HINDUISM

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Karganilla, Lledo, Peñanueva, Quiminales, Ramos, Tan

How have belief systems impacted the development of cultures and historical events?

I. Belief Systems

A. Purposes

1. Explain the Unknown

a. How the world was created?

In Hinduism, the universe was created by Brahma, who created the universe out of
himself. After Brahma created the world, Vishnu became the one in charge of preserving
the world and human beings. Out of loneliness, Brahma split himself into two to create
man and woman. From this man and woman, all beings were created. A lotus flower
grew from Lord Vishnu’s navel with Brahma sitting on it. Brahma separated the flower
into three parts - the heavens, the Earth, and the sky. Some Hindu texts offer a more
scientific explanation based on the evolution of primary elements from a single source.

b. What happens after you die?

Hinduism is centered around reincarnation. When someone dies, the soul is reborn in a
different form, although the physical body dies, the soul continues on in a cycle until
settling in its true nature. This can take many lifetimes, and with each death, they strive
to move closer to Brahma, the Hindu God. Additionally, they believe their soul’s next
incarnation will depend on the actions throughout their previous life, this is also known
as Karma.

2. Provide moral guidelines or laws to live by

Hinduism's core beliefs and philosophy always remain, the belief that realizing one's
actual nature is the ultimate goal of human existence.

● Dharma is the idea of moral responsibility, duty, and morality. It includes obligations to
oneself, other people, families, and the wider community.
● The concept of Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the idea that all living things should not be
harmed or subjected to violence. It promotes understanding and kindness for all living
things.
● Satya (Truthfulness): In Hinduism, being truthful and honest is highly regarded.
Truth-based living and abstaining from falsehoods are regarded as fundamental.
● Asteya (Non-stealing): Upholding moral principles and refraining from stealing or
coveting the property of others are equally crucial.
 ● Santosha (Contentment): It is highly respected to be content with what one has and to
be happy with the small pleasures in life.
● Seva (Selfless Service): An essential component of Hindu principles is serving others
without anticipating payment.
● Brahmacharya, which means "non-adultery and celibacy," is one of the four major
Hindu ashrams. The first 25 years of life should be dedicated to abstaining from
sensuous pleasures and focusing solely on unselfish work and study in order to prepare
for life beyond. Brahmacharya is defined as the strict observance of one's own
boundaries and the preservation of one's essential life energy. It also involves abstaining
from alcohol, nicotine, drugs, and opioids as well as from wine, meat, and sexual activity.
Instead, the student concentrates on their academics, stays away from things that pique
their interest and practices stillness.
● The concept of aparigraha, or non-possessiveness, cautions students to live simply and
accumulate only the material belongings necessary to meet their daily needs.

It's vital to remember that Hinduism is varied and adaptable, enabling people to select
the tenets that speak to them and apply them in accordance with their knowledge and
situation. Hinduism's moral codes are closely linked to the notion of karma, which holds
that a person's deeds have repercussions and influence both their current and
subsequent lives. These moral precepts are designed to help people live moral lives that
promote both social harmony and personal development.

B. Types of Belief Systems

Hinduism practices both Polytheistic and Monotheistic belief systems as they believe
in Brahman being the Ultimate reality or One Supreme Being existing simultaneously
amongst the deities of Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sustainer, and Shiva the
destroyer. The four Vedas, the divine origins directly transmitting God’s word.

II. Characteristics of Belief Systems

Founder

- Hinduism has no historical founder that can be traced due to how old it is.
Instead, its culture and beliefs are based on large bodies of sacred texts and
practices that date back to the 2nd millennium BCE or even earlier.
- The term Hinduism was coined by British writers in the 19th century, referring to
the religious ideas and practices distinctive to India.
- The earliest source of these beliefs and practices is found in the Indus Valley
civilization.
 Sacred Writings – There are two categories of sacred texts in Hinduism, Shruti (the
revealed texts) and Smriti (the remembered texts)

1. Shruti (The Revealed Texts)

- The eternal truths akin to natural law
- Shruti literally means heard
- These contain the foundational truths of Hinduism and are divine in origin,
revered as “revealed.”
- It is comprised of the Vedas
- Veda: the central scripture of Hinduism written in hymns, chants,
incantations, and other compositions in an early form of Sanskrit
- It is divided into four sections
1. Rig Veda - hymns about their mythology; the oldest text in any
Indo-European language
2. Yajur Veda - instructions for religious rituals
3. Sama Veda - hymns about religious rituals
4. Atharva Veda - spells against enemies, sorcerers, and diseases
- Along with the four sections, the Vedas also include
Brahmanas (ritual texts), Aranyakas (“forest” or
“wilderness” texts), and Upanishads (philosophical texts)
2. Smriti (The Sacred Texts)
- post-Vedic
- Smriti literally means memory
- These are used to remind Hindus of the eternal truths of Shruti.
- These are also to be read in consideration of the changing circumstances
over kala (time), desha (land), and guna (personality).
- The two most important texts are two epics, the Mahabharata and the
Ramayana

Rules of Behavior

Moksha

- It is the final release from one’s worldly conception of self and the ultimate goal of
Hinduism.
- It is when the Atman (an individual’s soul) is liberated from Samsara, the cycle
of death and rebirth and attainment of the highest spiritual state, and unites with
Brahman, the unchanging “Absolute Being,” through Yoga.
- Hindus accept multiple paths to achieve moksha, namely Karma Yoga (the path
of right action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of love and devotion), Raja Yoga (the path
of meditation) and Jnana Yoga (the path of wisdom).
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