Notes on Hinduism and Indian Subcontinent

Overview of Hinduism

• Hinduism is not a singular religion; it encompasses a variety of religions, ideas, philosophies, texts, and practices.
• The term "Hinduism" originated only in the 17th or 18th century, while its roots trace back to at least 1800 BCE.
• Sacred texts of Hinduism are vast and numerous, akin to a library.

Key Population Statistics

• Hinduism is a major religion in several countries, with varying percentages of the population:
  • 70-85%: India
  • 55-70%: Nepal
  • 15-30%: Bangladesh
  • 5-15%: Indonesia
  • 1-5%: Pakistan

The Vedas (circa 1500 BCE)

• Emergence of a new linguistic group in India known for speaking Sanskrit, the sacred language of the Vedas.
• Vedas are classified as sacred texts, important in religious practice, often chanted by priests.
• Emphasis is placed on the sound and oral tradition of the Vedas, which were passed down orally before being written around 1500 BCE.
• The Vedas are characterized as "TIMELESS".

Hindu Deities

• A wide variety of deities are worshipped in Hinduism:
  • Vishnu
  • Siva
  • Agni
  • Kali
  • Ganesh

Vedic Text: The Gayatri Mantra

• Known for its spiritual significance, the Gayatri mantra begins with the word "OM".
• Its meaning: "We meditate on the effulgent glory of the divine Light; may he inspire our understanding."

Upanishads (700 BCE - 300 CE)

• Comprised of over 100 texts that provide commentaries on the Vedas, are sacred, and consist of an open canon.
• The most authoritative Upanishads are considered to be 12-13 in number.

Key Concepts of the Upanishads

• Cosmic Order:

  • Human life is dependent on a natural order; everything is interdependent.

• Brahman:

  • The ultimate god responsible for bringing all into existence.
  • Described as the universe itself; "The universe is the body of Brahman."

• Atman:

  • Refers to the self or breath, indicating the essence of being.

Atman-Brahman Connection

• The belief that Atman (self) and Brahman (universal essence) are fundamentally the same, leading to the idea that pure consciousness persists beyond death.

• Realizing this unity is known as achieving moksha (release).

• Karma:

  • Described as the moral law governing the universe, akin to gravity.
  • "As people act, as they behave, so do they become…" highlights the correlation between actions and consequences.

• Dharma:

  • Sacred duty or morally upright behavior that varies according to one's social position.

Caste System

• Structure:
  • Brahmins: Priests
  • Ksatriyas: Warriors
  • Vudras: Farmers
  • Shudras: Laborers
  • Dalits (Untouchables): The marginalized group in the caste hierarchy.

Gupta Empire (319-467 CE)

• Characterized as a collection of approximately 21 kingdoms that recognized central authority under the Gupta dynasty.
• The caste system became formalized during this period and the epics of Hindu literature likely took their current form.

Significant Texts

• Bhagavad-Gita:

  • A vital segment of the Mahabharata, consisting of 700 verses that deal with moral dilemmas in the narrative of Arjuna before battle, receiving guidance from Krishna.
  • Regarded as one of the most beloved texts in Hinduism, containing essential principles for modern followers.

• The Epics:

  • Major epics include the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which date from around 700 BCE to 300 CE.