HINDUISM Origins Hinduism does not come from the

HINDUISM

Origins ◦ Hinduism does not come from the teachings of one person ◦ Hindu is a Sanskrit word meaning “river, ” it was once used to describe all Indians ◦ The teachings of Hinduism have three main sources: ◦ The traditions of the Indus River valley culture ◦ The traditions of the Dravidian peoples ◦ And the beliefs of the Aryan invaders

Aryan Invasion ◦ When the Aryans invaded India, the native Dravidians responded in three ways: ◦ Fleeing to southern India and preserving their culture ◦ Becoming slaves to the Aryans ◦ Merging with the Aryans to form a new culture in northern India-this was the beginning of Hinduism

Hindu Texts ◦ Hindu beliefs come from a collection of texts known as the Shruti, “that which is heard” ◦ Other texts are called Shmriti, “that which is remembered”-these are great stories ◦ The Upanishads are part of the Shruti and answer questions about Hindu beliefs and practices

Hindu Beliefs ◦ The one true reality is Brahman, the mighty spirit that creates and destroys. Brahman is One, but expresses itself as many ◦ One part of Brahman is the Self, or Soul. This is called Atman is found in every living thing

Hindu Beliefs ◦ Nothing living dies entirely. The Atman continues in a cycle of rebirth ◦ All Hindus strive to achieve moksha, a state of spiritual perfection. Once moksha is achieved, the Atman merges with Brahman ◦ Moksha is achieved through margas: knowledge and insight, appropriate action and works, and devotion to god ◦ All diversity in the universe is an illusion (maya)-the true nature is Oneness

Hindu Gods and Goddesses ◦ Brahma the Creator ◦ Vishnu the Preserver ◦ Shiva the Destroyer ◦ Shakti (Feminine energy force responsible for fertility and creativity; manifests itself in many female forms) ◦ Hindus believe in the Oneness of Brahman, but often have devotions to other gods

Caste System ◦ 1. Brahmins ◦ Created from the mouth, made up of priests ◦ 2. Kshatriyas ◦ Created from the arms, rulers and warriors ◦ 3. Vaisyas ◦ Created from the thighs, merchants, farmers, artisans ◦ 4. Sudras ◦ Created from the feed, servants and slaves

Dalits (Untouchables) ◦ The Dalits, or Untouchables, are even lower than the Sudras ◦ They had no rights in Hindu culture ◦ Members of other castes would not speak to them, touch them, drink from the same well, etc.

Justification ◦ The justification for the caste system is Karma-your behavior in this life will determine your status in the next life ◦ Good karma is accrued by following Dharma ◦ Dharma is the set of rules for proper behavior for each caste

Goals of Life ◦ No matter what caste, there are four purushartha, or goals of life: ◦ Dharma, artha (success), kama (pleasure) and moksha ◦ A Hindu expects to pass through four ashramas, or stages of life: ◦ Brahmacarya-Student ◦ Grihastha-Householder ◦ Vanaprastha-One who withdraws for reflection ◦ Samnyasin-One who renounces the world