HINDUISMHINDUISM

SHIVA VISHNUBRAHMA

Hindu GodsHindu Gods

GENESHA KALI

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Hindu GodsHindu Gods

RAMAKRISHNA

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Location of HinduismLocation of Hinduism

Hinduism World Status

• Hinduism: 900 million• 15% of world population• Third largest world religion

•Christianity 32%•Islam 22%•Secular/Non-religious 15%

Origins of Hindu CultureOrigins of Hindu Culture Before the Aryans the Dravidians Indian Before the Aryans the Dravidians Indian

civilization inhabited the Indus Valley.civilization inhabited the Indus Valley.• Early tribal people, Dasas, described as dark Early tribal people, Dasas, described as dark

skinned, thick lipped, possessing cattle and skinned, thick lipped, possessing cattle and speaking a strange languagespeaking a strange language

• Advanced civilization from Harappa to Advanced civilization from Harappa to Mohenjo-Daro – planned cities with a sewage Mohenjo-Daro – planned cities with a sewage system connected to some housessystem connected to some houses

• Language has not be deciphered.Language has not be deciphered.• Religion mainly unknown but had figurines Religion mainly unknown but had figurines

and sculptures of people meditating – fertility and sculptures of people meditating – fertility gods and goddess?gods and goddess?

Origins of Hindu CultureOrigins of Hindu Culture Indo-Aryans (Indo-Europeans) began to Indo-Aryans (Indo-Europeans) began to

invade the India sub-continent about invade the India sub-continent about 1800 to 1500 B.C.1800 to 1500 B.C.• Source of Greek, Latin, Celts, German, Slav Source of Greek, Latin, Celts, German, Slav

languagelanguage• Oral tradition called the VedasOral tradition called the Vedas

Rishi (seer) – drank “Soma” a Rishi (seer) – drank “Soma” a hallucinogenic to experience the gods hallucinogenic to experience the gods and wrote down in hymns that would and wrote down in hymns that would become the Vedasbecome the Vedas

Origins of Hindu CultureOrigins of Hindu Culture Began to become acclimated to new Began to become acclimated to new

environment and become agriculturistsenvironment and become agriculturists Ruler (rajah=rex), private army, priestsRuler (rajah=rex), private army, priests Priests would supersede simple rituals Priests would supersede simple rituals

and be the only available source for and be the only available source for sacrifice – priests called Brahmins.sacrifice – priests called Brahmins.• Brahmanas are the books of the Brahmins Brahmanas are the books of the Brahmins

that record the sacrifices and their powerthat record the sacrifices and their power

Origins of Hindu CultureOrigins of Hindu Culture

Origins of Hindu CultureOrigins of Hindu Culture The term “Hindu” had its origin from the The term “Hindu” had its origin from the

Muslims conquerors who used it to describe Muslims conquerors who used it to describe the inhabitants of Northern India.the inhabitants of Northern India.

Hinduism was use by the British for the Hinduism was use by the British for the diverse religious traditions of the people of diverse religious traditions of the people of India.India.

Today it is used popularly to describe the Today it is used popularly to describe the religious life distinct from Christianity and religious life distinct from Christianity and Islam.Islam.

There is no unified religious entity so it is There is no unified religious entity so it is best to talk of “Hindu traditions.”best to talk of “Hindu traditions.”

Hindu ReligionHindu Religion ““We venture to predict that Hinduism is We venture to predict that Hinduism is

not a religion at all, but a series of not a religion at all, but a series of loosely strung and infinitely varied loosely strung and infinitely varied sacerdotal and sociological artificial sacerdotal and sociological artificial conventions to which a religious conventions to which a religious verisimilitude has been imparted by the verisimilitude has been imparted by the ancient law-givers, but which is ancient law-givers, but which is nevertheless daily undergoing endless nevertheless daily undergoing endless fluctuations, not only in any given fluctuations, not only in any given locality, but throughout the Hindu locality, but throughout the Hindu world.” (V. N. Narasimmiyengar True world.” (V. N. Narasimmiyengar True Hinduism, 5)Hinduism, 5)

Hindu ReligionHindu Religion Sanatana DharmaSanatana Dharma

• Contemporary scholars prefer this term to Contemporary scholars prefer this term to describe the Hindu religion.describe the Hindu religion.

• Meaning – ageless way of moral order, duty Meaning – ageless way of moral order, duty and natural law of the cosmos.and natural law of the cosmos.

Hindu-nessHindu-ness• Political identificationPolitical identification

Hindu ReligionHindu Religion Sanatana Dharma EncompassesSanatana Dharma Encompasses

• Mystical texts referring to the formless and Mystical texts referring to the formless and transcendent selftranscendent self

• Abstract philosophical treatises that Abstract philosophical treatises that disagree with each other about the truth of disagree with each other about the truth of existenceexistence

• A wealth of ascetic meditation practices for A wealth of ascetic meditation practices for realization of the eternalrealization of the eternal

• Large pantheon of deitiesLarge pantheon of deities

Hindu Culture & ReligionHindu Culture & Religion Extremely varied personal beliefs allowedExtremely varied personal beliefs allowed Cannot separate from the cultureCannot separate from the culture To be Hindu, a religion has to:To be Hindu, a religion has to:

• Regard the Vedas as divinely inspired and Regard the Vedas as divinely inspired and authoritativeauthoritative

• Accept the caste systemAccept the caste system• Respect the veneration of the various levels of Respect the veneration of the various levels of

deities and spirits, including the protection of cowsdeities and spirits, including the protection of cows Recognizing them as authoritative does not Recognizing them as authoritative does not

mean accepting them as literally true or mean accepting them as literally true or practicing them as commandedpracticing them as commanded

Winfried Winfried CorduanCorduan

Hindu ReligionHindu Religion Not a creedal religionNot a creedal religion Both Christianity and Islam are creedal Both Christianity and Islam are creedal

religion where people may come to faith religion where people may come to faith in God through belief and convictionin God through belief and conviction• Islam – anyone can become a Muslim by saying Islam – anyone can become a Muslim by saying

the Kalimathe Kalima• Christianity – through faith in ChristChristianity – through faith in Christ

A non-Hindu can hold the same beliefs as A non-Hindu can hold the same beliefs as a Brahman friend but is still considered a Brahman friend but is still considered an outcastan outcast

““Let him live a pious life and then, after Let him live a pious life and then, after many transmigrations, his soul may be at many transmigrations, his soul may be at least reborn into a Hindu family.”least reborn into a Hindu family.”

History of HinduismHistory of Hinduism Two Early PeriodsTwo Early Periods

• The Vedic Period (1500 B.C. – 500 B.C.)The Vedic Period (1500 B.C. – 500 B.C.)• The Philosophic Period (500 B.C. – A.D. The Philosophic Period (500 B.C. – A.D.

500)500) Vedas – literally meansVedas – literally means “knowledge” but “knowledge” but

basically refers to the four sacred basically refers to the four sacred scriptures, often includes the Upanishads scriptures, often includes the Upanishads and their commentaries (sometimes used and their commentaries (sometimes used to refer to all the Hindu sacred writings).to refer to all the Hindu sacred writings).• Originally revealed to holy men who wrote Originally revealed to holy men who wrote

them down.them down.

History of HinduismHistory of Hinduism Vedic Period (1500 B.C. – 500 B.C.)Vedic Period (1500 B.C. – 500 B.C.)

• Aryans, speaking Sanskrit, authors of the Rig-Aryans, speaking Sanskrit, authors of the Rig-Veda (lit. knowledge enshrined in verses)Veda (lit. knowledge enshrined in verses)

• Rig-Veda – oldest collection of 1,028 prayerful Rig-Veda – oldest collection of 1,028 prayerful Sanskirt hymns – prayers addressed devas Sanskirt hymns – prayers addressed devas (gods) “shinning ones” who dwell on earth, (gods) “shinning ones” who dwell on earth, the heavens, and intermediate air (as early as the heavens, and intermediate air (as early as 1500)1500)

• Like Greeks, practiced ancestor worship, Like Greeks, practiced ancestor worship, worshipped nature gods or devas (Lat. deus). worshipped nature gods or devas (Lat. deus). Devas invested with personal attributes, Devas invested with personal attributes, bright beings with superhuman powers bright beings with superhuman powers dwelling in celestial regions.dwelling in celestial regions.

Origins of Hindu Culture/ReligionOrigins of Hindu Culture/Religion

Hinduism based on Vedic Texts written Hinduism based on Vedic Texts written between 1500 – 500 BCbetween 1500 – 500 BC• Shruti – “that which is heard” distinguish from later Shruti – “that which is heard” distinguish from later

writingswritings• Smriti – “that which is remembered” also Smriti – “that which is remembered” also

considered by some as authoritative (considered considered by some as authoritative (considered less sacred and non-Vedic)less sacred and non-Vedic)

Four parts of the Vedic textsFour parts of the Vedic texts• Samhitas (1500 – 900 BC) – “collection” of hymnsSamhitas (1500 – 900 BC) – “collection” of hymns• Brahmanas (850 BC) – CasteBrahmanas (850 BC) – Caste• Aranyakas – Later part of BrahmanasAranyakas – Later part of Brahmanas• Upanishads (500 BC) – Philosophical: Brahman, Upanishads (500 BC) – Philosophical: Brahman,

Atman, Maya, Yoga, NirvanaAtman, Maya, Yoga, Nirvana

VEDIC TEXTS

Origins of Hindu Culture/ReligionOrigins of Hindu Culture/Religion• Other Vedas basically dependent on Rig-Other Vedas basically dependent on Rig-

VedaVeda Yajur-Veda – mostly in prose, meant to supply Yajur-Veda – mostly in prose, meant to supply

dedication, prayers, and litanies recited by dedication, prayers, and litanies recited by priests in the course of their duties in sacrificespriests in the course of their duties in sacrifices

Sama-Veda – Chants for worship by priests Sama-Veda – Chants for worship by priests derived from Rig-Vedaderived from Rig-Veda

Atharva-Veda – Charms, incantations and Atharva-Veda – Charms, incantations and spells (considered somewhat inferior and spells (considered somewhat inferior and associated with folk religion)associated with folk religion)

Origins of Hindu Culture/ReligionOrigins of Hindu Culture/Religion• Over time the sacrificial system developed Over time the sacrificial system developed

to compel the gods to grant appropriate to compel the gods to grant appropriate rewards.rewards.

• Brahmans (priests) alone knew how to offer Brahmans (priests) alone knew how to offer sacrifice aright and extract favors from the sacrifice aright and extract favors from the gods and they took on a sacred position.gods and they took on a sacred position.

• Aryans kept a distinction between Aryans kept a distinction between themselves and the darker skin indigenous themselves and the darker skin indigenous population the Sudras (population the Sudras (serfsserfs) and they as ) and they as DvijaDvija (twice born). (twice born).

• VarnaVarna (color) – distinction between races; (color) – distinction between races; source of caste systemsource of caste system

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Caste systemCaste system

• Based on dharma (religious duty)Based on dharma (religious duty)• Each person born into a caste Each person born into a caste

communitycommunity• Each person has his/her duty with Each person has his/her duty with

communitycommunity• Every community has its own Every community has its own

religion/godreligion/god• Preservation of social and ceremonial Preservation of social and ceremonial

puritypurity

Origins of Hindu Culture/ReligionOrigins of Hindu Culture/Religion• Aryans four castes (1Aryans four castes (1stst three = twice born) three = twice born)

Kshatriyas – warriors and princesKshatriyas – warriors and princes Brahmins – priests and instructorsBrahmins – priests and instructors Vaishyas – Agriculturalists and merchantsVaishyas – Agriculturalists and merchants Shudras – Workers (surfs)Shudras – Workers (surfs)

• Hundreds of subcastes (jati)Hundreds of subcastes (jati)

• Twice born have full participation in Hindu Twice born have full participation in Hindu lifelife

Study of Vedas, puberty initiation, & social Study of Vedas, puberty initiation, & social leadershipleadership

• Aryans controlled study of VedasAryans controlled study of Vedas• Aryans brought all of India under their Aryans brought all of India under their

control and people assimilated their beliefs control and people assimilated their beliefs with Aryan beliefswith Aryan beliefs

Origins of Hindu Culture/ReligionOrigins of Hindu Culture/Religion• Brahmins (priests) until recently Brahmins (priests) until recently

were sole custodians of study of the were sole custodians of study of the Vedic textsVedic texts

• Different brahmans:Different brahmans: Brahman – the impersonal pantheistic Brahman – the impersonal pantheistic

godgod Brahma – the personal creator godBrahma – the personal creator god Brahmin – the priest & priestly casteBrahmin – the priest & priestly caste Brahmanas – priestly commentaries on Brahmanas – priestly commentaries on

the Vedasthe Vedas

Origins of Hindu Culture/ReligionOrigins of Hindu Culture/ReligionDevelopment of deities per Corduan, p. 193:Development of deities per Corduan, p. 193:

DeityDeity FeaturesFeatures

Dyaus PitarDyaus Pitar Original supreme sky god, losing Original supreme sky god, losing significancesignificance

Pritivi MaterPritivi Mater Mother earthMother earth

VarunaVaruna Later sky god, losing significanceLater sky god, losing significance

IndraIndra King of gods, supreme during Vedic periodKing of gods, supreme during Vedic period

MitraMitra A sun god; ritual and moral purityA sun god; ritual and moral purity

RitaRita God of truth and rightGod of truth and right

VishnuVishnu A sun god; later the PreserverA sun god; later the Preserver

RudraRudra Capricious mountain god; later ShivaCapricious mountain god; later Shiva

AgniAgni God of fireGod of fire

SomaSoma God of drink or immortality (soma)God of drink or immortality (soma)

BrahmanaspatiBrahmanaspati Spoken word; gaining significanceSpoken word; gaining significance

History of HinduismHistory of HinduismWayWay OriginOrigin ScripturesScriptures PracticePractice

WorksWorks 1500 1500 B.C.B.C.

Vedas, Sutras, Vedas, Sutras, Brahmanas. Brahmanas. Code of manuCode of manu

Detailed Detailed observance of observance of laws & rituals, laws & rituals, governed by governed by priestspriests

KnowledgeKnowledge 500 B.C.500 B.C. UpanishadsUpanishads

(Vedanta)(Vedanta)Mystical Mystical recognition of recognition of Atman-Brahman Atman-Brahman identity, identity, withdrawalwithdrawal

DevotionDevotion

(Bhakti)(Bhakti)200 B.C. 200 B.C. ––

A.D.800A.D.800

Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavad Gita, Tamil poetry, Tamil poetry, PuranasPuranas

Attachment to Attachment to one god or one god or goddess; three goddess; three main schoolsmain schools

By Winfried Corduan, Neighboring Faiths, p. 192

Periods of Hinduism BeliefsPeriods of Hinduism Beliefs Three Paths (Margas) to MokshaThree Paths (Margas) to Moksha

• Karma Marga (Way of Action or works)Karma Marga (Way of Action or works) Vedic periodVedic period Dependent on priests and ritualsDependent on priests and rituals

• Jnana Marga (Way of Knowledge) by YogaJnana Marga (Way of Knowledge) by Yoga 500 B.C.500 B.C. System of mystical contemplationSystem of mystical contemplation

• Bhakti Marga (Way of Devotion)Bhakti Marga (Way of Devotion) 200 B.C. to A.D. 800200 B.C. to A.D. 800 From south India – TamilFrom south India – Tamil Love of a god or goddess provides salvationLove of a god or goddess provides salvation

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Inana – Way of KnowledgeInana – Way of Knowledge

• Belief system with mystical Belief system with mystical contemplationcontemplation

• Reaction against priests and rituals Reaction against priests and rituals controlled by priestscontrolled by priests

• Recorded in UpanishadsRecorded in Upanishads Vedas focused on priestly ritualVedas focused on priestly ritual Upanishads seek a deeper spiritual realityUpanishads seek a deeper spiritual reality

• YogaYoga• Form of Sankhya systemForm of Sankhya system• Perfect pose by which desire is subduedPerfect pose by which desire is subdued• No fresh round of karma set in motionNo fresh round of karma set in motion

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Two philosophic schools of thoughtTwo philosophic schools of thought

• Sankhya – source of BuddhismSankhya – source of Buddhism• VedantaVedanta

SankhyaSankhya• Dualistic and atheisticDualistic and atheistic• Denies any beginning or a creatorDenies any beginning or a creator• Two eternal realities: praakriti and Two eternal realities: praakriti and

purushas which are both considered purushas which are both considered realreal

Matter (Western categories)Matter (Western categories) SpiritSpirit

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period VedantaVedanta

• Non-dualisticNon-dualistic• Atman the only reality, all else is Atman the only reality, all else is

illusion (maya)illusion (maya)

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Way of KnowledgeWay of Knowledge

• Vendata or Vedantic philosophyVendata or Vedantic philosophy• Search for ultimate secret of all Search for ultimate secret of all

existenceexistence• Search for release from Search for release from

transmigration of the soultransmigration of the soul• Epics literature – legends of gods and Epics literature – legends of gods and

heroesheroes• Rise of BuddhismRise of Buddhism

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Ultimate RealityUltimate Reality

• What is behind the changing phenomena?What is behind the changing phenomena? Brahman – pantheistic impersonal godBrahman – pantheistic impersonal god Atman – true selfAtman – true self

• Brahman – one true realityBrahman – one true reality Unchanging something – realityUnchanging something – reality Impersonal, all-pervasive beingImpersonal, all-pervasive being English – referred to as “world soul”English – referred to as “world soul” Only true realityOnly true reality Maya – besides Brahman all else maya (illusion)Maya – besides Brahman all else maya (illusion) Gods and worship are manifestations of Gods and worship are manifestations of

BrahmanBrahman

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period BrahmanBrahmanSince not by speech and not by thought,Since not by speech and not by thought,

Not by the eye can it be reached,Not by the eye can it be reached,How else may it be understood,How else may it be understood,But only when one says, “it is”?But only when one says, “it is”?

Katha UpansishadKatha Upansishad

Tat, the All, Brahman without attributesTat, the All, Brahman without attributes Tat tvam asi – “that art thou”Tat tvam asi – “that art thou” Key is to transcend world of experienceKey is to transcend world of experience

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Maya – Lit. “play”Maya – Lit. “play”

• Related to the word magicRelated to the word magic• Daily life is just magic playDaily life is just magic play• Life seen as “illusion”Life seen as “illusion”• Maya’a reality is derived from Maya’a reality is derived from

BrahmanBrahman• No reality within itselfNo reality within itself

E.g. image created by a projectorE.g. image created by a projector

• Everything we experience rationally Everything we experience rationally belongs to mayabelongs to maya

Feelings, emotions, thoughtsFeelings, emotions, thoughts

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period AtmanAtman

• Reality inside a person that is not Reality inside a person that is not mayamaya

• True selfTrue self• Atman is Brahman – message of Atman is Brahman – message of

UpanishadsUpanishads• God resides in the depth of personGod resides in the depth of person• Soul of the UniverseSoul of the Universe

Beyond thought and distinctionBeyond thought and distinction

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Life of sannyasinLife of sannyasin

• Leave one’s previous environment and Leave one’s previous environment and renounce worldly attachments & disciplinerenounce worldly attachments & discipline

• Seek one’s true identity apart from the Seek one’s true identity apart from the worldworld

• Attain moksha, the release from samsara Attain moksha, the release from samsara and mayaand maya

• If attained, at death will return to Atman-If attained, at death will return to Atman-Brahman (reenters Brahman as a drop of Brahman (reenters Brahman as a drop of water in the ocean)water in the ocean)

• Nirvana – a state of supreme bliss is Nirvana – a state of supreme bliss is accomplishedaccomplished

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Bhakti (loving attachment) – Way of DevotionBhakti (loving attachment) – Way of Devotion

• Mid-second millennium A.D.Mid-second millennium A.D.• Bhakti is at the heart of most contemporary Bhakti is at the heart of most contemporary

HinduismHinduism• Popular in southern India (non-Aryan or Popular in southern India (non-Aryan or

dravidians); today are Tamil peopledravidians); today are Tamil people• Not through impossible works nor secret Not through impossible works nor secret

knowledge not easily attainable but through a knowledge not easily attainable but through a loving relationship with a god or goddessloving relationship with a god or goddess

• Devotion to a god need not exclude serving othersDevotion to a god need not exclude serving others• Roots of Bhakti is found in the Bhagavad Gita (200 Roots of Bhakti is found in the Bhagavad Gita (200

B.C.) where Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu tells B.C.) where Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu tells heroic warrior, Arjuna to attach to him and do his heroic warrior, Arjuna to attach to him and do his caste dutycaste duty

Philosophic PeriodPhilosophic Period Two influential Hindu PhilosophersTwo influential Hindu Philosophers

• Sankara (8Sankara (8thth century) century) World is totally illusionWorld is totally illusion Only reality is “brahman”Only reality is “brahman” Religion was the pursuit deliverance from Religion was the pursuit deliverance from

deceptiondeception

• Ramanuja (12Ramanuja (12thth century) century) Absolute reality of this worldAbsolute reality of this world Human soul was separate from the Human soul was separate from the

godhead and could relate itself to god not godhead and could relate itself to god not by absorption but by devotion.by absorption but by devotion.

The GodsThe Gods Brahman manifests itself in three gods.Brahman manifests itself in three gods. Rise of three gods above the pantheon of Rise of three gods above the pantheon of

gods.gods.• Brahma – Creator of visible things; since Brahma – Creator of visible things; since

work is done there is no need to worship work is done there is no need to worship (what Brahma creates, Sheva destroys so (what Brahma creates, Sheva destroys so new universe can be madenew universe can be made

• Vishnu – Lord of protection (avatars)Vishnu – Lord of protection (avatars)• Shiva – Lord of destructionShiva – Lord of destruction

It is said that there are 330,000,000 godsIt is said that there are 330,000,000 gods• ExaggeratedExaggerated• Many gods and go by different namesMany gods and go by different names

The GodsThe GodsPrimary Hindu Gods & Bhakti Hinduism Schools

Brahman

Brahma ---------------- Vishnu ---------------- Shiva ---------------- Goddess (devi)

Sarasvati Lakshmi Parvati Durga, Kali

-------- ------- Draupadi

Avatars of Vishnu Genesha Periachi

and Lakshimi Skandar Mariamman

Vaishnavite

School

Shaivite

School

Shaktite

School

Adapted from Corduan, Neighboring Faith – p. 201

Vertical Marks Horizontal Marks

The GodsThe Gods Each male god is associated with a Each male god is associated with a

female deity, his “shakti” which female deity, his “shakti” which means “source of power”means “source of power”• Generally a consort or broadly a wifeGenerally a consort or broadly a wife• Goddess infuses the god with energy Goddess infuses the god with energy

to do his workto do his work Each god has also has a certain Each god has also has a certain

symbolic representation and a symbolic representation and a riding animal.riding animal.

Multiple arms represents powerMultiple arms represents power

The GodsThe Gods

BrahmaBrahma• CreatorCreator• Represented by four headsRepresented by four heads• Originally had five but Shiva cut it offOriginally had five but Shiva cut it off• Images in many temples but not many Images in many temples but not many

temples dedicated to himtemples dedicated to him• Not a major Bhakti godNot a major Bhakti god• His shakti, Sarasvati is a popular goddessHis shakti, Sarasvati is a popular goddess

Receives a lot of venerationReceives a lot of veneration Her representation is a musical Her representation is a musical

instrument, e.g. sitarinstrument, e.g. sitar

The GodsThe Gods VishnuVishnu

• People look to him for salvationPeople look to him for salvation• Also look to one of his avatarsAlso look to one of his avatars• Vertical line(s) on foreheadVertical line(s) on forehead• Known as the preserverKnown as the preserver• Emphasis on chanting, dancing, & meditationEmphasis on chanting, dancing, & meditation• Recognized by having four arms with a conch Recognized by having four arms with a conch

shell, lotus blossom, a discus, and a mace.shell, lotus blossom, a discus, and a mace.• Riding animal is a bird but also shown reclining on Riding animal is a bird but also shown reclining on

a snakea snake• Most concern for maintaining dharma, dutyMost concern for maintaining dharma, duty• Born into the world as heroic person or animal to Born into the world as heroic person or animal to

put world on right track then dies to reincarnate put world on right track then dies to reincarnate again (avatar)again (avatar)

The GodsThe Gods Avatars of Vishnu – incarnations of Vishnu in Avatars of Vishnu – incarnations of Vishnu in

various forms which veil rather than reveal various forms which veil rather than reveal the god within. Usually ten avatars from the god within. Usually ten avatars from myths:myths:• Matsya – FishMatsya – Fish• Kurma – TurtleKurma – Turtle• Varaha – BoarVaraha – Boar• Narasimba – Man-LionNarasimba – Man-Lion• Vamana – DwarfVamana – Dwarf• Parashu-Rama – Rama with an axParashu-Rama – Rama with an ax• Rama – Hero of Ramayana (wife sita, Hanuman)Rama – Hero of Ramayana (wife sita, Hanuman)• Krishna – Teacher of Bhagavad Gita (wife Rada)Krishna – Teacher of Bhagavad Gita (wife Rada)• Buddha (9Buddha (9thth avatar) – Founder of Buddhism avatar) – Founder of Buddhism

Balarama – Alernate, brother of KrishnaBalarama – Alernate, brother of Krishna• Kalki – Horse , future avatar (period when dharma Kalki – Horse , future avatar (period when dharma

supreme)supreme)

The GodsThe Gods Rama (avatar of Vishnu)Rama (avatar of Vishnu)

• Hero of epic RamayanaHero of epic Ramayana His wife, SitaHis wife, Sita Abducted by demon king, RavanaAbducted by demon king, Ravana

• Rescues wife with help of friendsRescues wife with help of friends Brother LakshmanBrother Lakshman Monkey god, HanumanMonkey god, Hanuman

• Usually hold a long bowUsually hold a long bow• Color green dominantColor green dominant• Rama Bhakti emphasizes Rama’s love and Rama Bhakti emphasizes Rama’s love and

grace to grant salvationgrace to grant salvation Baby monkey school (believer clings to mother)Baby monkey school (believer clings to mother) Cat school (believer carried by mother, all Rama)Cat school (believer carried by mother, all Rama)

The GodsThe Gods KrishnaKrishna

• 8the avatar of Vishnu8the avatar of Vishnu• Very popular god to worshipVery popular god to worship• Color is usually dark or blueColor is usually dark or blue• Play a flutePlay a flute• Usually seen with his wife, RadhaUsually seen with his wife, Radha• Appears in the Bhagavad-Gita as a profound Appears in the Bhagavad-Gita as a profound

teacherteacher• MythMyth

Victorious over demon kingVictorious over demon king Another view is a mischievous and amorous Another view is a mischievous and amorous

wonder-worker in folklore with amorous and wonder-worker in folklore with amorous and erotic adventureserotic adventures

The GodsThe Gods Hare Krishna MovementHare Krishna Movement

• International Society for Krishna Consciousness International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON), form of Vaishnavite Bhakti(ISKON), form of Vaishnavite Bhakti

• Krishna is the supreme form of a personal godKrishna is the supreme form of a personal god ISKON followers are basically monotheisticISKON followers are basically monotheistic

• Source is 16Source is 16thth century teacher, Caitanya century teacher, Caitanya• A. C. Bhktivedanta Prabhupada popularized it A. C. Bhktivedanta Prabhupada popularized it

in U.S.in U.S. In 1960s at age 70, retired pharmaceuticals In 1960s at age 70, retired pharmaceuticals

salesmansalesman

• Popular in U.S. in early 70s but has declinedPopular in U.S. in early 70s but has declined

The GodsThe Gods Krishna - Five Essential TeachingsKrishna - Five Essential Teachings

• Krishna is the supreme personal godKrishna is the supreme personal god• Salvation can be obtained by chanting the Salvation can be obtained by chanting the

mantra, Hare Krishnamantra, Hare Krishna 1000 time a day1000 time a day Special worship of singing and dancingSpecial worship of singing and dancing

• The Bhagavad-Gita is inspired scriptureThe Bhagavad-Gita is inspired scripture• Devotee must live a pure life devoted to Devotee must live a pure life devoted to

KrishnaKrishna Abstaining from meat, caffeine, sweets, and Abstaining from meat, caffeine, sweets, and

sex for pleasuresex for pleasure

• Distributing literature to raise the Distributing literature to raise the consciousness of the messageconsciousness of the message

The GodsThe Gods ShivaShiva

• Followed by most Bhakti HindusFollowed by most Bhakti Hindus Highest godHighest god

• Called the destroyer (of evil)Called the destroyer (of evil) Worship more austereWorship more austere Can cause harmCan cause harm

• connected to early days being Rudraconnected to early days being Rudra Horizontal lines on forehead (tilaka)Horizontal lines on forehead (tilaka) ““self-inflicted extremes of devotion”self-inflicted extremes of devotion”

• Represented in various waysRepresented in various ways Phallic symbol (lingam) with yoni (vagina Phallic symbol (lingam) with yoni (vagina

representation)representation) Rides a bullRides a bull Trident is main symbolTrident is main symbol

The GodsThe Gods GaneshaGanesha

• Older son of Shiva & ParvatiOlder son of Shiva & Parvati• Myth – Shiva severs head but Myth – Shiva severs head but

after calms down vows to after calms down vows to replace it with head he see, an replace it with head he see, an elephantelephant

• Known as remover of obsticlesKnown as remover of obsticles• therefore his followers seek him therefore his followers seek him

to overcome difficulties in lifeto overcome difficulties in life• Learned in Hindu writings & Learned in Hindu writings &

wisewise

• Skandar• Younger brother of Ganesha• God of war

The GoddessesThe Goddesses

Shaktism – goddess is the Shaktism – goddess is the principle object of worshipprinciple object of worship• Two most popular, Durga or KaliTwo most popular, Durga or Kali• Unfaithful consorts of ShivaUnfaithful consorts of Shiva• Use of sexual motifsUse of sexual motifs

DurgaDurga• Conquering posesConquering poses• Overcame buffalo-headed Overcame buffalo-headed

demondemon• One of ten arms hold trident One of ten arms hold trident

and other war implementsand other war implements• Given blood as worship itemsGiven blood as worship items

Durga

The GoddessesThe Goddesses Kali – goddess of violenceKali – goddess of violence

• Directed toward evil & demonsDirected toward evil & demons• Black & Gruesome lookBlack & Gruesome look• Necklace of scullsNecklace of sculls• Belt of severed armsBelt of severed arms• Given blood in worshipGiven blood in worship• Stands on a tiger or Shiva’s bodyStands on a tiger or Shiva’s body

Thagis – cult of Kali that practiced Thagis – cult of Kali that practiced human sacrificeshuman sacrifices• Outlawed by Britain in late 19Outlawed by Britain in late 19thth century century

Tantrism – sexual emulation to release Tantrism – sexual emulation to release energyenergy

Elements of Hinduism BeliefsElements of Hinduism Beliefs Transmigration of the soulTransmigration of the soul

• SamasaraSamasara (reincarnation) – lit. means (reincarnation) – lit. means wandering, chains of finite existence that wandering, chains of finite existence that holds the soul to this worldholds the soul to this world

• An individual is transmigrated from one An individual is transmigrated from one existence to another according to one’s existence to another according to one’s behavior (behavior (karmakarma) or merit or lack of merit) or merit or lack of merit

• Not mentioned in VedasNot mentioned in Vedas• Important source for caste system - hopeImportant source for caste system - hope• Possibly assimilated from indigenous Possibly assimilated from indigenous

peoplepeople• Negative – being in world is sufferingNegative – being in world is suffering

Elements of Hinduism BeliefsElements of Hinduism Beliefs Karma – cause and effectKarma – cause and effect

• A person’s life consists of actions both good A person’s life consists of actions both good and bad (not sin or judgment)and bad (not sin or judgment)

• The amount of merit or demerit to be The amount of merit or demerit to be worked off will determine ones next status worked off will determine ones next status in lifein life

• Could be a Brahman, an outcast, a woman, Could be a Brahman, an outcast, a woman, a dog, a plant, or a worm eaten by a fisha dog, a plant, or a worm eaten by a fish

• Explains differences in human lifeExplains differences in human life• Good or bad health or poverty and riches Good or bad health or poverty and riches

due to karmadue to karma

Elements of Hinduism BeliefsElements of Hinduism Beliefs Highest goal of HinduismHighest goal of Hinduism

• Find release from the Find release from the samasarasamasara cycle cycle• MokshaMoksha – release from action and rebirth – release from action and rebirth• Find Find nirvananirvana by knowledge of the supreme by knowledge of the supreme

Truth of the Truth of the brahma-atmanbrahma-atman the soul is the soul is released from the life cyclereleased from the life cycle

• Found by very fewFound by very few““As rivers flow and disappear at lastAs rivers flow and disappear at last

In ocean’s waters, name and form renouncingIn ocean’s waters, name and form renouncing

So too the sage, released from name and form,So too the sage, released from name and form,

Is merged in the divine and ultimate existence.”Is merged in the divine and ultimate existence.”Mundaka UpanishadMundaka Upanishad

Hindu WorshipHindu Worship Temple (jagopuram)Temple (jagopuram)

• Usually dedicated to one godUsually dedicated to one god• Has images to other god in separate Has images to other god in separate

rooms or inset in wallsrooms or inset in walls• Gods live in their statues so statues must Gods live in their statues so statues must

be washed and cared forbe washed and cared for• Daily worship – person removes shoes Daily worship – person removes shoes

and places money before god, can chant, and places money before god, can chant, color mark on headcolor mark on head

• Temple service (puja – sacrifice)Temple service (puja – sacrifice) Procession of gods with music, ring bells, no Procession of gods with music, ring bells, no

chantingchanting

Hindu WorshipHindu Worship Daily WorshipDaily Worship

• Dependent on casteDependent on caste• High caste Hindu men pray three times a High caste Hindu men pray three times a

day, sunrise most practicedday, sunrise most practiced• Household that house a god must Household that house a god must

perform puja, washed, dressed, perform puja, washed, dressed, decorated, and given food at every meal.decorated, and given food at every meal.

Puja – homage, showing respect to the deitiesPuja – homage, showing respect to the deities

• Usually performed by father of the Usually performed by father of the household (wealthy families have their household (wealthy families have their own Brahmin priest)own Brahmin priest)

Life Cycle – Rites of PassageLife Cycle – Rites of Passage Code of Manu divides life into four stagesCode of Manu divides life into four stages

• First is studentFirst is student Rituals regarding birthRituals regarding birth

• Ritual to protect unborn from evil spiritsRitual to protect unborn from evil spirits• Rituals to help new child to be a boyRituals to help new child to be a boy• Rituals for god to protect child, goddess PeriachiRituals for god to protect child, goddess Periachi

Ritual for males of Twice Born castesRitual for males of Twice Born castes• Cord over shoulder, renewed once a yearCord over shoulder, renewed once a year• Begins in theory to study VedasBegins in theory to study Vedas

Marriage (2Marriage (2ndnd stage with raising children) stage with raising children)• Arranged and within casteArranged and within caste• Walk around sacred fireWalk around sacred fire• Red dot on wife’s forehead to indicate marriedRed dot on wife’s forehead to indicate married

Life Cycle – Rites of PassageLife Cycle – Rites of Passage Withdrawal from earning living and Withdrawal from earning living and

devoting more time to prayer, meditation, devoting more time to prayer, meditation, and worship for the man – 3and worship for the man – 3rdrd stage stage• Partial renunciation and withdrawalPartial renunciation and withdrawal

Complete renunciation (4Complete renunciation (4thth stage) stage)• Pursuit of the Vedantic ideal of seeking Pursuit of the Vedantic ideal of seeking

mokshamoksha• Withdraw from family and live alone to Withdraw from family and live alone to

achieve final goalachieve final goal Funeral ritesFuneral rites

• Body bathed with water, milk, honey & Body bathed with water, milk, honey & coconut milkcoconut milk

• Burned on funeral pyreBurned on funeral pyre• Sati practiced primarily in pastSati practiced primarily in past

Festivals & Special DaysFestivals & Special Days Each goddess has a day of descent or Each goddess has a day of descent or

“birthday” which celebrated in the temple“birthday” which celebrated in the temple• Holi – celebration of KrishnaHoli – celebration of Krishna

Many festivals associated with various Many festivals associated with various gods and goddessesgods and goddesses

New YearsNew Years• Homes are decorated with mango leavesHomes are decorated with mango leaves• Women draw auspicious diagrams on Women draw auspicious diagrams on

temple floortemple floor Festival of LightsFestival of Lights

• Autumn to honor goddess Lakshmi usuallyAutumn to honor goddess Lakshmi usually• Lights to guide goddess to bring prosperityLights to guide goddess to bring prosperity

Hindu WorldviewHindu Worldview

godsUniversal Reality

Material World

Individual

Samsara

Karma

Christianity & HinduismChristianity & Hinduism Both have a sense of transcendenceBoth have a sense of transcendence Illusionary satisfaction (pleasure does Illusionary satisfaction (pleasure does

not bring fulfillment)not bring fulfillment) Bhakti = worship and devotion to a Bhakti = worship and devotion to a

supernatural beingsupernatural being Self-knowledge – know who we areSelf-knowledge – know who we are Karma as sowing what you reapKarma as sowing what you reap Self-denialSelf-denial SacrificeSacrifice

Important Terms in HinduismImportant Terms in Hinduism

Sacred Cow – honored by KrishnaSacred Cow – honored by Krishna Indian scriptures tell us that the cow is a gift of Indian scriptures tell us that the cow is a gift of

the gods to the human race. It is a celestial the gods to the human race. It is a celestial being born of the churning of the cosmic ocean. being born of the churning of the cosmic ocean. GuiGuias the cow is called in Hindi, is symbolic of as the cow is called in Hindi, is symbolic of Earth itself . It follows that the cow represents Earth itself . It follows that the cow represents the Divine Mother that sustains all human beings the Divine Mother that sustains all human beings and brings them up as her very own offspring. . . and brings them up as her very own offspring. . . Hence to take care of this innocent and self-Hence to take care of this innocent and self-sacrificing animal is a matter of virtue for Hindus sacrificing animal is a matter of virtue for Hindus who identify the act ad who identify the act ad dharma dharma or moral duty.or moral duty.

Important Terms in HinduismImportant Terms in Hinduism AhimsaAhimsa – doing no injury by word or deed – doing no injury by word or deed Atman – the soulAtman – the soul AvatarasAvataras – alternate forms that gods take – alternate forms that gods take BhaktiBhakti – devotion – devotion BrahmaBrahma – the personal creator god – the personal creator god BrahmanBrahman – the impersonal pantheistic god – the impersonal pantheistic god BrahmanasBrahmanas – priestly commentaries on the – priestly commentaries on the

VedasVedas BrahminBrahmin – the priest & priestly caste – the priest & priestly caste Sacred Cow – honored by KrishnaSacred Cow – honored by Krishna

Important Terms in HinduismImportant Terms in Hinduism DharmaDharma – duty; everyone in whatever place in – duty; everyone in whatever place in

life has his/her dharmalife has his/her dharma KarmaKarma – cause and effect – cause and effect MayaMaya – conscious illusion making power – conscious illusion making power MokshaMoksha – transcend samsara; get off the – transcend samsara; get off the

wheel of rebirth and redeathwheel of rebirth and redeath Om – primordial sound vibrationOm – primordial sound vibration Pandit – One from the hereditary priestly caste Pandit – One from the hereditary priestly caste

learned in the ancient texts, customs, and learned in the ancient texts, customs, and ritualsrituals

Puja – Homage, showing respect to the deitiesPuja – Homage, showing respect to the deities

Important Terms in HinduismImportant Terms in Hinduism Puranas – Mythological texts of ancient times Puranas – Mythological texts of ancient times

and popular devotional textsand popular devotional texts Rishi (seer) – A poetic sage and authors of Rishi (seer) – A poetic sage and authors of

Vedic hymnsVedic hymns SamsaraSamsara – life cycle rebirth & redeath – life cycle rebirth & redeath ShaktiShakti – consort of god – consort of god TilakaTilaka – decoration on the forehead to indicate – decoration on the forehead to indicate

god worshippedgod worshipped Sanskrit – Ancient language of Sanskrit – Ancient language of the Hindu scripturethe Hindu scripture

Yoga (yoking to divinity) – techniques for Yoga (yoking to divinity) – techniques for transforming consciousness and attaining transforming consciousness and attaining liberation.liberation.

Sudra – Serfs, low casteSudra – Serfs, low caste