Hinduism
Polytheistic Indian religion or atheistic philosophyDrv. Sindhu (now Indus) -> Hindus -> Hinduism
Diverse, flexible and open-minded
Tolerant of other religions, atheism and agnosticism
Absorbs traditions, aspects and beliefs of other religions into its own, e.g. Jesus Christ as avatar of Vishnu
Moksha
[!quote]+ Bhagavad Gita
"Whosoever follows any faith and worships me under whatsoever denomination in whatsoever form with steadfastness, his faith shall I indeed reinforce." —Lord Krishna
Deities
Marriage of indigenous goddesses and patriarchal gods
Many hands = great capabilities
[!abstract] Ardhanarisvara
Half-male half-female deity
Epics
Two sacred epics: Mahabharata and Ramayana
Worldview aspects:
- Relationships, roles, obligations, loyalties
- Father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife
- Teacher, student
- Respect, deference, absolute obedience
- Caste
- Gender constructs, norms
- Women and men
- Morality, ethics, righteousness
- Conundrums (conflicts of kinship and friendship)
- Family loyalty and duty take precedence over righteousness.
- Also righteousness takes precedence over family loyalty and duty.
Concepts
Maya
Illusion
Everything is an illusion
Atman
Soul
Eternal
See beyond maya to the true reality
Dharma
Righteousness
One's duty
Yoga
Spiritual discipline for self-realization and samsara
3 levels
Ajitani Hifumi