World ReligionsA Voyage of Discovery

Hinduism

Some Basics

95% of Hindus live in India Hinduism emerged as a religion,

it did not begin with a founder or particular event

Hinduism shares no doctrinal statements

Hindus hold that no one religion can possibly claim knowledge of absolute truth

Experiential Moksha

• Liberation or release of the individual self (atman) from the bondage of samsura; salvation; one of the four life goals

Samadhi• Trance like state where

mind is absorbed into the ultimate reality; goal of the 8 steps of yoga

karma deathbirth

rebirth

Samsara - the cycle of rebirth

Mythic Stories & descriptions of 330 million gods & goddesses

• Polytheistic• Extensions of the One Reality• Important triad of gods; Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

Avatars- incarnations of the gods or goddesses• Provide points of contact with individuals

Cosmology• Many worlds, many lifetimes• Somehow came to be

Long periods of creation & destruction, endless repetition

Reincarnation; cyclical pattern to human life also• Occurs on different levels, sometimes transcends the earthly

for many years and then returns to earth

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

3 primaryforms of Brahman

1. Brahma is the Creator god2. Vishnu is the Preserving god3. Shiva is the Destroying god

Doctrinal Monism

• The Ultimate Reality is made up of only one essence; Brahman• The atman or eternal self which is identified with Brahman

Salvation through moksha• Cycle of rebirth• The fourth goal of life• Karma• Three Paths to Liberation

Karma Marga Jnana Marga Bhakti Marga

Sacredness of life• Four goals of life• Four stages of life

Ethical Dharma

• Living in harmony with the station in life Karma is determined by adherence to

dharma The Three paths of Liberation

• The Path of Works• The Path of Knowledge• The Path of Devotion

Three Paths to Liberation

Path of Action• Service to others

Path of Knowledge• Learning- information• Thinking- reflection on learning• View of self- assimilating reflection

Path of Devotion• Devotion to Brahman

Yoga: discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility

Ritual

Home Shrines• Puja

Visiting temples of particular gods or goddesses

Decorating and venerating cows

Social The Caste System Brahmins

• Priests- purest, wisest, most learned Kshatriyas

• Warriors- protect and rule Vaishya

• Farmers & Merchants- provide food and goods Shudra

• Servants- serve all the other castes- not permitted to study scripture

Asprishya• Untouchables- lower than the lowest caste-

degrading jobs Outlawed in India

Four Stages of Life Student

• From about 13 to marriage• Studies with a guru

Householder• Marriage to first grandchild• Pursues a career• Marries, raises a family

“Forest dweller”• Retreats from worldly bonds• Wife may accompany him

Spiritual Pilgrim• Wandering ascetic• Transcend ordinary ways of the

world Forsakes all worldly possessions, even

his name

Most men progress through the first two

only

Hindu males of the first 3 castes Women are to be

daughters, wives and mothers (Patriarchal society)

Four Goals of LifeDharma

one’s duties in life, especially as dictated

by caste Artha

pursuit of bothmaterial and

political wealthKama

pursuit of artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure Moksha

pursuit of liberationfrom the cycle ofrebirth through

actions, thoughts, and devotions

Materialtemples

many images ofgods/goddesses

home shrinesmany images ofgods/goddesses

murti

Ganges Riversymbol of life w/o end

ritual bathing and other rivers Scriptures

ScripturesShruti Scriptures (the most sacred)

TheHoly

Vedasc

1. Rig Veda - hymns to various gods

2. Soma Veda - hymns chanted at sacrifices

3. Yajur Veda - instructions for priests regarding sacrifices

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

TheVedas

TheUpanishads

Shruti Scriptures – also…

TheUpanishads

concerned with the cycle of rebirth

the mystical relationship between Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and atmon (soul)

often shared in a dialogue between guru and student

MahabharataPuranas

a Hindu epic poem stories of the gods:Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

Smirti Scriptures

Hinduism

Beliefs and Practices (continued)Atman:

• is the “real self” (mind, body, and emotions are “maya” or illusions)

• Hindus strive for release from maya in order to achieve union with Brahman/atman

• Moksha (liberation) is achieved through rigorous physical and mental discipline

Hinduism

Hinduism through a Catholic LensSimilarities:

• Tolerance of religious diversity• pursuing social issues• honoring Jesus and his teachings• the tradition of depicting and venerating

religious images

Hinduism

Hinduism through a Catholic Lens (continued)Differences:

• karma• reincarnation• the caste system• Jesus as the one and only incarnation of God