Introduction to Hinduism
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Transcript of Introduction to Hinduism
Introduction to Hinduism
General Introduction Founded: Hinduism evolved over
a long period of time, beginning around 3000 B.C.E. It is the oldest of the major world religions.
Founder: No one person established Hinduism and they have no set creed.
Place of Origin: India
Distribution: India, and to a lesser extent Bali, Sir Lanka, and Indonesia. Africa and North America also have small numbers of Hindus.
Sacred Books: The main Hindu Scriptures which are written in Sanskrit are the:
VEDAS (the oldest … poems and verses)
BRAHMANAS (rules for worship), and
UPANISHADS (answers to questions on life and death)
In addition, there are two
great epics, the RAMAYANA and the MAHABHAART, and such lesser texts as the PURNAS, the TANTRAS and the LAWS OF MANU.
God: Hindus slowly came to accepts the idea of the existence of and ETERNAL SUPREME BEING – BRAHMAN. To help them understand, Hindus worship different Gods who individually represent ONE particular aspect of Brahman.
Goal of Hinduism: All forms of
existence, including this present world and everything in it are temporary and illusionary and are referred to as MAYA. The goal of every Hindu is to break free of this imperfect world and achieve a blissful reunion with BRAHMAN. Hinduism is essentially an optimistic faith, in that it contends that everyone will eventually attain this goal. There is no threat of permanent Hell or damnation.
Monism : All is Brahman All reality is ultimately one All rivers, all lakes, all rain share a common essence,
all come from the ocean and eventually return to it. For monists... all forms of reality-gods and goddesses,
plants and animals, the material universe, and humans share a common essence... this one reality is Brahman
Brahman is the ground existence and the course of the universe
Brahman is everything... all things come from and eventually return to Brahman
Brahman is impersonal, without characteristics beyond the reach of human perception and thought
Monism (Cont’d) Brahman can only be describes as neti, neti... “Not
this, not this...” Ultimate reality can be understood through inward
contemplation of the self. Contemplation of the universe and the inner self are one and the same.
The ultimate reality within is named ATMAN, the eternal self
Atman is the spirit of Brahman living within you and all things... a soul
Brahman = Atman .... interchangeable terms We see Brahman as Creator (Brahma), Sustainer
(Vishnu), and Destroyer (Shiva)
Neti Neti
One Reality Without
Names and FormsMonism
Trimurti Brahma Creator
Vishnu Sustainer
Shiva Dissolver
Moksha: Salvation Hindu ultimate goal = salvation Not attainable in one lifetime for most Therefore Hindus have re-incarnation They can afford to be patient regarding
the goal of salvation Salvation = Moksha = “liberation” or
“release”
Moksha (Cont’d) Moksha is a release from this ordinary, finite,
limited realm of existence into the divine Moksha characterized by infinite being, infinite
awareness, infinite bliss It is beyond description because it is beyond this
imperfect world Having attained Moksha a Hindu is united
forever with the divine having returned to the sacred source
Hinduism is an optimistic faith since everyone will eventually attain this goal
Samsara “Wheel of rebirth” or law of rebirth process of “transmigration” soul reincarnated from one life form to
another
Karma Literally means “actions” or “deeds”… it is a merit
system Moral law of cause and effect of actions (good deeds,
spiritual exercises, meditation) Determines the nature of one’s reincarnation The type of person your soul moves on to depends on
how you have lived = the law of karma Only humans have the will to effect the status of their
karma (being human is a privilege and a responsibility) People are held responsible for their actions Functions hand in hand with samsara
Dharma life involves a series of duties to be engaged in = dharma literally means “moral obligations” or “virtuous living” These are not the same for every person – depends on job, family
background We have a duty to ourselves and others to do what is
morally/ethically expected Standard by which individuals can judge the rightness &
wrongness of their acts For every activity there is a way of acting that conforms to dharma Hindus look to four sources when seeking guidance on certain
situations: divine revelation (sacred scriptures); b) sacred traditions; c) the
practices of those considered to be wisest in the society, and; d) conscience
Samsara Cycle of Birth and Death
Karma Cause and Effect
Moksha Release from the Cycle