Foundations of Hinduism
Download as PPT, PDF0 likes2,837 views
The philosophical foundations of Hinduism are based on the Vedas, direct personal experience through meditation, ethics for social order, and the belief that suffering stems from ignorance of the eternal self. Samkhya philosophy sees reality as having two aspects - Purusha, the pure self, and Praktiri, the material source. Advaita Vedanta claims there is only one reality of Atman/Brahman appearing separate due to Maya. Yoga uses spiritual disciplines like breathing, postures, and meditation to achieve self-knowledge or union with Brahman. The yoga described here differs from modern Western yoga by focusing more on spiritual goals rather than solely physical fitness.
Foundations of Hinduism
- 1. Lecture 7: Foundations of Hinduism
- 2. Philosophical Foundations of Hinduism The philosophical systems of Sanatana Dharma have their foundation in: 1. The Vedas 3. Direct personal experience of truth through meditation 5. The concern for ethics as necessary for orderly social life 7. The belief that suffering is a result of ignorance of the eternal self
- 3. Samkhya Samkhya is a dualistic philosophy It claims that reality has two distinct aspects: 5.Purusha The pure, changeless, eternal self 8.Praktiri “Nature” The source and cause of our material universe The problem humans face according to this philosophy is that they are confused about the difference between these two aspects The goal in Samkhya is to recognize the ultimate reality of the Purusha apart from Praktiri
- 4. Advaita Vedanta Advaita Vedanta is a monistic philosophy It claims that there is only one reality According to this philosophy Atman and Brahman are one and the same thing But they appear to be separate because of Maya Maya The illusory physical world which appears to be real and separate from Brahman For example; we appear to be different from each other and separate from ultimate reality. But we are not
- 5. Yoga All forms of Yoga use spiritual discipline to achieve self- knowledge Some seek Samadhi union with the absolute (Brahman) Certain practices include: oRegulation of breathing to increase prana (Breath/Life energy) oAn assortment of physical postures (asanas) oSacred formulas (mantras) or concentration on a spiritual symbol (Yantra) oFocus on controlling the energy that flows through the Chakras
- 6. Varieties of Yoga Raja Yoga The path of mental contrentation Jnana Yoga The path of rational inquiry Karma Yoga The path of right action Bhakti Yoga The path of devotion to a personal deity Q: In what way does the yoga described here, differ from the Yoga we are familiar with in the west?
- 7. Theistic paths Vaisnavites Worshippers of Vishnu and his associated deities (Rama and Krishna) Saivites Worshippers of Shiva and his associated deities (His son Ganesh) Saktas Worshippers of a mother/wife goddess (Brahmani, Indrani, Kartiki, Mahesvari, Narasinhi, Pradhana, Raudri, Vaishnavi, Varahi.)
- 8. Hindu Practices Rituals (Puja) Darsan; Visual contact with the divine Prasad; Food blessed by being offered to a deity and then eaten Castes The Hindu castes originate in the Vedic age and divides men into four hereditary occupational groups 1. Brahmins (priests and teachers) 2. Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) 3. Vaishyas (Farmers, merchants, artisans) 4. Shudras (Laborers) v. The untouchables (those outside the system) Life Stages Brahmin males traditionally went through four stages: a) Student; b) householder; c) meditation/study; d) renunciation (Sannyasin) Sannyasins join monastic orders and live in retreats known as Ashram
- 9. Hindu Practices Duties and Goals There are four goals that define a good life 1. Dharma 2. Artha (Success in worldly activities) 3. Kama (love) 4. Moksha (Liberation from Samsare) Gurus Fasting and Praying Reverence of trees and rivers Pilgrimages Festivals