Equality And Discrimination Flashcards
What are Hindu attitudes towards prejudice and discrimination?
- all people are created by God
- atman links all living things
- part of same ‘stream’ of life
- one person is not better than another, but they may be at a different stage in the Samsara cycle
- the 4 Varnas distinguish between people
- dalits are suppressed in society and do ‘unclean’ jobs
- Purusha’s body: mouth = Priests, arms = Warriors, thighs = People, feet = Servants
- influences marriage & facilities (temples, meeting places)
- bad karma if deliberately treat others unfairly
- Ahimsa: respect to all castes + faiths
What are the first 2 articles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights?
- All humans are born free + equal in dignity + rights. They are endowed with reason + conscience
- Everyone is entitled to the rights without distinction (race, colour, sex, religion, property, birth etc)
What quote in the Mahabharata emphasises it is wrong to discriminate?
‘Do not do to another what you do not like to be done to yourself’
Are Hindus always tolerant of other religions?
Yes:
- Ghandi
- open to + welcome other faiths in India
- in Hindu villages, Hindus/Muslims/Sikhs have lived side by side for generations
- polytheist religion: accepts other religions/paths to one Supreme Being
No:
- intolerance to Muslims + severe conflicts, brought about by military
Explain the POSITIVE role and status of women
- created by Brahman to accompany male + bear children (in Vedas)
- perform puja + pass religion through home (educate children)
- Shakti + consorts of male Gods
- if Brahman is everything, must be male AND female
- Indira Gandhi (PM) - strong, courageous, respected
- Independence - equality + voting rights
- Laws of Manu: ‘Where women are respected, there lives God’.
Give examples of female roles
- if Brahman is everything, must be male and female
- Shakti
- consorts of male Gods
- Indira Gandhi (PM), independence (equality/voting)
- daughters, sisters, mothers & wives
Explain the NEGATIVE role and status of women
- many ceremonies are by and for men
- household is led by males - women protected by father/husband
- widows used to be expected to throw themselves onto husband’s funeral pyres
- frowned upon to remarry (India) - must remain with husband’s family
- sometimes widows not given much support/status
- sometimes baby boys valued more than girls
- may be expected to be subservient in marriage and obey husbands/in laws.
What would a widow do after her husband’s death, in older and modern times?
Old: throw self onto husband’s funeral pyres or remain with husband’s family as unpaid housemaid.
Now: remain with husband’s family, frowned upon to remarry
How should wealth be gained and what is this called?
Arta - earning wealth by legitimate means as a man’s duty/aim of life, and enjoying it in moderation. Money is earned in the householder stage to support the family
What should a Hindu do with extra money?
Although not vital, extra wealth should be given to the poor - this gains good karma and pleases God
Describe the work of a well known Hindu organisation
ISKCON
ISKCON: International Society for Krishna’s Consciousness
Promotes: Bhakti and rejection to the caste system.
Brought to London by Bhaktivedanti Swami Arabhupada in 1969 when first temple was opened. Ex-Beatle George Harrison gave them Bhaktivedanti Manor (Hertfordshire) in 1973.
Strictly vegetarian, don’t drink, one God (Krishna), acknowledge others: ‘Hari Ram, Hari Krishna’. Recite Krishna’s name + approach people with Bhagavad Gita (main text).
- ‘Hari Krishna food program’ - vegetarian meals for all.
- Food, clothing, rations for flood/hurricane victims via Disaster Action Group (weekly food + humanitarian aid)
