Hinduism

LEARNING
COMPETENCY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 Analyze the brief  Discuss the historical background and

development of Hinduism;
history, core teachings,
 Identify and the important beliefs and
fundamental beliefs, doctrines practiced in Hinduism;
practices, and related  Discuss social issues linked to Hinduism;
issues of Hinduism.  Discuss the important contributions of Hindu
reformists; and
 Apply the teachings and practices of Hinduism
into their own lives.
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 Oldest living and organized religion in the world and the
third largest religion in the world(more than 1.2 billion
followers mostly in Southern Asia)
 Was at first attributed to the Aryans who came to parts of
Asia and Europe at around 1500 BCE
 India (94%), Pakistan, Bangladesh(1%) and Nepal(2%)
 The Greeks associated the name Hindu with those people
living beyond the Sindhu (or Indus) River
 Belief in Brahman
 Regarded as the Supreme Being in Hinduism
 A unifying existence and the ultimate reality
 Brahman is manifested in everything the universe and
in the conscious ness of all
 Exist in everything and everyone, there is oneness and
interconnectedness in all entities in the universe
 Ahimsa (non-violence and respect for all life forms)
 Atman(soul) - a representation of Brahman and is seen
as an eternal and universal entity
 Trimurti
(Sanskrit: “three forms”)  Brahma – Hindu god of creation. His
consort is Sarasvati, the goddess of
knowledge
 Shiva – Hindu god of destruction. His
consort is Parvati, regarded as a
benevolent goddess
 Vishnu – Hindu god credited with the
power to sustain or preserve the universe.
His consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of
wealth and prosperity
• Brahma usually depicted as having
four faces, symbolic of a wide-ranging
four-square capacity, the four varnas
(social classes), the four directions, the
four stages of life (ashramas), and so
forth. He is usually shown with four
arms, holding an alms bowl, a bow,
prayer beads, and a book. He may be
seated or standing on a lotus throne or on
his mount, a goose.
BRAHMA
• Vishnu, (Sanskrit: “The Pervader”)
• represented in a standing position and dressed
in royal garments, holding in his four
(sometimes two) hands
• the shankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (c
lub), or padma (lotus). On his chest is the
curl of hair known as the shrivatsa mark, and
around his neck he wears the jewel
Kaustubha.
• In paintings, Vishnu is usually shown as
dark-complexioned, a distinguishing feature
also of several of his incarnations.
• represented in a variety of forms: in a
pacific mood with his consort Parvati and
son Skanda, as the cosmic dancer (Nataraja
), as a naked ascetic, as a mendicant
beggar, as a yogi, as a Dalit (formerly
called untouchable) accompanied by a dog
(Bhairava), and as the androgynous union
of Shiva and his consort in one body, half-
male and half-female (Ardhanarishvara).

Shiva
(Sanskrit: “Auspicious One”)
Important Concepts in
Hinduism
DHARMA
 Referred to as sanatana/ sadharana dharma, which
translates to “eternal law”
 Refers to the religious and moral laws governing all
people’s action and lives.
 It instructs Hindus to follow a path of righteousness,
proper conduct, morality and justice, truthfulness, non-
injury, and generosity, among other virtues
 Guides Hindus in ensuring that all living things are
treated with kindness and respect
 there is also a specific dharma (svadharma) to be
followed according to one’s class, status, and station in
life.
Avatar
Sanskrit avatāra (“descent”)
 An incarnation of a Hindu deity on earth in various forms,
including animals and human beings.
 They have appeared throughout time in order to ensure that
humans do not ultimately succumb to evil forces
 Exist in order to restore cosmic order
 The term usually refers to the 10 appearances of Vishnu:
 Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (half
man, half lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama (Rama with the
axe), Rama (hero of the Ramayana epic), Krishna (the divine
cowherd), Buddha, and Kalkin (the incarnation yet to come).
Karma
Sanskrit karman (“act”),

 the universal causal law by which

good or bad actions determine the
future modes of an individual’s
existence
 Every action has a corresponding
consequence either in this current
life or in future lives
Samsara
(Sanskrit: “flowing around”)

 the indefinitely repeated

cycles of birth, misery, and
death caused by karma
Reincarnation

 The Hindu phenomenon of the

atman’s immortality.
 Through reincarnation, the
atman will repeatedly undergo
birth and rebirth until it finally
attains liberation
Moksha

 also called mukti, liberation

from the cycle of death and
rebirth (samsara). Derived from
the Sanskrit word muc (“to free”),
the term moksha literally means
freedom from samsara.
Purushartha or the Four Desirable
Goals in Life
 Kama – the pursuit of legitimate pleasure
 Artha – the pursuit of wealth and economic
prosperity
 Dharma – the pursuit of an ethical and moral
way of living
 Moksha – the pursuit of liberation from
samsara or the cycle of birth and rebirth
 Yoga
 Derived from the root word yuj
which translate as “to yoke” or “to
join”
 System of practices aimed at
producing spiritual enlightenment
as well as liberation (moksha) from
the cycle of birth and rebirth
 Sacred Texts in Hinduism
I. Shruti (“that which is heard”)
A. Vedas Division of
the Vedas
1. Rig Veda a. Samhita
2. Yajur Veda b.
Brahmanas
3. Sama Veda c.
Aranyakas
4. Atharva Veda d. Upanishads
II. Smriti (“that which is remembered”)
A. Ramayana
 Vedas
(Sanskrit: “Knowledge”)
 a collection of poems or hymns composed in Sanskrit
 Regarded as the foundation of Hindu religion and is
often considered the earliest source of India’s religious
history
 Contain spiritual teachings encompassing all aspects of
life and these teachings are regarded as eternal and
universal truths
 Composed approximately between 1500 and 600 BCE
 Believed that rishis (seers) and sages received the Vedas
from divine revelation and through intuition, meditation
and introspection
 Rig Veda
“Knowledge of the Verses”
 Oldest of the four Vedas and is considered as
the most important
 Consists of 1028 hymns containing praises to
gods as well as songs and prayers associating
divine deities with natural forces
 Yajur Veda
“Knowledge of the Rites/ Sacrifice”

 collection of mantras(sacred
formulas)
 Contain instructions on how to
conduct Hindu rituals
 Sama Veda
“Knowledge of Song”

 Shortest of all four Vedas

 Contains verses which are mostly from Rig Veda
 Teaches the manner in which chants must be performed in
sacrificial rites
 This is important for Hindus, as they believe in reciting
prayers and chanting a sacred text aloud is the best way
for its words to be instilled in their minds
 Atharva Veda
“Knowledge of the Fire Priest”
 collection of hymns, spells and
incantations for healing different
illnesses and casting away evil
spirits
Division of the Vedas

A.Samhita – hymns and chants in the

Vedas
B.Brahmanas – the prose text attached to
the Vedas that explains the significance
of religious rites and rituals
 Division of the Vedas
C. Aranyakas (“forest treatises”) – contain instructions on special
rituals which may only be performed by certain people and specifically
in certain places. It is said to highlight the philosophical and meditative
aspects of rituals instead of the sacrificial characteristics

D. Upanishads (“connection”) – also known as the Vedanta. Discuss

the essence of the Vedas. The discussion focus on the nature of the
universe and how humanity relates to it, the concepts of Brahman, the
atman, and the individual’s efforts to achieve moksha.
 SMRITI
 Puranas – contain myths and legends about the Hindu
deities, and the creation and destruction of the universe
 Ramayana – Indian epic which teaches the values of duty
and morality
 Mahabharata – regarded as a history of war and peace in
India, considered to be the world’s longest epic
 Bhagavad Gita – contains songs about the spiritual goals of
an individual
Hindu Story of Creation
 Story of Creation (Rig Veda)
 The story tells of how the offering of the body parts of a
mythical giant named Purusha led to the creation of the
universe.
 It is believed that this offering brought about the
establishment of the caste system in Hindu society.
 In another story from the Vedic texts, Prajapati (or the
“lord of creatures”) was said to have sacrificed himself so
that the creation of the world will be accomplished.
 Story of Creation (Sama Veda)
Chandogya Upanishad
 In the story, the universe is believed to have come from a golden
embryo or egg. It later cracked open, revealing a silver and a golden
part.
 The earth surfaced from the silver part, while the sky emerged from
the golden part.
 The sun also came from the egg, together with other animate beings.
 The sun is considered a representation of Brahman in the story.
 Story of Creation
 In the story of creation, the origin of the universe is often rooted in the
process of sacrifice. By offering sacrifices, karma is generated, and this
paves the way for rebirth after death.
 This explain why sacrifice is considered a fundamental aspect of Hindu
tradition, evident in the Hindu practice of making offerings.
 Hindus make offerings to the deities for the favors and blessings they
granted. They also pay homage and make offerings to their ancestors to
whom they owe their lives, and to their departed loved ones who had share
their life on earth.
Hindu Ethics and Morality
 Based on the principle of dharma.
 “Do not do to others what ye do not
wish done to yourself; and wish for
others too what ye desire and long for,
for yourself.”
- Hindu
god Vyasa
 Hindu Ethics and Morality
 Observing dharma entails practicing righteousness in one’s life. One
way to live righteously is by refraining from all forms of violence
and treating all living beings with respect because Brahman exists in
all creation.
 Violence towards another being would also lead to one’s destruction.
 True happiness will be experienced only when man lives in peace
with himself, with nature and with God.
 Also, righteousness can be attained by placing importance on truth,
right conduct, love and peace.
 Hindu Ethics and Morality
 Another most important way that one can
achieve dharma is through an individual’s
knowledge and understanding of his or her true
self.
 Knowing one’s self will help an individual
determine the purpose of his or her own life,
and what she needs to value.
 DIWALI
“FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS”
- biggest and most important holiday of the
year held in October or November that is similar to
Christmas holiday of the Christians
- Indians light their homes and temple with
earthen lamps to symbolize the inner light that
safeguards the people from evil forces and as a way of
welcoming Lakshmi, as she is said to avoid dark places.
 Janmashtami
 commemoration of the birthday of Krishna, regarded as an
avatar or incarnation of Vishnu.
 the celebration begins with a day-long fasting until
midnight
 In the temples, people bring cradles with the infant image
of Krishna. These cradles are decorated with flowers.
 The image of Krishna is bathed in milk, honey and water
 NAVRATRI
 Hindus worship and offer goods to Durga,
the “mother goddess” of Hinduism, and
believed to be protector of human beings
and embodiment of righteousness
 One of the most important ceremonies of
this festival is the Kanya Puja, where nine
girl are represented as the nine forms of
Durga. Worshipers offer goods to these
young girls and wash their feet as a sign
of reverence
 HOLY PLACES
 Mandir – Hindu temple
 Ganges River – purifies
an individual spiritually.
Personified as a goddess
named Ganga Devi
 Subdivision

JAINISM
SIKHISM
 JAINISM
 Originated in Eastern India in the 7th to 5th century BCE.
 Derived from the Sanskrit verb ji, which means “to conquer.” Jains, the followers of
Jainism, are expected “to conquer” or overcome worldly desires in order to achieve
enlightenment and omniscience
 Place importance on reincarnation and the attainment of good karma
 They perform rituals as a way enriching and expressing their faith
 On the other hand, Jains do not believe that a god created the universe, and they do not
base their doctrines on the Vedas.
 Reject the idea of caste system.
 Believe that the state of omniscience and enlightenment can be reached through the
practice of ascetism, ahimsa, and performing yoga exercises.
 Jain doctrine (Jain Agamas) is found in the teachings of Mahavira
 SIKHISM
 Emerged in the Punjab region in India
 Described from the Punjabi word sikh meaning “disciple” or “learner”
 Founded by Guru Nanak
 Unlike Hindus, believe in only one god and do not worships icons
 They also reject the caste system.
 Believe that a degree of divinity exists in everyone
 They also value oneness and selflessness in their doctrine
Major Issues Faced by
Hindus
• Caste System and Social Inequality
• Gender Inequality
Caste System and Social Inequality
 The word “caste” comes the Portuguese term casta,
which refers to the various classes of Hindu society
 In the caste system, Hindu society is divided into
four groups referred to as the varnas
 the role of a Hindu in his society, especially in
ancient times, was dictated by the varna where he/
she belongs.
 It was believed that part of being a faithful Hindu is
fulfilling the duties based on one’s particular role in
the caste system.
 Caste System and Social Inequality

BRAHMINS KSHATRIYAS
 Constitute the highest class in the  Made of society’s warriors and
caste system. rulers
 Includes priests and the scholars and  It is the duty of the Kshatriyas to
teachers of Hinduism protect and govern the people, as
 Believed to have most knowledge of well as to lead the sacred rituals
the Vedas and are considered the  Are allowed to be knowledgeable
custodians of these scriptures.
of the Vedas but are prohibited
 Categorized as the society’s spiritual
from teaching it.
elite class
 Caste System and Social Inequality

VAISHYAS SHUDRAS
 Composed of traders and merchants  Constitute the lowest class in the caste
 The economy of the ancient Hindu  Composed of laborers, commoners, peasants
society depended on them and servants
 It is their duty to serve the other classes,
 They domesticate animals and
especially the Brahmins
engage in agriculture
 They cannot acquire power or wealth, and are
 Allowed to be knowledgeable in the believed to be afforded respect only when they
Vedas, but are not allowed to teach it. reach old age.
 They are not allowed to study the Vedas and
are considered to have a degree of impurity
 The Untouchables / Dalit
 There are people who are not members of any of the four classes. They
are known as the untouchables, also referred to as dalit
 it is believed that a Hindu becomes an untouchable due to his or her
failure to pursue his or her dharma in his/her past life, resulting in bad
karma.
 They are generally considered to have a higher degree of impurity that
the Shudras, like those who eat the flesh of cattle, pigs, and chickens.
 Because of their supposed impurity, the untouchables are prohibited
from entering the temples of worship
 The Untouchables / Dalit
 They also perform tasks which are considered undesirable,
including disposing waste and other impure substances,
hunting and scavenging animals
 Thus, members of this class include sweepers, leather
workers, cobblers, and agricultural workers.
 Finally, the untouchables live far outside the villages t
avoid spreading impurity to members of the other classes.
 Gender Inequality
 Some scholars claim that the Hindu scriptures place emphasis on
recognizing women only in relation to men
 A woman’s life revolves around the men in her life, to be taken care of by
her father in childhood, by her husband in married life, and by her sons upon
old age.
 Relegated to household chores and are expected to become loyal to their
husband, even after their husband die.
 Child marriage
 Sati / Suttee – the tradition of a woman taking her own life after the death of
her husband
 Less access to education among Hindu women
Gender Inequality in India
Skanda, (Sanskrit: “Leaper” or “Attacker”)also
called Karttikeya, Kumara, or Subrahmanya, Hindu
god of war who was the firstborn son of Shiva.
Surya, both the Sun and the Sun god.
Ganesha /Ganesh / Ganapati, elephant-headed Hindu god of
beginnings, and is the patron of intellectuals, bankers, scribes, and
authors.
 SHAKTI (Sanskrit: force, power or energy) refers to
the active, creative and dynamic feminine principle in
the universe that is often personified as a Goddess
RAMA, the embodiment of chivalry and
virtue.
Krishna
Hindu, Jains and
Sikh Temples
Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand
Brihadeeswara Temple
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Prambanan, (Indonesia)
Somnath Temple, Gujara
t
Sri Ranganathaswamy
Sun Temple ,Odisha
Virupaksha Temple
Lingaraj Temple, Odisha
Khajuraho Jain Temple, Madhya Pradesh
Palitana Jain Temple, Gujarat
Dilwara Jain Temple, Rajashthan
Gomateshwara Jain Temple, Karnataka
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
Golden Temple, Punjab (Sikh)
Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia
THANK YOU!