Introduction to Hinduism

Jun 20, 2024

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Introduction to Hinduism

Overview

  • Hinduism is the world's oldest religion with over a billion adherents.
  • Called 'Sanatana-Dharma' by Hindus, meaning the eternal tradition.
  • Resulted from merging the Indus Valley Civilization and nomads around 1500 BC.
  • The dates of Hinduism's origins are controversial but it's very old (e.g., 36 Betty Whites old).
  • Concepts of Hinduism and India are inseparable; both names derive from the Sanskrit word 'Sindhu' (Indus River).

Core Beliefs

1. Belief in Brahman

  • Universal soul known as Brahman: formless, genderless source of all reality.
  • Brahman is the universe and the material that makes up the universe.

2. Belief in Atman

  • Individual soul known as Atman.
  • Actions of the soul (karma) affect its future lives through transmigration.

3. Belief in Karma

  • Actions (good or bad) that affect society and individuals.
  • Past karmic actions affect the present; present actions affect the soul's future.

4. Belief in Moksha

  • The goal of Hindu life is to achieve moksha, release from the cycle of life and death by realizing oneness with Brahman.

5. Belief in the Vedas

  • Four sacred texts: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda.
  • Considered divinely revealed to ancient Hindu sages.

6. Belief in Cyclical Time

  • Time is a series of cycles with no beginnings or endings.
  • Each cycle contains four ages: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali Yuga.
  • We are currently in the Kali Yuga.

7. Belief in Dharma

  • Dharma translates to proper behavior maintaining balance in the universe.
  • Each being has its own dharma, e.g., lions hunt, kings rule.

Hindu Sacred Texts

Vedas

  1. Rig Veda: Songs about truth, reality, the universe, and rituals.
  2. Yajur Veda: Sacrificial rites and rituals.
  3. Sama Veda: Songs dedicated to gods, set to music.
  4. Atharva Veda: Spells, charm, curses; practical tips on aspects like warfare and medicine.

Upanishads

  • Philosophical texts written between 800-500 BC.
  • Focus on questioning, debate, and finding life's answers.
  • Stress on the Atman (soul) and the unrealness of the physical world.

Additional Texts

  • Puranas: Encyclopedias of beliefs on various topics including yoga, caste system.
  • Bhagavad Gita: Discusses dharma via a dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna.
  • Ramayana: Epic about Prince Rama, Sita's abduction, demon Ravana, and Hanuman.
  • Mahabharata: World's longest poem full of drama, wars, and moral lessons.
    • Central themes emphasize the importance of dharma.

Four Goals of Life

  1. Dharma: Duty/righteousness.
  2. Artha: Prosperity and success.
  3. Kama: Pleasures of body and mind.
  4. Moksha: Liberation from rebirth cycles.

Six Temptations to Avoid

  1. Kama: Lust and materialism.
  2. Krodha: Anger.
  3. Lobha: Greed.
  4. Moha: Unrealistic attachment.
  5. Mada: Pride.
  6. Matsarya: Jealousy.

Hindu Deities

The Trimurti (Hindu Trinity)

  1. Brahma: The creator.
    • Four heads representing the four Vedas and four Yugas.
    • Rides a giant swan.
    • Consort: Saraswati (goddess of learning).
  2. Vishnu: The preserver.
    • Holds a discus and conch shell.
    • Many avatars include Krishna and Rama.
    • Rides an eagle named Garuda.
    • Consorts: Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Bhudevi (earth goddess).
  3. Shiva: The destroyer.
    • Third eye that, when opened, destroys.
    • Rides a bull named Nandi.
    • Consorts: Parvati and Sati.
    • Sons: Ganesha (remover of obstacles), Murugan (god of war).

Major Sects

  1. Vaishnavism: Worship Vishnu.
  2. Shaivism: Worship Shiva and his sons.
  3. Smartism: Worship five deities (Ganesha, Durga, Surya, Shiva, and deity).
  4. Shaktism: Worship the goddess Devi as the ultimate reality.

Avatar Concept

  • Divine beings that descend to restore dharma.
  • Example: Vishnu as Kurma (boar) saved Earth from the ocean.

Caste System

  • Four primary castes: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), Shudras (manual laborers).
  • System arose from the Bhagavad Gita and Rig Veda.
  • The caste system initially allowed movement based on abilities but was later formalized, restricting mobility.
  • Untouchables (Dalits) were marginalized.
  • Modern changes: Greater caste mixing in business, education, and even marriage.