Religious beliefs about death - Hinduism Flashcards
does Hinduism have a linear or cyclical view of death + why?
cyclical - reincarnation
Why is death not feared?
seen as natural part of life
Why is excessive grief discouraged?
distracts the soul from next birth
What is the cycle of birth death and reincarnation called?
‘karmic wheel of samsara’
What is the ultimate goal?
Moksha
Quote about there being no need to grieve after someone has died?
‘For sure is the death of all that comes to birth, sure is the birth of all that dies. So in a matter than no one can prevent thou hast no cause to grieve.’ - Bhagavad Gita 2:27
Quote about reincarnation from the old to the new?
‘As a man casts off his worn-out clothes and takes on other new ones, so does the embodied soul cast off his worn-out bodies and enters other new.’ - Bhagavad Gita 2:22
What is the 1st ritual after death and what is the significance of this?
body preparation - cleaned + anointed - maintain purity for next life
What is the 2nd ritual after death and what is the significance of this?
ceremony - body carried to funeral pyre - symbolises offering to Agni (God of fire) to be blessed - soul looked upon more favourably. Prayers to God of death while funeral pyre circled 3 times anticlockwise. Feet south + head north - south = towards God of death, north = towards God of wealth.
What is the 3rd ritual after death and what is the significance of this?
cremation - body has to be fully destroyed to release spirit from cycle of samsara + reach Moksha
What is the 4th ritual after death and what is the significance of this?
scattering of ashes - usually in water - River Ganges = most sacred place to scatter ashes.
what impact would these beliefs have on Hindus?
not fear death
not spend long periods of time grieving
helps make sense of life, particularly when suffering
provides purpose + end goal for life
