Hindu MoralityHinduism #4

Paths to Liberation: 3 Yogas

Bhagavad Gita helps Hindus learn how to achieve the ultimate goal of moksha

In the BG, Krishna describes 3 yogas (paths or disciplines) that lead to liberation:KnowledgeDevotionAction

The Path of Knowledge

Stresses search for spiritual knowledge & truth

One goal: to understanding that atman & Brahman are one

Since the illusion of the world is powerful, there is a need to train one’s mind using meditation

Meditation

Concentrating & focusing the mind to control one’s thoughts

Helps go beyond the conscious self, be detached from the world of illusions to see the nature of atman

Two techniquesMantra: repeating a word, phrase or soundMandala: symbolic circle diagram representing the

universe or the self

Om or AumThe most sacred & basic soundA way of saying the name of BrahmanAs AUM, represents Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva

Mandala

Path of Devotion

Worship of a particular deity

One’s identity is tied to the preferred deity, but doesn’t exclude worshipping others

Path of Good WorksAKA, karma yogaInvolves doing one’s dharma to the best

of one’s abilityDharma follows from one’s casteAre not to act in hope of earning good

karmaStress on discipline, ritual action, moral

choices

AhimsaPrinciple of “doing no harm,” i.e., non-

violenceEverything is a manifestation of

Brahman, to do harm to a living thing is to attack Brahman, and therefore the self.

Most Hindus are vegetarian.Cows are sacred in India in that they

symbolize “mother”

Laws of Manu

A Hindu scripture governing one’s actions & virtues

Contains instructions for living according to one’s caste and following one’s dharma

Themes: importance of patience, discipline, truthfulness, knowledge, living according to the 4 stages of life

Family LifeMen & women have separate roles In urban areas & Western countries, gender

roles less structuredOne traditional aspect: Dowry, money / valuables brought into

marriage by the bride(many Hindu families pay or demand

dowries, even though it is illegal

Marriage Arranged marriages (friends, neighbours, matchmakers) Couple does not date, not left alone According to tradition, those who arrange marriages: Have greater wisdom about what it takes for a successful

marriage Know their children well Consider: character, education, caste, tradition,

background Give the couple a say in what happens Love develops after marriage, not before

Traditional Roles in Hindu Society

Men’s Roles

Eldest male head of family

Property passed down from father to son

Only men may be Brahman priests & lead public worship

Women’s Roles

Make all decisions about running the household

Take charge of family’s participation in rituals