Introduction to Hinduism

Background - HinduismThe oldest of the five major religionsApproximately 800 million followers“OM” – the Pravnava, most powerful mantra“Hindu” is a Persian word which refers to non-Muslims living beyond the Indus River.Sanatana Dharma is the preferred name.

Origins of HinduismNo specific founderVedic Tradition 3500 – 2500 years ago:

RitualsMany gods (polytheism)Sacred texts (Vedas)

Vedic Tradition developed into HinduismTransmitted orally for thousands of years

The Beliefs of Hinduism: Many Gods or One?All the universe is part of the unchanging, all-spiritual force called BrahmanBrahman is too complex for most to understandMost worship a variety of gods

Beliefs of HinduismTrue essence of life – Atman (the soul), is Brahman trapped in matterReincarnation – Atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara)Karma - all the actions of this life affect the next lifeUltimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with Brahman (Moksha)

Three Paths to Moksha

Trimarga = “3 Paths”

Karma Marga• The way of action

Jnana Marga• The way of wisdom

Bhakti Marga • The way of devotion

Karma MargaFour Goods1.Good of dharma

– duty2.Good of artha –

wealth3.Good of kama –

pleasure of the senses

4.Moksa – the highest form of good

Moksha is a distant event in another lifetimeTo reach moksha you must give up the first three goodsActions

Follow caste & gender rolesRituals, festivals, pilgrimages

Jnana MargaFollows the Upanishads - metaphysical speculation (teachings of gurus)Brahman

Its only quality is that of not having qualitiesAtman & Brahman are the same

Path of wisdomGive up attachment to individualityTruth is found through meditation

Bhakti MargaDevotion is more important than ritualWhat is done is not as important as how it is doneDo all things with devotion to God(s)Relationships

Parent/ChildFriendsMaster/ServantLovers

Gods of HinduismGods are supernatural, but not omnipotentThousands of Gods/AvatarsThree Primary Gods

Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva

Lord BrahmaGod of CreationFour faces represent the four Vedas

Lord VishnuMost popular Hindu GodPreserver of the universeGoodness & MercyAvatars

RamaKrishna

Lord ShivaThe DestroyerThe ProcreatorMost powerful of GodsLord of the Dance

Lord Ram7th Avatar of VishnuHero of the RamayanaRepresentation of an ideal man

Lord Krishna8th Avatar of VishnuRepresentation of ideal loveDelivers the Bhagavad-Gita

DurgaDivine MotherMultiple arms (6, 8, up to 20)When male logic fails she destroys evil

Lord GaneshSon of Shiva & DurgaRemover of obstacles

All Life is SacredHindus have always had great respect for lifeNonviolence - AhimsaCow is especially significant

TransportationMilkFuel

Places of Worship

Household shrinesTemples (Mandirs)Importance of Rivers

Ritual purity