PAAS 367 - Gandhi and Non-Violence

What are the 4 general areas of philosophy applied to Gandhi?

political reform, social reform, religious reform, personal reform

What does Mahātma mean?

Great Soul: Mahā = great + atma(n) = self

moksa

release from the cycle of rebirth: liberation in Hinduism, except in Jainism (kevala)

samsara

the endless cycle of birth and suffering and death and rebirth: the human predicament as problematic

What is the difference between salvation and liberation?

salvation -> the power lies outside of oneself v. liberation -> knowledge comes to a person after ignorance

Upanisads

"to sit down near, student learning from a teacher": holy books, summation of Hindu wisdom and core teachings composed by śrāmana (drop out)

karma

action, deed: when we perform moral actions they leave a trace in the mind - at then end of your life you will be reborn based on your deeds.

atman

self/God; as a being infused throughout reality -- self-realization is knowing God/ultimate reality within oneself

brahman

God, also a social class in the Hindu system, elite priest/teacher role

jñāna yoga

the path of knowledge

bhakti yoga

path of devotion

karma yoga

path of action/service - to overcome self-centrism

yoga

Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion

marga

path

What are the two conceptions of Hinduism?

inclusivity of diverse religious practices v. exclusive, nationalist, place-driven (India)

What are the two sects of Jainism?

Svetambra (white clad monks) and Digambara (sky clad, naked)

dharma

religion, but also law, duty and order: the way that the universe operates/cosmic law/natural law

ahimsa paramo dharmah

non-harm is the highest teaching/law

When did Jainism emerge and from whom?

500 B.C.E Vardharmna Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara

kevala

Jainism's word for liberation, like moksa in Hinduism