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