Transcript Hinduism - FBAOldTestament

Hinduism
The Collective work of section
523.08
The Origin of Hinduism
Hinduism dates back to 7000-5000 BCE in the Indus River Valley
The Persians who came into the area called the inhabitants of the
region Hindus and referred to the area as Hindustan.
The Origin of Hinduism: The tradition is divided into
multiple periods of development:
Indus River Valley period
Brahmanical period
Classical period
Hindu Muslim Period
Indus River Valley Period
3000-1500 BCE
Culture: highly sophisticated, agricultural,
mercantile economy
Used pictoral writing system
Centrally governed
Invaded by aryans from central asia who
brought their religion vedism
Joint Indus Aryan culture is formed
Leads to 1st sacred text: Vedas, meaning
knowledge. Spiritual principle of Brahman,
the eternal unified reality.
Brahmanical Period
1500-300 BCE Indo-Aryan people migrate south to Ganges
River area
This period reflects the growth and development of the
Brahmins or Priestly class who have authority for rituals such
as sacrifices.
The purpose of the rituals is twofold: help people obtain
what they need and want in life, Help people to moksha or
liberation after death.
Upanishads: scripture that comments on the spiritual
meaning of the vedic rituals; teaches the principle of
reincarnation.
550-300 BCE reaction to ritual order leads to individual
devotion to Gods and Goddeses: Vishnu, Shiva and later
Brahma becoming the Triad of Hindu Gods. People begin to
seek gurus or spiritual teachers for guidance.
Classical Period
300 BCE – 1200 CE: Rituals become
more individualized, rituals and shrines are
built in homes, as well as Temples built to
particular deities.
Development of the Smitri: The great
Hindu Mythologies of Prince Arjuna and
Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita (Song
of the Blessed) and the Rama or
incarnation of Vishnu which celebrates
commitment to family and the dangers of
material attachment.
Hindu – Muslim Period
1200 CE-Present: Rise of a blending
of traditions that give rise to a tradition
known as Sikhism. (Discipleship)
Beliefs
Reincarnation: cycle of rebirth to reach Nirvana, or
salvation.
Samsara name of the cycle: Born, Live, Die and then are
Reborn.
Moksha: Liberation or release from Samsara; this occurs
when one (atman) becomes one with “God” or the Supreme
Reality, Brahman.
Paths to Salvation: Devotion, Knowledge, or Work
The Law of Karma: Moral Law of cause and effect; how you
live your life determines the status of how you will be
reincarnated. (level of caste in society)
The Law of Dharma: The cosmic order of rightousness,
virtue and duty.
Caste System
Hierarchical structure of society
Brahmin: Priestly Caste
Kshatriya: Military
Vaishya: Merchants
Shudra: Workers
Untouchables
Paths to Salvation: Devotion,
Knowledge, or Work
Devotion: follow the way of Love and
worship a personal deity. Pay attention to
emotions and emotional growth.
Knowledge: Jnana, the importance of
spiritual, practical and intellectual learning.
Work: Do good deeds with authenticity,
lead a good moral life especially in your
profession.