{HINDUISM

KARMA, DHARMA, and BRAHMAN

FROM THE WATER ACTIVITY:

ATMAN SAMASARA MOKSHA MAYA

Important Terms!

The foundational belief in Hinduism is that humans are born again and again to lives of varied fortune in a course controlled by the moral quality of their accumulated deeds.

Karma means “an action”, more specifically an action that is morally important because it is required or prohibited by the codes of dharma.

Accumulated karma gives to some meritorious persons sharp minds, good looks, and long and healthy lives. It brings the opposite to others, for equally valid reasons.

Important Terms Continued

The accumulated moral force of our past deeds is believed to move us into a family of an appropriate caste.

By persistence – over many lives, if necessary, Hindus believe that they can master their evil tendencies.

Karma

Dharma is another essential Hindu concept.

The term dharma generally means “law” or “law of being”.

It also means religious or moral duty.

One’s duty depends on what one’s role is in life.

Dharma

Let’s apply these concepts to our own lives…

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Some people describe Hinduism as polytheistic, meaning a religion of many gods

Some people describe it as monotheistic, meaning a religion of one God

Some people describe it as monistic, where God is an unknowable entity

Hinduism tries to reconcile these three different concepts of God!

Scholars refer to this as Hinduism’s “tolerant characteristic”

Hindu Concept of God

Hindus believe that there is only one Supreme Being or force, but that being or force is manifested in different forms, called deities.

The supreme force is Brahman, and every other deity is a different expression of Brahman.

Most Hindus devote themselves to one personal deity, such as Shiva or Vishnu, but almost all Hindus worship and honour other deities as well.

Beliefs

“Truth is one, paths are many” There is only one Brahman but many means to

access Brahman

So…

According to some Hindu traditions, three deities together symbolize the cycle of existence.

The Hindu Trinity

Creation: Brahma

Preservation: Vishnu

Destruction: Shiva

The Hindu Trinity

Brahma: The Creator

Creator of the Universe Four faces, looking to the four corners of

the earth; showing that he is all-seeing and all-knowing.

Holding numerous items (i.e. Vedas representing knowledge)

Sits on a lotus- symbol of glorious existence

Least worshipped of the three gods Not to be confused with Brahman the

supreme force

Brahma: The Creator

Vishnu: The Preserver

His role is to return to the earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil.

Often depicted with blue skin and dressed in yellow.

Holds four items (i.e. a discus, or chakra, symbolizes the wheel of time or to live a good life.

Rests on a coiled serpent, who represents the sleeping universe

Vishnu: The Preserver

Shiva: The Destroyer

Shiva is believed to be the destroyer of the world, in order to rebuild it.

Shiva can destroy imperfections of the world and pave the way for beneficial change.

He has a third eye, representing wisdom and untamed energy.

Cobra necklace represents the power over all the dangerous creatures of the world.

Three pronged trident is a reminder of the trinity.

Shiva: The Destroyer

Avatars are incarnations or manifestations of a deity in earthly form

Hindus believe that Vishnu descends to the world from time to time in human form to maintain order and save the world from danger.

Vishnu has appeared in the form of 9 different avatars so far including Rama and Krishna, heroes from famous Indian epics.

His 9th avatar is Siddartha Guatama, the Buddha (founder of Buddhism)

Hindus wait for the 10th avatar, Kalkin, who will rid the world of oppression.

Avatars

Read. 47-48 and complete #5,6,7 on p.65. Answer the following question: List, describe, and explain at least five (5)

duties which affect your life that you are responsible for. Explain how these duties are essential in your life, how you fulfill your duties, how it affects your faith, and whether or not you need others around you to help you fulfill these duties.

Homework

Even though Hindus may believe in many different things, many aspects of their life are all interconnected. A common factor found amongst them is their duty in life. To Hindus, life involves a series of duties (dharma) which in turn may affect their final stage to moksha.

List, describe, and explain at least five (5) duties which affect your life that you are responsible for. Explain how these duties are essential in your life, how you fulfill your duties, how it affects your faith, and whether or not you need others around you to help you fulfill these duties.

Reflect