Pre-Class: SamskaraPre-Class: Samskara

1.1. What are samskara?What are samskara?

2.2. Identify six samskara connected to birth, Identify six samskara connected to birth, marriage, and death?marriage, and death?

3.3. Are there any similarities to the other Are there any similarities to the other religions we have discussed in class?religions we have discussed in class?

Pre-Class: Ganges ArticlePre-Class: Ganges ArticleArticle 1:Article 1:

1.1.Why do Hindus dispose of bodies in the Ganges River? Why do Hindus dispose of bodies in the Ganges River? What city?What city?

2.2.Why hasn’t the government fined or punished those who Why hasn’t the government fined or punished those who deposit bodies, ashes or soap into the Ganges?deposit bodies, ashes or soap into the Ganges?

3.3.List three clean-up projects of the Ganges Action Plan.List three clean-up projects of the Ganges Action Plan.

Article 2:Article 2:

1.1.Has the Ganges action Plan been successful? Support Has the Ganges action Plan been successful? Support with evidence with evidence Website

HinduismHinduism

Religious Facts Website

HinduismHinduism

World’s most ancient living religion World’s most ancient living religion #14#14 33rdrd largest religion – most live in India largest religion – most live in India #3#3 Sanatana Dharma, The Eternal Way, Sanatana Dharma, The Eternal Way,

referred to as Hinduism in the West referred to as Hinduism in the West #2#2 Began in India, from the Aryan beliefs with Began in India, from the Aryan beliefs with

No FounderNo Founder

HinduismHinduism

Developed over thousands of years.Developed over thousands of years. A philosophy of how to live your life.A philosophy of how to live your life. In general Hinduism means: In general Hinduism means: #4#4

People living near the Indus RiverPeople living near the Indus River Used by Europeans, 19Used by Europeans, 19thth century, to describe the many century, to describe the many

religious practices of Indiareligious practices of India

Polytheistic – Polytheistic – Has millions of Gods that reflect the complexity of life. Has millions of Gods that reflect the complexity of life. #5#5

BrahmanBrahman

Other deities (Gods) represent aspects of Other deities (Gods) represent aspects of Brahman (they come from the One Brahman (they come from the One Supreme Being) Supreme Being) #6#6

A universal soul, present everywhere. A universal soul, present everywhere. #6#6 Universal soul, One Divine BeingUniversal soul, One Divine Being

The The UpanishadsUpanishads describe Brahman as "the eternal, conscious, describe Brahman as "the eternal, conscious, irreducible, infinite, omnipresent, spiritual source of the irreducible, infinite, omnipresent, spiritual source of the universe of finiteness and change." Brahman is the source of universe of finiteness and change." Brahman is the source of all things and is in all things.all things and is in all things.

Atman: individual soulAtman: individual soul

VISHNUThe Preserver

BRAHMAThe Creator

SHIVAThe Destroyer

The Trimurti of Hinduism #5

Hindu Gods Hindu Gods #5#5

Brahma- is the creator.Brahma- is the creator. Vishnu- is the preserver or protector.Vishnu- is the preserver or protector. Shiva- is the destroyer.Shiva- is the destroyer.

These 3 Gods create and maintain the These 3 Gods create and maintain the world we live in.world we live in.

Trimurti- representation of the 3 main Trimurti- representation of the 3 main Gods of Hinduism.Gods of Hinduism.

Who do Hindus worship? – Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu the major gods of the Hindu PantheonPantheon

Brahma, the creator god

Avatar:an incarnation of a Hindu deity in human or animal form, especially one of the incarnations of Vishnu

such as Rama and Krishna

AvatarsAvatars

an incarnation of a Hindu deity in human an incarnation of a Hindu deity in human or animal formor animal form

especially one of the incarnations of especially one of the incarnations of Vishnu such as Rama and KrishnaVishnu such as Rama and Krishna

Who do Hindus worship? – Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu the major gods of the Hindu PantheonPantheon

Vishnu, the preserver god

Incarnates as ten avatars (descents) including:Rama (featured in the Ramayana)Krishna (featured in the Mahabharata)

(Each shown with his consort, Sita and Radha, respectively)

Who do Hindus worship? – Who do Hindus worship? – the major gods of the Hindu the major gods of the Hindu PantheonPantheonShiva, god of constructive destruction(the transformer)

Appears as Shiva Nataraj,lord of the dance of creation…

and with his wife, Parvati, and son Ganesha

(the elephant headed remover of obstacles)

What about the goddesses?What about the goddesses?DeviDevi – the feminine divine – the feminine divine

Lakshmi, goddess of good fortune, consortof Vishnu

All these deities are but

Manifest forms (attributes

and functions) of theimpersonal Brahman

#6

All these deities are but

Manifest forms (attributes

and functions) of theimpersonal Brahman

#6

GodsGods

Mono or polytheistic?Mono or polytheistic?

There are three main gods, a There are three main gods, a triumvirate, which are believed to be all triumvirate, which are believed to be all

part of Brahmanpart of Brahman Brahma = the creatorBrahma = the creator

Vishnu = the preserverVishnu = the preserver

Shiva = the destroyerShiva = the destroyer

All three are responsible All three are responsible for the creation, upkeep for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the and destruction of the world.world.

Brahma = the CreatorBrahma = the Creator

Has four heads and it is believed the four Vedas came from these heads.Has four heads and it is believed the four Vedas came from these heads. Some believe the four varnas came from a different part of Brahma’s Some believe the four varnas came from a different part of Brahma’s

body.body. His consort (companion) is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.His consort (companion) is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Often holds a lotus – the symbol of creation.Often holds a lotus – the symbol of creation. Keeps track of time on a string of beads.Keeps track of time on a string of beads.

Vishnu = the PreserverVishnu = the Preserver

Preserver and protector of the Preserver and protector of the universe.universe.

Role is to return to earth in Role is to return to earth in troubled times and restore the troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil.balance of good and evil.

Has been reincarnated nine Has been reincarnated nine times.times.

Believe he will be reincarnated Believe he will be reincarnated one last time close to the end of one last time close to the end of the world.the world.

Associated with light, especially Associated with light, especially the sun.the sun.

Represented with a human Represented with a human body, with blue skin and four body, with blue skin and four arms.arms.

Each hand holds an object he is Each hand holds an object he is responsible for.responsible for.

Vishnu ContinuedVishnu Continued

In Vishnu’s hands: In Vishnu’s hands: Conch shell (produces Conch shell (produces

the “om” sound, the the “om” sound, the primeval sound of primeval sound of creation)creation)

Discus: symbolizes the Discus: symbolizes the mindmind

Lotus flower: glorious Lotus flower: glorious existence and liberationexistence and liberation

Mace: mental and Mace: mental and physical strengthphysical strength

Shiva = the DestroyerShiva = the Destroyer

Role is to destroy the Role is to destroy the universe and re-universe and re-create it, paving the create it, paving the way for beneficial way for beneficial change.change.

Destruction is not Destruction is not arbitrary but arbitrary but constructive.constructive.

Seen as the source of Seen as the source of good and evil.good and evil.

Shiva ContinuedShiva Continued

Has a 3Has a 3rdrd eye = represents eye = represents wisdom and insightwisdom and insight

Cobra necklace = power over Cobra necklace = power over the dangerous creatures in the the dangerous creatures in the world. Also presents world. Also presents destruction and rebirth destruction and rebirth (shedding its skin)(shedding its skin)

Vibhuti (three white lines on the Vibhuti (three white lines on the face with white ash) = represent face with white ash) = represent his pervading nature, his pervading nature, superhuman power and wealth. superhuman power and wealth. Cover his third eye. Cover his third eye.

Trident = represents the three Trident = represents the three functions of the Hindu functions of the Hindu triumvirate.triumvirate.

Ganesh/Ganesha/Ganesha He is the Lord of He is the Lord of

success and success and destroyer of evils destroyer of evils and obstacles. and obstacles.

He is also He is also worshipped as the worshipped as the god of education, god of education, knowledge, wisdom knowledge, wisdom and wealth and wealth

Ganesh Is Fresh1st verse Ganesh is so fresh chillin on his throne / surrounded by incense fruit and goldwith a heap of sweets piled in his bowl / he guards the gate and protects the thresholdwhen your blessed by Ganesh than you can travel / on a sacred journey to an inner templehe paves the path that leads to the soul / & he’s known for removing all obstaclesnow some may think it’s illogical / a myth or it’s just philosophicalbut Ganesh makes everything possible / because elephant power’s unstoppablechorusJaya Ganesha, Jaya Ganesha, Jaya Ganesha Om2nd verseTo the god of all wisdom loved by all children / known for blessing homes that we live into the lord of all creatures with divine features / inspiring the minds of all truth seekersto the son of Shiva and Parvati / with an elephants head and a fat bellywith a snake for a belt to hold up his pants / he rides on a mouse and he loves to dancewith a lotus unfolding inside one of his of his hands / & an axe to attack all ignorancea broom to remove all hindrance / and a noose to reduce all selfishnesshe writes the pages that the sages chant / droppin ancient vedic science so we cancomprehend / all the many ways that we can transcendsingin Jai to Ganesh he’s a yogi’s best friendchorusJaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Jaya Ganesha Om

Ganges River Ganges River #9#9

Most sacred feature of the Indian Most sacred feature of the Indian landscape.landscape.

It’s believed that the river came down It’s believed that the river came down from heaven to cleans the earth from sinfrom heaven to cleans the earth from sin

Purifies the soulPurifies the soul It’s getting polluted, but people believe It’s getting polluted, but people believe

the river will take care of itself because the river will take care of itself because it’s Holy. - it’s Holy. - readingreading

Varanasi Varanasi #8#8

Most sacred city of Hindu, located on Most sacred city of Hindu, located on the Ganges Riverthe Ganges River

According to Hinduism – founded by According to Hinduism – founded by ShivaShiva

Oldest, continuous center for Hindu lifeOldest, continuous center for Hindu life Place of Pilgrimage – Place of Pilgrimage –

dying there ends the cycle of reincarnationdying there ends the cycle of reincarnation

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HINDU BELIEFS HINDU BELIEFS

DharmaDharma duties and obligations, religious or social.duties and obligations, religious or social. Rules of a caste.Rules of a caste. Guide of conduct or proper path.Guide of conduct or proper path.

Karma- Karma- Actions or deeds.Actions or deeds. Your actions affect your future lives.Your actions affect your future lives. Your present life is a result of your past actions.Your present life is a result of your past actions. Reincarnated into a higher caste and close to mokshaReincarnated into a higher caste and close to moksha

Your caste is a result of karma so it is inseparable from Your caste is a result of karma so it is inseparable from Hinduism Hinduism #15#15

““Big Idea” - DharmaBig Idea” - Dharma

The ultimate moral balance of all things. There is a The ultimate moral balance of all things. There is a divine order to the universe and an individual's life.divine order to the universe and an individual's life.

The concept of dharma requires all people to do The concept of dharma requires all people to do their duty, depending on their status in society. their duty, depending on their status in society. The higher the status, the higher the expectations. The higher the status, the higher the expectations.

Idea of duty above consequences. Promises must Idea of duty above consequences. Promises must be kept at all price.be kept at all price.

Dharma in all areas of life: family, social and Dharma in all areas of life: family, social and religious.religious.

““Big Idea” - KarmaBig Idea” - Karma

Karma is the force generated by a person’s actions that Karma is the force generated by a person’s actions that determines how the person will be reborn in the next life. determines how the person will be reborn in the next life. Every action has consequences. If you live a balanced Every action has consequences. If you live a balanced and moral life (and not disturb the Dharma) you will be and moral life (and not disturb the Dharma) you will be happy and move onto a higher level in your next life. happy and move onto a higher level in your next life.

A person’s current status is a reflection of their past lives. A person’s current status is a reflection of their past lives. Therefore, higher status people are entitled to more Therefore, higher status people are entitled to more privileges because they have lived better past lives.privileges because they have lived better past lives.

Ensures full accountability for every thought, action and Ensures full accountability for every thought, action and word. word.

““Big Idea” – Caste System Big Idea” – Caste System (Varnas)(Varnas)

Varnas or castes - Social custom brought by the Varnas or castes - Social custom brought by the Ayrans to India. Would become known as the caste Ayrans to India. Would become known as the caste system (jati) – officially weren’t called castes until the system (jati) – officially weren’t called castes until the 1616thth century by Portuguese traders century by Portuguese traders

Four main castes (although each caste is also sub-Four main castes (although each caste is also sub-divided)divided)

Based off the belief that hierarchy is natural and social Based off the belief that hierarchy is natural and social structure if part of the divine intention for natural orderstructure if part of the divine intention for natural order

Also based largely on the idea of purity as related to Also based largely on the idea of purity as related to professionprofession

Varnas (Castes)Varnas (Castes)

Each Varna has specific duties and rightsEach Varna has specific duties and rights Each Varna dictates professions – only Each Varna dictates professions – only

certain varnas can work in certain fields. certain varnas can work in certain fields. People cannot work outside of their People cannot work outside of their varna.varna.

Each Varna has its own dietary Each Varna has its own dietary restrictions based on the level of “purity”restrictions based on the level of “purity” of the food. of the food.

Samsara- Samsara- reincarnation or rebirth of the soul in various forms.reincarnation or rebirth of the soul in various forms. Cycle of death and rebirth.Cycle of death and rebirth. What your soul is reborn into is governed by karma.What your soul is reborn into is governed by karma.

Moksha- Moksha- ending the cycle of reincarnation, Liberationending the cycle of reincarnation, Liberation The spiritual goal of all Hindu’s.The spiritual goal of all Hindu’s. Freeing the soul from the body so that the soul can Freeing the soul from the body so that the soul can

unite with Brahman.unite with Brahman. Samskaras- Samskaras-

rituals connected to Birth, Marriage, Deathrituals connected to Birth, Marriage, Death

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HINDU BELIEFS HINDU BELIEFS

““Big Idea” – Reincarnation Big Idea” – Reincarnation (Samsara)(Samsara)

Represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth Represents the cycle of life, death and rebirth in which a person carried his or her own in which a person carried his or her own karma. Each life represents an opportunity for karma. Each life represents an opportunity for balance. balance.

The ultimate goal in reincarnation is to be The ultimate goal in reincarnation is to be united with Brahman (God). Hindus believe all united with Brahman (God). Hindus believe all living beings seek to achieve this goal.living beings seek to achieve this goal.

Places an emphasis on individual spiritual Places an emphasis on individual spiritual development to better attain the release from development to better attain the release from the life and death cycle.the life and death cycle.

Created a reverence for all forms of life.Created a reverence for all forms of life.

““Big Idea” - MokshaBig Idea” - Moksha

Ultimate goal, state of changeless bliss.Ultimate goal, state of changeless bliss. Achieved by living a life of complete Achieved by living a life of complete

religious devotion and more integrity religious devotion and more integrity without any interest in worldly things.without any interest in worldly things.

When a person reaches Moksha, the When a person reaches Moksha, the cycle of reincarnation ends.cycle of reincarnation ends.

How do Hindus worship? How do Hindus worship? #10#10 Worship Gods through their imagesWorship Gods through their images

Pray and give offerings at a home shrine or a Pray and give offerings at a home shrine or a TempleTemple

Yoga - MeditationYoga - Meditation There are four different paths to achieve Moksha There are four different paths to achieve Moksha

which a Hindu can takewhich a Hindu can take..

How do Hindus worship? How do Hindus worship? #10#10 YogaYoga

There are four different paths to achieve Moksha There are four different paths to achieve Moksha which a Hindu can which a Hindu can take. take.

The Hindu can choose one or all four of the paths they are: The Hindu can choose one or all four of the paths they are:

1. The path of knowledge - Jnana-Yoga1. The path of knowledge - Jnana-Yoga Spiritual knowledge -leading to the knowledge of the relationship between the soul (atman) and Spiritual knowledge -leading to the knowledge of the relationship between the soul (atman) and

God (Brahman) God (Brahman)

2. The path of meditation - Dhyana-yoga2. The path of meditation - Dhyana-yoga The idea is to concentrate so you can reach the real self within you and become one with The idea is to concentrate so you can reach the real self within you and become one with

Brahman Brahman

3. The Path of Devotion - Bhakti-yoga3. The Path of Devotion - Bhakti-yoga Choosing a particular god or goddess and worshipping them throughout your life in actions, Choosing a particular god or goddess and worshipping them throughout your life in actions,

words and deeds. words and deeds.

4. The path of good works - Karma-yoga4. The path of good works - Karma-yoga This involves doing all your duties correctly throughout your lifeThis involves doing all your duties correctly throughout your life

Temple WorshipTemple Worship

Temples provide an Temples provide an atmosphere atmosphere conducive for conducive for spiritual progressspiritual progress

Centers of social and Centers of social and cultural activitiescultural activities

Provide a place for Provide a place for collective worship collective worship and prayersand prayers

The Brihadeshwara temple, also known as Rajarajeswaram, India's largest temple

““Big Idea” - YogaBig Idea” - Yoga

Yoga means “union”Yoga means “union”

Important part of Hindu’s Important part of Hindu’s daily life as they strive for daily life as they strive for their union with Brahmantheir union with Brahman

Goal is to leave behind Goal is to leave behind earthy life and join earthy life and join Brahman in your mindBrahman in your mind

Sacred TextsSacred Texts Hindu beliefs are recorded in the following Hindu beliefs are recorded in the following

sacred texts and are all part of the Vedassacred texts and are all part of the Vedas Vedas – earliest Hindu scripture Vedas – earliest Hindu scripture #7 #7

meaning Knowledgemeaning Knowledge

Upanishad- summation of the VedasUpanishad- summation of the Vedas Introduced: karma, samsara and moksha.Introduced: karma, samsara and moksha. Focuses on the relationship between the Focuses on the relationship between the

Brahman and atmanBrahman and atman..

Other Sacred TextsOther Sacred Texts

Sacred TextsSacred Texts Hindu beliefs are recorded in the following Hindu beliefs are recorded in the following

sacred texts and are all part of the Vedassacred texts and are all part of the Vedas Ramayana-an epic poem, the hero is Rama.Ramayana-an epic poem, the hero is Rama.

A scripture that offers a hero as A scripture that offers a hero as a model a model for the Hindu lifefor the Hindu life..

The moral code of conduct, social duty.The moral code of conduct, social duty.

Rama with Sita on the throne, their children Lava and Kusha on their laps.

Sacred TextsSacred Texts Hindu beliefs are recorded in the Hindu beliefs are recorded in the

following sacred texts and are all following sacred texts and are all part of the Vedaspart of the Vedas Mahabharata- the world’s longest Sanskrit Mahabharata- the world’s longest Sanskrit

epic poem.epic poem. Contains many basic Hindu ideas.Contains many basic Hindu ideas.Its most important section is the Its most important section is the Bhagavad-Gita(the song of the Lord):Bhagavad-Gita(the song of the Lord):

conversation between Krishna and Arjuna as conversation between Krishna and Arjuna as Arjuna prepares to go into battle Arjuna prepares to go into battle

Dealing with struggle without concernDealing with struggle without concern Spiritual perfection Spiritual perfection

Sacred Texts Mahabharata Sacred Texts Mahabharata

Krishna, Arjuna at Kurukshetra, 18–19th century painting.

Manuscript illustration of the Battle of Kurukshetra

Sacred Texts Bhagavad-GitaSacred Texts Bhagavad-GitaBhagavad Gita, a 19th-century manuscript

Illustration of the battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna (far right), with Krishna as the charioteer, is battling the Kauravas as the gods look down

Other aspects of Hindu Other aspects of Hindu beliefsbeliefs Puja- Puja-

daily worship, offerings to the Gods.daily worship, offerings to the Gods. Guru- Guru-

a spiritual leader.a spiritual leader. Mandir- Mandir-

a Hindu temple.a Hindu temple. All life is sacred- All life is sacred- The cow is considered sacred- it is the most The cow is considered sacred- it is the most

giving of all animals – gives more than it giving of all animals – gives more than it takes takes #12#12 Some Hindu’s are vegetarians Vedas: Rain is like Some Hindu’s are vegetarians Vedas: Rain is like

cow’s milk and the sun is its calf”cow’s milk and the sun is its calf” Ragas- Ragas-

sacred music to focus spiritual devotionsacred music to focus spiritual devotion

Aum: •most sacred syllable•Prayers begin and end with the sound•Used in mediation•Symbol on Temples

Basic values of a Hindu family Basic values of a Hindu family #11#11

Maintaining strong family tiesMaintaining strong family ties Supporting members of the extended Supporting members of the extended

familyfamily Seen as following your DharmaSeen as following your Dharma

Festivals/Holidays Festivals/Holidays #13#13

DawaliDawali Festival of LightsFestival of Lights Celebrates Hindu Celebrates Hindu

New YearNew Year Lasts 5 daysLasts 5 days Light oil LampsLight oil Lamps WebsiteWebsite

HoliHoli spring festival of spring festival of

colorscolors It is primarily It is primarily

observed in India and observed in India and Nepal.Nepal.

WebsiteWebsite

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ISLAM AND HINDUISM ISLAM AND HINDUISM #16#16

HinduismHinduism Polytheistic -worship Polytheistic -worship

many gods, many gods, caste systemcaste system born into the religion- born into the religion-

no idea of conversionno idea of conversion DietDiet cow is sacredcow is sacred

IslamIslam Monotheistic - worship Monotheistic - worship

one Godone God all people are seen as all people are seen as

equal under the eyes of equal under the eyes of GodGod

dietary restrictionsdietary restrictions proselytizers-seek to proselytizers-seek to

convert othersconvert others Creedal – statement of Creedal – statement of

beliefsbeliefs

SIKHISM SIKHISM #17#17

is a religion that is a combination of Islam is a religion that is a combination of Islam and Hinduism.and Hinduism.

Monotheistic- One god, but all else more Monotheistic- One god, but all else more like Hinduism.like Hinduism.

This new religion emerged and is an This new religion emerged and is an example of cultural blending under the example of cultural blending under the Mughals/Muslims.Mughals/Muslims.

SikhSikh Started in 15 Started in 15

century, Punjab, century, Punjab, IndiaIndia

monotheistic religion monotheistic religion founded by Guru founded by Guru NanakNanak

Three RequirementsThree Requirements to live a life that to live a life that

balances work, balances work, worship and charityworship and charity

WebsiteWebsite

Sikhs vs. Sheiks

Chic Le Freak

Northwest Border Northwest Border India/Pakistan India/Pakistan

TurbansTurbansfrom from http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/natiohttp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/nation-world/infocus/mideast/islam/turbans.htmln-world/infocus/mideast/islam/turbans.html

Sikh

Desert

The Kaffiyeh

Indian MenIranian Leaders

Afghan

Muslim Leaders

Closure: 2 Truths and a LieClosure: 2 Truths and a Lie

Create two true statements about the Create two true statements about the basic beliefs of Hinduismbasic beliefs of Hinduism

ANDAND Create one false statement about the Create one false statement about the

basic beliefs of Hinduismbasic beliefs of Hinduism

Place in Random orderPlace in Random order