Overview
Hinduism, Part I
Hinduism, Part I
The chapter on Hinduism (chapter 3) is a lengthy chapter, and that should not come as a surprise. After all, Hinduism is a very old religion, and there are many sacred writings as well as many terms and ideas that may be very unfamiliar to many of you. Still, despite unfamiliarity, Hinduism is a fascinating religion with many ideas and variations. Even the very term Hinduism is subject to debate and confusion as it is a term invented by those outside of the religion in an attempt to understand and categorize it. For easier understanding, we will use the term Hinduism.
Another interesting point to mention here is that almost all of the world’s religions originate in the Middle East or India—religions like Daoism and Confucianism obviously do not. Both the Middle East and Indian regions produced early emerging first civilizations—China did to— still, it is fascinating that some many religions begin in these two regions.
Other religions from India, coming later, end up being reactions to Hinduism, and we will study and discuss those reactions and religions in this course. An important component of Hinduism is the cycle of time—other religions originating from India will also contain this concept. This circular time cycle consists of the universe being created and destroyed again and again. The cycle is perpetual, and through this, reincarnation and rebirth is both possible and logical. Sacred texts reflect these thoughts about this time cycle in a variety of ways.
In addition to reading chapter 3 for this topic, I have included a video link to episode 1 of the BBC production of The Story of India. There are six parts to the series, and, if you can find the time, the series is well-done and well worth watching in its entirety. With that said, please note that the information it contains on Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism is not complete. Think of the video as a supplement to your reading. You will see that learning about the history of India is important in understanding the development of its religions. Also, make sure you are familiar with the key terms in the chapter like karma, moksha, Soma, Rig Veda (and the Vedas), Upanishads, Ramayana, etc….
Video Links:
The story of India, part I
The Story of India, episode 1Links to an external site.
The Story of India, part II
The Story of India, Episode 2Links to an external site.
Post Question for Hinduism, part I:
The authors of your text state, “Although there is no single founder, devotional tradition, or philosophy which can be said to define Hinduism, everyday life is so imbued with spirituality meaningful aspects that spirituality is never far from one’s mind” (Fisher and Rinehart, 93). Is the artificial term Hinduism a fair assignment to this diverse religion? Why? If it is not, then how can it be best described or identified in discussing or even practicing the religion?
Also, what practices, philosophical ideas, sacred texts, etc… do you find most interesting about Hinduism? Why?
DO NOT FORGET TO RESPOND TO TWO OF YOUR CLASSMATES' POSTS!