Download How does an historical perspective clarify the great diversity within

1. How does an historical perspective clarify the great diversity within
Hinduism?
Hinduism is considered one of the oldest and most complex of all the religions of the
world and traces the beginnings of some of its religions themes and forms to the third
millennium. Probably, the most diverse and varied of all religions that has been
conceived or practiced. Its scope ranges from simple animism to some of the most
exalted and elaborate philosophical systems aver devised. Hinduism has also been
the source of three other religions. In the six century, two reform movements,
Jainism and Buddhism arose from within Hinduism and challenged traditional Indian
religious concepts. Within a few centuries, however, Hinduism, which re-emerged as
the major religion of India.
2. How did the concept of the Gods developed over time? Trace from the Vedic
era to the post-classical rise of the tri-murti Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva.
Vedic literature is the best source of information about the pre-Aryan and Aryan
religions; although this literature was mainly composed after the Aryans had been
settled in India for many years and had intermingle with the native people and
their religions. The collection of Gods that the Aryan worshiped seems to have
been personifications of various natural forces, such as the storm, the sun, the
Moon and the fertility of the soil which indicates that the origins of Hinduism are
to be found in an even more ancient animistic religion. After the close of the
classical period, subtle changes were introduced gradually into the religions of
India. Worship came to be love and devotion to the Gods, temples were build to
honor them, and Hymns were composed about their outstanding qualities.
3. What is the caste system and what is the four Varna?
The ancient Hindu literature spoke of society as being divided into four Vernas
(colors), the full-blown caste system is a relatively modern development. After
700, the modern case system began to develop. The four basic social groups
proceeded to divide into literally thousands of castes. These castes were based on
vocations, castes of metalworkers, weavers, warriors and priest existed One
enters the caste by being borne to parents of that caste. One’s caste dictates, diet,
vocation, place of residence, and choice of mate.
4. What ere the four stages of life?
The first stage of life, the typical upper-caste Indian male is supposed to be is a
student, studying the Vedas a giving careful attention to a teacher. In the second
stage, he is to become a householder and marry within his caste. On the third
stage a Hindu man may retreat to the forest and live there for some years as a
hermit, meditating and offering sacrifices. Once the hermit life is completed
Hindus may become wandering beggars.
5. What are the most important Hindu scriptures?
Four Basic Vedic Books…
The first book: The Rig- Veda (Veda meaning “knowledge” or “Sacred Lord”
The second book: Yajur- Veda (Knowledge of rites)
The third book: Sama –Veda (Knowledge of chants)
The fourth book: Altharva- Veda (Knowledge given by the age atharva)
6. What are the oldest?
Vedic material came into being between 1500 and 400. As it is true much other
ancient religion literature, there is no way of knowing the exact time of the origin
and development of these books. They were first composed and transmitted
orally for many generations before they were committed to writing.
7. What is Karma?
What makes one person different from another? Why is one person Kind
intelligent, talented or wise and the brother or sister is the opposite? Modern
answers to this questions often center around the effects of heredity or
environment, also it is believed that that there is a connection with the past and
the next life as well, every action or every thought has its consequence, marking
the individual internally, an effect felt in this life or in a succeeding one.
8. How did Jainism and Buddhism arise? In what way are they different from
Hinduism?
Jainism and Buddhism arose in the six century, in India as alternative path within
the Indian worldview. They were alternative path within the Hinduism and they
both rejected the sacrifice system thought in the Vedas. Both thought that one
achieved release from life not by offering sacrifice to the Gods or by any form or
worship, but through accomplishment in one’s own life. Both rejected the Veda as
sacred scripture and both taught that anyone of any caste who lived properly
might find release. The rise and popularity of Jainism and Buddhism in the six
century demonstrates that not all Indians found satisfaction in the teaching of
classical Hinduism.
9. What are the three main gods in post-classical Hinduism? What does each
represent?
Brahma: is widely respected and recognized as being the creator of the world.
Shiva: among the most popular Gods in post-classical Hinduism is Shiva, known
as “the destroyer”.
Vishnu: The preserver, he is known as a God of love, benevolence and
forgiveness, one of his chief characteristics is his love of play.
10. What is the role of Goodness in Hinduism?
Goodness is often consorts, although the great Goodness Devi is considered to
be the demons slayer. There are other Goodness that are taught to be
manifestations of Devi, in much the same sense that the Gods can be seen as
manifestations of the supreme God Brahman.
11. What is asceticism and what is its connection with self- realization?
A good example of asceticism is as described in the Laws of Manu once the
Hindu Man duties as a householder are finished, they retire to the forests and live
there for some years as a hermit, meditating and offering sacrifices. During this
time Hindu Man renounce worldly pleasure for spiritual advancement.
12. What is the epic poem the Bhagavad-Gita about?
The great epic poem of Indian culture and religion is about a great battle; it relates
the of the struggles of notable heroes and Gods and contains much of the basic
philosophy of the culture.
Vocabulary:
Indus Valley: The Indus Valley was home to the largest of the four ancient urban
civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and China. It was not discovered until the
1920's. Found on: http://www.harappa.com/har/har1.html
Hindu: Any peoples of India that speak an Indic Language, native of Hindustan or of
India.
Aryans: They called themselves the "noble ones" or the "superior ones." Their names
are lost; their tribal names are lost. But when they found themselves conquerors, they
gave themselves the name "superior" or "noble." Found on:
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCINDIA/ARYANS.HTM
The Vedas: The term Veda comes from the root 'Vid', to know. The word Veda means
knowledge. When it is applied to scripture, it signifies a book of knowledge. The Vedas
are the foundational scriptures of the Hindus. The Veda is the source of the other five sets
of scriptures, why, even of the secular and the materialistic. The Veda is the storehouse of
Indian wisdom and is a memorable glory which man can never forget till eternity. Found
on: http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/religions/vedas.htm
Rig Veda, Yahur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva- Veda:
http://www.vediccare.com/help/yajur.html
Mantras: A mantra is a powerful word or phrase that may or may not have
meaning in the same way as a sentence. Compare spells, incantations and prayer
formulas in other spiritual traditions. The term is a Sanskrit word mantram that
combines the root manas (mind) with tram (protection) so the literal meaning is
mind-protection. Found on: http://www.khandro.net/practice_mantra.htm
Brahmanas: The Brahmanas are specific ritualistic. They are much like the Yajur
Veda and its ritualistic approach but are not as old, nor do they have such an
esoteric meaning. Yet they are more extensive.
Aranyakas: Between the Brahmanas and Upanishads are a few secondary texts.
These are called Aranyakas or Forest texts to be used by those who left society to
reside in the forest to gain spiritual knowledge
Upanishads: the Upanishhads constitute the philosophical framework for
Hinduism. Every religious movement that arose within Hinduism has had to
show itself to be in accordance with the Upanishhads. The philosophical treatises
that explain the message of the Vedas and Upanishads is called Dharsanas.
Found on: http://www.bnaiyer.com/vidya/hindu-04.html
Indra: Indra, in Vedic myth of Hinduism, god of the atmosphere, storms, rain,
and battle. Indra is the most celebrated Vedic god, with more than 250 hymns
addressed to him. Found on:
http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~jorg/research/indra/What_is_Indra.html
Agni: Agni is one of the most important of the Vedic gods. He is the god of fire,
the messenger of the gods, the acceptor of sacrifice. Found on:
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/agni.html
Law of Manu: The Laws of Manu is the most important work regarding dharma, and
rules governing both the cosmos and human society.
More about the Law of Manu found here: http://oaks.nvg.org/pv6bk4.html
Bhagavad-Gita: http://www.bhagavad-gita.org/index-french.html
Brama, Shiva, Vishnu - found on:
http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses/brahma.htm
Atman: Atman is the immortal aspect of the mortal existence, which is hidden in
every object of creation including man. It is the microcosm, representing the
macrocosm in each of us, imparting to us divine qualities and possibilities and
providing us with the reason to exist and experience the pains and pleasures of
earthly life. Found on: http://hinduwebsite.com/atman.htm
Karma:
Within Hinduism, Karma appears to function primarily as a means to explain
the Problem of evil. The concept of Karma is an integral part of Hindu idealism. Found
on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma
Dharma: Dharma is the path of righteousness and living one's life according to the codes
of conduct as described by the Vedas and Upanishads. Dharma means "that which holds"
the people of this world and the whole creation. Found on:
http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa021500.htm
Yoga System: Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India,
where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment.
Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga are considered the four main
yogas. Found on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga
Vedanta: Vedanta is a philosophy taught by the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of
India. Its basic teaching is that our real nature is divine. God, or Brahman as it is called,
exists in every living being.
Brahmins: The caste of priests, of those who know and repeat the Vedas. This is the first
of the four Hindu castes (see Varna) and belongs to the dvija or twice-born (see
Upanayanam) category. Found on: http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/brahmin.htm
Kshatriya: "protector of gentle people". Second in the social hierarchy of the caste system
(see Varna), the Kshatriyas were kings and warriors. Found on:
http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/khatriya.htm
Vaishya: The Vaishya's duty was to ensure the community's prosperity through agriculture,
cattle rearing and trade. Later, the Shudras took over agriculture and cattle rearing while the
Vaishyas became traders and merchants. Found on:
http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/vaishya.htm
Shudra: The lowest of the four Hindu varnas, believed to have been born of Brahma's feet.
Found on: http://www.gurjari.net/ico/Mystica/html/shudra.htm
Asceticism: The practice of self-denial for spiritual purposes. One who practices asceticism is
called an ascetic.
Gandhi: was a prominent political and spiritual leader of India and its struggle for independence
from the British Empire. He was the pioneer[1] and perfector of Satyagraha - the resistance of
tyranny through mass civil disobedience strongly founded upon ahimsa (total non-violence) which led India to independence, and has inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across
the world. Gandhi is commonly known and addressed in India and across the world as Mahatma
Gandhi. Found on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi