5. Demographics
• Considered oldest religion
• Worldwide 1.058 billion
• 15% of world’s population
• 3rd largest religion in world
worldreligiondatabase.org (2021)
6. Demographics
• Worldwide 1.058 billion
• India 9.99 million
• United States 1.6 million
• Arizona 33,000
(worldreligiondatabase.org; AZCentral, 2014)
9. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
7. Modern Period (1757 to 1947)
8. Independent India (1947 to present)
12. Calkins, P. B. , Raikar, . Sanat Pai , Srivastava, . A.L. , Wolpert, . Stanley A. , Thapar, . Romila , Alam, . Muzaffar ,
Champakalakshmi, . R. , Spear, . T.G. Percival , Allchin, . Frank Raymond , Dikshit, . K.R. , Schwartzberg, . Joseph E. and
Subrahmanyam, . Sanjay (2023, February 22). India. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/India
1500 BC
Indus River
Valley
INDIA
13. Aryan Migration
1500 BC — Early Vedic Period
Introduced the Sanskrit Language
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
14. Aryan Migration
Central Asian civilization
Aryan is not a race
“Aryan” means “free men”
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
15. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
16. Vedic Period
1500 BC - 500 BC
Vedic texts written
Religion called Brahmanism
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
17. Brahmanism
1500 BC - 500 BC
• Brahman (ultimate reality)
• Ultimate god or real being
• First Cause
• First Rule-Maker
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
18. Brahmanism
There is a First Cause
The Universe is ordered
Rita — rules the universe follows
Sanatan Dharma — Eternal Order
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
20. Brahmanism
The Atman
If there is a physical self, and
If there is a Brahman, then
There must also be a transcendent self
to connect with Brahman
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
21. Atman & the Soul
Atman आ
त्म
न् eternal essence of self
Paramatman परमा
त्म
न् Absolute Atman, or supreme Self, part of Brahman.
Prakrit
प्र
क
ृ
ति
Soul, spiritual consciousness
Ahamkara अहंकार Ego, self,
Citta
चि
त्त
Mind, your physical consciousness
Mark, J. (2020) World History Encyclopedia
22. Veda Texts
1500 - 1000 BC
• Rig Veda
• Yajur Veda
• Sama Veda
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism.
23. Upanishad Texts
1000 - 400 BC
Mostly Philosophy
Describes: Order of the Universe
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism.
24. Trimurti - 3 Gods
1. Brahma the Creator
2. Vishnu the Preserver
3. Shiva the Destoyer
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism.
25. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
27. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
30. Early Classical
Dharma
• The eternal order and inherent
nature of reality, a cosmic law
underlying right behavior and
social order
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
32. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
34. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
35. Medieval Period
500 - 1757 AD
• Wandering Teachers
• Hinduism travels outside of India
• Islamic Invasion
• Decline of political influence
Dashavatara Temple to Vishnu
Mark (2020) World History Encyclopedia
36. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
7. Modern Period (1757 - 1947)
37. Modern Period
1757 - 1949
• British Occupation of India
• English East India Company
• Christian Missionaries
• Modernization of India
38. Periods of History
1. Indus Valley Period (2700 to 1500 BC)
2. Vedic Period (1500 to 500 BC)
3. Second Urbanisation (500 - 200 BC)
4. Early Classical (200 BC to 320 AD)
5. Classical Period (320 AD to 500 AD)
6. Medieval to Early Modern (500 - 1757)
7. Modern Period (1757 - 1947)
8. Independent India (1947 - Present)
39. India’s Independence
1949 - Present
• Mahatma Gandhi, first Prime Minister
• Hinduism state religion
• Modernization of Hinduism
• Elimination of the Caste System
43. Hinduism believes eternal truth is discovered
• Shruti — that what is heard
• Recorded in the Vedas
• No prophet or revelation
• Truth is Pre-existent
51. Kalpa क
ल्प
1 Day in the life of Brahma
1,000 Mahayugas
4.32 billion years
52. Satya Yuga
• Brahma the creator rules
• 1,728,000 years
• Golden Age
• No Castes
• No Distinctions
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
53. Satya Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
four legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
54. Treta Yuga
• Brahma Rules
• 1,296,000 years
• Silver Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
55. Treta Yuga
• Human Civilization
• Humans became greedy
• Brahma creates caste system
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
56. Treta Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
three legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
57. Dwapar Yuga
• Vishnu the preserver
Rules
• 864,000 years
• Bronze Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
58. Dwapar Yuga
• Secularization of Civilization
• Neglect of the Caste System
• Neglect of the gods
• Truth is no longer followed
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
59. Dwapar Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
two legs
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
60. Kali Yuga
• Shiva The Destroyer Rules
• 432,000 years
• Iron Age
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
61. Kali Yuga
• Materialism - Warfare
• Age of Darkness
• Civilizations ends in destruction
• Shiva Dances and world ends
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
62. Kali Yuga
• Dharma the Bull has
one leg, then none
Jones & Ryan. (2007). Encyclopedia of Hinduism
65. 5. Dharma
One’s duty in life performed
with the proper action
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
66. 5. Dharma
When one performs their
duty, they and all society
experience harmony &
balance
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
67. 6. Moksha
Release from Samsara
The endless cycle of birth,
death and rebirth
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
68. Samsara
Endless cycle of birth-life-death-rebirth
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
69. Moksha (release)
How do we achieve Moksha?
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
70. 3 Purusharthas (Goals)
1. Dharma — Performing one’s duty in life
2. Artha — career, home life, acquire material wealth
3. Kama — Love, sexuality, Pleasure
Mark, J. J. (2020, June 08). Hinduism. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/hinduism/
78. Sources for your essay
Brahma https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/
Vishnu https://www.worldhistory.org/Vishnu/
Shiva https://www.worldhistory.org/Vishnu/
79. Trimurti (history)
Earliest record:
Poem Kumarasambhava “the Birth
of the War God” (500 BC)
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism
80. Trimurti (history)
Earliest depiction:
Sadashiva Stone relieve on a cave
temple on Elephant Island, India
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism
81. Trimurti (history)
Historians claim the Trimurti, was
an attempt to reconcile different
legends and different gods from
the Vedic period into one meta
narrative.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2020, February 21). Trimurti. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/trimurti-Hinduism
83. Brahma
• Four Heads
• Vedas (sacred texts)
• Mala (beads) symbolizing time
• Pitcher for water, where all creation came from
or
• Alms bowl
• Seated on Lotus from which he sprung
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, November 14). Brahma. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Brahma-Hindu-god
85. Brahma (history)
• Earliest description 700 BC
• Primary God (500 BC - 500 AD)
• Earliest description in Mahabharata
• Called the Grandfather
• Called Prajapati (the first god)
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/
86. Brahma (Mythology)
• Born from a comic golden egg (or)
• Born from a Lotus in Vishnu’s Naval
• Created good/evil; light/darkness
• Created: gods, demons, ancestors,
and men
• Created Manu, the first man
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/
87. Brahma (Mythology)
• Created plants & animals on earth
• Created night & day
• Created demons to rule night
• Created good gods to rule the day
• Then abandoned his body became spirit
Cartwright, M. (2015, May 16). Brahma. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Brahma/
88. Brahma (Mythology)
• Brahma looked with lust at a goddess
and Shiva cut his 5th head off.
• Brahma lied and lost most of his
worshippers and that’s why he has few
devotees
• Vishnu made him the creator with no
other responsibilities.
Cartwright, Mark. (16 May 2015). “Brahma” . World History Encyclopedia
89. Brahma (Hinduism)
• Two temples in India to Brahma:
Pushkara, and Rajasthan.
• Does not come to earth
• Sleeps during this Yuga
• Rarely involved
Cartwright, Mark. (16 May 2015). “Brahma” . World History Encyclopedia
92. Vishnu (history)
• Earliest mention in Vedas
• Main God in the sacred texts
• Mentioned 64 times in Rig Veda
• Oldest story: Vishnu saved world
from a great flood
• Late Veda period, Became equated
with Vasudeva, a minor god in
Western India.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492
93. Vishnu (history)
• In the Vedas, Krishna is his
• Later the other legends are joined
to his story: the other gods
become incarnations of Vishnu
• Later, it is taught he has 10
avatars (10 stories joined with
Vishnu)
• In Bhagavad Ghita a following of
devotees develops and becomes
(Vishnuism)
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492
94. Vishnu (Art)
• Dark Blue—blue aura, blue energy,
• Four arms
• Atop the Cobra Sheshtnag
representing the many desires of
the mind. He sits over them
showing he has control.
• Sometimes seated over throne
• Conch: produces sound “OM” the
primeval sound of creation.
• Discus: cut down abhorrent men or
symbolizes the mind
• Lotus: glorious existence
• Mace: mental & physical strength.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Vishnu” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 492
95. Vishnu (Mythology)
• Bhagavata Purana epic, has most
of the Vishnu stories.
• He becomes pre-existing god
• Gives nectar of immortality to
other gods
• Story: gods wanted nectar of
eternal life. Vishnu helped produce
it. Demons tried to run off with it.
Vishnu created Maya (illusion) to
distract them, give nectar to gods.
Physical world to this day is MAYA,
illusory.
Cartwright, Mark. (2012). “Vishnu”. In World History Encyclopedia
96. Vishnu’s Wives
Lakshmi
Bhu Devi
Garuda (his eagle)
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, September 1). Lakshmi. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://
www.britannica.com/topic/Lakshmi
97. Lakshmi
Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune
Appears with him in each incarnation
Very popular among Hindus today
Often small statues of her in homes
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, September 1). Lakshmi. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://
www.britannica.com/topic/Lakshmi
98. Bhudevi
Goddess of the earth
Worshipped by farmers
Gives life to the earth
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/bhudevi
100. Krishna
Primary Avatar
a. when earth was flooded he dragged
earth out from under the sea
b. Born on earth (like Jesus) spent life
fixing things
101. Krishna & the Cow
Lives in Vrindavan where there are
cows
When born on earth, is born a cow
herder as a child.
Reason why Cows are sacred
102. Kalki
Last Avatar who will appear in the
end
Appear riding on a white horse
End the final Yuga
103. 3. Shiva
• Means “The Auspicious One”
• Known as the Destroyer
• Depicted as both male & female
• At end of Yuga cycle will perform a
dance to destroy the world.
• Brought Ganges river to earth from the
Milky Way.
Doniger, W. (2021, May 6). Shiva. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva
104. 3. Shiva
3rd eye bestows inward vision, but
also destruction when focused on
someone or something
Skulls around neck = death
Serpent around neck
Riding tiger = victory of animal
instincts.
Doniger, W. (2021, May 6). Shiva. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shiva
105. Shiva (History)
• Shiva (the auspicious,
beneficent)
• Earliest found 2600 BC in a royal
seal
• Originated Northern India
• First appears in the Ramayana
(600 -300 BC) and then
Mahabharata (700 BC - 100 AD)
• Described in Shvetashvatara
Upanishad (300 BC) as highest
deity.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406
106. Shiva (Mythology)
• First Appears with wife Sati
• Sati dies, is reincarnated as
Parvati, his 2nd wife.
• They have a son, Ganesha.
• Then son Karttikeya, the god of
eternal youth.
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406
107. Shiva (Art)
• The gods recognize his power and
recruit him to fight the demons
• His power is in “dancing”
• Four arms: 4 directions
• At the end of Yuga cycle he will
dance the world out of existence.
• He is also the Lord of Chaos
• He is also God of destruction
Jones, C. James, J. (2007). “Shiva” in Encyclopedia of Hinduism. 406
110. Hindu Flood Narrative
• Brahma fell asleep
• A Demon tried to destroy the world
with a flood
• Vishnu became Matsya a fish
• Tells Manu to build a big boat
• Manu saves animals and life
• Manu repopulates the earth
112. Sacred Texts
• The Four Vedas
• The Upanishads
• The Great Sanskrit Epochs
• The Puranas
113. The Four Vedas
1500 - 1200 BC
Vedic Period of India
Orally transmitted
Divine Texts
Doniger, W. (2023, January 4). Veda. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Veda
114. The Four Vedas
1. Rig Veda
2. Sama Veda
3. Yajur Veda
4. Atharva Veda
115. 1. Rig Veda
Songs & Poems
Truth, Reality, Universe
War, Weddings, Rituals
119. 13 Upanishads
800 - 500 BC
Divine Texts
Answers philosophical questions
in the Vedas
120. 2 Great Sanskrit Epics
400 BC - 400 AD
1. Mahabharata
2. Ramayana
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata
121. 1. Mahabharata
400 BC - 400 AD
Longest poem in the world
200,000 verses (lines)
Epoch story
5 x Bible
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata
122. Bhagavad Gita
1st or 2nd Century AD
“Song of God”
Mahabharata ch 23-40
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita
123. Bhagavad Gita
Setting:
Epoch War story
Krishna appears to Arjuna
Teaches Arjuna about Dharma
We all must act obey to Duty
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita
124. Bhagavad Gita Teachings
Commentary on Upanishads
1. Explains Yoga
2. Dualism of soul and physical body
3. Reincarnation
4. Who to attain moksha (release)
5. Achieving nirvana (extinction)
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita
125. 6.Amass record of karma (good actions)
7.Meditation
8.Amassing jnana (knowledge)
9.Following path of Bhakti (devotion)
10. Kama (desiring fruits of action)
Doniger, W. (2023, January 5). Bhagavadgita. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bhagavadgita
126. 2. Ramayana
600 - 300 BC
2nd Longest poem
24,000 verses
Epoch story of Prince Rama
From Ayodhya in Kosala
14-year exile
Doniger, W. (2022, December 2). Mahabharata. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mahabharata
127. Puranas
3rd - 10th Century AD
“Ancient”
Encyclopedias of Hindu Beliefs
Doniger, W. (2022, August 15). Purana. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purana
128. Puranas
Describes
• Yoga
• Caste System
• Taxation
• Civil Law
Doniger, W. (2022, August 15). Purana. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purana
129. Puranas
Five Subjects
1. First Creation
2. Recent Creation
3. Genealogy of gods
4. Reign of Manus, the first man
5. History of sun & moon
Doniger, W. (2022, August 15). Purana. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Purana
133. Caste System in History
• Aryan Invasion
• Castes created based on skills & abilities
• 5th Century BC laws fixed the castes by ancestry
• Rule #1 - Brahmins are Lord of Castes
• Rule #2 - Hindus cannot change caste
134. Caste System in History
• 400 AD — Dalit (outcaste) emerged
• Possibly in response to Buddhism’s revolt
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, October 27). untouchable. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/untouchable
135. Caste System in History
• British exploited castes (1757 - 1930s)
• British established laws to protect (1930s - 1947)
• Ghandi ended caste system (1947)
• Castes continue as social discrimination
137. 11 When they divided Brahma how many portions did they make?
What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet?
12 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Rājanya made.
His thighs became the Vaiśya, from his feet the Śūdra was produced.
Rig Veda 10:90 https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv10090.htm
Creation Myth in the Rig Veda
144. Terms for Religious leaders
• Swami
• Guru
• Maharishi
• Yogi
• Pundit or Punjaris
145. Guru
Any Spiritual teacher, or guide
One who initiates followers,
“Guru” means “the weighty one”
Bears weight of wisdom.
Used for a common teacher
including Yoga teacher
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.
146. Swami
Hindu Holy Man
“Swami” means Master
Teacher of Hindu philosophy
Mastery over “self”
Teacher with many followers and
a reputation
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.
147. Yogi
Hindu teacher of Yoga
Teacher is bound by a code of moral
conduct and restraint similar to a
monk. Often involves celibacy. Myths
surround Yogis that can accomplish
physical tasks like levitation.
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.
148. Maharishi
Term bestowed specifically on
Brahmins
Means “Great Seer”
Implies divine revelation
Parrinder, G. (1984). In Hinduism. World Religions: From Ancient History to the Present. Facts on File.
151. Namaste
• Greeting
• Said with slight bow and
• Hands together
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.
152. Namaste
• Sanskrit — Bow to you
• Namas to Bow or salut
• Te to You
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.
153. Namaste
• Means — recognition of Atman
• The divine Atman in me
• Bows to the divine in you
K V Singh (2015). Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings. Penguin Books. pp. 123–124.
155. Chakra
The seven focal points on the body that align with the centers
of energy, and are the focus of meditation
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, November 14). chakra. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://
www.britannica.com/topic/chakra
156.
157. The Third Eye
Ajhna (3rd Eye)
Spiritual Sight
Aligns with Chakra
Someone having spiritual sight
159. Why are cows sacred
1. Because most Hindus are vegetarian therefore depend on milk
2. Because cows are like a mothers who gives life
3. Because cows are associated with mother goddesses
4. Because were sacred in the Vedas
5. Because Krishna, when he was on earth, was a cattle herder
161. Homa होम
• Vedic Fire Ritual
• Performed by Hindu Priest
• Offerer asking gods for
something
Axel Michaels (2016). Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Signi
fi
cance for Ritual Theory. Oxford University Press. pp. 237–248.
162. Homa होम
• Offer food
• Grain
• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Incense
• Seeds
Axel Michaels (2016). Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Signi
fi
cance for Ritual Theory. Oxford University Press. pp. 237–248.
163. Homa होम
• Offered for the home
• At weddings
• Special occasions
Axel Michaels (2016). Homo Ritualis: Hindu Ritual and Its Signi
fi
cance for Ritual Theory. Oxford University Press. pp. 237–248.
176. ISKS
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Vaishnava Branch
Sri Chaitanya of Bengal (1500)
Devotion to Krishna
Bhagavad Gita
ISKS on Hollywood Blvd
181. 1. Vaishnavism
• Devotion to Vishnu
• Vishnu is the manifestation of Brahman
• Incarnations: Rama, Krishna, (others)
• Vishnu defends Dharma (moral law)
• Goal is moksha (liberation) spend eternity
in Vishnu’s presence
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism
182. Srivaishnava Sect
• Doctrine of Vishishtadvaita (non dualism)
• The phenomenal world is illusory
• But it is the medium to access Krishna
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism
183. Madhva Sect
• Followers of the philosopher Madhva
• Doctrine of Dvaita (dualism)
• God & the Atman are separate entities
• Atman depends on Brahman but is not
equal to it.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism
184. Pushtimarg Sect
• Followers of Vallabhacharya
• Phenomenal world is NOT illusory but real
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism
185. Gaudiya Sect
• Followers of Chaitanya
• Phenomenal world is NOT illusory but real
• Relationship between Brahman and the
world is inconceivable (we can’t
understand).
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2018, December 28). Vaishnavism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vaishnavism
186. 2. Shaivism
• Devotion to Shiva
• (1) Pluralism - many realities
• (2) Monism - only one reality
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2015, March 5). Shaivism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shaivism
187. Shaiva-Siddhanta
• Shiva philosophical system in South India
• Dated 5th to 9th Century
• Three Universal Realities
1. Pashu - the individual soul (not Atman)
2. Shiva - the Lord, ultimate reality
3. Pasha - soul’s bondage to the body
• Ignorance - we are all ignorant of realities
• Freedom obtained by (a) acts of service, (b)
worship ( c) Yoga - spiritual discipline, and
(d) deep learning.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2016, April 6). Shaiva-siddhanta. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shaiva-siddhanta
188. 3. Smartas
• Traditional sect
• Members of the Brahman, Kshatriya, and
Vishya sect
• Follow the Smriti Texts
• Follow Shankara (8th Century teacher)
• Head monastery in Karnataka, India.
• Follow 5 deities: Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti,
Surya, and Ganesha.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2007, March 1). Smarta sect. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Smarta-sect
189. 4. Shaktas
• Worship goddess Shakti (means power)
• Mostly in Bengal and Assam
• Shakti was wife of Shiva
• The Divine mother
• Absolute surrender to her power
• Shakti is a coiled serpent within each
person that is released upon surrender to
the goddess Shakti.
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2015, January 19). Shaktism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shaktism