INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS Quarter 2 WEEK 8
Most Essential Learning Competency:
Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of HINDUISM
What I need to know:
Dharma, a term used by Eastern religions with no exact translation in the Western language. It can be translated as
duty or appropriate behavior or perhaps the truth of one’s existence. From the Abrahamic religions we now move
forward to understand the Dharmic religions, specifically founded by Hinduism is a collection of more or less 8000 year
old traditions believed to be much older than Judaism. Some researchers link the name Abram of the old testament to
the Hindu Caste Brahman meaning noble/ wise man, suggesting that Abraham must have been a Brahman traveling to
Ur at the time of his illumination or covenant with God. There are no evidences to prove that Judaism itself came from
Hinduism but what one can only attest that Hinduism is a vast belief system of the lives of Heroic characters sometimes
portrayed as God incarnate, a mythology that explains the origins and cycles of the universe, a pantheon of gods/deities,
a spiritual path for every human to follow that is somewhat also scientifically sound in portraying the ultimate reality of all
beings according to Hindu belief.
Learning objectives:
Analyze the brief history, core teachings, and fundamental beliefs, and practices of Hinduism
Examine how the Hindu culture differs from other religions understand related issues
What I know: Pre -Test
_____1. A collection of 4 written texts that forms the basis of the Hindu faith
A. Bible B.Quran C. Torah D. Vedas
_____2. The the God that preserves and protects Dharma.
A. Brahma B.Ganesha C. Shiva D. Vishnu
_____3.The God know to be the destroyer of evil.
A.Brahma B.Ganesha C. Shiva D. Vishnu
_____4. The creator of the universe according to Hiduism.
A.Brahma B.Ganesha C. Shiva D. Vishnu
_____5.The God known as the remover of obstacles
A.Brahma B.Ganesha C. Shiva D. Vishnu
_____6. A book that serves as a collection of philosophical writings of Hinduism through out thousands of years.
A.Mahabarata B. Upanishads C. Vedas D. Ramayana
_____7. A system of society that predicts what kind of dharma one should follow that is also associated with ones karma.
A. Caste B. Class C. Gang D. Squad
_____8.One’s universal reality that is somewhat associated with the word soul.
A. Atman B.Che’na C. Moksha D. Samsara
_____9. The cycle of death and rebirth according to Hindu belief.
A. Atman B.Che’na C. Moksha D. Samsara
_____10. The liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth.
A. Atman B.Che’na C. Moksha D. Samsara
Enrichment 1
Hinduism is oftentimes considered as the oldest and most complex of all world religions. It may have started in 3000 B.C.E or
earlier while the most active religions of the modern times may have started around the 600 B.C.E. onward.Hinduism has no one
identifiable founder. The term Hindu originated from the Persian word hindu (in Sanskrit sindhu) which means “river.” It also refers
to the people of the Indus Valley— the Indians (Bowker 1997). The name Hinduism was given in the nineteenth century to describe
the wide array of belief systems in India. Hinduism was originally known as “Arya Dharma” or the “Aryan Way.” around 1500
B.C.E. (Bowker 1997).Historically, the foundations of Hinduism may have originated from the customs of the early peoples of the
Indus valley around 2500 B.C.E. to 1500 B.C.E., in the more advanced culture of the Dravidians, and from the Aryans who
invaded northwest India around 1500 B.C.E. (Bowker 1997). In the 1920s, archaeological excavations in the two pre-Aryan cities of
Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro revealed that the natives already had a flourishing civilization with their agricultural cities
characterized by well-planned streets with drainage systems.Images of fertility gods and goddesses are noticeable from these
artefacts while some figures appear in the lotus position which was later absorbed by yoga Hinduism and other sects. Later
elements of Hinduism may have taken shape from the practices of pre-Aryan people who were already civilized city dwellers
(Hopfe 1983). Between 1750 B.C.E. and 1200 B.C.E., Aryan conquerors moved to the Indus Valley and brought with them their
own set of beliefs that eventually mingled with the religion of the natives. Classical Hinduism resulted in the amalgamation of their
faiths. Around 600 B.C.E., they began to settle into cities while local leaders started organizing small kingdoms for themselves
(Hopfe 1983). Aryans brought with them their set of beliefs based on oral texts known as Vedas.
Core beliefs
1. Hindus believe in one universal soul known as Brahman(formless, genderless source of all reality). Three of the most
significant forms of Brahman are Brahma , Shiva and Vishnu . These three gods are key aspects of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality .
The word 'trimurti' means 'three forms'. In the trimurti, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is the destroyer.
2. The belief in an immortal individual soul called Atman. Actions of the body while the soul is still inside the body affect the soul
and will have effects in the in the next life where the soul moves to another new body, this is the concept of transmigration. Karma
determines the kind of body the soul inhabits next life.every soul dies and is reborn anew in new form, this cycle is called samsara.
3. The belief in Karma. Karmic actions in the past, good or bad, affect the kind of life we live today and the actions we do today
affect our souls future. There are 4 types of karma namely: Sachita, Praarabdha, Kriyamana and Aagami Karma. Sanchita karma
is the vast store of karma accumulated in all past lifetimes that ae yet to be resolved. Praarabdha Karma is the portion of the
Sanchita Karma destined to influence human life in the present incarnation. Kriyamana Karma is the daily, instant Karma created
in this lifetime and that we create in our life because of our free actions. Aagami Karma is the Karmic Map that is coming, as a
result of the merits and demerits of the present actions of one’s current birth.
4. The belief in Moksha wherein the goal of Hindu life is to somehow go back to Brahman. It is to be free from the cycle of life and
death.Hindus practice a kind of prayer that translates “ Lead me from the unreal to the real.” The practice of yoga, a system of
practices aimed at producing spiritual enlightenment was developed by the Sage Patanjali. Yoga come from the word “yuj” which
means to yoke, to join or to unite. There are four kinds of Yoga practices, namely jnana(the way of knowledge), bhakti(way of love),
karma(way of work) and raja(way of meditation).
5. Belief in the Vedas, sacred books of knowledge that they believe were revealed to ancient sages.
6. Belief in cyclical time. There are no beginnings or endings. Time is a series of cycles called yuga. These are not to be
confused with the spiritual practice of Yoga, a meditative practice. There are four Yugas namely, satyaor krita(perfect/golden age),
treta(1/4 decline in spirituality from perfection), dvarpa(the ratio of virtue and sin are equal) and kail(age of conflict, more sin than
virtue). When summed up together they total to 4.32 miillion years in a complete cycle. At the end of each cycle the declining
human morality will lead to the destruction of reality.
7. Belief in Dharma. Dharma maintains balance in the universe. As long creatures follow their dharma everything will be fine and if
not the effect is massive disharmony.For all Hindus, there are four desirable goals of life or purushartha. These are dharma
(appropriate behavior), artha (the pursuit of legitimate worldly success), kama (the pursuit of legitimate pleasure), and moksha
(release from rebirth). The terminal stage involves the liberation from the bonds of flesh and the limitations of death-bound life.
There are also six temptations that Hindus must avoid. These are kama(lust), krodha(anger), lobha (greed), moha (unrealistic
attachments to things people and power), mada (pride) and matsarya (jealousy).
Guided Activity: Answer these Questions in not more than 5 coherent sentences. 50 points each
What is your impression of the core beliefs of Hinduism? Explain your answer
Looking at the Purushartha, how can you relate the practice of Hinduism to your current goals in life?
Guided Assessment
True or False
_______1. Krishna is a Hindu Prophet
_______2. The Atman is the imperfect being that resides on Earth
_______3. Dharma maintains the balance in the universe according to Hindu faith.
_______4. Brahman is a formless, genderless source of all reality.
_______5. Time is a series of cycles called yogas.
_______6.The goal of Hindu life is to go back to Brahman.
_______7. The Trimurti are aspects of the ultimate reality.
_______8. Shiva is the creator in Hindu faith.
_______9. Karma is a principle that only punishes us for the evil deeds we did in the past.
_______10. Hinduism is considered as the oldest and most complex of all world religions.
Enrichment 2- Sacred Scriptures
The sacred texts of Hinduism have been principally passed down throughout generations by way of music, recitation, dance, and
drama. Sanskrit has been the language of the earliest writings (Coogan 2005). The sacred writings of the Hindus are categorized
into two classes, the shruti(that which is heard) and smriti(that which has been remembered). The Shruti are regarded as eternal
truths that were passed orally until the beginning of the present age wherein there came the need to write them down. These four
collections of written texts are known as the Vedas and are considered primary sources and the most authoritative texts of the
Hindu faith. Other writings that form part of shruti include the Samhitas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and a few Sutras.
The four basic Vedic books, which are sacrificial hymns compiled from an earlier oral tradition, are composed of Rig-veda,
Sama-veda, Yajur-veda, and Atharva-veda. The word Veda means “knowledge” or “sacred lore.”Among the four Vedas, the
Rig-Veda is the most important and oldest book .The book is a collection of over a thousand hymns and more than thousand
verses dedicated to truth, reality and the universe.Yajur-Veda or the “knowledge of rites” is the second book. This book is a
compilation of materials recited during rituals and sacrifice rites to deities. The third book is Sama-Veda or the “knowledge of
chants.” “Sama” literally means sweet song that destroys sorrows. This book is a collection of verses from the basic hymns recited
by priests during sacrifices. Lastly, the fourth book is Atharva-Veda or “knowledge given by the sage Atharva”. This book contains
rituals used in homes and popular prayers to gods and also contains numerous spells and incantations for medicinal purposes and
magical aids to victory in battle among others. Vedas consists of four main parts, the Mantras, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and
Upanishads. Mantras are hymns and chants for praising god. Brahmanas are explanations of the Mantras with detailed
descriptions of the sacrificial ceremonies related to them. Aranyakas are meditations that explicate their meaning. Upanishads or
secret teachings transcend rituals to elucidate the nature of the universe and human’s connectedness to it. The many teachings
embedded in the Upanishads are called Vedanta, and these are teeming with spiritual truths.
Smriti, on the other hand, are writings that serve to reinforce shruti and are interpreted by sages and scholars alike. Most of
these texts are sectarian in nature and considered of lesser importance compared to shruti, such as stories and
legends(Ramayana and Mahabharata), codes of conduct for the society, and guidebooks for worship(Bhagavad Gita). The
Ramayana, translated as the “Story of Rama” or “Rama’s Journey,” is a Sanskrit epic poem written by the poet Valmiki consisting
of 24,000 verses in seven books and 500 cantos. This great epic was written between 200 B.C.E. and 200 C.E. Central to the story
is Rama, a prince and later portrayed as avatar or incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, who was born in Ayodhya. Another major
Sanskrit literature of old India is Mahabharata which is composed of around one hundred thousand verses making it the word’s
longest poem. Written around 500 B.C.E., this magnificent work is attributed to the author Vyasa who is also considered to be the
scribe of the Vedas. The Mahabharata tells of a great struggle among the descendants of a king called Bharata, a name used by
many Indians to mean “India” (Coogan 2005). Two families are at war, the Pandavas who represent good and the Kauravas who
embody evil (Brown 1975). The hundred Kaurava brothers try to cheat their five cousins, the Pandavas, out of their share of the
kingdom. As intense battle ensued, every kingdom had to take sides. With the help of Krishna, another incarnation of Vishnu, the
Pandavas emerged triumphant but lost all their sons and closest kin in battle (Coogan 2005).A celebrated episode within the
Mahabharata is the Bhagavad Gita (or simply Gita) which is translated as “the Lord’s Song.” It is considered as one of the holiest
books by the Hindus, a 700-verse narrative of a dialogue between the Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide-cousin Krishna.The
Gita instructs any person that one may reach god through devotion, knowledge, or selfless action (Coogan 2005). Humans must do
their duty or dharma whatever it may be and whatever results it could produce.
For extra points: Here is an optional activity to enhance you analytical skills. (30 points)
Choose one of the Vedas you find interesting based on their description. Share or reflect on why it caught your interest and why
others should take interest in it as well.
Guided Assessment: Identification
_______1. These are explanations of the Mantras with detailed description and sacrificial ceremonies.
_______2.These are secret teachings, transcend rituals to elucidate the nature of the universe and human’s connectedness to it.
_______3. A compilation of sweet songs that destroys sorrows.
_______4. A celebrated episode in the Mahabharata which translates to Lord’s Song.
_______5. It translates to Rama’s Journey.
_______6. A thousand hymns and more than thousand verses dedicated to truth, reality and the universe.
_______7. A book that contains rituals used in homes and popular prayers to gods and also contains numerous spells and
incantations for medicinal purposes and magical aids to victory in battle.
_______8. The word that means “knowledge” or “sacred lore.
_______9. A compilation of materials recited during rituals and sacrifice rites to deities.
_______10.The cousin of Prince Arjuna of the Pandavas which is also an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Enrichment 2: Religions Subdivisions and Selected Issues
Followers of Hinduism vary in their set of beliefs and practices, including reverence to a particular god. There are four principal
denominations within the Hindu faith. These are Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishavism, and Smartism. It is important to note, however,
that while these gods have different names, Hindus all worship one supreme being Followers of Hinduism vary in their set of beliefs
and practices, including reverence to a particular god.
Lord Shiva, the Compassionate One, is God for the Saivites. Followers of Shaivism value self-discipline and philosophy. They
worship in temples and practice yoga. The Goddess Shakti is supreme for Shaktas(Shaktiism). She is the divine mother and
assumes many forms, be it a gentle one or a fierce deity. Believers use chants, magic, and yoga to summon cosmic forces. Lord
Vishnu is God for the Vaishnavites, especially in his incarnations Krishna and Rama. Adherents of Vaishnavism have multitudes
of saints, temples, and sacred texts. For the Smartas, devotees are left to choose their own deity in one of six manifestations,
namely, Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda. Believers of (Smartism) are known as liberals as they embrace
all major Hindu gods
SELECTED ISSUES
Even though the Manusmriti or the “Laws of Manu” states that women should be honored in Hindu society, women
have always been considered inferior to men in almost all aspects of life. A woman's life revolves around the men in her
life, to be taken care of by her father in childhood, by her husband in married life, and by her sons upon old age. Thus,
women are relegated to performing household chores and are expected to become loyal to their husbands, even after
their husbands die. In traditional society, women are expected to perform sati or Sati wherein widowed women are
expected to jump on the funeral pyre of their husbands to prove their loyalty and help save the soul of their husbands in
the afterlife.
The caste system is a system of social class composed of the Brahmins(priests), Kshatriyas(rulers, warriors),
Vaishyas(merchants, landowners), and Shudras(servants and subbordinates). One person belongs to a caste by
being born to parents of that particular caste (Hopfe 1983). This has been an issue of distinctive concern for the
reformers of the caste system. While full-blown divisions are relatively a modern development, the caste system began
to divide into thousands of castes that are sometimes based on occupations. A person’s diet, vocation, and residence
are dictated by the caste where he or she belongs. The most deplorable group are those persons that do not belong to
any group—those that are disparagingly called as “outcasts” or “untouchables.” Also known as dalits, they are highly
ostracized in society, perform the most menial of jobs, 9street sweepers, latrine cleaners, and handlers of the dead),
receive the lowest wages and have the most appalling living conditions. They believe that one’s cast is a manifestation
of Karma from previous life and that karma accumulated in this lifetime will determine ones caste of life condition in the
future lifetimes.
Guided Assessment: Choose 2 out of three concepts only
Explain the following concepts, system and sacred texts in your own words in not more than five sentences.
1. The difference between the concepts of dharma and karma.
2. The Hindu caste system as opposed to the democratic and somewhat classless society.
3. The Smriti and Shruti in comparison with the bible, quran or tanakh of the Abrahamic Religions.
Reflection and evaluation:
Answer these questions to evaluate what you learned in this lesson.
What part of the lesson do you find most interesting and easy to understand?
What concpets do you find difficult to grasp and difficult to understand?
Referrences:
Jerome A. Ong and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose. Introduction to World religions and Belief Systems, Vibal
Group Inc.
*note.
Kindly answer all activities except ones specified as opitonal.
NO ANSWER KEY was provided in this lesson to encourage the learner to read and comprehend
the concepts at their own pace.
If you find some concepts difficult you are encouraged to discuss your concerns and clarifications
with your teacher facilitator.
Do not write anything on this booklet. Kindly write your answers on the medium specified by your
teacher facilitator. .
