Religious Traditions of India

Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism

Religion   Population   Percent

Major Religions 1,028,610,328 100.00%

Hindus 827,578,868 80.456%

Muslims 138,188,240 13.434%

Christians 24,080,016 2.341%

Sikhs 19,215,730 1.868%

Buddhists 16,947,992 1.504%

Jains 4,225,053 0.41%

IND

IA

Origin of Hinduism in India Unique in that there

is NO founder Ancient Aryan

belief/practice Religious texts:

Vedas and Upanishads

Vedas are truths revealed to “wise men”

Upanishads help to explain the ideas/messages of the Vedas

Indian Epics

Epics are long narrative poems that tell of ancient Hindu values

Two of the most famous are pictures above; Ramayana and Mahabharata

Brahman Thousands of Gods Polytheistic All these Gods are

part of ONE force

Brahman is Nameless Formless Unlimited in power

Deities3 principle gods:1. Brahma, creator of the universe2. Vishnu, preserver of the universe3. Shiva, destroyer of the universe These gods can take many forms because there

are creators, preservers, and destroyers for everything

Reincarnation (samsara)

Atman: spirit or soul Moksha:

Uniting of Atman and Brahman

Break free from cycle of reincarnation

Karma: present situation is a reflection of past deeds

Dharma: duties and obligations that must be fulfilled in order to achieve moksha

Caste System Rebirth and Karma

are linked to Caste

Some believe Caste developed when the light-skinned Aryans conquered the dark skinned non-Aryan people

Others believe it is based on occupation

4 Varna (divisions of the caste system)

Brahmins (priests)

Kshatriyas (warriors and

rulers)Vaishyas

(landowning farmers and merchants)

Sudras (low status laborers and artisans)

One is born into a

subcaste, or community –

called jati

Dalits – “the oppressed”, untouchables

Adivasis – descendents of the region’s original inhabitants

Not part of caste

system

Rules of the Caste

Caste rules governed…• Eating habits• Marriage• Employment• Living location• Gods worshipped• Clothes worn

Rules meant to help people remain spiritually pure

Caught in Caste: Marketplace Radio Segment

http://www.marketplace.org/topics/world/caught-caste

How and why was the reporter forced into observing the caste

system against her will?

Modern India and Caste TodayA. Politics and Legality

a. Constitution forbids practicing discrimination based upon caste

b. Quota Systems – more developed/modern areas; college entrance, jobs, ect.

B. Social Characteristicsa. More flexible in larger urban areasb. Developing India Caste unable to contain the

socioeconomic changes

C. Dalitsa. 160 million untouchables, 15% of populationb. Gandhi called untouchables Harijans Children of Godc. Untouchables called themselves Dalits Oppressed

i. Shunned, insulted, banned from temples and higher caste homes, made to eat and drink from separate utensils in public places, and, in extreme but not uncommon cases, are raped, burned, lynched, and killed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL_Ipuxlk7k

Difference in Beliefs

Hinduism Many Gods Caste System No Founder Non-Violence Nations in the Region

India Sri Lanka Nepal

Islam One God Equality Prophet Muhammad Laws of the Koran Nations in the Region

Pakistan Afghanistan Bangladesh

Jainism

Emphasis on the immediate consequences of one's physical and mental behavior

Every living being has a soul

Ahimsa; meaning to do no hard.

Strict vegetarians Goal of life is

Moksha

Jainism

Jain monks can be seen with their nose and mouth covered by a cloth mask to ensure that they do not kill any germs or insects while breathing

Sikhism

23 million worldwide

Punjab region of India

Combination of Hindu and Muslim teachings

Monotheist Rejects the Caste

System Rituals and

ceremonies not important

Sikhism

Middle or surname: Boys given name

“Singh” Girls given name “Kaur”

The way to lead a good life is: Keep God in heart and

mind at all times Live honestly and work

hard Treat everyone equally Be generous to the less

fortunate Serve others

Prime Minister of India: Manmohan Singh

The Five Evils of Sikhism Influences of ego,

anger, greed, attachment and lust —known as the Five Evils—are believed to be particularly destructive.

The fate of people exposed to the Five Evils is separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion.

The 5K’s

Kesh – unkempt hair = living in harmony with the will of god

Kanga – comb = keep hair clean and tidy Kara – steel bracelet = restraint from evil

deeds Kacha – soldiers shorts = self-restraint Kirpan – sword = courage and self-

defense

Amrit Ceremony - All baptized Sikh’s are bound to wear the 5 k’s

Kacha: To be worn by all baptized Sikhs as undergarment.

A kaṛā, kaṅghā and kirpān.

The 5 K’s of Sikhism

Buddhism

Began in South Asia but only 1% practice it Sri Lanka Bhutan