Questions Flashcards
Origins of Hinduism (2 groups that founded the faith)
- Indus river
- Indus valley civilization
- Aryans
- It originated in the Indus Valley Civilization in North West India. Hinduism is a merger of the Animistic Indus Valley Civilization with the philosophies of the Aryan invaders/assimilators.
How reincarnation works
- It is the belief that when your body dies, your soul (Hindus call it atman) moves on to another being
- Hindus believe that the soul moves through a series of ‘steps’. It begins in plants and animals, and goes on to human beings
How does the system interact with one another, how does it work and is it a fair system?
The caste system is a social hierarchy in India.
It consists of four main groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
Dalits, also known as untouchables, are outside this hierarchy and historically face discrimination.
Roles and status are determined by birth.
Brahmins are at the top, followed by Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
Interactions between castes are governed by strict rules.
Lower castes historically face limited social mobility and opportunities.
How Hindu’s worship using a puja shrine. What objects are on it and describe its proper use.
Materials Needed:
- Home shrine with murti
- Small brass or silver pots
- Large metal tray
- Ghee (clarified butter) for lamps
- Standing oil lamp
- Small lamps
- Deep tray
- Incense sticks and burner
- The Vedas (sacred texts)
- Sacraments and offerings
- Hymn
- Bells
Steps for Puja:
1. Prepare items for the puja.
2. Bathe and wear clean clothes.
3. Enter shrine with family.
4. Light standing and smaller lamps with ghee.
5. Light incense sticks.
6. Express devotion to murti (deity).
7. Bathe murti with sacred water or milk.
8. Dress murti in colorful clothing.
9. Recite prayers from sacred texts.
10. Smear powder or paste on murti (optional).
11. Make offerings of rice, fruit, or flowers.
12. Play a song for the deities.
13. End with aarti (waving lamps) and ringing bells.
Notes:
- Women avoid puja during menstrual cycles.
- Holiest time is just before sunrise.
- Murtis allow direct communication with deities.
- Hindus worship God through murtis, not the murtis themselves.
- Sacred water and milk are available in specialty stores.*
The 4 stages of a Hindu life. How one’s dharma changes throughout life. Know the terms and the responsibilities.
THE 4 STAGES OF A HINDU’S LIFE
1. Student
learn the Vedas, self-control and how to contribute to Hindu society
2. Householder
center of Hindu society
marry, have kids
perform rituals and contribute to the political and economic well-being of society
3. “Forest Dweller” - Retirement
hand household over to kids
withdraw to a retreat centre to reflect on this life and the next
4. Renouncer (“Sannyasin”)
for men only
completely withdraw from society and wander as a begging monk
make yourself humble
Know the major samskaras (rites of passage) and the purpose of each one. Especially the idea of arranged marriages.
- Garbhadhana (Conception): Praying for a healthy and desired child.
Jatakarma (Childbirth): Welcoming the newborn with rituals and blessings.
Namakarana (Naming a Child): Naming the child 11 days after birth, often after Hindu deities. - Annaprasana (Giving Solid Food): Introducing solid food to the child, expressing gratitude to deities of food and grain.
Mundan (Head Shaving): Shaving the head for good luck and protection from evil. - Upanayana (Sacred Thread Ceremony): Initiation into adulthood for boys, symbolized by wearing a sacred thread and learning Scriptures.
- Vivaaha (Marriage): Arranged marriages with guidance from priests and horoscopes, involving rituals symbolizing unity and blessings for a happy married life.
- Anthyeshti (Cremation): Rituals for releasing the soul and facilitating reincarnation after death.
Know the name of the major Hindu Holy books. Which texts are smriti and which are sruti.
- Sruti texts have more authority than Smriti texts, because of their believed divine origin.
- Smriti means to remember, and deals with traditions and laws. Sruti means to listen and contains important beliefs.
- Sruti: Vedas and Upandishads
- Smriti: Laws of Manu (caste system), Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana (celebration of Dwali)
Know the path of action, meditation, wisdom and devotion
- Karma yoga: the path of action
Focuses on selfless action and doing one’s duties without attachment to outcomes.
Example: Helping others without expecting anything in return. - Jnana yoga: the path of knowledge
Focuses on seeking wisdom and understanding the true nature of reality and the self.
Example: Reflecting on philosophical questions like “Who am I?” or “What is the purpose of life?” - Bhakti yoga: the path of devotion
Focuses on seeking wisdom and understanding the true nature of reality and the self.
Example: Reflecting on philosophical questions like “Who am I?” or “What is the purpose of life?” - Raja yoga: the path of the holy man
Focuses on meditation, self-discipline, and control of the mind.
Example: Practicing meditation, breath control, and following ethical guidelines for inner peace.
Know the life of Gandhi, his concept of Ahimsa and satyagraha.
- Gandhi’s Life: Gandhi was born in India, fought against British rule, and stood for peace and justice.
- Ahimsa (Nonviolence): Gandhi believed in Ahimsa, which means no hurting others, not even with words.
- Satyagraha (Truth Force): He used Satyagraha, meaning standing up for truth and justice without violence, to fight for independence.
- Impact: Gandhi’s ideas inspired many, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, showing that peaceful actions can bring big changes.
Remember: Gandhi lived for peace (Ahimsa) and fought for truth (Satyagraha), leaving a lasting legacy.
7 STEPS: The hopes they have for their married life (C.H.E.W.F.F.S)
Food
Energy
Wealth
Happiness
Children
Seasons (long life)
Friendship
vivaaha (marriage)
often take the advice of a priest, and may use the couple’s horoscopes to make sure that they are well matched.
The wedding takes place either in a temple or the bride’s home.
The bride wears special eye make-up, and a dye is used to make patterns on her hands and feet.
She wears a new red and gold sari, and lots of gold jewellery.
Preparing the bride for the ceremony takes several hours. Both the bride and groom wear garlands of flowers.
The first part of the wedding is when the bride’s father welcomes the bridegroom.
The bridegroom sits under a special canopy, which is a decorated covering.
He is given small presents which are symbols of happiness and a good life.
Then the bride arrives, usually wearing a veil so her face cannot be seen. She removes this during the ceremony.
The couple sit in front of a special fire.
Their right hands are tied together and holy water is sprinkled on them when the bride’s father ‘gives’ her to the bridegroom.
There are prayers and offerings of rice.
The most important part of the ceremony is when the bride and groom take seven steps towards the fire.
At each step they stop and make promises to each other, while they do this they are joined by a piece of cloth.
It is hung loosely around the bridegroom’s neck, and tied to the bride’s sari. (This is a symbol that they are being joined as husband and wife.)
Ones they have taken the steps together, they are married.
There are more prayers and readings, and flower petals are thrown before the guests give their wedding presents. Then
Everyone shares a meal. After she is married, the bride is counted as belonging to her husband’s family.
