On Hinduism
- In 2-3 sentences, define the term “atman.”
- Atman- eternal self. It is the true self of someone not what they think about themselves.
- In 2-3 sentences, define the term “Brahman.”
- Brahman- Brahman in scriptures is described as cosmic principle of existence, eternal consciousness, eternal joy and eternal truth. For Hindus, Brahman connotes their Absolute God who occupies the highest place as the creator and the light of the universe.
- Identify and explain at least two metaphors cited in the Upanishads to convey a philosophical position on the true nature of self and world.
- Sun for self (atman). Self is unaffected by human experiences of sorrow and joy just as the sun remains unchanged by the objects on which its light strike on.
- Tree for man. Katha Upanishad compares the whole universe to Ashwattha, which means that “which will not be there tomorrow. Thus, this tree symbolizes the universe of perishable objects” (Piparaiya, 2003, pp. 37).
- What does the term “Upanishad” mean? What does it refer to?
- Upanishad- means connection. It also refers to the one of the four texts that make-up the Vedas.
- What are the Vedas?
- Vedas- These are the sacred scriptures of most of the Hindu traditions. They define truth for Hindus
- What is the language that classical Hindu scriptures are written in?
- The language that it is written in is Sanskrit.
- Name two civilizational hubs of the Ancient Indus Valley region.
- Harappa and Mohenjo-daro were two civilizational hubs of the Ancient Indus Valley Region.
- The Bhagavad-gita integrates the Upanishads into its narrative and philosophical content. Cite a definitive passage in which Krishna explains the doctrine of Atman to Arjuna. How does Krishna use this doctrine to justify Arjuna’s duty to kill his enemies in battle?
Arjuna asked Krishna whether he should engage in a war that destroys his own family. Krishna’s response is that Arjuna should fight as a warrior as it is his duty (dharma) Krishna claims that atman (eternal self) is immortal while the body is created to die in chapter 2 (2:12-20). Citing atman (self), Dharma (right action), and sarita (body), He tells Arjuna that his duty is to defend the path of dharma via warfare as a warrior (Aravamudan, 2006).
Name at least three ways (marga) or practices (yoga) that Krishna advises as ways of realizing the Absolute Sacred Reality of Brahman. Explain each way in detail and integrate a reference to the Bhagavad gita in your explanation. That is, cite the text where Krishna explains the way in question. How are each of these ways intended to be soteriological?
a) The Path of love (Bhakti yoga): talks about how to connect with Brahman through devotional service and loving relationship
b) The path of knowledge (Jnana yoga) talks about the transcendental knowledge of atman and Brahman and how the two are united.
C) The path of action (Karma yoga) discusses about action and reactions conducted to connect the doer with the absolute.
9. What are the four castes, and in what scriptures will you find the basis of these social divisions?
The four castles are Brahmin (scholars and priests), Kshatriya (warriors), Vaishya (peasants and businesspeople), and Shudra (laborers) and you will find the basis of these in the Dharma.
10. What is samsara in Hinduism?
Samsara is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth in which the soul passes from one life to another. The life in each next stage is informed by the previous life’s deeds.
11. What is moksha?
Moksha refers to the ultimate emancipation and freedom from samsara, which is the cycle of death and rebirth. Reaching the state of Moksha is the only means to achieve absolute freedom, bliss, peace, as well as oneness with the Divine.
References
Aravamudan, S. (2006). Guru English: South Asian religion in a cosmopolitan language. Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Piparaiya, R. K. (2003). Ten Upanishads of Four Vedas. New Delhi: New Age Books.
