World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide

©2018 Achieve Page 24 of 96 – Teaches that human suffering is the direct result of the belief (illusionary) that the world is real. 3.3 Daily Sacrifices and Rituals In order to follow the path to enlightenment, Hindus practice these rituals to connect with the universe. They must sacrifice to the Brahman by reading and studying the scriptures. They sacrifice to the deities and make offerings to their ancestors. They feed animals and the poor, and follow their community priest in their rituals in their temples. Hindus can also use their home for worship. Most practice worship on a daily basis with altars in their homes dedicated to the god their family worships. They place their deity on a shrine in the house and offer food as a sacrifice. For the devout Hindu, worshiping at sunrise and sunset (at least) is required. Four permissible goals The four permissible goals correspond to the four states of life for a Hindu. If the goals are met, all human needs are satisfied. The goals are: Dharma – The student stage. The follower learns the ethics, virtues, and righteousness required in Hinduism. Artha – Represents wealth. The person has wealth, glory, and money in their material possessions. The dharma must be followed for the wealth to be permissible. Kama is pleasure. Pleasure is allowed as long the laws of the dharma and artha are followed. Moksha is the final goal, which is the liberation of the soul from reincarnation. An individual can reach Moksha once they realize the first three goals will not bring them fulfillment. D rshans represent a pathway for Hindus to achieve enlightenment. There are six philosophical pathways within the Hindu religion and Hindus are free to choose one of the pathways. Sankhya – The oldest philosophy in which there are no “personal” gods. There is spirit matter in the universe, but nothing else. Yoga is the practical application of Sankhya. The individual meditates and connects to the Brahman in this way. Mimansa – The individual does a close reading of the Vedas in order to search for understanding. There are rituals involved and the focus is on the gods. Vaisheshika and Nyaya – Generally grouped together, the Vaisheshika teaches nine distinct elements that compose the universe. Nyaya teaches that through reason and logical analysis, the individual can achieve true knowledge. Without the nine elements, nothing else exists in the universe. Vendanta