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Title: Hinduism Basic Teachings of Hinduism One of the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism, is practiced by most people in India today. Hinduism evolved over thousands of years and was influenced by the cultures and traditions of many peoples. However a few fundamental teachings are shared by nearly all Hindus. Brahman • Among most basic tenets of Hinduism, belief in Brahman, eternal being that created, preserves world • Brahman all-encompassing • Many believe human mind incapable of understanding Atman • Hindus believe each person has atman, soul, aspect of Brahman • Atman shapes personality, cannot be destroyed, even by death • Devas, manifestations of Brahman, active in world, helping maintain order in nature Three devas- Brahma, Vishnu, Siva -are particularly influential. Some believe in thousands; others worship only one as the true manifestation of Brahman. Rebirth and Salvation Pattern of Life • Hindus believe universe, everyone in it, part of continual pattern of birth, death, and rebirth • After death atman reborn in process called reincarnation, or samsara New Life • Nature of person’s new life shaped by karma—sum effect of deeds, actions • Good karma, reincarnated to better station in life; bad karma, lower station in life • Ultimate goal of human existence, moksha, escape from cycle of rebirth Dharma • With moksha, atman leaves world, reunites fully with Brahman • To achieve moksha is to fulfill one’s dharma—spiritual duties, obligations • By fulfilling dharma, one creates good karma, breaks free from rebirth cycle Sacred Texts and Practices Much of Hinduism’s evolution stemmed from a number of sacred writings produced over centuries. Sacred Texts • Teachings, practices based on many texts, most sorted into one of three categories – The Vedas – Later writings inspired by the Vedas – Sacred epics • The Vedas, sacred hymns of praise, among earliest sacred texts of Hinduism The Vedas • Name means “knowledge” in Sanskrit • Hindus consider Vedas to contain eternal knowledge not written by humans, revealed to them by Brahman • Parts of Vedas date back more than 3,000 years • Considered core of Hinduism even today Upanishads • Sacred texts that built upon the Vedas appeared • Some, such as Upanishads, also believed to have been revealed rather than written by people • Upanishads philosophical reflections on the Vedas, dealing with nature of world, meaning of life Ramayana, Mahabharata • Other sacred texts based on themes in the Vedas, but composed by sages, including two epic poems, Ramayana and Mahabharata • Each tells story, reflects on living according to Vedic teachings • Included in Mahabharata, most sacred of all Hindu texts, the Bhagavad Gita, addressing many aspects of Hindu belief, philosophy Hindu Religious Practices Worship Meditation, Pilgrimages • Hindu beliefs vary widely, religious practices vary as well; worship can take place anywhere • To help meditate, Hindus practice series of integrated physical, mental exercises called yoga • At temples, priests might recite, read portions of the Vedas; image of a deva sometimes carried out of temple to people • Yoga teaches people how to focus bodies, minds to aid meditation, help attain moksha – escape from the cycle of rebirth • At home, food, drink, gifts offered for deva; meditation, silent reflection • Hindus also make pilgrimages to Ganges River to purify, remove bad karma Jainism New Religion • 500 BC, group of Hindus broke away, founded new religion called Jainism • Led by teacher Mahavira, Jains thought most Hindus put too much emphasis on ritual Ritual Unnecessary • Jains thought ritual unnecessary • People could achieve moksha by giving up worldly things, carefully controlling actions Nonviolence • Central to Jain teaching, idea of ahimsa - nonviolence • Most Hindus also practiced ahimsa, but not to same extent • Jains carefully avoid harming living creatures, are usually vegetarians Other Traits • Jains promise to tell only truth • Avoid stealing • Strive to eliminate greed, anger, prejudice, gossip from lives • These things can prevent person from achieving moksha Lifestyle • Most devout become monks, nuns, give up possessions Principles • Most Jains not monks, nuns • Live outdoors, seek shelter only during rainy months • Pledge to uphold principles of ahimsa, have careers that do not involve harming of animals • Cover mouths with masks, sweep ground to avoid accidentally killing insects • Jainism calls for periodic fasting, especially during festivals, on holy days; limiting worldly possessions