Overview
This lecture explores Hindu teachings, focusing on major concepts like Brahman, Atman, samsara, karma, moksha, and the paths to enlightenment, drawing from key texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita.
Religions Originating in India
- Four major religions from India: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—all share core concepts.
- Shared concepts: Dharma (duty), Samsara (reincarnation), Karma (actions/consequences), and Moksha (liberation).
Hindu Scriptures
- The oldest Hindu scriptures are the Vedas, intended mainly for priests.
- The Upanishads are later philosophical texts focused on meditation and spiritual insight.
- The Bhagavad Gita ("Song of the Divine One") is the most beloved Hindu scripture, often read for guidance.
Core Concepts in Hinduism
- Brahman is the unchanging, absolute spiritual essence of the universe—everything is made of Brahman.
- Atman is the eternal, unchanging soul or true self in every individual.
- Atman and Brahman are ultimately the same; realizing this unity leads to enlightenment.
- Maya is the illusion or flawed perception that prevents seeing true reality.
- Namaste means "I see the God within you," reflecting the belief in divinity in all.
Samsara, Karma, and Rebirth
- Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, seen as undesirable and repetitive.
- Karma is the cosmic law of cause and effect; good or bad actions influence one's rebirth.
- One's next incarnation (higher or lower) depends on the balance of karma at death.
- All beings with consciousness (including animals) can be reincarnated; hence, respect for all life, such as vegetarianism.
Moksha: The Goal of Hinduism
- Moksha means liberation from samsara and union with Brahman.
- Achieving moksha ends the cycle of rebirth.
Paths to Enlightenment
- Jnana Yoga: The path of wisdom—realizing Atman is Brahman through knowledge.
- Karma Yoga: The path of action—performing selfless deeds without desire for reward.
- Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion—loving service and devotion to the gods.
Application to the Caste System
- Priests (Brahmins) practice Jnana Yoga; warrior nobles (Kshatriyas), Karma Yoga; merchants, Bhakti Yoga.
- Traditionally, only higher castes and males were considered eligible for moksha, but this is changing.
The Bhagavad Gita Example
- Krishna teaches Arjuna about duty (Dharma), the immortality of Atman, the inevitability of karma, and the importance of selfless action.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dharma — One's duty or moral order.
- Samsara — The cycle of rebirth and redeath.
- Karma — Law of cause and effect by actions.
- Moksha — Spiritual liberation from samsara.
- Brahman — Ultimate, formless reality or God.
- Atman — True self or soul within each being.
- Maya — Illusion or incorrect perception of reality.
- Jnana Yoga — Path of wisdom.
- Karma Yoga — Path of selfless action.
- Bhakti Yoga — Path of devotion.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Learn and memorize definitions of key terms.
- Be ready for upcoming quizzes comparing Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism on these concepts.
- Read the story of the Bhagavad Gita for further understanding.