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Chapter 4: Hinduism (Preliminary)
Activities (p. 78)
1
What is the origin of the word ‘Hinduism’?
Comes from the Persian word Sindoo, which was the early name given to the northern
reaches of the Indus River
2
How has the meaning of the word ‘Hinduism’ changed over time?
In time the name came to be associated with a range of religious beliefs and practices. It has
only been comparatively recently that the term ‘Hinduism’ has become a collective term for
all those related beliefs and practices
3
Who do Hindu followers believe founded their religious tradition?
They believe that it has always been there – there is no founder. Perhaps God initiated the
tradition through revelation of the Vedas to the ancient sages.
4
Research the Harappan civilisation and outline how different they were from the Aryans.
This is best done by searching an internet site for more information on the Harappan
civilisation and then making the comparison.
Activities (p. 78)
1
What are the Vedas?
They are a collection of sacred scriptures. The word ‘veda’ means sacred knowledge. They
are believed to be a part of the wisdom that God naturally possesses. This wisdom being
revealed to the ancient sages.
2
Why were the Vedas also called Shruti?
‘Shruti’ means ‘what was heard’, so the Shruti are ‘what was heard’ by the sages through
the sacred wisdom of God.
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3
Why do Hindus call their religious tradition Sanatana Dharma?
The term refers to the Eternal Law or Dharma and means ‘the eternal way of right living’.
This terminology comes from the ancient Sanskrit language. The implication is that it
comes directly from God.
Modern Indian usage can use either term ‘Sanatanan Dharma’ or ‘Hinduism’.
Activities (pp.79-80)
1
Outline the story of Vishnu as told in the Vedas.
Approached by the other gods to deal with the demon God ‘Bali’, Vishnu agreed and took
the form of a dwarf. He tricked Bali by asking for the amount of space he could cover in
three steps. Bali agreed thinking it would be very little. Then Vishnu changed himself into a
giant. His first step covered the whole earth, his second the heavens. For his third step he
stood on Bali’s head pushing him down under the earth
2
Why did Vishnu become more popular with time?
To answer this question you will need to do some more reading and come up with your
own answer. Consider the above story. Think about what it would mean to be considered
omnipotent. Also think about his avatars.
3
Name and describe each avatar of Vishnu. Briefly outline the significance of each.
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
Matsya,the fish that saved humanity from the flood
Kurma, the turtle carried the world on his back
Varaha, the boar raised the earth with his tusks
Narasimha, half-lion, defeated evil demons
Vamana, the dwarf that defeated he demons
Rama fights against evil in the world and upholds virtue and law
Parasurama (Rama with an axe) defeated the warrior caste
Krishna is renowned as a warrior, a teacher and a lover
The Buddha, the ‘enlightened one’ and founder of Buddhism
Kalki, who will appear riding a white horse, is yet to come.
Activities (p. 82)
1
In what ways s Shiva different from Vishnu?
Vishnu is associated with world order whereas Shiva is a god of passion. Shiva represents
the turning away from the world.
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2
Look at the representations of Shiva in Figures 4.4 and 4.6 on page 81. What are the
similarities and differences?
The table has been started for you.
Similarities
 both are images of Shiva as Lord of
the Dance
 same body position
 hair flows out
 both have one foot standing on the
demon of the ego.
 one hand pointing t the raised foot,
indicating liberation from the world
of birth and death
Shiva Fig 4.4
 human
 holds a trident
 one hand holding a drum
 difficult to see facial features
Shiva Fig 4.6
 stylised
 no trident
 difficult to see whether or not he
is holding a drum
 surrounded by ring of fire
representing the universe
 difficult to see facial features
Activities (p. 84)
1
Research the significance of each of the following attributes of Ganesha and prepare a
visual display identifying the attribute and its meaning:
Large ears and head: listen carefully and think big
Elephant’s trunk: efficiency and adaptability
Large stomach: peacefully digest all that is good and bad in life
One leg folded and the other on the ground: the bent leg is not touching the ground,
indicating that he is liberated from the world of birth and death; the foot on the ground is
trampling his ego
Food at feet and rice bowl: prasada - the whole world is at your feet and yours for the
asking
Rat/mouse: desire, unless under control, can cause one havoc; don’t allow your desires to
take over.
Axe: used to cut off all bonds of attachment
Rope: used to pull you nearer to the highest goal
2
Explain the symbolism of the following when depicting the God Krishna. The following
has been started for you.
Blue skin: the colour of the shy
Yellow garments: these symbolise intelligence
Peacock feather: symbol of beauty and knowledge
Jewelled crown: a mark of royalty
White calf: milk cow
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3
Who is Hanuman? Describe this god. Why do you think he is so popular?
In Ramayana
11th incarnation of Shiva
Sometimes called Bajrang Bali because his body was said to be hard like a vajra
(thunderbolt)
He is depicted as a monkey – the wisest, strongest and fastest of all apes.
He helped Lord Rama in his war against evil by leading a group of monkeys to fight the
demon king Ravana
The life story of Hanuman can be found on the internet.
Example answers for second part:
He symbolises physical strength, perseverance and devotion. In the Ramayana it was his
task to find Sita (Rama’s wife).
He is a helper in time of troubles.
He is the epitome of devotion to his master, Lord Rama.
Activities (p. 86)
1
What do Hindus understand by the term Dharma?
A set of values that supports and sustains normal life – a person’s religious duty. It may be
universal or personal duty.
2
Explain the term karma.
Sometimes karma is referred to as the law of cause and effect. A person experiences the
results of there actions. It is linked to the teaching of reincarnation. Not all consequences
happen in one lifetime.
3
What is understood by the term ‘moksha’? Why is it important for a Hindu person to
achieve this?
Moksha is the liberation from samsara. This is important as it means the knowledge of identity
of the innermost Self with the Absolute Spirit.
4
Prepare a poster of the four yogas using dot points to describe the key features.
Student work will vary, but key features of the four yogas that could be included are:
i
Hatha yoga – physical exercises to improve health; preparation for meditation
ii
Jnana yoga – the path to knowledge
iii
Bhakti yoga – the practice of worshipping the devine
iv
Karma yoga – discipline of action based on the Bhagavad Gita
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Activities (p. 89)
1a, b Name the four Vedas and outline the subject matter of each
Rig Veda – contains the most important collection of hymns
Yajur Veda – also known as the Sacrificial Veda because it contains the words of the rituals
used by the priests when sacrificing an animal to the gods; also gives details about musical
accompaniment to these rituals
Sama Veda – contains mantras. Uses a musical setting to reflect on the contents of the Rig
Veda
Arthava Veda – contains incantations and spells as well as hymns
1c
Explain the significance of the Upanishads
They are concerned with the Ultimate Reality.
They teach about one spiritual reality – Brahman, the one Being that is the essence of all things.
The innermost self or Atman is the same as Brahman.
2
What are the Samhitas?
They are a collection of hymns.
3
Name the two great Hindu epics. When were they written and what are they about?
The Ramayana
Written 6–5 BCE
It highlights highlight the importance of moral values, especially truth.
It is the story of Rama, banished by his own father and his struggle with the demons that annoy
forest dwellers.
The Mahabharata
Written 5 BCE
It is the longest poem in the world.
It is about Hindu life, religion, thought and culture.
It is about five brothers who lose their kingdoms to their step-brothers at a gambling match. If
they could live in the jungle for 12 years, and then one year incognito somewhere else, they
could have their kingdom back. But the step-brothers refused to return the kingdom. Both sides
battle each other for 18 days before the five brothers are victorious. The interwoven stories
provide guidelines for proper conduct. The Ramayana is a tapestry of Hindu life and lore of
ancient times.
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Activities (p. 92)
1
Why was the time of the epics important to the evolution of Hinduism?
It was a turning point in Hindu society, with the emergence of Vishnu and Shiva as the
predominant Gods. They were composed at a significant time in the development of
Hinduism. It was the time when the class system was starting to develop. The epics gave
people a sense of history and tradition, and provided a body of moral teaching.
2
What is referred to as Smriti literature?
Remembered tradition – everything except the Vedas
3
Why do you think the ‘Ramayana’ is the most popular epic?
It is a heroic story that highlights moral values.
4
What is the great epic tale ‘The Mahabharata’ about?
See Activities p.89 q.2
5
The Bhagavad Gita, or ‘Song of the Lord’, is the best known of the Hindu scriptures.
Discuss why it is so important to Hindu people.
It occurs at a crucial point in ‘The Mahabharata’ when the battle is about to begin. It is the
teachings that Krishna gives to Arjuna. It brings together the various strands of Hinduism
that had developed at this point: the teachings of the Upanishads, of the Vedic rituals, with
devotional worship and surrender to God.
Activities (p. 94)
1
What are the four social classes or ‘varnas’ and which had access to the Vedas?
Brahmins – the priests and scholars
Kshatriyaas – rulers and warriors
Vaishyas – traders and farmers
Shudras – the labourers
Only the first three had access to the varnas. The others were not considered pure enough
because of the type of work they did
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2
Why were some people excluded?
A person had to be born into a particular varna. A person could be excommunicated from a
caste.
3
Why were the Laws of Manu a compromise?
They are guidelines rather than laws, composed by the Brahmins.
4
Were the same ethics applied to all classes? If this was not the case, explain how they
differed.
Different rules applied to different varnas. <need an explanation of how they differed>
5
Why did the Brahmins write the Laws of Manu?
They were an attempt to guide society toward the ancient Vedic way of the dharma
Activities (p. 95)
1
How does family heritage influence the family’s devotional practices?
Sometimes a family god/goddess is a result of family tradition being handed down from
one generation to the next. Other people may honour a god of individual choice. Whoever
the family deity is will determine the requirements of the devotional practice.
2
What is puja and when is it peformed in the home?
Puja is worship. It is performed in the home more often than in a temple. Most people only
go to the temple on special occasions. Home puja is usually performed first thing in the
morning or in the evening.
3
Describe the physical act of puja
Prayers are chanted and the god is invited to come and dwell within the image for the
duration of worship. Flowers are placed before the image in offering. Then a seat, water
and fresh clothes are symbolically offered to the deity. Other offerings include incense and
sandalwood paste. Then worship takes place. This includes recitation of the holy names of
the deity (if there is time). Incense is held near the deity’s face and a bell is rung. Food is
offered and the bell s rung again. Camphor is lit and the flame is waved clockwise in front of
the deity, the bell is rung and sacred chanting takes place. The worshippers prostrate
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themselves in front of the image, then sit, meditate, take some flowers dipped in
sandalwood paste and place them on the image while chanting to request the deity to leave.
The end of the puja is signalled by ringing the bell with the right hand.
4
Debate the following: Every Hindu should follow the same puja at home?
For the debate, the class should read pages 94 and 95. It is suggested that students conduct
further research on the different styles of worship for the different deities. They will need
to look into why people perform puja in different ways before the topic can be debated.
5
Look at the photograph on page 94 and identify all the elements present. Explain their
purpose in the puja.
One way of doing this would be to draw up a table such as that below and fill it in
accordingly. This one has been started for you.
Element
purpose
Statue of Ganesha
Image of deity
Fruit
offering
Bell
To alert the deity
Container for sandalwood paste
Pen and ink
Oxford Studies of Religion ISBN 9780195568011 © Oxford University Press Australia