Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 5 Hinduism Chapter 5 Hinduism.

Exploring the Religions Exploring the Religions of Our Worldof Our World

Exploring the Religions Exploring the Religions of Our Worldof Our World

Chapter 5 Chapter 5 HinduismHinduismChapter 5 Chapter 5 HinduismHinduism


The BasicsThe Basics• 95% of Hindus live in India95% of Hindus live in India• Hinduism Hinduism emerged emerged as a religion, it did not as a religion, it did not

begin with a founder or particular eventbegin with a founder or particular event• Hinduism shares no doctrinal statementsHinduism shares no doctrinal statements• Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly

claim knowledge of absolute truth claim knowledge of absolute truth

The BasicsThe Basics• 95% of Hindus live in India95% of Hindus live in India• Hinduism Hinduism emerged emerged as a religion, it did not as a religion, it did not

begin with a founder or particular eventbegin with a founder or particular event• Hinduism shares no doctrinal statementsHinduism shares no doctrinal statements• Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly

claim knowledge of absolute truth claim knowledge of absolute truth


Periods of Hindu HistoryPeriods of Hindu HistoryPeriods of Hindu HistoryPeriods of Hindu History

Pages 184-185Pages 184-185Pages 184-185Pages 184-185


HistoryHistory (continued) (continued)

Major developments of:Major developments of:

The Indus Valley PeriodThe Indus Valley Period (3000-1500 BCE) (3000-1500 BCE)• emphasis on ritual purityemphasis on ritual purity• focus on fertility and regenerationfocus on fertility and regeneration• the practice of meditationthe practice of meditation• emphasis on peacefulnessemphasis on peacefulness

HistoryHistory (continued) (continued)


The Indus Valley PeriodThe Indus Valley Period (3000-1500 BCE) (3000-1500 BCE)• emphasis on ritual purityemphasis on ritual purity• focus on fertility and regenerationfocus on fertility and regeneration• the practice of meditationthe practice of meditation• emphasis on peacefulnessemphasis on peacefulness


History History (continued)(continued)

Major developments of: Major developments of:

The Brahminical PeriodThe Brahminical Period (1500-300 BCE) (1500-300 BCE) • ritual sacrifices by the Brahmins (priests)ritual sacrifices by the Brahmins (priests)• home ritual sacrificeshome ritual sacrifices• gurus (teachers) train disciples in personal gurus (teachers) train disciples in personal

devotion to the godsdevotion to the gods• the gods Shiva and Vishnu gain in prominencethe gods Shiva and Vishnu gain in prominence• rise of ascetical practicesrise of ascetical practices


Major developments of: Major developments of:

The Brahminical PeriodThe Brahminical Period (1500-300 BCE) (1500-300 BCE) • ritual sacrifices by the Brahmins (priests)ritual sacrifices by the Brahmins (priests)• home ritual sacrificeshome ritual sacrifices• gurus (teachers) train disciples in personal gurus (teachers) train disciples in personal

devotion to the godsdevotion to the gods• the gods Shiva and Vishnu gain in prominencethe gods Shiva and Vishnu gain in prominence• rise of ascetical practicesrise of ascetical practices




The Classical PeriodThe Classical Period (300-1200 CE) (300-1200 CE) • establishment of Hindu templesestablishment of Hindu temples• growth of home-based ritualsgrowth of home-based rituals• the the VedasVedas become the authoritative scripture become the authoritative scripture• emphasis shifts from the transcendent to the immanentemphasis shifts from the transcendent to the immanent• emphasis on personal transformation emphasis on personal transformation • the concepts of karma and reincarnation emergethe concepts of karma and reincarnation emerge• the evolution of the caste systemthe evolution of the caste system



The Classical PeriodThe Classical Period (300-1200 CE) (300-1200 CE) • establishment of Hindu templesestablishment of Hindu temples• growth of home-based ritualsgrowth of home-based rituals• the the VedasVedas become the authoritative scripture become the authoritative scripture• emphasis shifts from the transcendent to the immanentemphasis shifts from the transcendent to the immanent• emphasis on personal transformation emphasis on personal transformation • the concepts of karma and reincarnation emergethe concepts of karma and reincarnation emerge• the evolution of the caste systemthe evolution of the caste system



Jainism:Jainism:• founded by Mahavira in the sixth century founded by Mahavira in the sixth century

BCEBCE• contains elements of Hinduism and Buddhismcontains elements of Hinduism and Buddhism• practice non-violence or non-injurypractice non-violence or non-injury


Jainism:Jainism:• founded by Mahavira in the sixth century founded by Mahavira in the sixth century

BCEBCE• contains elements of Hinduism and Buddhismcontains elements of Hinduism and Buddhism• practice non-violence or non-injurypractice non-violence or non-injury


Sacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures

Shruti ScripturesShruti Scriptures (the most sacred) (the most sacred)

Sacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures

Shruti ScripturesShruti Scriptures (the most sacred) (the most sacred)

TheTheHolyHoly

VedascVedasc

TheTheHolyHoly

VedascVedasc

1. 1. Rig VedaRig Veda - hymns to various gods - hymns to various gods

2. 2. Soma VedaSoma Veda - hymns chanted at - hymns chanted at sacrifices sacrifices

3. 3. Yajur VedaYajur Veda - instructions for priests - instructions for priests regarding sacrifices regarding sacrifices

4. 4. Atharva VedaAtharva Veda - hymns, charms, spells - hymns, charms, spells and incantations for domestic useand incantations for domestic use

1. 1. Rig VedaRig Veda - hymns to various gods - hymns to various gods

2. 2. Soma VedaSoma Veda - hymns chanted at - hymns chanted at sacrifices sacrifices

3. 3. Yajur VedaYajur Veda - instructions for priests - instructions for priests regarding sacrifices regarding sacrifices

4. 4. Atharva VedaAtharva Veda - hymns, charms, spells - hymns, charms, spells and incantations for domestic useand incantations for domestic use

TheTheVedasVedasTheThe

VedasVedas

TheTheUpanishadsUpanishads



Sacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures (continued)(continued)

Shruti ScripturesShruti Scriptures – also… – also…

Sacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures (continued)(continued)

Shruti ScripturesShruti Scriptures – also… – also…



concerned with the cycle of concerned with the cycle of rebirth rebirth

the mystical relationship the mystical relationship between between BrahmanBrahman (Ultimate (Ultimate Reality) and Reality) and atmonatmon (soul) (soul)

often shared in a dialogue often shared in a dialogue between guru and studentbetween guru and student

concerned with the cycle of concerned with the cycle of rebirth rebirth

the mystical relationship the mystical relationship between between BrahmanBrahman (Ultimate (Ultimate Reality) and Reality) and atmonatmon (soul) (soul)

often shared in a dialogue often shared in a dialogue between guru and studentbetween guru and student

PuranasPuranasPuranasPuranasMahabharataMahabharataMahabharataMahabharata


MahabharataMahabharataMahabharataMahabharata PuranasPuranasPuranasPuranas

a Hindu epic poema Hindu epic poema Hindu epic poema Hindu epic poemstories of the gods:stories of the gods:

Brahma, Vishnu, ShivaBrahma, Vishnu, Shivastories of the gods:stories of the gods:

Brahma, Vishnu, ShivaBrahma, Vishnu, Shiva

Sacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures (continued)(continued)Smriti ScripturesSmriti ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred ScripturesSacred Stories and Sacred Scriptures (continued)(continued)Smriti ScripturesSmriti Scriptures


Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices

MostMost Hindus hold these beliefs in common: Hindus hold these beliefs in common:

Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices

MostMost Hindus hold these beliefs in common: Hindus hold these beliefs in common:

millions ofmillions ofgods andgods andgoddessesgoddesses

millions ofmillions ofgods andgods andgoddessesgoddesses

the cycle ofthe cycle ofrebirthrebirth

the cycle ofthe cycle ofrebirthrebirth

the sacrednessthe sacrednessof lifeof life

the sacrednessthe sacrednessof lifeof life

the castethe castesystemsystem

the castethe castesystemsystem

the four stagesthe four stagesof lifeof life

the four stagesthe four stagesof lifeof life

is the life-is the life-force of theforce of the

universeuniverse

is the life-is the life-force of theforce of the

universeuniverse

includes every-includes every-thing materialthing materialand immaterialand immaterial

includes every-includes every-thing materialthing materialand immaterialand immaterial

is manifestedis manifestedin gods andin gods andgoddessesgoddesses

is manifestedis manifestedin gods andin gods andgoddessesgoddesses

has nohas noattributesattributes

has nohas noattributesattributes

isistranscendenttranscendent

isistranscendenttranscendent

cannot becannot begrasped bygrasped by

the five sensesthe five senses

cannot becannot begrasped bygrasped by

the five sensesthe five senses


Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices (continued)(continued)Brahman Brahman = one Ultimate Reality or Absolute Reality which: = one Ultimate Reality or Absolute Reality which:

Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices (continued)(continued)Brahman Brahman = one Ultimate Reality or Absolute Reality which: = one Ultimate Reality or Absolute Reality which:


Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices (continued)(continued)Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices (continued)(continued)

An An avataravatar is the incarnation of a god or goddess is the incarnation of a god or goddess e.g. Krishna and Ramae.g. Krishna and Rama

An An avataravatar is the incarnation of a god or goddess is the incarnation of a god or goddess e.g. Krishna and Ramae.g. Krishna and Rama

3 primary3 primaryforms of forms of BrahmanBrahman

3 primary3 primaryforms of forms of BrahmanBrahman

1. 1. BrahmaBrahma is the Creator god is the Creator god2. 2. VishnuVishnu is the Preserving god is the Preserving god3. 3. ShivaShiva is the Destroying god is the Destroying god

1. 1. BrahmaBrahma is the Creator god is the Creator god2. 2. VishnuVishnu is the Preserving god is the Preserving god3. 3. ShivaShiva is the Destroying god is the Destroying god


Beliefs and PracticesBeliefs and Practices (continued)(continued)

Atman:Atman:• is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions

are “maya” or illusions)are “maya” or illusions)• Hindus strive for release from maya in order Hindus strive for release from maya in order

to achieve union with Brahman/atmanto achieve union with Brahman/atman• Moksha (liberation) is achieved through Moksha (liberation) is achieved through

rigorous physical and mental discipline rigorous physical and mental discipline


Atman:Atman:• is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions

are “maya” or illusions)are “maya” or illusions)• Hindus strive for release from maya in order Hindus strive for release from maya in order

to achieve union with Brahman/atmanto achieve union with Brahman/atman• Moksha (liberation) is achieved through Moksha (liberation) is achieved through

rigorous physical and mental discipline rigorous physical and mental discipline



SamsaraSamsara - the cycle of rebirth - the cycle of rebirth


SamsaraSamsara - the cycle of rebirth - the cycle of rebirth

birthbirthbirthbirth deathdeathdeathdeath

rebirthrebirthrebirthrebirth

karmakarmakarmakarma

breaking the cyclebreaking the cycle::

knowledgeknowledge

good deedsgood deeds

devotiondevotion

breaking the cyclebreaking the cycle::

knowledgeknowledge

good deedsgood deeds

devotiondevotion



The major pursuits of life:The major pursuits of life:


The major pursuits of life:The major pursuits of life:

Dharma Dharma

one’s duties in life, one’s duties in life, especially as dictatedespecially as dictated

by casteby caste

Dharma Dharma

one’s duties in life, one’s duties in life, especially as dictatedespecially as dictated

by casteby caste

ArthaArtha

pursuit of bothpursuit of bothmaterial andmaterial and

political wealthpolitical wealth

ArthaArtha

pursuit of bothpursuit of bothmaterial andmaterial and

political wealthpolitical wealth

KamaKama

pursuit of artistic, pursuit of artistic, recreational, and recreational, and sensual pleasuresensual pleasure

KamaKama

pursuit of artistic, pursuit of artistic, recreational, and recreational, and sensual pleasuresensual pleasure

MokshaMoksha

pursuit of liberationpursuit of liberationfrom the cycle offrom the cycle ofrebirth through rebirth through

actions, thoughts, actions, thoughts, and devotionsand devotions

MokshaMoksha

pursuit of liberationpursuit of liberationfrom the cycle offrom the cycle ofrebirth through rebirth through

actions, thoughts, actions, thoughts, and devotionsand devotions


SikhismSikhism• a blending of Hinduism and Islama blending of Hinduism and Islam• is monotheistic is monotheistic • beliefsbeliefs: karma, samsara, moksha, equality: karma, samsara, moksha, equality• rejectsrejects: caste system, idol worship: caste system, idol worship• signs of devotionsigns of devotion: unshorn hair, comb, short pants, steel bracelet, short sword: unshorn hair, comb, short pants, steel bracelet, short sword• many have a desire to found and establish their own homelandmany have a desire to found and establish their own homeland

SikhismSikhism• a blending of Hinduism and Islama blending of Hinduism and Islam• is monotheistic is monotheistic • beliefsbeliefs: karma, samsara, moksha, equality: karma, samsara, moksha, equality• rejectsrejects: caste system, idol worship: caste system, idol worship• signs of devotionsigns of devotion: unshorn hair, comb, short pants, steel bracelet, short sword: unshorn hair, comb, short pants, steel bracelet, short sword• many have a desire to found and establish their own homelandmany have a desire to found and establish their own homeland


Sacred Places and Sacred SpacesSacred Places and Sacred SpacesSacred Places and Sacred SpacesSacred Places and Sacred Spaces

templestemplesmany images ofmany images ofgods/goddessesgods/goddesses

templestemplesmany images ofmany images ofgods/goddessesgods/goddesses

home shrineshome shrinesmany images ofmany images ofgods/goddessesgods/goddesses

home shrineshome shrinesmany images ofmany images ofgods/goddessesgods/goddesses

Ganges RiverGanges Riversymbol of life w/o endsymbol of life w/o end

ritual bathingritual bathing

Ganges RiverGanges Riversymbol of life w/o endsymbol of life w/o end

ritual bathingritual bathing

pujapujahonoring the godshonoring the gods

pujapujahonoring the godshonoring the gods


Hinduism through a Catholic LensHinduism through a Catholic Lens

Similarities:Similarities:• toleration of religious diversitytoleration of religious diversity• pursuing social issuespursuing social issues• honoring Jesus and his teachingshonoring Jesus and his teachings• the tradition of depicting and venerating the tradition of depicting and venerating

religious imagesreligious images

Hinduism through a Catholic LensHinduism through a Catholic Lens

Similarities:Similarities:• toleration of religious diversitytoleration of religious diversity• pursuing social issuespursuing social issues• honoring Jesus and his teachingshonoring Jesus and his teachings• the tradition of depicting and venerating the tradition of depicting and venerating

religious imagesreligious images


Hinduism through a Catholic LensHinduism through a Catholic Lens (continued)(continued)

Differences:Differences:• karmakarma• reincarnationreincarnation• the caste systemthe caste system• Jesus as the one and only incarnation of GodJesus as the one and only incarnation of God

Hinduism through a Catholic LensHinduism through a Catholic Lens (continued)(continued)

Differences:Differences:• karmakarma• reincarnationreincarnation• the caste systemthe caste system• Jesus as the one and only incarnation of GodJesus as the one and only incarnation of God


BrahminsBrahmins shrutishruti gurusgurus bhaktibhakti SanskritSanskrit karmakarma caste systemcaste system

BrahminsBrahmins shrutishruti gurusgurus bhaktibhakti SanskritSanskrit karmakarma caste systemcaste system

mantramantra Hare KrishnasHare Krishnas AvatarAvatar BrahmanBrahman transcendenttranscendent AtmanAtman mayamaya

mantramantra Hare KrishnasHare Krishnas AvatarAvatar BrahmanBrahman transcendenttranscendent AtmanAtman mayamaya

samsarasamsara yogayoga satyagrahasatyagraha pujapuja iconoclasmiconoclasm devasdevas

samsarasamsara yogayoga satyagrahasatyagraha pujapuja iconoclasmiconoclasm devasdevas

VocabularyVocabularyVocabularyVocabulary

Exploring the Religions of Our World Chapter 5 Hinduism Chapter 5 Hinduism.

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