Hinduism Reviewer
Overview
Hinduism: One of the oldest religions in the world, originating in India over 4,000 years ago.
Sacred Texts: The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
Belief System: Polytheistic and monotheistic elements; belief in one Supreme Reality (Brahman)
expressed through many deities.
Core Beliefs
1. Brahman
The ultimate, eternal, formless reality that is the source of all existence.
Represented through various gods and goddesses.
2. Atman
The soul or self; considered eternal and a part of Brahman.
3. Samsara
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation).
4. Karma
Actions (good or bad) determine one’s future in this life or the next.
5. Moksha
Liberation from the cycle of samsara; union with Brahman.
6. Dharma
Duty or righteousness; living in harmony with cosmic law.
Deities
Brahma: The Creator.
Vishnu: The Preserver; has avatars like Rama and Krishna.
Shiva: The Destroyer and Transformer.
Devi (Shakti): The Divine Mother, including forms like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Ganesha: The remover of obstacles.
Sacred Texts
1. Vedas: Oldest Hindu scriptures (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda).
2. Upanishads: Philosophical texts exploring the nature of reality.
3. Bhagavad Gita: Part of the Mahabharata, a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna about dharma
and devotion.
4. Ramayana: Epic story of Lord Rama.
5. Mahabharata: Epic detailing the Kurukshetra War and lessons on life and dharma.
Key Practices
1. Puja: Worship of deities through offerings, prayers, and rituals.
2. Yoga: Physical, mental, and spiritual practices to achieve union with the divine.
3. Meditation: Focusing the mind to achieve peace and spiritual insight.
4. Pilgrimage: Visiting sacred sites like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and the Ganges River.
5. Festivals: Celebrations honoring deities and cultural traditions.
Hindu Festivals
Diwali: Festival of Lights celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Holi: Festival of colors symbolizing joy and the arrival of spring.
Navaratri: Nine nights dedicated to worshiping Goddess Durga.
Janmashtami: Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
Symbols of Hinduism
Om (ॐ): Sacred sound representing the essence of the universe.
Swastika: Symbol of good fortune and well-being.
Lotus: Purity and spiritual enlightenment.
Social Structure
Varna System: Traditional classification of society:
1. Brahmins: Priests and scholars.
2. Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers.
3. Vaishyas: Merchants and farmers.
4. Shudras: Laborers and service providers.
Modern Hindu society challenges the rigidity of this system.
Philosophical Schools
Vedanta: Focus on Brahman and liberation.
Yoga: Path of discipline and spiritual practice.
Samkhya: Dualism between matter and spirit.
Nyaya and Vaisheshika: Logical reasoning and metaphysics.
Buddhism Reviewer
Foundations of Buddhism
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)
o Born in Lumbini, Nepal (563 BCE - 483 BCE).
o Achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
Core Teachings:
1. The Four Noble Truths:
Life is full of suffering (dukkha).
Suffering is caused by craving/desire (tanha).
There is a way to end suffering (nirvana).
The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.
2. The Eightfold Path:
Right View
Right Intention
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Key Concepts:
o Karma: Actions have consequences.
o Rebirth: Cycle of life, death, and rebirth (samsara).
o Nirvana: Liberation from samsara and suffering.
Branches of Buddhism
1. Theravāda ("Teaching of the Elders")
o Focus: Early teachings of the Buddha.
o Found in: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar.
2. Mahāyāna ("Great Vehicle")
o Focus: Compassion and helping others achieve enlightenment.
o Found in: China, Japan, Korea.
3. Vajrayāna ("Diamond Vehicle")
o Focus: Rituals, meditation, and esoteric practices.
o Found in: Tibet, Mongolia.
Sacred Texts
Tripitaka (Pali Canon):
1. Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monks/nuns).
2. Sutta Pitaka (teachings of the Buddha).
3. Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical teachings).
Sutras (Mahayana texts): Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, etc.
Symbols of Buddhism
Dharma Wheel: Represents the Eightfold Path.
Lotus Flower: Purity and enlightenment.
Bodhi Tree: Site of the Buddha's enlightenment.
Practices
Meditation: Mindfulness and concentration.
Chanting: Recitation of mantras or sutras.
Offerings: Food, flowers, incense at shrines.
Ethical Conduct: Non-violence, honesty, compassion.
Festivals
Vesak: Celebrates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
Magha Puja: Honors Buddha's teachings.
