of shruti scripture; cycle of rebirth & liberation Brahman – Ultimate or Absolute Reality; 1; transcendent; present Atman – soul; identical to Brahman; individual essence Smriti – 2 nd type of Hindu scripture; contains three epics Avatar – the incarnation of a Hindu god; human or animal Puranas – stories about Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva; 3 rd part of smriti Transcendent – lying beyond the range of perception; Brahman Brahma – Creator god Vishnu – Preserver god; Krishna, Rama, & Buddha are 3 of 9 avatars of Shiva – Destroyer god Parvati – connected with Shiva; also stand alone as Divine Mother Saraswati – connected to Brahma; learning, literature, music Lakshmi – connected to Vishnu; prosperity, good fortune, beauty

Chapter 5 Hinduism – Vocabulary Definitions cont. Maya – illusion in Sanskrit; everything besides Brahman Moksha – liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth; 4 th life pursuit Yoga – Hindu discipline to train consciousness for insight & peace Karma Yoga – Path of Action; right action for right motive not moksha Jnana Yoga – Path of Knowledge; view self in 3 rd person; meditation Bhakti Yoga – Path of Devotion; most common; devotion to Brahman Kshatriyas – warriors; 2 nd highest caste; protect & rule Vaishya – farmers & merchants; 3 rd highest caste; provide for society Shudra – servants; lowest caste; no Scripture study Asprishya – untouchables; so low not caste; defiled through karma/work Dharma – 1 st life pursuit; social duties based on caste Artha – 2 nd life pursuit; material & political wealth Kama – 3 rd life pursuit; artistic, recreational, sensual pleasure

Chapter 5 Hinduism – Vocabulary Definitions cont. Ashramas – the four stages of life; Hindu males; top 3 castes; usually 2 Brahmancarin – “student”; learn the Hindu tradition; guru helps usually Grihastha – “householder”; marry, family, contribute Vanaprastha – “forest dweller”; hermit; pursue otherworldly desires Sannyasin – “spiritual pilgrim”; renounce all to persue moksha Diwali – “Festival of Lights”; fall; return of Rama; lights; defeat of evil Holi – spring; love b/w Krishna & Radha; color (red esp. ) & pranks Samskaras – 16 rites of passage in 4 life cycles (birth, child, adult, death) Sikhism – 15 th century blend of Hinduism & Islam; Guru Nanak; 1 of 11 Siri Guru Granth Sahib – Sikh sacred scripture; w/ community = 11 th Mool Mantra – Sikh creed The Five K’s – five objects carried by Sikh’s to show devotion to god Granthu – Sikh worship leader; if not available, anybody willing

Chapter 5 Hinduism – Vocabulary Definitions cont. Gurdwara – Sikh worship service; reading & singing scripture; temple Puja – Hindu service; temple or home; show honor & gratitude to divine Murti – statue, picture, or other image of deity; NOT worshiped Temples – most common Hindu place or worship; many deities depicted but dedicated to one; usually based on local caste; 3 parts: outer hall, temple proper, and womb chamber; residence of deity; ambulation Home Shrines – room or table in home for puja Ganges River – most sacred Hindu place; life w/out end; ritual bathing St. Thomas the Apostle – brought Gospel to Kerala in southern India St. Francis Xavier – Jesuit missionary to India in 16 th century Yogi – one who lives a disciplined & ascetical life; Jesus is for Hindus Iconoclasm – the deliberate destruction religious images to prevent worship of image Devas – “sitting one” in Sanskrit; Hindu depictions of Brahman to reveal

Chapter 5 Review Questions (Extra Credit) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Briefly summarize the main characteristics of each of the five main Hindu historical periods. What is the difference between shruti and smriti scriptures? What was the major dilemma for Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita? What do Hindus mean by Ultimate Reality? How are Brahman and atman related? There is a perfume that is sold called Samsara. Why would Hindus find that strange? What is moksha? What are three main paths to liberation for Hindus? Which of the three paths is the most prevalent among Hindus? How are the caste system and the cycle of rebirth related? Name and explain the four stages of life for Hindu males in the first three castes. Why is the Ganges River so sacred to Hindus?

Chapter 5 Review Questions cont. (Extra Credit) 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. What is the significance of the city of Varanasi to Hindus? What are the four pursuits in life for Hindus? Which of the four is the most important? What elements of Hinduism can be found in Sikhism? Describe the various views about Jesus that can be found amongst Hindus. What are the “five K’s” of Sikhism? Why can Mohandas Gandhi be called a Hindu social reformer? Why are both Catholics and Hindus accused of worshiping idols? List and give examples of three reasons for the use of religious imagery. What was the lesson Svetaketu’s father was trying to teach him? How are karma, moksha, and samsara related? What are the two festivals most celebrated by Hindus? Why are they celebrated?