Abstract This paper explains how evaluating Brahman as the ultimate symbol in Hinduism requires studying Upanishadic literature, which explored the concept of a unitary or single divinity, power or principle. It expands on this concept which originated very early in human civilization. The author explains that despite the fact that the different religious traditions and faiths which emerged and developed early in human history appeared on the surface to present incompatible interpretations of the divine creative force, most people instinctively believed in.
From the Paper "Evaluating Brahman as the ultimate symbol in Hinduism requires studying Upanishadic literature, which explored the concept of a unitary or single divinity, power or principle. This concept originated very early in human civilization, despite the fact that the different religious traditions and faiths which emerged and developed early in human history appeared on the surface to present incompatible interpretations of the divine creative force most people instinctively believed in. But historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and religious scholars who have studied ancient religions have concluded that these conflicting interpretations of the divine force were basically just different expressions of the same fundamental idea."
Abstract This paper shall examine the Upanishad texts from the Hindu tradition. This summary shall briefly address what function the Upanishads had in the Hindu society and faith. A focus shall be on the Brahmanic tradition of the Upanishads.
Abstract The paper relates that Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions. The paper explains that its concepts can be useful for individuals interested in answering some of the core philosophical questions about the nature of reality and of self. The paper examines the concept of Atman that is central to Hinduism, a religion that stands out among others for its open-mindedness and tolerance. The paper notes that it is likely that the Hindu concepts of Atman and Brahman foster open-mindedness with regards to spiritual practices. The paper discusses how Atman and other concepts in the Sanatana Dharma reveal the interconnectedness of all things.
Outline:
Introduction
Atman and its Relationship to Other Key Concepts in Sanatana Dharma
The Importance of Atman in Terms of What it Does and What it Is
Atman in Comparison/Contrast with Concepts in Other Religions
Applications of the Theory of Atman
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Who am I? What is the meaning of life? These are the essential, fundamental questions that religions and spiritual traditions help people to answer. Eastern religions like Hinduism are especially suited for answering such questions because their philosophical underpinnings promote a deep awareness of the truths underlying reality and the nature of self. The Sanatana Dharma is a complex and ancient set of philosophical, metaphysical, and cosmological doctrines that range from tales of supernatural beings to treatises on the nature of reality."
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that the Holi Festival, celebrated by the peoples of India, is a significant cultural celebration of Brahmanism. The writer notes that the roots of the Holi Festival began in ancient times, dating back to before the Common Era in history. The writer then points out that the significance of the festival has developed over the ages. Rituals such as playing of colors and lighting bonfires are modern day traditions of the festival. The writer maintains that the moving experience of the Holi festival is treasured by not only the people of India, but by an international audience.
Outline:
Introduction
History of Holi
Significance of Holi
Traditions of Holi
Conclusion
From the Paper "The modern day Holi festival takes place, according to the Hindu calendar, the day after the full moon in the month Phalgun. In the west, the Holi festival falls on the day after the full moon in early March."
"One the eve of the Holi festival, everyone in the community begins to collect firewood. Once darkness falls on the eve of the Holi festival, a massive bonfire is lit. The fire is called Holika, in reference to the story of Prahlad and Hiranyakasipu. People in the community will often toss items that are symbols of sickness or impurities (Hinduism 2007). There is singing and dancing at this event. Children will often yell insults, directing them at the demon Holika. The bonfire represents the success of a true devotee of Brahmnasim."
Tags:Brahmanism, Hinduism, Eastern, Religon, Holi, Festival, Hindu, India
Abstract This paper explains that, while Buddhism has developed different sects, Jainism has developed as a distinctive endogamous community marked by its religious tradition. The author points out that Buddhism was a product of Kshastriya groups, who questioned Brahmanism; whereas, Jainas flatly rejected various Vedic teaching in favor of concepts of the individual, regardless of birth, who must work to purify his or her own soul. The paper relates that the Buddha is much more famous due to his philosophy having moved through all of Asia; whereas, Jainism spread through Indian trading communities liberated from a lower status bestowed by the Brahmanical system of varna. The author underscores that both traditions continue to offer a daily and personal prescription for life just as they offer choices in monastic and lay devotional activities.
Outline:
Introduction
The Appeal of Buddhism and Jainism
Jainism - Another Reflection of the Same Tradition?
Jainism's Soul and Personality
Syncretism and Appeal
Conclusion - Religion and Location
From the Paper "Jains are much concerned by matters of action or karman, believing that acts can especially darken or interfere with the soul which should by bright and free, as is its nature, if properly maintained. Bad deeds will pollute the soul and have a way of adhering to it, harder to correct than good deals which are easily dispelled. According to Robinson, austerity can help to remove karman already incurred just as restraint stops the arrival of new karman. The jina or 'victors' are the true followers who achieve moksha when still in the body, living out the last of their lives through forces of residual karman."
Tags: india, balanced life, community sutras interior
Abstract The concept of Karma is arguably one of the Eastern concepts that is most familiar to the Western audience. Most Westerners equate Karma with the laws of fate. In fact, most Westerners view karma as a negative, with "bad karma" coming as a result of one's negative actions.
The concept of karma, however, has other significant nuances, depending on the religious tradition with which it is associated. This paper examines the similarities and differences of the concept of karma according to the doctrines of Hinduism and Buddhism. In the last section, the paper also examines how these various definitions of karma could be applied to aspects of American culture.
From the Paper "Followers of Hinduism follow a strict caste system which determines the standing of each person. The highest, most privileged castes are the Brahmin class. At the other end of the ladder are the Untouchables, who live as social outcasts. The caste one is born into is the result of the karma from their previous life. Therefore, a person who accumulates good karma through good deeds and upright living are reborn into a higher caste (Rahula 32). Conversely, a person who commits evil deeds can be punished by rebirth into a lower caste. In fact, a person could also be reborn into a lower life form, such as an animal. This belief in karma and its effects on one's present life contributes to the treatment and social outcast status of the people who are born as untouchables (Klostermeir 48)."
Abstract This paper will show the history of the Hindu religion from the Brahmanistic period to the period that is so famously known as the Bhagavad Gita. By understanding the change in the Vedic position on the nature of Hindu belief, we can see how this history transforms over different periods of time. With a basic overview of the Hindu religion in this manner, we can learn how the secretive Brahmans eventually turned into a different strand of belief that became all-inclusive in the teachings of Krishna, which is espoused in the classic religious doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita. In essence, we will study the fall of the violent gods of the older Vedic orders, and seek to understand how they took more peaceful principles.
Abstract A very involved and thorough examination through both primary and secondary textual sources of the figure of the Goddess within Hindu tradition. A history of Hinduism and the development of its deity plurality is outlined, with specific reference to the many and varied female deities. A more detailed history of the development of goddesses is included, outlining the symbolic and mythical purpose of the female figure to the male figure. The Shakti principle is discussed, along with specific Hindu philosophy as found in the numerous Puranas, or Hindu texts. The importance of the female aspect in life as creator is highlighted specifically in regards to the Tantric tradition. The paper's final conclusion outlines the underlying, two-fold way in which the Goddess has gained theological significance within the Hindu tradition.
From the Paper "Goddesses have been worshipped throughout the world for thousands of years. However unlike most cultures, goddess worship persisted within the Hindu tradition and continued in to modern times using a combination of both traditional and original forms. Today goddesses exist alongside masculine deities as some of the most important figures within the Hindu pantheon. The Hindu tradition itself has not remained unchanged however. What is understood as "Hinduism" today has been the result of a dynamic and ever-changing tradition which continues to evolve and adapt as time progresses. The nature of this spirituality is therefore such that it almost becomes impossible to identify one religion or one tradition that can be truly identified as ?Hindu.? Similarly, the concept of the goddess figure within this tradition has also changed, her theology evolving to reflect the differing stages of the Hindu tradition. As such, the significance of the goddess today does not reflect an accurate account of her historical place within this tradition. To discover the significance of the goddess today an exploration of the development of Hinduism is necessary, as well as an understanding of the transformation the goddess figure underwent from individuated identity to unified "goddess" energy. This will thus lay the foundation for an examination of the two prime theological functions to which the goddess became attached for within the Hindu tradition."
Abstract A primary source-based examination of the similarities and differences between the understanding and description of 'Ultimate Reality' (or God) as found in the Taoist and Hindu main theological texts, the "Tao Te Ching" and the "Upanishads". History and explanations of the differing religious traditions and the concept of 'Ultimate Reality' are supplied. Cause of creation and nature of reality are discussed. Many textual references included. Includes annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "Although composed over two thousand years ago, the Upanishads and the "Tao Te Ching" are considered to be the mystical texts par excellence of their respective religious traditions. The content of these documents were foundational to the establishment of Hinduism and Taoism and continue to be highly referenced within these traditions today. Primarily identified for their mystical content, these texts reflect a desire on the authors? behalf to identify through direct contact a reality that transcends their own, an Ultimate Reality."
Abstract This paper examines the effect that Hinduism has had as a religion, culture, and way of life on Indian society. The paper discusses the different types of festivals celebrated in Hinduism, how they are conducted, their significance and meaning to Indian society, and how they are very much an extension of the influence that Hinduism has over Indian society.
From the Paper "Throughout history, human civilization were influenced by numerous religions that carry with it a specific set of beliefs and customs, and philosophy that guided people how to live their lives on earth. Early world religions are characteristically Eastern or traditionalist, in their approach, such as Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism. These old world religions have been influential in changing and developing many facets of human civilization, particularly in developing social interaction among people and cultivation of culture that is unique and characteristically derived from the dominant and prevailing religion in a society."
Abstract This paper gives a brief history and explanation of three Eastern religions known as Tao Te Ching, Buddhism, and Hinduism. In addition, the paper points out the many similarities between the three philosophies, as well as their differences.
From the Paper "The Tao Te Ching shares a great number of similarities with Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, although there are some important differences between the three religions. The Tao Te Ching and Buddhism share similar ideas of harmony with the environment, nirvana, and even reincarnation. Similarly, Hinduism and the Tao Te Ching share a common understanding of human suffering, the relief from suffering, and the nature of the divine. Nonetheless, the differences between the Tao Te Ching and Hinduism are important. Ultimately, the Tao Te Ching, Hinduism, and Buddhism provide an interesting and welcome contrast to Western philosophy and thought."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the dominant white American Christians to the Hindus in relation to beliefs of death and death rituals. The paper begins by examining what each faith believes about death and the afterlife in order to give an understanding of why certain death rituals are performed. It then expands on the process of death related rituals of each culture that take place before death, at the moment of death and after death.
From the Paper "The modern Christian funeral, which has changed dramatically from the funerals of the past, do not necessarily follow any type of order. Again, the funeral is a personal choice of the deceased and the family. These funerals are usually a time to remember the deceased and to comfort and assure the family that the dead has passed into a better place. Prayer and hymns contribute to the benefits of a funeral as well as remembering the dead through the speeches of those close to the person. The one Christian faith that does follow a specific order is the Catholic faith. The order follows three specific rites, two of which are practiced in the church."
Abstract While Buddhism exists today as a guiding philosophy for people throughout the world, much of the original Buddhist canon was a reaction to the society in which the Buddha lived. The late Vedic period in the Ganges Plain was a time of material wealth and increased urbanization. The paper shows that by reacting to these philosophies, the Buddha sought to infuse an ethical message into the increasingly capitalistic values of the rising urban middle class. In his "Discourses", the Buddha placed the accumulation of capital into a moral system, challenged the legitimacy of caste and urged the laity to perform their social and familial duties as ethically as possible. The paper argues that Buddhism arose as both an accommodation to and rejection of the social and economic conditions of the late Vedic period.
From the Paper "The Buddhist concept of the purposes of wealth is perhaps the best example of the Buddha's reaction to his society. As already discussed, accumulation of property was seen almost as a duty of the householder. But many people, particularly adherents to heterodox sects, saw that wealth can also lead to idleness and immorality. Realizing that property was crucial to the society in which he lived, the Buddha propounded a theory in which wealth could be used ethically. According to him, property should be used to support oneself, family, and friends, to guard against future misfortune, to assist the community, and to support monks and others who lived by donation."
An analysis of the book "Cracking India" by Bapsi Sidhwa looking into the socio-political setting of the book, and a deeper look into Indian's social and religious caste systems.
2,003 words (approx. 8 pages), 0 sources, 2006, $ 63.95
Abstract This paper examines the historical context of the characters of the book "Cracking India". It explains how the novel is a testament of Sidhwa's defiance and disagreement to the Partition, which the author believed was a political action implemented to induce disunity among the Indians. The writer further discusses the religious and social caste systems and their impact on British occupation.
From the Paper "This was the socio-political landscape in which Sidhwa's characters found themselves in in "Cracking." Through the main characters Lenny and Ayah, we, the readers, were able to witness how the Partition was perceived and interpreted by people within the Indian society. Sidhwa's characters were evidently not able to grasp the gravity of the political condition their country was in. As India entered into the agreement called the Partition, glaring and antagonistic diversity emerged, creating disunity and inciting violence among people of various cultures and religious beliefs."
Abstract This paper looks at how classical Hinduism is a very inward-looking religion, trying to keep its footing in an outward-looking world. It contends that eventually it is inevitable that Hinduism may well undergo a transformation, just as the modern world is transforming Indian culture.
Outline:
What is Classical Hinduism?
Hinduism and Historical Place
Hinduism and Modern Times
How is the Practice of Hinduism Affected?
The "Invention" of Hinduism
Continuing Practices
Conclusion
From the Paper "Hindus believe that an external spiritual truth exists, called Brahman. Human life has a two-fold purpose: to understand Brahman and to come to an understanding about the role of the human soul, the atma (Prime 6). Given that the human understanding is imperfect, understanding the soul is a difficult, if not an impossible, task for a single lifetime. For this reason, the soul begins on a cycle of rebirth, samsara, in an effort to come closer to the perfect understanding of Brahman and achieve oneness with the eternal spiritual reality. The fuel that drives this journey is called karma, which either elevates us closer to that reality or pulls us farther from it, based on the actions of our current life (Prime 6-7)."
