Hinduism
? Can be thought of as one of the oldest religions in the world
? No single founder, scripture, or commonly agreed set of teachings
Ganges
Most sacred river to Hindus and is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs
Deities
? All of the gods and goddesses are the myriad images of the one Ultimate Reality of Absolute Reality aka Brahman
Brahma
The Creator god
Vishnu
Preserving god
Shiva
Destroyer god
Avatars
incarnation of a god or goddess who descended from the heavenly world to earth to rid the world of evil
Mahabharata
? Contains the Bhagavad Gita
Incarnation
Main purpose is to demonstrate the righteous path known as dharma for all living creatures on earth
Yoga
Way of reaching moksha.
An expression of "jnana marga" , but is sometimes considered separate.
Jhana Yoga
? Emphasis on self
? Way of wisdom
? Path of knowledge and becoming educated
? Attaining moksha through knowledge
? Know the supreme and that's essential to eliminate ego and identification of the body
Bhakti Yoga
? Spiritual path described as fostering love of, faith in, and surrender to God
? Attaining moksha through devotion
? To realize God
? Easiest way for the common person because it doesn't involve extensive yogic practices
Karma Yoga
? Discipline of action" is a form of yoga based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
? Attaining moksha through service/discipline
? Process of achieving perfection in action
? Intrinsic part of many derivative types of yoga
Bhagavad Gita
A sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism
Favors Bhakti
Hatha Yoga
? Focusing on physical and mental strength building exercises and postures described primarily in three texts of Hinduism
? The most common yoga in the west
samadhi
ultimate union
A deep trancelike state in which self-consciousness is lost.
Hindu Dharma
? The world's oldest living dharma
? Over 8500 years old
? Is tolerant, resilient and peace-loving
? Root in Indian subcontinent
? Also called Sanatana (always existed) Dharma or Eternal Dharma
? Has no founder
? Acceptance of different modes of worship
Four Aims of Life
1. Kama
2. Artha
3. Dharma
4. Moksha
Kama
Striving for what is pleasant and delightful for the senses
Artha
Striving for what is useful and attaining prosperity
Dharma
Working for justice and virtue; knowing what your role is in society and doing it; engaging in religious practices (individual), pujas/poojas; religious practices mostly happen at home
Moksha
Mean liberation or release or enlightenment; Striving for liberation and redemption from the cycle of re-birth; a goal of being liberated of the cycle of karma
Guru
teacher" Hindu teachers and guides in philosophical and spiritual matters
Bhakti
the devotional way
Samsara
Devotional Ways Flow together- ways of action, wisdom, devotion
Sanskirt
An ancient language of India that is the language of Hinduism and the Vedas; it is derived from a word that means "perfected
Caste System
social class system that is prevalent in Hindu India
Upanishads
? Writings concerned with the cycle of rebirth as it is contingent on a person's actions, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, and the mystical relationship btwn Brahman (Ultimate reality) and atman (soul)
? Stories often shared in a dialogue between gur
Atman
? Brahman is identical to the innermost soul, the individuals' essential nature, the real self (aka atman), of each person
? The body, mind, and emotions of a person are not considered a person's real self
Maya
? "illusions"; things that prevent us from seeing our atman
? A teaching of the Upanishads says that only Brahman is permanent; everything else is an illusion
Cycle of rebirth
? Life is cyclical; bodies in heaven are round
? Every person is on a cycle determined by karma, the moral law of cause and effect
Karma
Based on belief in reincarnation, it is the notion that the form the soul will take in the next life is determined by its behavior in this life
Samsara
The experience of birth, life, and death over and over again until one has achieved oneness with Brahman; transmigration of souls
Yogas
A Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility (knowledge, good deeds, and devotion)
Ahimsa
Desire not to harm any form of life; the basis for the belief of nonviolent means as a solution to problems
Satyagraha
Policy of non-violent resistance initiated by Gandhi as a means of pressing for political reform
Four Pursuits of Life
1. Dharma
2. Artha
3. Kama
4. Moksha
Dharma
A person's duties in life, especially those related to social obligations within one's caste
Artha
Pursuit of both material and political wealth
Kama
Pursuit of both artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure
Moksha
Pursuit of liberation from the cycle of rebirth through actions, thoughts, and devotions
Different Castes
1. Brahmins
2. Kshatriyas
3. Vaishya
3. Shudra
Brahmins
? Priests
? From families who are considered the purest, wisest, and most learned
Kshatriyas
? Warriors
? Help protect and rule society
Vaishya
Farmers and merchants
Shudra
? Servants
? Serve those in other levels of castes; not permitted to study scripture
Atman
? Atman means 'eternal self'
? Referred to as 'spirit' or 'soul' and indicates our true self or essence which underlies our existence.
Dharma
? Means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society
Varna
Refers to a person's responsibility regarding class (varna) and stage of life (ashrama); called varnashrama-dharma
Grihastha
'householder' in which the twice born male can experience the human purposes (purushartha) of responsibility, wealth, and sexual pleasure
Vanaprastha
'hermit' or 'wilderness dweller' in which the twice born male retires from life in the world to take up pilgrimage and religious observances along with his wife
Samnyasa
'renunciation' in which the twice born gives up the world, takes on a saffron robe or, in some sects, goes naked, with a bowl and a staff to seek moksha (liberation) or develop devotion
Guru
? A teacher who teaches through example and conveys knowledge and wisdom to his disciples
Swami Vivekananda
first Hindu "missionary