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Transcript
Pastor’s Class October 21, 2009 World Religions: Hinduism Rev. Dr. Arthur Bergren Welcome/Prayer Origins and History Oldest of all World Religions: 5000 years old Other Names… Sanatana Dharma – eternal religion Vaidika Dharma – religion of the Vedas Hinduism -- the most commonly used name in North America Multiple Expressions and Variations of Hinduism The word "Hindu" is derived from the name of River Indus, which flows through northwestern India. In ancient times the river was called the "Sindhu", but the Persians who migrated to India called the river "Hindu," the land "Hindustan" (Sanskrit, Hindi), and its inhabitants "Hindus" In time, the daily life practices evolved as the religion followed by the Hindus came to be known as "Hinduism." The term generally denotes the religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions native to the Indian subcontinent. The word "Hindu," from "Sindhu", referred to the people who lived near or across the Sindhu River and their religion later became known as "Hinduism." God Henotheistic Religion possesses a single deity But recognizes other gods and goddesses as facets, forms, manifestations, or aspects of that supreme God. 3 Most Important Expressions of God Triad – One God with three persons: Brahma: the Creator Vishnu: (Krishna) the Preserver Shiva: the Destroyer Other gods – a few examples Ganesha Depicted has having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge potbellied body of a human being The lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles Known as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth Rama Symbol of chivalry and virtue Embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king. Lakshmi Goddess Lakshmi means "Good Luck" to Hindus Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual Depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands Durga The Mother Goddess— represents the fiery powers of the gods Depicted as a Warrior riding a lion armed with weapons Protector of the righteous, and destroyer of the evil. Sacred Texts: Many Texts The most ancient religious texts still surviving today Some being a 1000 years older than Some appear than the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) The Vedas Made up of four compositions Four parts which are arranged chronologically. The Samhitas are the most ancient part of the Vedas, consisting of hymns of praise to God. The Brahmanas are rituals and prayers to guide the priests in their duties. The Aranyakas concern worship and meditation. The Upanishads consist of the mystical and philosophical teachings of Hinduism. The Samhitas Rig-Veda Samhita (c. 1200 BCE) is the oldest of the four vedas and consists of 1028 hymns praising the ancient gods. Yajur-Veda Samhita is used as a handbook by priests performing the vedic sacrifices. Sama-Veda Samhita consists of chants and tunes for singing at the sacrifices. Atharva-Veda Samhita (c. 900 BCE) preserves many traditions which pre-date the Aryan influence and consists of spells, charms and magical formula. Many Other Texts Worship Meditation: Yoga, Silence and Mantra often guided by a guru Daily devotions: 3 Times a Day Puja: ceremonial dinner for a God. Done in Temple and in Homes The regular offering of fruit, raw rice, flowers, incense, and other items The offering is redistributed and consumed by the participants as a way of receiving the deity's blessings. Temple: Expression of a particular god Pilgrimage Festivals Diwali - Festival of Lights Biggest of all Hindu festivals 4 Days: Each Addressing a Particular god Light of God Holi – Festival of Colors Holi is a celebration of life Other Major Festivals Regional Popular Deities’ Birthdays Durga Puja Fall observance of 10 days of ceremonies, rituals, fasts, feasts, song and dance Honor of the supreme mother goddess Durga. Durga's victory of good over evil. Rakhi Celebration of the bond of brotherly/sisterly love Winter Festivals January is harvest time in India Thanksgiving rituals and celebration of the bounties of nature Theology Dharma Overseen by God that includes Human Participation Eternal order, righteousness, religion, law and duty Transmigration of the Soul Transfer of one's soul after death into another body A continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth through their many lifetimes. It is called samsara. Karma is the accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds. Karma determines how you will live your next life. With pure acts, thoughts and devotion, rebirth at a higher level comes Eventually, one can escape samsara and achieve enlightenment. Bad deeds causes a person to be reborn as a lower level, or even as an animal. The unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, suffering are thus seen as natural consequences for one's previous acts, both in this life and in previous lives. Led to the caste system: Priests, Nobles, Warriors, Commoners and Servants Purusharthas The Activities that Hindus organize their lives around Two Paths: Embracing the World and Rejecting the World Pravritti – Those who are in the world Dharma: righteousness in their religious life Artha: success in their economic life; material prosperity. Kama: gratification of the senses; pleasure; sensual, and mental Nivritti – Those who renounce the world Moksa: Liberation from "samsara." This is considered the supreme goal of mankind. Tolerant of other religions Hindus have a saying: "Ekam Sataha Vipraha Bahudha Vadanti," which may be translated: "The truth is One, but different Sages call it by Different Names" Streams of Hinduism 80% of Hindus Worship Vishnu: The Preserver Urban Hindus follow one of two major divisions within Hinduism: Vaishnavaism: which generally regards Vishnu as the ultimate deity Shivaism: which generally regards Shiva as the ultimate deity. Rural Hindus worship their own village goddess or an earth goddess. Rule over fertility and disease -- and thus over life and death. The priesthood is less important in rural Hinduism: non-Brahmins and nonpriests often carry out ritual and prayer there Questions? Coming Up: 28 October: Buddhism