classical period india

Hindu Dharma

• Definition of Dharma

  • Refers to the duties a Hindu must follow in life.

  • Types of Dharma: Personal duties and eternal duties applicable to everyone.

  • Integral to Hindu life; one of the four main aims.

• Four Aims of Hindu Life:

  1. Dharma: The duty to perform

     • E.g., in final life stage, give up possessions and seek knowledge in temples.

  2. Kama: Enjoyment of life's pleasures

     • E.g., appreciating food, art, and music; respecting all living beings with Brahman's essence.

  3. Artha: Acquiring wealth legally

     • E.g., working a lawful job to support family.

  4. Moksha: Liberation from samsara

     • Gaining good karma and breaking the cycle of rebirth through moral actions.

• Practices for Achieving Dharma:

  • Regular worship and prayer to connect with God.

  • Study of scriptures for deeper understanding of beliefs and principles.

  • Emphasis on caring for all living beings and the environment.

  • Helping those in need.

Varnashrama Dharma

• Definition: Duties based on personal life stage and caste.

• Caste System:

  • Organized into four main traditional castes with numerous subgroups (jat or jati).

  • A Hindu's caste influences their responsibilities and societal roles.

  • Controversial in relation to human rights and equality.

• Dalits:

  • Represent over 15% of the Indian population; self-identified term meaning ‘the broken’ or ‘the oppressed’.

  • Historically excluded from the caste system, facing discrimination despite legal protections.

• Four Stages of Life (Ashramas):

  1. Brahmacharya (Student Stage):

     • Focus on education and learning scriptures.

  2. Grihastha (Householder Stage):

     • Responsibilities include marriage and raising a family.

  3. Vanaprastha (Retirement Stage):

     • Shift to spiritual practices like meditation and scripture reading.

  4. Sannyasa (Sacred Pilgrim Stage):

     • Detachment from material goods; leading a wandering spiritual life.

Buddhism: The Concept of Dhamma

• Definition of Dhamma:

  • Refers to the teachings of the Buddha, embodying true reality and the universal law.

  • Key to enlightenment and liberation; practical guidance rather than rigid belief.

• Purpose of Dhamma:

  • Aims to alleviate suffering (dukkha).

  • Initially transmitted orally; later documented in the Pali Canon (Tipitaka) and Mahayana Sutras.

  • Encourages meditation, following the Noble Eightfold Path for a fulfilling life.

• Three Refuges of Buddhism:

  • Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha as a protection against worldly suffering.

• Beliefs about Dhamma:

  • Central to sustaining Buddhism and the natural order of the universe.

  • Guiding principles derived from Buddha’s actions and teachings, emphasized through practices like the Noble Eightfold Path for moderation in behavior.