Hinduism

It is a collection of traditions and was not created by an individual person

Where did Hinduism come from

they believe in one or many Gods (paradox)

What do they believe in

Nepal, India

Where are most Hindus located

Monism

Way of seeing all reality is one, all things share a common ultimate reality

One supreme source, one essence. Anything that exists is only one thing, there are no individual substances

How do Hindu’s view monism

One supreme source, many essences. things that exist participate in the supreme source to varying. there are individual substances to reality 

How do catholic’s view monism

Brahman

Many expressions/gods. Omnipotent (all powerful) Omnipresent (present everywhere) Omniscient (all knowing) . source of the universe. impersonal. 

Atman

The ultimate reality within one’s self, Contemplating the inner self will lead to reincarnation form one body to the next. One will freed from reincarnation when the awakens from this illusion 

Cyclic

Creation is endless

Samsara

Also known as reincarnation, each individual is also in a cycle pattern, reborn higher or lower depends on karma. people can be reborn as plants, animals or as humans in higher castes. DEATH IS NOT FINAL 

Karma

Action or deeds. Every action produces a justified effect based on its moral worthiness. Karma determines all the particular circumstances of one’s life including how you will be reincarnated in your next life 

Dharma

ethical duty. Based on the divine order of reality, standard that determines if an action is right or wrong. they get this from divine revelation scared tradition practices & example of dharma, gender, caste 

Moksha

Release, Liberation- you experience moksha +individual goes out of existence. release from samsara. One is absorbed into the divine. Infinite bliss and awareness. 

Caste System

Based on heredity, determined by karma, Must live according to their dharma of your caste. Believe that because of karma, individuals deserve to be in the caste the are born into 

Untouchables

Considered to be outside of society, outcasts, sweeper, prepare bodies for funerals, work with sewage, often discriminated against. 

Student

Begins at puberty, Intense study of sacred texts, the Vedas,, Lasts until marriage

Householder

Begins at marriage pursue career, raise family, Lasts until birth of the first grandchild 

Forest Dweller

Begins after birth of first grandchild, Retreat from worldly bonds to engage in spiritual quest. Women can join husband in this stage (celibate). Lasts until returns to society (sell house, material things, retreat from world & relationships) 

Sannyasin

Upon returning to society, remain, One who neither hates nor desires wife can join husband in this stage as well 

1. Kama

Sensual Pleasure, especially sexual pleasure) 2nd stage

2. Artha 

Wealth or material success; includes social prestige ( 2nd stage )

3. Harmony with Dharma

Dharma no longer seen as a burden (3rd stage)

4. Bliss of Moksha 

All Hindus are destined to seek

Karma Marga

the path of worlds, for those for whom physical activity comes naturally, live in accord with Dharma (ethical duty). Do right only because it is right 

Jnana Marga

The path of knowledge, Shortest but steepest path, intended for those with a talent for philosophical reflection, requires lot of time devoted to study & meditation. Jnana = extraordinary insight. Discovered through inner contemplation 

Bhakti Marga

The path of devotion, for those inclined to be emotional, based on loving devotion for one’s gods or goddesses, directs spiritual energy outward to worship of deities and away from selfish 

Avatars 

Incarnation/living embodiment of a deity. Sent to Earth to accomplish a divince purpose. 

The Bhagavad-Gita

Part of the Mahabharata Story about a war between family members, Arjuna doesn’t want to kill family members, but Krushna convinces him by reminding him he must do his duty to be faithful to his dharma in the warrior class. The 3 paths to liberation are articulated in the story 

Vedas

The earliest scriptures of the Hindu religion that define their truth; has four compositions.

Cow Veneration

Represents life worshipped as deity, Protecting the cow represents protection of all of creation 

The Ganges River

Falling from Its source of Vishnu’s feet onto shiva’s head and out. From his hair Hindus believe the water of the Ganges is sacred enough to purify all sins. 

Banaras Hindu Holy City

Pilgrims come from all over to bathe in the Ganges, Countless Hindus come to Banaras to die. It has 1500 temples, most of them devoted to Shiva. It is a gathering place for the religiously learned and their disciples 

Ghani; The Father of India

For Gandhi , social concern was deeply rooted in his conviction of the sacredness of life.