Chapter 4: Ancient India and China

Section 2 – Hinduism

Hindu Om (Aum) represents the Supreme Being, Brahman, and embodies the essence of the entire universe

OM Chant

Focus

• What basic teachings do most Hindus share?

• What are the sacred texts and religious practices of Hinduism?

• What are the teachings of Jainism?

Main Idea

The religion of Hinduism developed and evolved over a long time in India, giving rise to a variety of beliefs

and practices and to other religions, including Jainism.

Section 2 – Hinduism

I. Basic Teachings of HinduismHinduism evolved over thousands of years; influenced by many cultures and traditions

A. Brahman

The Supreme Cosmic Spirit or Absolute Reality called Brahman is believed to be eternal, genderless, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and ultimately indescribable in human language.

Hindus believe in Brahman, an eternal, all-encompassing being

A. BrahmanEveryone has atman, an aspect of Brahman that shapes personality and cannot be destroyed

A. BrahmanDevas - manifestations of Brahman; help maintain order in nature

Three devas have great influence - Brahma, Vishnu, Siva

A. Brahman

The Trimurti: Supreme Triad consisting of three great gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. This Triad represents all aspects of the Supreme Being: Creation, Preservation, Destruction

B. Rebirth and Salvation

Hindus believe everything is part of a continual pattern of birth, death, and rebirth

B. Rebirth and Salvation

After death, atman is released/reborn in a process called reincarnation, or samsara

B. Rebirth and Salvation

New life shaped by karma:

good karma = better life

bad karma = lower station in life

B. Rebirth and Salvation

Moksha = escape from cycle of rebirth, the goal of existence; atman reunites with Brahman

B. Rebirth and Salvation

Moksha achieved by fulfilling dharma, creating good karma, and breaking free from cycle of rebirth

10 Rules of Dharma in Hinduism

II. Sacred Texts and Practices

Hinduism evolved from sacred writings produced over centuries

II. Sacred Texts and Practices

Sacred texts sorted into one of three categories:

- Vedas, the core of Hinduism

- Writings inspired by Vedas

- Sacred epics

II. Sacred Texts and Practices

Vedas - hymns of praise, earliest sacred texts; revealed to humans by Brahman

The Vedas are the recordings of sages to whom the mantras were revealed. They proclaim the transcendental Truth,

which is not changed by time or place.

II. Sacred Texts and PracticesUpanishads - written explanations of the Vedic religion

II. Sacred Texts and Practices

Ramayana - epic poem of Rama and Sita; became role models for men and women

II. Sacred Texts and PracticesThe Mahabharata tells of a great battle between sibling clans

Lord Krishna holding a chariot wheel as he rushes towards Bhishma in the Battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is begging him not to break

his oath of not wielding arms during the war.

II. Sacred Texts and Practices

The last 18 chapters make up the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous of Hindu scriptures

The Bhagavad Gita ("Song of God") is revered as one of the sacred and highly esteemed scriptures of Hinduism. The content of the Gita is the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra war. Responding to Arjuna's confusion and moral dilemma, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and also as a practical guide to life.

II. Sacred Texts and Practices

Religious practices include worship, meditation, and pilgrimages

Pilgrim bathers at the sacred Ganges River

Practicing Yoga

III. Jainism

ca. 500 BC - group of Hindus, led by teacher Mahavira, founded Jainism

III. Jainism

Thought ritual was unnecessary; could achieve moksha by giving up worldly things, controlling actions, and practicing ahimsa

III. Jainism

Jains tell only truth, avoid stealing, and eliminate negative acts which prevent moksha

Ganesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival, is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.