Download Hindu Sacred Writings

11.08
HOLY BOOKS AND KEY IDEAS
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS ON FILE TM
Hinduism: Major Scriptures
There are many sacred writings in
Hinduism, written in Sanskrit (the
ancient language of India), which have
evolved over more than 1,500 years.
Veda means “knowledge” and is the
preserve of the Brahmin priestly caste,
whereas the Smriti represent a later
popular oral tradition, above all in the
SHRUTI Revealed scriptures
Bhagavad Gita, meaning ‘Song of the
Lord,’ which is part of the Mahabharata.
These were believed to have come directly
from the gods through rishis (holy people)
VEDAS
THE RIG VEDA
1028 royal songs
praising gods
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THE SAMA VEDA THE YAJUR VEDA
THE
Hymns with
Hymns with
ATHARVA VEDA
instructions for
instructions for
Collection of sayings
chanting
sacrifices
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S
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SAMHITAS
Priests’
commentaries
BRAHMANAS
Priestly writings on
sacrifices
ARANYAKAS
Forest thoughts
UPANISHADS
Important spritual
teachings
SMRITI Traditional scriptures
(20 in total)
LAWS OF MANU
These were remembered and passed on
from generation to generation
EPICS
Religious stories and poems
RAMAYANA
The life of Rama and Sita
MAHABHARATA
The great Indian history
PURANAS
36 collections about many
gods and mythology
BHAGAVAD GITA
Most influential work
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COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS ON FILE TM
11.09
HOLY BOOKS AND KEY IDEAS
Hinduism: The Mahabharata
With 125,000 verses and 3,000,000 words, the
Mahabharata is the longest poem that has ever
been written. It is part of a collection of
traditional Hindu myths called the Smriti. The
episodes recounted in the Mahabharata were
composed in the ancient Indian language of
Sanskrit over hundreds of years and were finally
collected and arranged together around 200 BCE.
Important lessons
● Although it describes exciting episodes, the
Mahabharata is very important to Hindus,
because it also teaches important religious
lessons
● The Mahabharata contains many different
parables and allegories but mainly focuses on
the details of a war between two dynastic
families – the Kauravas and the Pandavas
● Perhaps the most important part of the
Mahabharata is the Bhagavad Gita (The Song
of the Lord)
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Bhagavad Gita
● The Bhagavad Gita is a discussion about life and
the right way to live it. This conversation takes
place on a battlefield between the god Krishna
(a representation of Vishnu, the preserver) and
a Pandava prince and warrior called Arjuna
● This part of the Mahabharata is made up of 18
chapters, containing 700 verses
Elements of the Bhagavad Gita
Path of Devotion
Bhakti and Parabhakti
Avatars
Path of Action
Reincarnation
Knowledge and Meditation
Dispassion and Discrimination
Renunciation
Devotion to Krishna
Many Views of Brahman
Many Pathways to Brahman
Bhagavad Gita 9.26, 27, 34:
“Whatever one offers me with true
devotion – even a leaf or a flower, a fruit or
even a little water – this I accept from a
yearning soul because with a pure heart it
was offered with love. Whatever you do or
eat or give or offer in sacrifice, let it be an
offering to me; and whatever you suffer,
suffer it for me. Give me your mind and give
me your heart, give me your offerings and
your adoration; thus with your soul in
harmony, and making me your supreme goal,
you will in truth come to me.”
Arjuna and Krishna during the
battle against the Kauravas
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Published by Facts On File, Inc. All electronic storage, reproduction, or
transmittal is copyright protected by the publisher.
11.10
HOLY BOOKS AND KEY IDEAS
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS ON FILE TM
Hinduism: Sayings from the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita (the Song of the Lord) is one of the Hindus’ favorite holy books.
It teaches that the way to union with God (Moksha) is through
© Diagram Visual Information Ltd.
Published by Facts On File, Inc. All electronic storage, reproduction, or
transmittal is copyright protected by the publisher.