Introduction To World Religions & Belief Systems: Hinduism: Eternal Tradition of Man's Quest For Life's Meaning
Introduction To World Religions & Belief Systems: Hinduism: Eternal Tradition of Man's Quest For Life's Meaning
Introduction To World Religions & Belief Systems: Hinduism: Eternal Tradition of Man's Quest For Life's Meaning
Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila
Introduction to
World Religions &
Belief Systems
Hinduism: Eternal Tradition of
Man’s Quest for Life’s Meaning
Quarter 2- Week 8.1
Module 1
Most Essential Learning Competency:
Analyze the brief history, core teachings,
fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Hinduism.
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HOW TO USE THIS MODULE
Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb you
while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully enjoy the
objectives of this kit. Have fun!
1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of this
module.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key card.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!
EXPECTATIONS
You will unveil the oldest traditions in the world and emulate a principle of the
Hindus to become a more conscientious and responsible person.
Specifically, this module will help you to:
Identify the different elements of Hinduism – its texts, doctrines, principles, and
practices.
Analyze the issues concerning gender inequality, Caste system, and poverty issues
among the Hindus
Demonstrate the Four Yoga practices of Hinduism
Shall we start the journey in learning more about Hinduism: The
Eternal Tradition of Man’s Quest for Divinity? I am sure you are
ready and excited to answer the Pretest. Smile and cheer up!
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PRETEST
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on space provided.
1. Hinduism is known as the oldest religion and considered as the __________
largest religion in the world.
a. First c. Third
b. Second d. Fourth
2. The single god that the Hindu worship that is formless and can appear in many
embodiments. __________
a. Brahman c. Vedas
b. Zeus d. Dharma
3. A person who has spiritual wisdom and impart them among the Hindus. Are
called __________
a. Rabbi c. Gandhi
b. Guru d. Tutor
4. Sacred sound among the Hindus known as the sound of the universe which is
one of the spiritual symbols among the ancient texts, prayers, and ceremonies.
__________
a. Weeehhh! or Weh! c. Aum! or Om!
b. Ahhh! or Ah! d. Shhhh! Or Shih!
5. The Hindus believe that Brahma is the only one God but, He manifest in many
forms, which is also known as __________.
a. Demi-gods c. Angels
b. Goddesses d. Deity
6. It is a Hindu belief in the cycle of rebirth which explain the cause and effect
principle, where the intent and action of a person can influence their life’s
situation. __________
a. Yoga c. Karma
b. Vedas d. Brahman
7. A Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline that includes meditation and simple
breath control by using specific body postures to practice health, relaxation, and
casting out negativity while imbibing positive elements. __________
a. Yoga c. Karma
b. Vedas d. Brahman
8. A place where Hindu believes that a perfect peace and happiness resides like the
seventh heaven.
a. Oasis c. Nirvana
b. Encantadia d. Paradise
9. It is an incarnation of a Hindu deity into a human form.
a. Avengers c. Humanoids
b. Avatars d. Vaders
10. One of the main God of the Hindus believed to be the Creator.
a. Vishnu c. Brahma
b. Shiva d. Brahmin
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LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON
Fact or Bluff
To prove your understanding of the past lesson, you should be ready to
accomplish this task. You may do the following.
Directions: Read and analyze each sentence carefully. If the statement is correct, write
on the space provided the word FACT and if it is incorrect, write the word BLUFF.
Answer Statement
1. The Christians believe in God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
Therefore, they worship Three Gods.
Lesson
Hinduism: The
1 Eternal Tradition
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
The lesson will bring us to a journey to understand Hinduism in a deeper sense.
As one of the foundations of many religious beliefs and foundations of human
philosophies and ideals, the discussion will unveil why this religion is called the eternal
traditions of man’s quest for divinity. This quest for divinity can be used to remove
unpleasant plans and patterns of idea presented that gives conscious opportunity to
learn and raise one’s frequency to understand why and how to respond to a certain
situation.
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DISCUSSIONS
Historical Background
Hinduism is the primordial religion in India and probably the oldest religion in the
world. It has no official founder unlike most of the world’s religions. It is a multi-colored
collection of religious traditions that traces its origin to Indus Valley in North India. The
seeds of Hinduism were planted in the fusion of cultures when Aryan invaders from
Europe swept into the Indus valley around 1,500 BCE. Furthermore, historical
development of Hinduism took place because of recurring influence brought by the
invasion by other cultures and religious groups (Wostyn, 2004). The followers believe
that Hinduism is the fountainhead of all religions.
The Four Goals of Hindu Life: Dharma, Kama, Artha, and Moksha
The followers of Hinduism consider the four goals as the ultimate object of
human pursuit which consist of (1). Dharma (Duty), 2.) Artha (Economic Values),
(3.) Kama (Pleasure) and (4.) Moksha (Liberation) that comprise the outline of
human fulfillment for a balance and significant life at the real and most complete
level. It is considered that the “right action” of Dharma is needed in attaining the
Artha or “economic values” in order to enjoy the full pleasure or Kama. To attain
the path of liberation or Moksha, the Dharma, Artha, and Kama should be balanced
harmoniously in one’s life.
The Dharma (Rightful Duty)
Dharma means “the right way of living” that generally involves honoring
one’s ethics — doing the right things to self, family and community that governs
every actions and decisions in life. In this regard, one must be conscious in his
actions, words, and thoughts. He must be compassionate and sensitive to the
needs of other people as well as in maintaining the awareness of the Divine
existence in individual’s life.
Since the idea of Dharma refers to ethical values that implies accountability
in relation to the society, family, culture, and humanity it also brings stability and
order that makes life in harmony and lawful. The good virtue that makes a person
helpful and mindful in interacting with others makes the world a better place to
live.
The Artha (Economic Values)
The Artha was described as the material prosperity, wealth, abundance, and
success that sets the fundamental stage of material security and resources that
can enable all purposes in life – that is shared with wealth, career, possession,
authority, and other activities to make a living.
Artha delivers the basis for Dharma and Kama. It would be difficult to have
moral and pleasurable life if one does not have prosperity and security to enjoy.
Thus, the Artha can make an individual to be frugal in meeting his needs in
achieving his dreams and to experience a happy and pleasurable life on earth. To
achieve this, Vendanta suggested the following: (1.) Discover a way so to catch
money and runs after you; (2.) Perform tasks that are well-suited to your
personality and abilities; (3.) Perform works that help society; (4.) Perform activities
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that you really love doing; and (5.) Trust in the great managing power of the
universe.
The Kama (Pleasure)
Kama was personified by the deity Kama-deva, the “god of erotic love,”
pleasure who can be compared with Eros, Greek’s demi-god for love, passion and
beauty. Accordingly, a life without pleasure and satisfaction is meaningless and
worthless. With this, the desire for enjoyment and pleasure is what pushes human
performance.
Kama is identified with pleasure and sensual desires, but it can also be
classified as love, beauty, affection, intimacy, art, music, fellowship, and most
specially, kindness because it can bring “sense” to delight one’s life towards
Dharma that helps individual to fulfill his passion. On the contrary, if used
excessively, Kama can lead to greed, addiction, envy, sloth, overindulgence, and
lust. It is not directly accepted and understood as being part of a balanced life if it
does not become the individual’s focus. As Vedanta wrote, Kama should be
supported with care, caution, reflection, and enthusiasm, and be set free from
anxieties and self-centeredness. Vedanta also added that “…to know and seek
which pleasures are saturated with Divine Consciousness and are drenched in
the ecstasies of the soul … the highest Kama is the longing for Oneness with the
Divine.”
The Moksha (Liberation)
Moksha is considered as the goal of every Hindu’s life which is
accomplished through self-realization, contentment, self-fulfillment, and most
specially, self-love. It is nothing but a spiritual redemption through the
reincarnation process, a series of being born or reborn in different forms until the
souls are free from material desires and eventually be united with Brahman.
Moksha is about stopping the wheel of Samsara (the series of suffering
caused by birth, death, and rebirth) that blocks an individual from realizing his
own energy. As believed by its followers, Moksha is a way of reaching the place of
perfect peace or happiness which they called Nirvana (“paradise”). Therefore, when
one attains Moksha, he will be released from life’s illusion and false impression.
The Brahman and Atman (Supreme Being and Individual Soul)
Vedas and Upanishads summarized the
idea of the existence of having one highest
supernatural being named Brahman. He is the
creator of all the existence including oneself.
Human beings convey a spark of this great
Holiness within themselves known as the
“individual soul” or Atman. Moksha self-
actualization) of the Atman, which will therefore
unify him with Brahman after he died. To achieve
this self-actualization, he must perform
dharma (duty) in accordance with the universal law
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Hindus believe that humans inherited the gunas consisting of Sattva (goodness,
harmony, wisdom, and enlightenment), Rajas (activity, passion, and aggression), and
Tamas (confusion, helplessness, darkness, and chaos). To attain peace and
enlightenment, a person must balance these tendencies through yoga.
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a ram and Varuna, the third Vedic god whose influence continues until the present.
Accordingly, Varuna leads over orderliness of the universe and rules the sky over night.
He is considered to “know everything” thus, he is also seess the secrets of all hearts
and is called the “god of truth, justice, and moral” by the Hindus.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/beliefsiintro_1shtml
Sacred Texts
Hindus believe that there are many ways to get in touch with their god s.
This belief system was first put down in writing in the works known as
the Vedas which means “knowledge.” These sacred texts are written during the so-
called Vedic Period in century 1500 to century 500 BCE. Accordingly, the Vedas are
written in Sanskrit and have vernacular languages that serve as a vehicle for
spreading the religion in many countries in the world. It is written simply by recording
the collected hymns, prayers, and magic spells handed down through the words of
mouth approximately 3000 years ago. There are four kinds of Vedas namely, Rig-Veda,
Sama-Veda, Yahur-Veda and Atharva-veda. Holy hymns and Sanskrit mantras have
four Vedic Samhitas that are passed orally from generation to generation: (1.) Rig-Veda
or “Knowledge of Verses” consists of a large praise of the gods, which is chanted in
various rituals; (2.) Yahur-Veda or “Knowledge of Sacrifice” is a collection of ritual-
submission procedures that are stated by priest while individual accomplished ritual
actions such as those before the yagna fire; (3.) Sama-Veda or “Spiritual shruti
Knowledge and the Power of Devotion” consist of melodies and charms that has musical
measures for the hymns of Rig-Veda, and (3.) Atharva-Veda or the “Knowledge of
Storehouse of Atharvanas (medicine),” It consists of prayers which is used to safeguard
crops from lightning and drought, charms versus venomous serpents, healing spells
and even love spells. This kind of recording is known as shruti, which means “what is
heard” as distinguished from “what is remembered” or smriti. In totality, the Vedas
have commentaries called the Upanishads. They are conceived as part of the Vedas.
Upanishads, contain texts about philosophy, spiritual knowledge, and meditations
that used stories parables told by the gurus (teachers) to their students. It is divided
into three parts such as the (1). Samhitas- a collection of sacred texts called
“mantras” and benedictions; (2.) Aranyakas, also called forest books, are texts on
rituals, ceremonies, sacrifices and symbolic sacrifices; (3.) Brahmanas are notes on the
importance of rituals and ceremonies. Upanishads are commonly known as Vedanta to
mean either the “last chapters/parts of Vedas” or “the object or the highest purpose of
Vedas.
The most important mantra for the Hindus is the word “Aum” or “Om”
mentioned in one of the Upanishads. The symbol is found in the illustration shown
below. It is a sacred syllable which symbolizes the Universe and the three aspects of
God: Brahma (A), Vishnu (U) and Shiva (M). It is compulsory for every Hindu to utter
this sacred syllable before starting any activity or work or a journey. This symbol is
often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on.
Many of them, as expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om or Aum as a
pendant. This symbol is placed in every Hindu temple premise.
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/aum.as 7
p
realizing the “true nature of the self” to connect with the divine nature. Vedanta says
that the training of yoga works successfully only when a person knows “who he truly
is” (true nature of self) who has a unique soul (Atman) geared towards the realization of
inner identity. The following are the four (4) spiritual paths of yoga:
1. Bhakti Yoga (The Yoga of Devotion or Love). In modern Hinduism, this is the
predominant path towards spiritual fulfillment. It focuses on loving devotion
towards a personal deity and creation – in any kinds and forms. This yoga
develops the emotion of compassion, love, devotion, and sacrifice for all beings
like humans or animals and nature surrounding us. This kind of yoga arises
and removes negative emotions like hatred and jealousy and replaces the heart
with love after surrendering to divine being.
2. Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Work or Action). It deals with the “law of cause
and effect.” This means that each action has a subsequent reaction on one’s
body, mind, and awareness. It involves of all the actions of our body (physical
karma) and the thinking action (mental karma). It is said that the true meaning
of this yoga is the association with the work we do. With this yoga, the “I” sense
is ignored as well as his own ego; thus, distrust, hatred, envy, and jealousy are
being replaced with love, joy, and compassion.
3. Raja Yoga (Yoga of Psychological Exercises or Self Discipline). This path is
also called as the “Eight Step Path” and “Royal Path of Yoga,” which is the way
to self-discipline. This kind of yoga enables an individual to control his mind
and lets him reduce vritti , a mental occupation of many things which disturbs
one’s focus and and concentration. It is a way of bringing the body and mind in
a point called dharna (sitting in control) which includes physical posture,
pranayama (regulation of the breath), and samadhi (intense meditation) until
such time it directs his focus privately to unify with the divine energy.
Therefore, Raya yoga is a combination of all the three aspects of yoga which are
the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects to unite and at harmonize the
energy within.
4. Gyana Yoga or Jhana Yoga. (The Yoga of Knowledge). This yoga is the way
to philosophical path or the path of self-realization develops through constant
practice. Accordingly, self-introspection is the key to this yoga that helps an
individual removes illusion created by the mind of preconceived concepts,
views, and perceptions about anything. But still for practitioner of this yoga, a
guru is needed to guide and to develop the right knowledge needed in
recognizing truth from untruth so he can be freed from fear, attachment,
antagonism, and anger to fully realize the divinity within himself.
These Yoga paths are interrelated with one another and do not signify separate
paths. When we think of God, we are Bhakti Yogis meaning that we are full of love for
our fellow-humans and for nature. When we stand by others and help, we became
Karma Yogis. We became Raja Yogis when we meditate and perform yoga practices;
and when we reflect upon the meaning of life, we became Gyana Yogis e in seeking
truth.
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violence. This brand of pacifism by Gandhi had made and impact in the 20th century
even up to the present. The EDSA revolution in 1986 was inspired not just by Christian
values but also by the concept of active non-violent resistance.
ON GENDER EQUALITY
The traditional order within family relationship is the backbone of societal
relationship such as children must obey their parents, the elderly must be honored,
and wives must do their assigned roles. Particular emphasis on the role of women as
described by Serapio (2016) such as a woman must never be independent; as a child
she is dependent to his father; as a wife she is dependent to her husband; an as an old
lady she is dependent to her sons. This is taken from the Laws of Manu: the duties for
women.
What really is the attitude of Indian society towards women? Recent news
features the rapes and brutal killings of women, locals, and tourists in India. It is
saddening that the culprits had no remorse which reflects the general sentiments of
people, particularly men. Gender inequality in India refers to health, education,
economic and political inequalities between men and women (Wikipedia). On December
15, 2015, a report from United National Development Programme’s latest Human
Development Report ( HDR), India ranks 130 out of 155 countries in Gender Inequality
Index (GII) for 2014.
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ACTIVITIES
Directions: Analyze the paragraphs in the box and answer the questions below.
It basically means that in our deepest selves, we are divine. All living things are
divine in their deepest selves. Now, that divine self may be hidden or covered over by
hatred, envy, fear or other negative things. But it is there nonetheless and it is our "true"
and "eternal" selves.
Maybe you've heard people say hello, goodbye or greet people with the word
"namaste" accompanied by clasped hands and a bow. What this greeting means is
something like "the divine in me honors the divine in you." This statement makes sense
because of the belief that "atman is Brahman" - all living things are ultimately divine.
https://www.world-religions-professor.com/atman-brahman.html
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REMEMBER
Remember the following Hindu beliefs that give meaning to individual’s life:
one can achieve balance and meaningful life through Purushartas or the natural
values of the universe which govern in everybody’s life.
To fulfill balance and meaningful life, one must know his goal that will bring
importance to his spiritual practices in making good decisions.
The path of Moksha (liberation) can be achieved if the Dharma (duty), Artha
(economic values) and Kama (pleasure) should be felt and live harmoniously in
one’s life.
To achieve liberation, one must overcome distractions from their individual Gunas
(energy), Rajas (aggression), and Tamas (darkness) that lives within oneself.
The Hindu believe in Brahma as their one and only true; but can be further
classified into three groups and each group has their own avatars that made
them to have 33 million gods.
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POST TEST
Directions: Matching type. Match specific deity in Column A from their description in
Column B. Write only the letter of your choice on the space provided.
Answer Column A Column B
1. Brahma A. Commentaries of the Vedas
2. Agni B. Fire God
3. Guru C. Soul or individual self
4. Aryans D. The Yoga of work and action
5. Vedas E. Creator
6. Upanishads F. Teacher
7. Caste System G. Preserver
8. Vishnu H. Hindus ancient form of writing
9. Moksha I. Stratification of social classes based on
occupation and family line
10. Aum J. Invaded Indus valley from Europe around 1,500
BCE
11. Sanskrit K. Destroyer
12. Karma yoga L. The Yoga of devotion or love
13. Shiva M. OM
14. Atman N. Liberation
15. Bhakti Yoga O. Means “knowledge” also it is a sacred text
written during the Vedic period.
REFERENCES
Online Sources
Foundation for Economic Education (March 1, 1998) Parth J, Shah. Retrieved from
https://fee.org/articles/the-persistence-of-poverty-in-india-culture-or-
system/
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ISKCON Educational Services. The Heart of Hinduism (2020). Retrieved from
https://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/lifestyle/lifestyle/other-social-
issues/
Balanced Achievement. Hinduism’s Eternal Wisdom: Brahman and Atman (March 16,
2019) Patrick Zeis. Retrieved from
https://www.balancedachievement.com/spirituality/brahman-and-atman/
Hindu Religion Terms (July 17, 2019) Dr. V.K. Maheshwri, PhD. Retrieved from
http://www.vkmaheshwari.com/WP/?p=2123
Realm of History: The Future lies in the Past (September 18, 2018) Dattatreya Mandal.
Retrieved from https://www.realmofhistory.com/2018/09/18/major-hindu-
gods-goddesses-facts/
SOS Children’s Villages Canada. Poverty in India: Facts and Figures on the Daily
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Struggle for Survival (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.soschildrensvillages.ca/news/poverty-in-india-
602#:~:text=SOS%20Children's%20Villages%20%2D%20fighting%20poverty%20
in%20India&text=In%20a%20total%20of%2041,majority%20of%20them%20are
%20girls.
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Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________
School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________
Objective: To deepen the value of self-worth that are based on the teachings and
fundamental beliefs of Hinduism related to four goals of Hindu life.
Artha Moksha
(Pleasure) (Liberation)
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Post Test
1. E 6. A 11. H
2. B 7. I 12. D
3. F 8. G 13. K
4. J 9. N 14. C
5. 0 10. M 15. L
Fact or Bluff Lesson 1
1. Bluff
Pretest
2. Bluff
1. C 6. C
3. Fact
2. A 7. A
4. Bluff
3. A 8. C
5. Fact
4. C 9. B
5. D 10. C
ANSWER KEY
b. What are the things you must sacrifice to attain your own moksha? Why?
a. Explain the inter-relationship of the four goals of a Hindu life