Introduction to Hinduism

General Introduction Founded: Hinduism evolved

over a long period of time, beginning around 3000 B.C.E. It is the oldest of the major world religions.

Founder: No one person established Hinduism and they have no set creed.

Place of Origin: India

Distribution: India, and to a lesser extent Bali, Sir Lanka, and Indonesia. Africa and North America also have small numbers of Hindus.

Sacred Books: The main Hindu Scriptures which are written in Sanskrit are the:

VEDAS (the oldest … poems and verses)

BRAHMANAS (rules for worship), and

UPANISHADS (answers to questions on life and death)

  In addition, there are two

great epics, the RAMAYANA and the MAHABHAART, and such lesser texts as the PURNAS, the TANTRAS and the LAWS OF MANU.

God: Hindus slowly came to accepts the idea of the existence of and ETERNAL SUPREME BEING – BRAHMAN. To help them understand, Hindus worship different Gods who individually represent ONE particular aspect of Brahman.

  Goal of Hinduism: All forms of

existence, including this present world and everything in it are temporary and illusionary and are referred to as MAYA. The goal of every Hindu is to break free of this imperfect world and achieve a blissful reunion with BRAHMAN. Hinduism is essentially an optimistic faith, in that it contends that everyone will eventually attain this goal. There is no threat of permanent Hell or damnation.

Monism : All is Brahman All reality is ultimately one All rivers, all lakes, all rain share a common essence,

all come from the ocean and eventually return to it. For monists... all forms of reality-gods and goddesses,

plants and animals, the material universe, and humans share a common essence... this one reality is Brahman

Brahman is the ground existence and the course of the universe

Brahman is everything... all things come from and eventually return to Brahman

Brahman is impersonal, without characteristics beyond the reach of human perception and thought

Monism (Cont’d) Brahman can only be describes as neti, neti... “Not

this, not this...” Ultimate reality can be understood through inward

contemplation of the self. Contemplation of the universe and the inner self are one and the same.

The ultimate reality within is named ATMAN, the eternal self

Atman is the spirit of Brahman living within you and all things... a soul

Brahman = Atman .... interchangeable terms We see Brahman as Creator (Brahma), Sustainer

(Vishnu), and Destroyer (Shiva)

Neti Neti

One Reality Without

Names and Forms

Monism

Trimurti

Brahma Creator

Vishnu Sustainer

Shiva Dissolver

Moksha: Salvation

Hindu ultimate goal = salvation Not attainable in one lifetime for most Therefore Hindus have re-incarnation They can afford to be patient regarding

the goal of salvation Salvation = Moksha = “liberation” or

“release”

Moksha (Cont’d) Moksha is a release from this ordinary, finite,

limited realm of existence into the divine Moksha characterized by infinite being, infinite

awareness, infinite bliss It is beyond description because it is beyond

this imperfect world Having attained Moksha a Hindu is united

forever with the divine having returned to the sacred source

Hinduism is an optimistic faith since everyone will eventually attain this goal

Samsara

“Wheel of rebirth” or law of rebirth process of “transmigration” soul reincarnated from one life form to

another

Karma Literally means “actions” or “deeds”… it is a merit

system Moral law of cause and effect of actions (good deeds,

spiritual exercises, meditation) Determines the nature of one’s reincarnation The type of person your soul moves on to depends

on how you have lived = the law of karma Only humans have the will to effect the status of their

karma (being human is a privilege and a responsibility)

People are held responsible for their actions Functions hand in hand with samsara

Dharma life involves a series of duties to be engaged in = dharma literally means “moral obligations” or “virtuous living” These are not the same for every person – depends on job, family

background We have a duty to ourselves and others to do what is

morally/ethically expected Standard by which individuals can judge the rightness &

wrongness of their acts For every activity there is a way of acting that conforms to dharma Hindus look to four sources when seeking guidance on certain

situations: divine revelation (sacred scriptures); b) sacred traditions; c) the

practices of those considered to be wisest in the society, and; d) conscience

Samsara Cycle of Birth and Death

Karma Cause

and Effect

Moksha Release from the Cycle