religious traditions of india hinduism, jainism, sikhism
TRANSCRIPT
Religious Traditions of India
Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism
Religion Population Percent
Major Religions 1,028,610,328 100.00%
Hindus 827,578,868 80.456%
Muslims 138,188,240 13.434%
Christians 24,080,016 2.341%
Sikhs 19,215,730 1.868%
Buddhists 16,947,992 1.504%
Jains 4,225,053 0.41%
IND
IA
Origin of Hinduism in India Unique in that there
is NO founder Ancient Aryan
belief/practice Religious texts:
Vedas and Upanishads
Vedas are truths revealed to “wise men”
Upanishads help to explain the ideas/messages of the Vedas
Indian Epics
Epics are long narrative poems that tell of ancient Hindu values
Two of the most famous are pictures above; Ramayana and Mahabharata
Brahman Thousands of Gods Polytheistic All these Gods are
part of ONE force
Brahman is Nameless Formless Unlimited in power
Deities3 principle gods:1. Brahma, creator of the universe2. Vishnu, preserver of the universe3. Shiva, destroyer of the universe These gods can take many forms because there
are creators, preservers, and destroyers for everything
Reincarnation (samsara)
Atman: spirit or soul Moksha:
Uniting of Atman and Brahman
Break free from cycle of reincarnation
Karma: present situation is a reflection of past deeds
Dharma: duties and obligations that must be fulfilled in order to achieve moksha
Caste System Rebirth and Karma
are linked to Caste
Some believe Caste developed when the light-skinned Aryans conquered the dark skinned non-Aryan people
Others believe it is based on occupation
4 Varna (divisions of the caste system)
Brahmins (priests)
Kshatriyas (warriors and
rulers)Vaishyas
(landowning farmers and merchants)
Sudras (low status laborers and artisans)
One is born into a
subcaste, or community –
called jati
Dalits – “the oppressed”, untouchables
Adivasis – descendents of the region’s original inhabitants
Not part of caste
system
Rules of the Caste
Caste rules governed…• Eating habits• Marriage• Employment• Living location• Gods worshipped• Clothes worn
Rules meant to help people remain spiritually pure
Caught in Caste: Marketplace Radio Segment
http://www.marketplace.org/topics/world/caught-caste
How and why was the reporter forced into observing the caste
system against her will?
Modern India and Caste TodayA. Politics and Legality
a. Constitution forbids practicing discrimination based upon caste
b. Quota Systems – more developed/modern areas; college entrance, jobs, ect.
B. Social Characteristicsa. More flexible in larger urban areasb. Developing India Caste unable to contain the
socioeconomic changes
C. Dalitsa. 160 million untouchables, 15% of populationb. Gandhi called untouchables Harijans Children of Godc. Untouchables called themselves Dalits Oppressed
i. Shunned, insulted, banned from temples and higher caste homes, made to eat and drink from separate utensils in public places, and, in extreme but not uncommon cases, are raped, burned, lynched, and killed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL_Ipuxlk7k
Difference in Beliefs
Hinduism Many Gods Caste System No Founder Non-Violence Nations in the Region
India Sri Lanka Nepal
Islam One God Equality Prophet Muhammad Laws of the Koran Nations in the Region
Pakistan Afghanistan Bangladesh
Jainism
Emphasis on the immediate consequences of one's physical and mental behavior
Every living being has a soul
Ahimsa; meaning to do no hard.
Strict vegetarians Goal of life is
Moksha
Jainism
Jain monks can be seen with their nose and mouth covered by a cloth mask to ensure that they do not kill any germs or insects while breathing
Sikhism
23 million worldwide
Punjab region of India
Combination of Hindu and Muslim teachings
Monotheist Rejects the Caste
System Rituals and
ceremonies not important
Sikhism
Middle or surname: Boys given name
“Singh” Girls given name “Kaur”
The way to lead a good life is: Keep God in heart and
mind at all times Live honestly and work
hard Treat everyone equally Be generous to the less
fortunate Serve others
Prime Minister of India: Manmohan Singh
The Five Evils of Sikhism Influences of ego,
anger, greed, attachment and lust —known as the Five Evils—are believed to be particularly destructive.
The fate of people exposed to the Five Evils is separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion.
The 5K’s
Kesh – unkempt hair = living in harmony with the will of god
Kanga – comb = keep hair clean and tidy Kara – steel bracelet = restraint from evil
deeds Kacha – soldiers shorts = self-restraint Kirpan – sword = courage and self-
defense
Amrit Ceremony - All baptized Sikh’s are bound to wear the 5 k’s
Kacha: To be worn by all baptized Sikhs as undergarment.
A kaṛā, kaṅghā and kirpān.
The 5 K’s of Sikhism
Buddhism
Began in South Asia but only 1% practice it Sri Lanka Bhutan