Midterm 2

Hinduism

The Vedic Period

1500-600BC when the Indus Valley Civilization was around, before it disappeared

Indus Valley Civilization

Discovered by UK archeologists Covers 750,000 sq feet Evidence of yoga and advanced carvings and toys/figurines

From the Vedic period came the Vedas, the oldest Hindu texts. Vedas were chanted not spoken because sound is power Originally only transmitted orally Full of hymns, verses, and later incantations Ended up being written out in Sanskrit

Sanskrit: sacred Hindu language, the sound that created the universe and cosmic balance

The 4 Vedas
  1. Rg Veda: wisdom of the verses. The oldest Veda. Divides people into Castes
  2. Sama Veda: wisdom of the songs
  3. Yajur Veda: wisdom of the sacrificial formulas
  4. Atharva Veda: wisdom of the Atharva priests. The newest Veda The Vedas had instructions on animal sacrifice
Important Vedic God and Figures

Gods and deities are similar but not the same Indra: king and ruler of the Vedic deities, God of thunder and war-Most important Agni: Vedic God of fire, conveys sacrificial (yajna) offerings to the deities conduit between humans and deities. Fire is important in sacrifices, it passes on offers. Seen as a protector-Second most important Purusha: cosmic giant, original/first man, sacrificed by the Gods in a Vedic fire ritual, sacrifice represents the mythological origin of the 2 varna or castes. Usas: goddess of dawn

Sarasvati: sacred river, nature goddess, later connected with wisdom and learning

Nirriti: goddess of death and destruction, perhaps a precursor to the Hindu goddess Kali

Vac: goddess of speech

Lots of them are aspects of nature

Yajna

Sacrificial rites Public and domestic Offerings are put into fire (therefore given to Agni) and offered to the Gods Repeated because lots of things, like chants, were repeated to give power/gain power from it Preserves cosmic order

Post Vedi Hinduism

Some aspects may be mixed

Castes

A caste system is a system of social and religious status/rankings determined by birthright This was set up in the Rig Veda

  1. Brahmin(mouth)-priest and intellectuals
  2. Kshatriya (shoulders and arms)-Rulers and warriors
  3. Vaishya(thighs)-Farmers and merchants
  4. Shudra(feet)-Laborers and servants. The one caste that isn’t born again

Divided into body parts based on a Veda-Figure out Later in Hinduism the Outcastes or untouchables become a thing, people not even the lowest caste will associate with, not a part of the Shudra Castes and discrimination based on caste is technically illegal in India but still happens

The 4 Goals of Life

Not the stages of life just what you want to accomplish

  1. Artha: profit or gain
  2. Kama: pleasure
  3. Dharma: social and sacred duties and obligations, righteousness
  4. Moksha: ultimate liberation, salvation
The 4 Stages of Life
  1. Brahmacarya-Student stage
  2. Grhasta- householder stage
  3. Vanaprastya-forest-dweller stage
  4. Samnysas- renouncer stage. In this stage older people leave society and live on the charity of others (their living family, wives/husbands and children will need to be able to survive without them). They conduct their funeral rights and give up titles and postions.
Trimurti

“the three forms” Brahma-the creator- not a huge God that is worshiped more stands for the cosmic universe as a whole Vishnu-the preserver, has many avataras Siva-the destroyer

Main Devotional Cults (bhakti) of Modern Hinduism

Vishnu- the god who maintains the world, through himself or an avatars Shiva- the god of destruction, will destroy the universe at the end of time Devi-not a part of the trimurti but is worshiped whereas Brahma isn’t. Really just called The Goddess. Found in many avatars ex. Sita, Lakshmi, Parvati, Durga

Vishnu Has 10 famous avataras that come to Earth when the world is in danger

  1. The fish- recues the Vedas from the waters. Saves the first man from a great flood (similar to Noah’s Ark).
  2. The Tortoise: Lots of earthquakes cause the earth to be unstable. Vishnu puts the world on his back to settle it
  3. The Boar: Rescues the world from more floods
  4. The Man-Lion: A demon existed that couldn’t be killed by man or beast so Vishnu became both and killed it
  5. The Dwarf: Asks for land, becomes a giant, kills a demon
  6. Rama with the Axe: The kshatriyas (warriors) had become cruel and oppressive. Rama (Vishnu) uses an axe to cleanse the world of the evil warriors
  7. Rama: widely worshiped A prince and the hero in one of the Epics. Saves his wife Sita who has been captured by a 10 headed demon
  8. Krishna most widely worshiped form of Vishnu: Comes to Earth when it is being consumed by chaos (adharma). He grew up with cows (is this where the no cow killing comes from)
  9. Buddha- founder of Buddhism but Hindu’s believe he is an avatara. Sent to confuse the demons (Buddhists) with his teachings
    1. **Kalki-**has not come to Earth. He will come at the end of this time and destroy all evil
The Epics

The Mahabharata: contains the Bhagavad Gita(the son fog God) The M is the world’s largest poem, 74K stanzas. A story with courtly intrigue, royal jealousy, and the metaphoric battle between good, righteousness and evil/immorality. The Ramayana: tells the story of Rama-who is an avatara(the earthy incarnation of a God) of Vishnu The Puranas**:** famous stories about Hindu gods and goddesses, includes important theological and religious insights and many texts

3 yogas to liberation explained in the Bhagavad-Gita

  1. Karma yoga-action yoga
  2. Jnana yoga-knowledge yoga
  3. Bhakti yoga-devotion yoga
Devotional Hinduism (bhakti)-Hindu worship of the divine

Many major deities-Hindu pantheon is a living entity in constant flux

Male

Trimurti-includes the 3 important deities of Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma

Vishnu-the preserver

Shiva-the destroyer

Brahma- the creator

Ganesh-the elephant headed god

Rama- an important avatara of Vishnu

Kishna-an important avatara of Vishnu

Hanuman-the monkey god with great loyalty to Rama but is also worhsiped in his own right

Female

Goddesses-have great shakti literally means power Parvati-can give wisdom and insight for attaining liberation Lakshmi-goddess of wealth and prosperity Saraswati-goddess of learning and the arts, in the Vedas a river goddess **Durga-**warrior goddess, not a normal role for women Kali-goddess of destruction and death, dangerous and powerful, can destroy destruction itself

Consort Pairs Paired gods/goddesses Shiva/Parvati Vishnu/Lukshmi Kali/Shiva

Puja

The worship of a Hindu god or deity At home or at an alter where an image must be present THIS IMAGE IS NOT THE DEITY/GOD People say prayers and offer gifts (food, flowers, incense) Must be able to see the image so that you can worship the deity and the deity can see you No worship of brahma Brahma is the cosmic order not a deity Yes part of the trimutiri but you don’t worship it

Vedic v Modern Hinduism

Vedic

Indar, Agni, Varuna, Soma Goddesses were less important No images of deities No temples Animal sacrifices Cows were eaten Afterlife was with ancestors

Modern

Vishnu, Shiva, Goddess(Devi) Major goddess cults Images and icons of deities Temples and temple associated cults Vegetarians Cows are sacred Karma and reincarnation

Buddhism

Background Info

A prince (2nd Hindu caste) started Buddhism Hindu’s say it was Vishnu’s avatara The prince left his very papered life in search for the ultimate truth Lives to 80-really old at the time Reaches enlightenment (bodhi and nirvanva) sitting under a tree Buddhism is known for being a middle path Yes, reduce attachments live a simple and righteous life but don’t kill your slef (almost happened to the Buddha)

The Four Noble Truths
  1. Existence is suffering (dukkha)
  2. The cause of suffering is desire
  3. There is a cure for suffering where desire can be extinguished
  4. Can be achived by following the 8-fold path
The 8-Fold Path

Known as the middle path because it is in the middle of everything and nothing Ethical Conduct

  1. Right speech
  2. Right action
  3. Right livelihood

   Mental Discipline

  1. Right effort
  2. Right mindfulness
  3. Right concentration    Wisdom
  4. Right understanding
  5. Right thought
The Three Jewels/Gems

Aka the 3 refugees

  1. The Buddha- the founder of Buddhism. Only one Buddha power isn’t passed to another living person. He isn’t a God or deity. The Great Physician
  2. The Dharma- the teaching of Buddhism as taught by the Buddha. The successor of the Buddha, what power was passed to. The medicine
  3. The Sangha-the Buddhist monastic tradition, started during the life of the Buddha. The nurse    Monastics: (sangha) those ordained into the monastic order, provide spiritual guidance to the laity(non-monastics) and care for the poor and sick, monks and nuns(only sometimes). Started by the Buddha.
The 5 Aggregates

The Buddhist model for the false sense of self

  1. Matter/form- 5 senses
  2. Perception- 6 senses
  3. Sensation
  4. Mental formation (karma)
  5. Consciousness

Schools of Buddhism

Theravada (“the way of the elders”)

The first and oldest school of Buddhism, very conservative. Believes that only those in the Sangha can be enlightened and reach nirvana. Arhat (Arahant)-worthy one entered into the 8-fold path Pali Canon-3 baskets of sacred text. Text written onto palms and made into baskets written in Pali Pali- The language the Buddha probably spoke. Not a high-born language, easy for the lay people to understand and most knew.

Mahayana (“greater vehicle”) about 500 years after Theravada

Big focus on compassion, anyone can be enlightened (if you meet the requirements) don’t have to be in the Sangha. Different outlook compared to Theravada which they call the lesser vehicle. **Bodhisattva-**No more karma, can enlighten others, can be reborn and then enlighten others and become a Buddha

Texts in Sanskrit, Chinese, Tibetan- Languages of Mahayana

Buddha Field- Mahayana envisions many Buddhas existing at the same time, each with their own sphere of influence in the Buddha field where space and time are infinite. We reside in saha where the current Buddha is Siddhartha Gautama. This is where Bodhisattva’s are reborn at until they can teach the Dharama and become a Buddha and reach Buddha nirvana. Pure Land Buddhism-belief in purified Buddha field-where all beings are seen as on the way to enlightenment, popular in East Asia Shunya (“empty”)- Mahayana extends this idea beyond the self to all things Shunyata(“emptiness”)-important theoretical and philosophical concept in Mahayana philosophical traditions

Early Buddhism distinguished between the
  1. Rupa-kaya(form body)of Buddha- the human incarnation
  2. Dharma-kaya(dharma body) of a Buddha- has all the qualities of the bodhi shared by all Buddhas

Buddhist Councils (Theravada and Mahayana Chronolgy)

Council 1: Both Theravada and Mahayana-c.483 BCE

Occurs shortly after Buddha’s parinirvana-council of elders collect material orally council held at Rajaram 3 months after the death of the Buddha

Council 2: Both Theravada and Mahayana-c.380 BCE

Increasing disagreements about the Vinaya (monastic rules). Held 100 years after Buddhas death

Council 3M: Only Mahayana-c.350 BCE

Held at Pataliputra- the “Great Schism” is finalized between the Sthivira (elders) and the Mahasamghika (the great assembly)

Council 3T: Only Theravada-c.250 BCE

Convened by Emperor Asoka according to Theravada version of the Srivastava as formally split off from the sangha =

Council 4T: Only Theravada-c.29 BCE =

Tipitkak (3 baskets i.e. the Pali Canon) is committed to writing (although the 3rd basket (Abidharma) takes a few more centuries to be completed

Council 4M: Only Mahayana-c. 100 CE

According to the tradition of Mahayana Buddhism this is the actual 4th council, convened by King Kanishka in north India. This is where we see the formal rise of Mahayana branch of Buddhism

Jainism

Background

Slightly older than Buddhism

4 million Jains in India

VERY non violent

Mahavira

“great hero” Founder of Jainism The last (24th) tirthankaras A prince who gave up all around 560 BCE Reached liberation in 527 BCE

Definitions

Jain-one who practices Jainism

Jaina- one who follows a Jina

Jina-“conqueror” a spiritual conqueror, on who has liberation

Jiva- the soul, spirt, life “spirt”

Ajiva- insentient, not alive, “matter”

Jinas/Tirthankaras

“Ford builders” Helped others cross the ocean of samsara 24 tirthankaras in each ½ of a time cycle Tirthankaras- Jaina Saints Human teachers Don’t teach anything new Not religious founders because the religion is eternal Not Gods either

The 5 Mahavaratas

“Great Vows” Central ethical teachings of Jainism

  1. Nonviolence (ahimsa)
  2. Nonlying
  3. Nonstealing
  4. Chasity
  5. Nonattachment
Main Teachings

No gods All beings must be enlightened on their own Every single living thing has “jiva”, this includes rocks, fire, water etc. Can’t harm another living being Liberation is achieved by liberating the jiva by eliminating all karma Karma is more of a physical thing like dust

The Three Jewels
  1. Right belief/faith (7 aspects)
  2. Right knowledge (comes from reading texts and knowledge from monks and nuns)
  3. Right conduct/behavior includes speech and thought)
Monastic Traditions

2 of them

  1. Digambaras- “clothed in sky” only men and they wear no clothes. The oldest and most conservative sect of Jainism. Believe women must reborn as men to reach salvation
  2. Shvetambaras-“clothed in white” only wear simple white clothes. Men and women can be a part and reach salvation.

Sikhism

Background

Sikh means disciple Very new religion- 1500s Was originally a mix of Hinduism and Islam. Said the 2 worshiped the same God

Central Teachings
  • Only one God, creator of heaven and earth called Ik Omkar
  • Rejects Hinduism’s polytheistic rituals
  • No idol worship
  • Accepts the ideas of karma and reincarnation
  • Reincarnation is a path to God
  • Caste system is wrong
  • No monks/beggars
  • Everyone should earn a living
  • Criticizes Islam and Hinduism for not helping the poor
Gurdwara

Place of worship To worship the current Guru ( Adi Granth) Central structure in a Sikh community Hold the langar

Guru’s Guru Nanak: founded Sikhism. Had a vision of God in a river when he was 30 and came back to save the Earth (kinda). Said Muslim’s and Hindu’s worshiped the same God (the 2 were at odds at the time) and the distinctions between the 2 were fake. Called the fundamental divine reality “The True Name” and was beyond human conception. When “The True Name” is experienced there are no religious categories. Made the 3 central teachings

Guru Angad: was a devotee to the Hindu goddess Durga. Advocated for education and wrote down teachings in Punjabi. Made a homeless man the next Guru

Guru Amar Das: older (70) Guru was homeless prior. Condemed the caste system within Hinduism

Guru Ram Das: Amar Das’ son in law. Established Sikh capital of Amritsar. Composed hymns. End of Early Stage Guru Arjan: Compiled the Adi Granth and started the building of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Killed for not converting to Islam

Guru Har Gobind: started the Sikh army and the practice of wearing of the sword. Battled the Mughals. One can defend their religion with violence if needed

Guru Har Rai: Har Gobind’s son. A pacifist

Guru Tegh Bahadur (9): traveled and spread Sikhism and was imprisoned and killed for defending Hindu’s to a ruler that was Muslim. He didn’t like Hindu’s and saw the spreading of Sikhism as a threat.

Guru Gobind Singh(10): last human Guru. He established the Khalsa for men. He passed his power to the Adi Granth the Sikh holy book (similar to Buddha)

The Khalsas 5 symbols of dedication also called the 5 K’s

  1. Kesh: long hair and a beard for men, no cutting hair
  2. Khanga- hair comb to hold hair in place
  3. Kach- special underwear for modesty and preparation for battle
  4. Kara- steel bracelet. Symbolizes strength and reminder that one is a servant to God
  5. Kirpan- a sword for defense, dignity, and the fight for justice

Reincarnation Comparisons

Karma

Hinduism

Performance of yaina is tied to karma and dharma

Is all actions good and bad, intention and unintentional

All traces good and bad must be cleansed to have ultimate salvation

Buddhism

Similar to Hinduism

Good and bad actions accrue karma

Only intentional action in Buddhism accrue karma

Influences reincarnation

Jainism

Has physical qualities

Sticks to you like dust

Similar attachment qualities to Buddhism          

Sikhism

Accepts the ideas of karma and reincarnation

 

Reincarnation

Hinduism

Called Samsara

The ongoing cyle of rebirth

Seen as suffering

One’s karma determines what caste they get reborn into if they get reborn at all

Atman-one’s self is what’s reborn. A consistent soul in different bodies

Buddhism

Anatman-no self/soul that is continuously reincarnated

Having a self that is reincarnated is wishing to be eternal and holding on to earthly things

Reincarnation cycle is still called samsara

People are reborn as Gods, humans, animals, and demons

The 5 aggregates reincarnate

Jainism

Jiva-the eternal soul

Samsara-reincarnation cycle. Not linear (Hinduism belief)

Karma clings to the jiva

The jiva is what is reincarnated

NON VIOLENCE ALWAYS

Sikhism

Accepts the ideas of karma and reincarnation

Salvation

Hinduism

Called Moksha

Liberation of samsara due to karma being cleansed

This is where the Atman and Brahman are fully merged

Ultimate goal

Buddhism

Called Nirvana

“blowing out, extinction”

Extinction of all suffering

Liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth

Parinirvanva-final nirvana

Obtain salvation through the 8-fold path

Jainism

No name

Eliminating all karma for jiva

Getting out of samsara is liberation

Sikhism

Accepts the ideas of karma and reincarnation