HinduismHinduismHinduismHinduism

India, Nepal, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Lanka, Pakistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Malaysia, USA, South USA, South Africa, Africa, Myanmar, Myanmar, Bali, JavaBali, Java

India, Nepal, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Lanka, Pakistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Malaysia, USA, South USA, South Africa, Africa, Myanmar, Myanmar, Bali, JavaBali, Java

Key IdeasKey IdeasKey IdeasKey Ideas

Monistic – One reality underlying Monistic – One reality underlying everything including the godseverything including the gods A basic reality underlying the

phenomenal realm Gods are personifications of Gods are personifications of

energies or powers of the universeenergies or powers of the universe

Monistic – One reality underlying Monistic – One reality underlying everything including the godseverything including the gods A basic reality underlying the

phenomenal realm Gods are personifications of Gods are personifications of

energies or powers of the universeenergies or powers of the universe

Primary TenantsPrimary TenantsPrimary TenantsPrimary Tenants

We live in cyclical time We live in cyclical time

We have moral duties and We have moral duties and responsibilities to live byresponsibilities to live by

Worship / PujaWorship / Puja

Asceticism / Spiritual and ethical Asceticism / Spiritual and ethical disciplinediscipline

We live in cyclical time We live in cyclical time

We have moral duties and We have moral duties and responsibilities to live byresponsibilities to live by

Worship / PujaWorship / Puja

Asceticism / Spiritual and ethical Asceticism / Spiritual and ethical disciplinediscipline

The Four WantsThe Four Wants

PleasurePleasure (kama) (kama)

PowerPower / Wealth / Status (artha) / Wealth / Status (artha)

Social ServiceSocial Service

Spiritual LiberationSpiritual Liberation – to be united – to be united with our god (moksha)with our god (moksha)

PleasurePleasure (kama) (kama)

PowerPower / Wealth / Status (artha) / Wealth / Status (artha)

Social ServiceSocial Service

Spiritual LiberationSpiritual Liberation – to be united – to be united with our god (moksha)with our god (moksha)

The Four Stages of LifeThe Four Stages of Life

Each stage lasts about 25 yearsEach stage lasts about 25 years

Student Householder (marry, family, job) Retirement (meditation and spiritual

study) Wanderer / Sannyasin (withdraw

totally from society)

Each stage lasts about 25 yearsEach stage lasts about 25 years

Student Householder (marry, family, job) Retirement (meditation and spiritual

study) Wanderer / Sannyasin (withdraw

totally from society)

HistoryHistoryHistoryHistory

2500-1500 BCE 2500-1500 BCE Harappan / IVCHarappan / IVC

Over 1000 sitesOver 1000 sites Plumbing, Irrigation,

Great Bath, Seals, Lingams, Terracotta Goddesses, Planned Cities on Grid-like patterns

Larger than Egypt Larger than Egypt and Mesopotamia and Mesopotamia combinedcombined

2500-1500 BCE 2500-1500 BCE Harappan / IVCHarappan / IVC

Over 1000 sitesOver 1000 sites Plumbing, Irrigation,

Great Bath, Seals, Lingams, Terracotta Goddesses, Planned Cities on Grid-like patterns

Larger than Egypt Larger than Egypt and Mesopotamia and Mesopotamia combinedcombined

HARAPPAN SEALSHARAPPAN SEALSHARAPPAN SEALSHARAPPAN SEALS

HARAPPAN GODDESSESHARAPPAN GODDESSESHARAPPAN GODDESSESHARAPPAN GODDESSES

HARAPPAN GIRLHARAPPAN GIRLHARAPPAN GIRLHARAPPAN GIRL

Aryan Migration into IndiaAryan Migration into India

1500-1200 BCE Aryans brought the 1500-1200 BCE Aryans brought the Vedic traditionVedic tradition

Patriarchal tribes with horse-drawn Patriarchal tribes with horse-drawn chariots and a warrior classchariots and a warrior class Similar to the Greek pantheon In Vedas, Ganges River is on the horizon

Their conquest or other causes led to Their conquest or other causes led to the decline of the Harappan Civilizationthe decline of the Harappan Civilization

1500-1200 BCE Aryans brought the 1500-1200 BCE Aryans brought the Vedic traditionVedic tradition

Patriarchal tribes with horse-drawn Patriarchal tribes with horse-drawn chariots and a warrior classchariots and a warrior class Similar to the Greek pantheon In Vedas, Ganges River is on the horizon

Their conquest or other causes led to Their conquest or other causes led to the decline of the Harappan Civilizationthe decline of the Harappan Civilization

The Vedic Tradition The Vedic Tradition

1500-5001500-500 BCE – Vedas were written down BCE – Vedas were written down

Vedas incorporated ideas from the Harappan Vedas incorporated ideas from the Harappan Civilization (yoga, Siva)Civilization (yoga, Siva)

Priestly, sacrificial rites to uphold the cosmic Priestly, sacrificial rites to uphold the cosmic order & forces of natureorder & forces of nature

1500-5001500-500 BCE – Vedas were written down BCE – Vedas were written down

Vedas incorporated ideas from the Harappan Vedas incorporated ideas from the Harappan Civilization (yoga, Siva)Civilization (yoga, Siva)

Priestly, sacrificial rites to uphold the cosmic Priestly, sacrificial rites to uphold the cosmic order & forces of natureorder & forces of nature

AgniAgniAgniAgni

Fire represents forceful heat, flaming will, Fire represents forceful heat, flaming will, light over darknesslight over darkness

Deity that conveys offerings to other Deity that conveys offerings to other godsgods

Ritual fire offerings still central to Hindu Ritual fire offerings still central to Hindu worshipworship As a result, a reward will come Offerings include ghee, grains, soma, animals Offerings controlled and made by Brahmin

priests Priests use mantras to invoke breath behind

all existence

Fire represents forceful heat, flaming will, Fire represents forceful heat, flaming will, light over darknesslight over darkness

Deity that conveys offerings to other Deity that conveys offerings to other godsgods

Ritual fire offerings still central to Hindu Ritual fire offerings still central to Hindu worshipworship As a result, a reward will come Offerings include ghee, grains, soma, animals Offerings controlled and made by Brahmin

priests Priests use mantras to invoke breath behind

all existence

AGNIAGNIAGNIAGNI

UpanishadsUpanishadsUpanishadsUpanishads

About same time as Buddhism and About same time as Buddhism and Jainism Jainism

Recorded: 600-400 BCERecorded: 600-400 BCE Not concerned with Vedic ritualsNot concerned with Vedic rituals Private asceticismPrivate asceticism Transcendent reality withinTranscendent reality within Inner self = Atman (peace , bliss)Inner self = Atman (peace , bliss)

Concept more accessible to Jnana or Raja types

About same time as Buddhism and About same time as Buddhism and Jainism Jainism

Recorded: 600-400 BCERecorded: 600-400 BCE Not concerned with Vedic ritualsNot concerned with Vedic rituals Private asceticismPrivate asceticism Transcendent reality withinTranscendent reality within Inner self = Atman (peace , bliss)Inner self = Atman (peace , bliss)

Concept more accessible to Jnana or Raja types

UpanishadsUpanishadsUpanishadsUpanishads

The ultimate expression of The ultimate expression of “pluralism”“pluralism” “Truth is One, Sages call it by many

names.”

The ultimate expression of The ultimate expression of “pluralism”“pluralism” “Truth is One, Sages call it by many

names.”

Cyclical Nature of TimeCyclical Nature of TimeCyclical Nature of TimeCyclical Nature of Time

Each world cycle = 4,320,000 years Each world cycle = 4,320,000 years Each cycle has 4 periods or “yugas”

Dharma Cow on 3 legs (people must be taught their roles) Cow on 2 legs – people lose altruism Kali Yuga which began in 3102 BCE (egotism, war)

p.88,89

2000 world cycles = one day and night 2000 world cycles = one day and night in Brahma’s lifein Brahma’s life

Each world cycle = 4,320,000 years Each world cycle = 4,320,000 years Each cycle has 4 periods or “yugas”

Dharma Cow on 3 legs (people must be taught their roles) Cow on 2 legs – people lose altruism Kali Yuga which began in 3102 BCE (egotism, war)

p.88,89

2000 world cycles = one day and night 2000 world cycles = one day and night in Brahma’s lifein Brahma’s life

Sanatana DharmaSanatana DharmaSanatana DharmaSanatana Dharma

““Eternal Truth”Eternal Truth”

Pure Consciousness / Truth / OMPure Consciousness / Truth / OM GodsGods RitualsRituals

““Eternal Truth”Eternal Truth”

Pure Consciousness / Truth / OMPure Consciousness / Truth / OM GodsGods RitualsRituals

Puja / WorshipPuja / WorshipPuja / WorshipPuja / Worship

A daily part of a Hindu’s lifeA daily part of a Hindu’s life At household shrine, image is removed from At household shrine, image is removed from

resting place; it starts the the day with ritual resting place; it starts the the day with ritual cleansingcleansing

Image then placed on shrine with gifts of fresh Image then placed on shrine with gifts of fresh fruit and flowersfruit and flowers

Short puja in morningShort puja in morning Longer puja at nightLonger puja at night

Holy books, discussions, teaching, meditation, prayer During puja, Hindus use their senses to help During puja, Hindus use their senses to help

them feel close to Godthem feel close to God

A daily part of a Hindu’s lifeA daily part of a Hindu’s life At household shrine, image is removed from At household shrine, image is removed from

resting place; it starts the the day with ritual resting place; it starts the the day with ritual cleansingcleansing

Image then placed on shrine with gifts of fresh Image then placed on shrine with gifts of fresh fruit and flowersfruit and flowers

Short puja in morningShort puja in morning Longer puja at nightLonger puja at night

Holy books, discussions, teaching, meditation, prayer During puja, Hindus use their senses to help During puja, Hindus use their senses to help

them feel close to Godthem feel close to God

Mahabharata Mahabharata Mahabharata Mahabharata

Recorded 400 BCE – 400 CERecorded 400 BCE – 400 CE Epic of Good vs. EvilEpic of Good vs. Evil Pandavas vs. KauravasPandavas vs. Kauravas Teaches duty and righteous Teaches duty and righteous

actionaction

As Arjuna’s charioteer, Krishna As Arjuna’s charioteer, Krishna is manifestation of the Supreme is manifestation of the Supreme GodGod

Before battle Krishna teaches self-transcendence.

Do service and sacrifice to the Supreme

Brings freedom and peace Ignore attraction and aversion

1818thth Book is the Bhagavad-Gita Book is the Bhagavad-Gita Aug/Sept – Krishna’s B-dayAug/Sept – Krishna’s B-day

Fast and keep vigil till midnight Reading from B-Gita Retelling stories of his life

Recorded 400 BCE – 400 CERecorded 400 BCE – 400 CE Epic of Good vs. EvilEpic of Good vs. Evil Pandavas vs. KauravasPandavas vs. Kauravas Teaches duty and righteous Teaches duty and righteous

actionaction

As Arjuna’s charioteer, Krishna As Arjuna’s charioteer, Krishna is manifestation of the Supreme is manifestation of the Supreme GodGod

Before battle Krishna teaches self-transcendence.

Do service and sacrifice to the Supreme

Brings freedom and peace Ignore attraction and aversion

1818thth Book is the Bhagavad-Gita Book is the Bhagavad-Gita Aug/Sept – Krishna’s B-dayAug/Sept – Krishna’s B-day

Fast and keep vigil till midnight Reading from B-Gita Retelling stories of his life

RamayanaRamayanaRamayanaRamayana

Compiled 400 BCE – 200 Compiled 400 BCE – 200 CECE

Stepmom has Rama Stepmom has Rama banished 14 years – goes banished 14 years – goes with Sitawith Sita

Ravana, the 10-headed Ravana, the 10-headed demon king of Sri Lanka demon king of Sri Lanka kidnaps Sitakidnaps Sita

Rama, his half-brother and Rama, his half-brother and Hanuman get Sita backHanuman get Sita back

Epic of Good vs. EvilEpic of Good vs. Evil Acted out with great Acted out with great

pageantry in India every pageantry in India every yearyear

Compiled 400 BCE – 200 Compiled 400 BCE – 200 CECE

Stepmom has Rama Stepmom has Rama banished 14 years – goes banished 14 years – goes with Sitawith Sita

Ravana, the 10-headed Ravana, the 10-headed demon king of Sri Lanka demon king of Sri Lanka kidnaps Sitakidnaps Sita

Rama, his half-brother and Rama, his half-brother and Hanuman get Sita backHanuman get Sita back

Epic of Good vs. EvilEpic of Good vs. Evil Acted out with great Acted out with great

pageantry in India every pageantry in India every yearyear

Social Values in the RamayanaSocial Values in the RamayanaSocial Values in the RamayanaSocial Values in the Ramayana

Ideal Son: Rama’s devotion and Ideal Son: Rama’s devotion and obedience to fatherobedience to father

Ideal Wife: Sita as model wifely Ideal Wife: Sita as model wifely devotiondevotion

Ideal society: benevolent and justIdeal society: benevolent and justIdeal King: brave warriorIdeal King: brave warriorIdeal Brother: ideal fraternityIdeal Brother: ideal fraternityIdeal Servant: Ideal service / Ideal Ideal Servant: Ideal service / Ideal

devotee as in bhaktidevotee as in bhakti

Ideal Son: Rama’s devotion and Ideal Son: Rama’s devotion and obedience to fatherobedience to father

Ideal Wife: Sita as model wifely Ideal Wife: Sita as model wifely devotiondevotion

Ideal society: benevolent and justIdeal society: benevolent and justIdeal King: brave warriorIdeal King: brave warriorIdeal Brother: ideal fraternityIdeal Brother: ideal fraternityIdeal Servant: Ideal service / Ideal Ideal Servant: Ideal service / Ideal

devotee as in bhaktidevotee as in bhakti

Caste SystemCaste SystemCaste SystemCaste System

Categories Categories Priests, Philosophers Kings, Warriors Farmers, Merchants Manual laborers, Artisans Untouchables

Code of Manu 100 CECode of Manu 100 CE These became hereditary categoriesThese became hereditary categories Vedic fire sacrifices requires a trained and purified Vedic fire sacrifices requires a trained and purified

priestly classpriestly class Part of the emphasis on sacrifice of individual desires for Part of the emphasis on sacrifice of individual desires for

social ordersocial order Gandhi opposed – Harijans renamedGandhi opposed – Harijans renamed 1948 Untouchability legally removed1948 Untouchability legally removed

Categories Categories Priests, Philosophers Kings, Warriors Farmers, Merchants Manual laborers, Artisans Untouchables

Code of Manu 100 CECode of Manu 100 CE These became hereditary categoriesThese became hereditary categories Vedic fire sacrifices requires a trained and purified Vedic fire sacrifices requires a trained and purified

priestly classpriestly class Part of the emphasis on sacrifice of individual desires for Part of the emphasis on sacrifice of individual desires for

social ordersocial order Gandhi opposed – Harijans renamedGandhi opposed – Harijans renamed 1948 Untouchability legally removed1948 Untouchability legally removed

VishnuVishnuVishnuVishnu

ProtectorProtector of humanity of humanity high crown; holds club, conch high crown; holds club, conch

shellshell Lakshmi – wealth / powerLakshmi – wealth / power Of 10 incarnations, most Of 10 incarnations, most

popular: Rama, Krishna and popular: Rama, Krishna and BuddhaBuddha

1010thth incarnation hasn’t come incarnation hasn’t come yet. At the end of this world yet. At the end of this world age, he will appear to age, he will appear to administer divine justiceadminister divine justice

ProtectorProtector of humanity of humanity high crown; holds club, conch high crown; holds club, conch

shellshell Lakshmi – wealth / powerLakshmi – wealth / power Of 10 incarnations, most Of 10 incarnations, most

popular: Rama, Krishna and popular: Rama, Krishna and BuddhaBuddha

1010thth incarnation hasn’t come incarnation hasn’t come yet. At the end of this world yet. At the end of this world age, he will appear to age, he will appear to administer divine justiceadminister divine justice

ShivaShivaShivaShiva

Deity of yogis / asceticismDeity of yogis / asceticism Will destroy the universe by fire Will destroy the universe by fire

at the end of the present cycleat the end of the present cycle Spouse - Parvati / Son - GaneshSpouse - Parvati / Son - Ganesh Lingams: natural or sculpted Lingams: natural or sculpted

cylindrical formscylindrical forms Sexuality in contained and potential

state Formless symbol for unmanifest,

transcendent aspect of Siva Shiva manifested himself on Shiva manifested himself on

earth 12 times as a shattering earth 12 times as a shattering sheath of light – pilgrimage sitessheath of light – pilgrimage sites

Deity of yogis / asceticismDeity of yogis / asceticism Will destroy the universe by fire Will destroy the universe by fire

at the end of the present cycleat the end of the present cycle Spouse - Parvati / Son - GaneshSpouse - Parvati / Son - Ganesh Lingams: natural or sculpted Lingams: natural or sculpted

cylindrical formscylindrical forms Sexuality in contained and potential

state Formless symbol for unmanifest,

transcendent aspect of Siva Shiva manifested himself on Shiva manifested himself on

earth 12 times as a shattering earth 12 times as a shattering sheath of light – pilgrimage sitessheath of light – pilgrimage sites

SivaSivaSivaSiva

GaneshGaneshGaneshGanesh

The god of space and The god of space and timetime

Brings good luck and Brings good luck and removes obstaclesremoves obstacles

Large belly and bowl of Large belly and bowl of candiescandies

Invoked for blessings Invoked for blessings at the beginning of a at the beginning of a new venture or pujanew venture or puja

Protects entrances to Protects entrances to homeshomes

The god of space and The god of space and timetime

Brings good luck and Brings good luck and removes obstaclesremoves obstacles

Large belly and bowl of Large belly and bowl of candiescandies

Invoked for blessings Invoked for blessings at the beginning of a at the beginning of a new venture or pujanew venture or puja

Protects entrances to Protects entrances to homeshomes

Ganesh ChaturthiGanesh ChaturthiGanesh ChaturthiGanesh Chaturthi

10 Day Festival at the 10 Day Festival at the end of summerend of summer

Each neighborhood has Each neighborhood has a temporary shrine with a temporary shrine with elaborate decorationselaborate decorations

Puja and Prasad dailyPuja and Prasad daily Competition for best Competition for best

decorated shrine and decorated shrine and most elaborate floatmost elaborate float

On 10On 10thth night, all night, all images disposed of by images disposed of by immersionimmersion

10 Day Festival at the 10 Day Festival at the end of summerend of summer

Each neighborhood has Each neighborhood has a temporary shrine with a temporary shrine with elaborate decorationselaborate decorations

Puja and Prasad dailyPuja and Prasad daily Competition for best Competition for best

decorated shrine and decorated shrine and most elaborate floatmost elaborate float

On 10On 10thth night, all night, all images disposed of by images disposed of by immersionimmersion

HanumanHanumanHanumanHanuman

Often worshipped instead of Often worshipped instead of Rama Rama Mediator between human

worshippers and distant Rama Chaste in his devotion to RamaChaste in his devotion to Rama Deity who presides over Deity who presides over

chastitychastity Young men worship him if they Young men worship him if they

need helpneed help His body shows relation His body shows relation

between chastity and power / between chastity and power / strengthstrength

Often worshipped instead of Often worshipped instead of Rama Rama Mediator between human

worshippers and distant Rama Chaste in his devotion to RamaChaste in his devotion to Rama Deity who presides over Deity who presides over

chastitychastity Young men worship him if they Young men worship him if they

need helpneed help His body shows relation His body shows relation

between chastity and power / between chastity and power / strengthstrength

The GoddessThe GoddessThe GoddessThe Goddess

As a feminine, malicious force, appears without As a feminine, malicious force, appears without male partner as:male partner as:

Kali, DurgaKali, Durga Her malicious nature means she enjoys blood sacrifice Red flowers are often used in rituals that symbolize an

animal sacrifice to her Paraphernalia of killing

As a benevolent, loving force, appears as As a benevolent, loving force, appears as Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Mata (mother and Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Mata (mother and giver of life)giver of life) Feminine power is positive when it is restrained in the

socially ordering institution of marriage Feminine power restrained and redirected

As a feminine, malicious force, appears without As a feminine, malicious force, appears without male partner as:male partner as:

Kali, DurgaKali, Durga Her malicious nature means she enjoys blood sacrifice Red flowers are often used in rituals that symbolize an

animal sacrifice to her Paraphernalia of killing

As a benevolent, loving force, appears as As a benevolent, loving force, appears as Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Mata (mother and Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Mata (mother and giver of life)giver of life) Feminine power is positive when it is restrained in the

socially ordering institution of marriage Feminine power restrained and redirected

The PantheonThe PantheonThe PantheonThe Pantheon

Textual DeitiesTextual Deities Regarded as the most powerful People rarely attribute misfortune to them As the greatest deities, the most remote

Fullest worship requires specialized knowledge from a Brahmin priest

Identities of the deities in temples cannot be worshipped directly by ordinary folk. They must be worshipped through the medium of the Brahmin priest

Local GoddessesLocal Goddesses Local Ghosts / WitchesLocal Ghosts / Witches

Textual DeitiesTextual Deities Regarded as the most powerful People rarely attribute misfortune to them As the greatest deities, the most remote

Fullest worship requires specialized knowledge from a Brahmin priest

Identities of the deities in temples cannot be worshipped directly by ordinary folk. They must be worshipped through the medium of the Brahmin priest

Local GoddessesLocal Goddesses Local Ghosts / WitchesLocal Ghosts / Witches

The local deitiesThe local deitiesThe local deitiesThe local deities

Local DeitiesLocal Deities Can be associated with families, castes, festivals,

localities Most important local deity: The Local GoddessesMost important local deity: The Local Goddesses

Fertility of the fields Will aid worshippers in exchange for ritual, may harm

them without ritual More ritually accessible, fond of blood sacrifice

Blood sacrifice makes them less pure than textual deities Associated with forces of human misfortune such as

disease (e.g. smallpox) Cool water and nim leaves to “cool” the goddess and

effect her withdrawl Provides for disruptive and harmful forces and Provides for disruptive and harmful forces and

contains themcontains them

Local DeitiesLocal Deities Can be associated with families, castes, festivals,

localities Most important local deity: The Local GoddessesMost important local deity: The Local Goddesses

Fertility of the fields Will aid worshippers in exchange for ritual, may harm

them without ritual More ritually accessible, fond of blood sacrifice

Blood sacrifice makes them less pure than textual deities Associated with forces of human misfortune such as

disease (e.g. smallpox) Cool water and nim leaves to “cool” the goddess and

effect her withdrawl Provides for disruptive and harmful forces and Provides for disruptive and harmful forces and

contains themcontains them

Ghosts / WitchesGhosts / WitchesGhosts / WitchesGhosts / Witches

Like the local deities, they don’t need a pure Like the local deities, they don’t need a pure priesthood to convey worshippriesthood to convey worship

These beings are associated with pollutionThese beings are associated with pollution Highest deities associated with purity

Death as pollution and ghosts very close to Death as pollution and ghosts very close to deathdeath

Ghosts are removed by a Baiga who applies Ghosts are removed by a Baiga who applies mantras and uses cowdung ash (the latter mantras and uses cowdung ash (the latter considered pure and purifying)considered pure and purifying)

Spirits of the dead who are still attached to the Spirits of the dead who are still attached to the previous existenceprevious existence

Like the local goddesses, they account for Like the local goddesses, they account for hazard and misfortunehazard and misfortune

Like the local deities, they don’t need a pure Like the local deities, they don’t need a pure priesthood to convey worshippriesthood to convey worship

These beings are associated with pollutionThese beings are associated with pollution Highest deities associated with purity

Death as pollution and ghosts very close to Death as pollution and ghosts very close to deathdeath

Ghosts are removed by a Baiga who applies Ghosts are removed by a Baiga who applies mantras and uses cowdung ash (the latter mantras and uses cowdung ash (the latter considered pure and purifying)considered pure and purifying)

Spirits of the dead who are still attached to the Spirits of the dead who are still attached to the previous existenceprevious existence

Like the local goddesses, they account for Like the local goddesses, they account for hazard and misfortunehazard and misfortune

HolidaysHolidaysHolidaysHolidays

Durga PujaDurga Puja Celebrates her power to

vanquish demons DussehraDussehra

Marks Rama’s 9 nights of worshipping Durga before killing Ravana

An effigy of Rama is set on fire to signify the end of evil

DiwaliDiwali “Row of Lights” Celebration of light Rama’s return from exile

Durga PujaDurga Puja Celebrates her power to

vanquish demons DussehraDussehra

Marks Rama’s 9 nights of worshipping Durga before killing Ravana

An effigy of Rama is set on fire to signify the end of evil

DiwaliDiwali “Row of Lights” Celebration of light Rama’s return from exile

Jnana Yoga -The Path of Jnana Yoga -The Path of KnowledgeKnowledge

Jnana Yoga -The Path of Jnana Yoga -The Path of KnowledgeKnowledge

Concept of God Concept of God Like an infinite sea with the underlying waves

that are our individual selves The shortest, but steepest pathThe shortest, but steepest path

Requires a rare combination of rationality and spirituality – for the few

Reflective people Three aspects of the pathThree aspects of the path

Studies scriptures and philosophy Reflects on and examines everyday happenings Identifies with a larger, eternal reality as well as the

finite, temporal self

Concept of God Concept of God Like an infinite sea with the underlying waves

that are our individual selves The shortest, but steepest pathThe shortest, but steepest path

Requires a rare combination of rationality and spirituality – for the few

Reflective people Three aspects of the pathThree aspects of the path

Studies scriptures and philosophy Reflects on and examines everyday happenings Identifies with a larger, eternal reality as well as the

finite, temporal self

Bhakti Yoga-Path of Bhakti Yoga-Path of Love and DevotionLove and Devotion

Bhakti Yoga-Path of Bhakti Yoga-Path of Love and DevotionLove and Devotion

Most popular of the four pathsMost popular of the four paths Concept of GodConcept of God

God as Other – “I want to taste sugar, not be sugar.”

God has a personality / characteristics to love

Methods:Methods: Worshipping one’s god exclusively Chanting the name of one’s god / Prayer Envisioning a relationship with god as friend,

lover, child, master, etc.

Most popular of the four pathsMost popular of the four paths Concept of GodConcept of God

God as Other – “I want to taste sugar, not be sugar.”

God has a personality / characteristics to love

Methods:Methods: Worshipping one’s god exclusively Chanting the name of one’s god / Prayer Envisioning a relationship with god as friend,

lover, child, master, etc.

Karma Yoga – Path of WorkKarma Yoga – Path of WorkKarma Yoga – Path of WorkKarma Yoga – Path of Work

Work for God’s sake / Duty for Work for God’s sake / Duty for Duty’s sakeDuty’s sake

The human machine is made for The human machine is made for work work

Concept of GodConcept of God God is in the world of everyday work

A Path for one who has to be A Path for one who has to be activeactive

Work for God’s sake / Duty for Work for God’s sake / Duty for Duty’s sakeDuty’s sake

The human machine is made for The human machine is made for work work

Concept of GodConcept of God God is in the world of everyday work

A Path for one who has to be A Path for one who has to be activeactive

Raja Yoga - Path through Raja Yoga - Path through Psychophysical Psychophysical

ExperimentsExperiments

Raja Yoga - Path through Raja Yoga - Path through Psychophysical Psychophysical

ExperimentsExperiments

One experiments with the layered One experiments with the layered self: mind / body / subconscious (past self: mind / body / subconscious (past

experiences) / Being itselfexperiences) / Being itself Leading oneself to a direct, personal

experience of Being Leads to heightened self-knowledge and

greater self control

One experiments with the layered One experiments with the layered self: mind / body / subconscious (past self: mind / body / subconscious (past

experiences) / Being itselfexperiences) / Being itself Leading oneself to a direct, personal

experience of Being Leads to heightened self-knowledge and

greater self control

Steps of Raja Yoga (1-4)Steps of Raja Yoga (1-4)Steps of Raja Yoga (1-4)Steps of Raja Yoga (1-4)

Step 1 lists 5 abstentions: Step 1 lists 5 abstentions: Truth, Non-violence, Non-stealing,

continence, non-covetousness Step 2 lists 5 observances:Step 2 lists 5 observances:

Cleanliness, Contentment, Self-Study, Contemplation of the divine

Step 3 – Asanas – balance and easeStep 3 – Asanas – balance and ease Step 4 – Breathing exercises to calm Step 4 – Breathing exercises to calm

nerves and increase prananerves and increase prana

Step 1 lists 5 abstentions: Step 1 lists 5 abstentions: Truth, Non-violence, Non-stealing,

continence, non-covetousness Step 2 lists 5 observances:Step 2 lists 5 observances:

Cleanliness, Contentment, Self-Study, Contemplation of the divine

Step 3 – Asanas – balance and easeStep 3 – Asanas – balance and ease Step 4 – Breathing exercises to calm Step 4 – Breathing exercises to calm

nerves and increase prananerves and increase prana

Steps of Raja Yoga (5-8)Steps of Raja Yoga (5-8)Steps of Raja Yoga (5-8)Steps of Raja Yoga (5-8)

Step 5 - Contemplation – Step 5 - Contemplation – Experience of and concentration Experience of and concentration on the meaning of “Being”on the meaning of “Being”

Step 6 - Meditation – practicing Step 6 - Meditation – practicing control of the mindcontrol of the mind

Step 7 – Self and Being are mergedStep 7 – Self and Being are merged Step 8 – Samadhi (state of bliss / Step 8 – Samadhi (state of bliss /

wisdom)wisdom)

Step 5 - Contemplation – Step 5 - Contemplation – Experience of and concentration Experience of and concentration on the meaning of “Being”on the meaning of “Being”

Step 6 - Meditation – practicing Step 6 - Meditation – practicing control of the mindcontrol of the mind

Step 7 – Self and Being are mergedStep 7 – Self and Being are merged Step 8 – Samadhi (state of bliss / Step 8 – Samadhi (state of bliss /

wisdom)wisdom)