2: Hindu-based Philosophy and Jainism
- Page ID
- 29777
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Hinduism is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal. Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, and some practitioners and scholars refer to it as Sanātana Dharma, "the eternal law," or the "eternal way," beyond human origins. Scholars regard Hinduism as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE following the Vedic period (1500 BCE to 500 BCE).
Although Hinduism contains a broad range of philosophies, it is linked by shared concepts, recognizable rituals, cosmology, shared textual resources, and pilgrimage to sacred sites. Hindu texts are classified into Shruti ("heard") and Smriti ("remembered"). These texts discuss theology, philosophy, mythology, Vedic yajna, Yoga, agamic rituals, and temple building, among other topics. Major scriptures include the Vedas and Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Agamas. Sources of authority and eternal truths in its texts play an important role, but there is also a strong Hindu tradition of the questioning of this authority, to deepen the understanding of these truths and to further develop the tradition.
- 2.1: Hinduism Primer
- This page explores Hinduism as one of the world's oldest religions, thriving in India and Nepal with core beliefs centered on Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. It notes the significance of sacred texts and the lack of a centralized authority. Misunderstandings from colonial perspectives are discussed, alongside modernist redefinitions emphasizing universal values.
- 2.2: Creation
- This page contains excerpts from ancient Indian scriptures, highlighting the Rigveda's praise of Hiranyagarbha as the universe's creator and the importance of the syllable Om in the Khândogya Upanishad for spiritual fulfillment. It discusses the significance of mastering Vedic texts for achieving immortality, the connections between nature and the human body, and a dialogue addressing the limitations of the earth concept.
- 2.3: Self and Atman
- This page explores the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, particularly Lord Krishna's discourse with Arjuna on duty (Dharma), the eternal nature of the Atma, and Karma-yoga, which promotes selfless action detached from outcomes. It contrasts the resolute with the irresolute and emphasizes detachment from sensory pleasures for mental steadiness.
- 2.4: Reality and Time
- This page explores Krishna's teachings on the balance between knowledge and action, introducing the concepts of Jnana-yoga and Karma-yoga. He emphasizes selfless duty and warns against attachment to results, promoting spiritual growth through wisdom and understanding one's nature. Krishna's lineage of Karma-yoga leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Arjuna witnesses Krishna's Universal Form, realizing his divine power and protection.
- 2.5: Reincarnation
- This page examines reincarnation and divine knowledge as presented in the Rigveda and the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the transition of souls, self-knowledge, and the cyclical nature of existence. It highlights the significance of devotion to God, asserting that true worship can lead to liberation regardless of one's past. The texts encourage surrender to the divine, illustrating that sincere worship can bring peace and righteousness, underscoring the inclusive nature of divine grace.
- 2.6: Karma
- This page explores the nature of the Self in the Brihadâranyaka Upanishad, focusing on karma and rebirth. It explains how the Self, driven by accumulated desires and actions, faces different outcomes based on its deeds—leading to enlightenment or suffering. The text emphasizes the identity of the Self with Brahman and how unfulfilled desires bind the soul.
- 2.7: Hindu Meditation
- This page discusses Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna instructs on meditation and Karma-yoga, emphasizing selfless action, mind control, and moderation. He assures that even unsuccessful yogis are reborn to continue their spiritual journey. The chapter explores the superiority of diligent yogis, the nature of Brahman as the ultimate reality, and the duality of Prakriti and Purusha.
- 2.8: Jainism
- This page outlines Jainism's core principles of non-violence, non-absolutism, and non-attachment, alongside its main vows and spiritual practices. It highlights the significance of vegetarianism, meditation, and festivals while distinguishing the roles of monks, nuns, and laypeople. The philosophy includes six eternal substances and a cycle of rebirth influenced by karma.
- 2.9: Other Asian Religions and their Philosophies- Sikhism and Zoroastrianism
- This page discusses Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest religions, focusing on its monotheistic view, rituals emphasizing purity, and moral responsibility through "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds." It highlights the Avesta as a sacred text and explores its historical challenges and cultural impact. It also covers Sikhism, outlining its beliefs in one God, teachings from the Gurus, and the significance of cultural identity and values such as equality, community, and spiritual discipline.