Hinduism

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Hinduism

• The Eastman Readings

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The Hindu View of Life pp. 16-22
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Characteristics of Indian Philosophy

• Man is spiritual in nature.
• Philosophy and life are inseparable.
• Introspective approach to reality.
• Idealistic.
• The ultimate can only be known through intuition.
• Acceptance of Authority.
• God is one, but men call him by many names.

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The Four Ends of Life

• Moksa spiritual/intellectual
• Kama emotional wellbeing
• Artha material wellbeing
• Dharma rule of right practice

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Do this

• Make a T-Chart in your notebook.
• Reflect on ways that Hinduism is similar to your
  own religion or philosophy, and ways in which it
  is different.
• At the bottom of the chart, note something that
  was new or unexpected to you.

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Selections, Bhagavad-Gita

• pp. 40-53

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• These are excerpts.
• Anywhere you see a jump in numbers, there is text
  missing.
• The full text contains 18 Teachings/Chapters.

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The First Teaching

• Arjuna is preparing to go to war.
• Why does Arjuna approach Krishna?
• What questions does Arjuna pose?

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The Second Teaching

• The impermanent has no reality --- reality lies
  in the eternal. (18)
• The self/soul exists and transcends the body.
  (20)
• There is joy in duty. (66)

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Third and Fourth Teachings

• What is the nature of evil?
• How do we protect men of virtue?

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The Fifth Teaching

• Simpletons separate philosophy and discipline,
  but the learned do not (4)
• Notice the example of the close relationships
  between philosophy and life.

12
The Sixth Teaching

• Arjuna has been listening carefully, but begins
  to lose his way again.
• Krishna recalls Arjuna to his duty.

13
The Seventh Teaching

• This teaching is mainly about Jnana Yoga (the
  path of knowledge).
• The editing of this excerpt focuses our attention
  on the shifting of Hinduism toward monotheism.
• Krishna is an Avatara of Vishnu. Remember,
  Vishnu is the preserver and takes many forms.
  My nature has 8 aspects (4) relates to this.

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The Sixteenth Teaching (yes, I skipped ahead.)

• Krishna lists the pitfalls that men face along
  their path.
• Do this List at least 5 hurdles Krishna expects
  Arjuna to face.

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What is left out of this excerpt?

• Karma Action leads toward rebirth.
• Jnana Yoga Contemplative path of spiritual
  wisdom
• Karma Yoga Active path of selfless service
• Bhakti Yoga Process of devotional service

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Further Reading

• It pains me to make this recommendation, but you
  might find the summary of the Bhagavad-Gita on
  Wikipedia helpful.
• I will never admit out loud that I made this
  recommendation.

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Chudala

• pp. 59-65

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Do this

• Spend 3-5 minutes writing about Chudala.
• What is the plot of this story?
• What is the lesson of this story?
• Comment on the gender roles in the story.

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All Religions are Divinely Inspired

• Mahatma Ghandi
• pp. 68-70

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Yes, this is an excerpt.

• I recommend that you read this whole letter by
  Ghandi.
• But I wanted to focus your attention on his
  willingness to consider the tenets of other
  religions.

21
Study Religion Through Known Votaries (not
hostile critics.)

• Why?

22
If we had attained the full vision of the Truth,
we would no longer be mere seekers

• Comparison of ethnocentric thinking to the frog
  in the well.
• Religion evolves and progresses. It is a path,
  not an end.
• Religion is divinely inspired, but still is a
  product of the human mind, and thus imperfect.

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A Lesson in Humility

• My effort should never be to undermine anothers
  faith but to make him a better follower of his
  own faith.
• Does Ghandi favor missionary work that is carried
  out with a view to conversion?