Final exam essay

Final Exam Essay

There are a assortment of things that I learned about Asiatic faiths this semester. The two chief subjects that were discussed were Hinduism and Sikhism. This class covered things such as the beginnings, beliefs, Bibles, and patterns of these two faiths. Beyond this, we besides touched on Buddhism and Jainism every bit good. I besides learned many different things from the unwritten presentations that were given by my fellow co-workers. Taking this class has given me much more cognition and a different perceptual experience of Asiatic faiths.

To get down with, we studied and compared four different Asiatic faiths ; Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. South Asiatic faiths are more orthopraxy, which is “ right pattern ” , instead than orthodoxy, which is “ right belief. “ [ 1 ] They do this by religious way, festivals, moral actions, and mental cultivation. [ 2 ] These faiths besides believe that a defect of the mind is formed from a cardinal mistake of being. [ 3 ] Harmonizing to South Asiatic faiths, jobs of people are those of the mind, as when in Abrahamic faiths they truly stress will. [ 4 ] South Asiatic faiths believe in holding cognition to take to enlightenment as when the Abrahamic faiths believe in obeisance which will take to redemption. [ 5 ] In Hinduism and Sikhism, ignorance is the ground for agony, but in Abrahamic faiths noncompliance ( wickedness ) is the cause for enduring. [ 6 ] In South Asiatic faiths, they believe that when one awakens from a dream-like province they realize the truth about the World, the Divine, and Humanity. [ 7 ] In Hinduism, from this waking up, one discovers that the universe can be existent but non to the full existent, the truth about the Supreme, Transcendent Reality, and that the psyche ( atman ) is Divine. In Buddhism, one discovers that the universe exists but non as one really sees it, they find a freedom from greed and hatred, and recognize that there is no lasting psyche. In Jainism, one discovers that the universe is existent, the isolation of the psyche, and that there is no supreme being but the psyche is alone. In Sikhism, the universe is seen to be existent, they see God as being absolute and the Godhead, and discover that the psyche is God-like. [ 8 ] Those are four basic beliefs that are different between the four faiths.

Hindooism is said to be the universe ‘s oldest faith that still continues today. [ 9 ] A twosome introductory facts about Hinduism are that it has no laminitis, there is non a set figure of Gods, and there is no official understanding on philosophies. [ 10 ] Hinduism is based on two pillars, which are dharma and moksha. [ 11 ] Dharma is success in this universe, mentioning to the karma universe of reincarnation, and Moksha which is the freedom from this universe. [ 12 ] So basically they have two ends, one for Dharma and one for moksha. The end for Dharma is to accomplish better metempsychosis and for moksha it is to make the concluding end, which is release. [ 13 ] Of class, moksha is non simple to accomplish. To accomplish moksha one must take different waies or yogas. The Bhagavad Gita references three different yogas, or subjects. The three yogas are Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, and Bhakti yoga. [ 14 ] Karma yoga refers to the subject of action, or self-less action. [ 15 ] A good poetry that describes karma yoga in a manner is, “ It is non action that is bad but the selfish fond regards to it ” ( Bhagavad Gita 2.47 ) . [ 16 ] The jnana yoga refers to knowledge and to as what we westerners know as yoga ( speculation ) . [ 17 ] There are many transitions in the Bhagavad Gita that reveal that wisdom is the ultimate end of action. The Bhagavad Gita besides says that jnana yoga consists of purification of the head and organic structure through self-discipline. [ 18 ] The 3rd yoga is the bhakti yoga which refers to devotedness and emotion. Bhakti is a way to release, but it besides gives a intent to release. [ 19 ] Those are the three general waies of release that are stated in the Bhagavad Gita.

One thing that most Hindus agree on is that the Vedas are their cardinal Bibles. The Vedas are composed of four different books. The four Vedas are the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and the Atharva Veda. The oldest of these Vedas is the Rig Veda, which was composed at about 1500 B.C. [ 20 ] This ties in with the belief of God, or Gods, in the Veda and Hindu faith. In the Veda it states that there are many Gods and this means that it would do Hinduism polytheistic. [ 21 ] Hinduism is a signifier of polytheism, but they frequently worship in a henotheistic signifier. [ 22 ] This means that they believe in one major God, but at the same clip acknowledge that there are other bing Gods. Henotheism is mentioned in the Rig Veda. Now when coming from a philosophical point of position, Hinduism is considered to be monistic, or non-dualistic. [ 23 ] This means, in that point of position, that they believe in merely one God. From personal experience I have a Hindu friend that is presently in my chemical science category, and when I asked him if he believed in one or many Gods, he told me he believes that there is merely one God. He besides told me that belief in one God or many Gods depends on tradition, because he has friends that are Hindu and believe in multiple Gods. This tells me that being polytheistic, henotheistic, and monotheistic depends on how one wants to construe the Veda.

Another topic sing Hinduism would be their belief in reincarnation and the psyche, which I did my unwritten presentation on. Reincarnation literally means “ to be made flesh once more. ” Every psyche reincarnates in order to travel through many experiences to make flawlessness and go one with the Godhead. [ 24 ] The best manner reincarnation can be explained and described in simple footings is by the undermentioned poetry: “ Merely as a adult male discards worn out apparels and puts on new apparels, the psyche discards worn out organic structures and wears new 1s. ” ( Bhagavad Gita 2.22 ) . [ 25 ] The manner the province of reincarnation of a individual is decided is by karma. The better one lives their life, the better karma they have, which leads to a better signifier of reincarnation. Good karma is necessary in order to transmigrate into a better province. Metempsychosis after metempsychosis is called samsara. Samsara can besides be translated to “ the wheel of metempsychosis ” or “ rhythm of being. “ [ 26 ] Since it is the rhythm of being, it is besides applied to the universe, non merely to worlds. [ 27 ] In the terminal, every persons chief concern and end is to make release, or otherwise called moksha. [ 28 ] The end of the invidual is to get away this rhythm of birth and metempsychosis so that the single psyche ( atman ) becomes one with Brahman. Once moksha is achieved Dharmas ( righteousness ) and adharma ( unrighteousness ) , right and incorrect, autumn from us. [ 29 ] Geting off from the rhythm of birth and metempsychosis is done by liberating one ‘s ego from karma. This may be difficult to make, but this is done through the three waies that I antecedently stated. Once once more the three waies or yogas are karma yoga, jnana yoga, and bhakti yoga. [ 30 ] This is the footing of the belief of reincarnation in Hinduism.

Another of import topic about Hinduism is their patterns. They have many different patterns, and they can change from tradition to tradition, but the chief 1s are festivals, worship, life-cycle rites, and pilgrim’s journeies. [ 31 ] The festivals that they have sometimes include worship, amusement, fasting, dance, music, banqueting, and dramatic eyeglassess. [ 32 ] The jubilations that they uphold are normally for national heroes or for narratives of the deities. Hindus partake in 1000s of different types of festivals, but the undermentioned seven are the most famed and acknowledged worldwide. The most common and popular festival would be Dassehra, which is celebrated for 10 consecutive yearss. [ 33 ] The following festival would be Dipavali, the festival of lamps. This is celebrated over a five twenty-four hours period and it is done to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck. [ 34 ] The following would be Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti, which is celebrated in February to tag the birthday of Sri Ramakrishna. [ 35 ] Another common festival is Shivaratri, which means the dark of Shiva and is celebrated by all Hindus. [ 36 ] Holi is another really popular festival and is a two twenty-four hours spring festival. Rama-navami is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Rama. And last but non least is the Sri-Krishna-Jayanti festival, which celebrates the birthday of Krishna. [ 37 ] These are some of the festivals and jubilations that Hindus uphold every twelvemonth.

After larning all of this information about Hinduism, we so went on to speak some more about Sikhism. Sikhism is really similar to Hinduism and some may state it is the same thing, but in world it is different. We find that in Sikhism they use some Hindu nomenclature. They use the word Ek, which in Hinduism is translated to Eka and is found in Rig Veda 10.129. In the Rig Veda it uses the word Tad-Ekman which means Brahman and relates to Vishnu. [ 38 ] Another similarity we find is that, philosophically talking, Sikhs are monotheistic like Hindus. [ 39 ] On the other manus, a simple fact of difference between the two would be the fact that all Sikh ceremonials must be performed with the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, this does non use in Hinduism. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak which lived from 1469-1539. [ 40 ] Guru Nanak was raised as a Hindu and he ever had the bhakti tradition and sant tradition in his background. [ 41 ] A guru is considered a religious usher and they are the people that god transmits his instructions through. Since they are considered a religious usher, those that follow them are adherents, therefore doing Sikhs adherents of the Gurus. [ 42 ] Sikhs believe in the Bibles of the Guru Granth Sahib, which was originally compiled by the 5th guru Arjan Dev. [ 43 ] The Guru Granth Sahib is considered to be both an ageless guru, which basically means ageless religious usher, and a Bible. [ 44 ]

Another large portion of Sikhism that is more widely known is the Khalsa Brotherhood. It was formed by the ten percent guru because he felt that military power and force was necessary in order to maintain 1s spiritual beliefs and rights. [ 45 ] The Khalsa Brotherhood is composed of saint-soldiers that are supposed to protect themselves and others from spiritual subjugation. The Khalsa are besides suppose to assist those in demand, function the causes of humanity, and be populating illustrations of lives lived harmonizing to the Guru Granth Sahib. [ 46 ]

Another interesting fact about the Sikhs that I learned is that they are subjected to the five K ‘s. This is something that surprised me because I did cognize they had to make this. The five K ‘s are worn as symbols of their religion. The five K ‘s are Kesh, Kanga, Kara, Kirpan, and Kaccha. [ 47 ] The Kesh is long untrimmed hair, the Kanga is a little comb, the Kara is a steel watchband, the Kirpan is a little sticker, and the Kaccha is undergarment. [ 48 ] These are things that a Sikh must have on on a twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours footing. They wear these things for regard for the ten percent guru, or for sense of responsibility, or for day-to-day life intents. [ 49 ]

What truly caught my attending during category was when we talked about the tribunal instances against the Sikh pupils and their Kirpans. It is interesting to cognize that Sikhs really went to tribunal for have oning these Kirpans. Although it is true, it can be unsafe if Sikhs are allowed to convey their Kirpans to school. Anything can go on and if a Sikh pupil does seek to utilize their Kirpan out of choler, so this can set other pupils and instructors lives in danger. So this tribunal instance was necessary and I believe that no type of arm should be allowed in schools. The tribunal instance ended up doing the Sikh pupils sow their Kirpans shut to Kirpan holders. This was an agreeable determination and I think that it was the right thing to make. It is non safe for other people if the Sikh pupils have their Kirpans with them, but at the same clip it is non just for the Sikh to disobey their faith because of school regulations. So the determination made was a good 1 because it let the Sikhs take their Kirpans to school and allow the other pupils be safe at school. I merely thought that this was a really interesting topic and I ne’er knew about this anterior to this class.

This is much of what I have learned throughout this semester in this class. Before taking the class I merely signed up for this category to acquire some of my general instruction out of the manner, but taking this category has taught me a batch. This category has decidedly taught me a great trade of things I ne’er knew about Hinduism, Sikhism, and other South Asiatic faiths. Before taking this class I knew perfectly nil about South Asiatic faiths, but now I am able to keep a conversation with many of my Hindu friends.

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[ 2 ] James Santucci, “ Generalities about South Asiatic Religions. ” ( Department of Comparative Religion, California State University, n.d. , PDF file ) , 1.

[ 3 ] Santucci, “ Generalities about South Asiatic Religions, ” 1.

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[ 6 ] James Santucci, “ Class Information Overview. ” Lecture Notes in CPRL 270T on December 10, 2009.

[ 7 ] Santucci, “ Generalities about South Asiatic Religions, ” 1.

[ 8 ] Santucci, “ Generalities about South Asiatic Religions, ” 1.

[ 9 ] James A. Santucci, “ Hindooism. ” Based on Benjamin J. Hubbard, John T. Hartfield, and James A. Santucci, An Educator ‘s Classroom Guide to America ‘s Religion Belief and Practices ( Westport Conn. and London: Libraries Unlimited ) , 2007: 1.

[ 10 ] Santucci, “ South Asiatic Religions: Overview, ” [ slide 13 ] .

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[ 13 ] James Santucci, “ Class Information Overview ” Lecture Notes in CPRL 270T on December 10, 2009.

[ 14 ] James Santucci. “ The Bhagavad Gita: PT. 1 ” ( Fullerton, CA: James Santucci, n.d. ) Power Point in PDF format. [ Slides 10-12 ] .

[ 15 ] James Santucci. “ The Bhagavad Gita: PT. 3 ” ( Fullerton, CA: James Santucci, n.d. ) Power Point in PDF format. [ Slides 21-27 ] .

[ 16 ] Santucci, “ The Bahagavad Gita: PT. 3, ” [ slide 26 ] .

[ 17 ] James Santucci, “ Class Information Overview ” Lecture Notes in CPRL 270T on December 10, 2009.

[ 18 ] Jayaram V. , “ Jnana Yoga or the Yoga of Knowledge. ” hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hinduwebsite.com/gnana.asp ( accessed December 9, 2009 ) .

[ 19 ] James Santucci. “ The Bhagavad Gita: PT. 4 ” ( Fullerton, CA: James Santucci, n.d. ) Power Point in PDF format. [ Slides 12-16 ] .

[ 20 ] “ The Vedas, ” hypertext transfer protocol: //www.sacred-texts.com/hin/ ( accessed December 9, 2009 ) .

[ 21 ] James Santucci, “ Class Information Overview. ” Lecture Notes in CPRL 270T on December 10, 2009.

[ 22 ] James Santucci. “ Hindooism: Overview. ” ( Fullerton, CA: James Santucci, n.d. ) Power Point in PDF format. [ Slide 5 ] .

[ 23 ] James Santucci, “ Class Information Overview. ” Lecture Notes in CPRL 270T on December 10, 2009.

[ 24 ] Jayaram V. , “ Jnana Yoga or the Yoga of Knowledge. ” hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hinduwebsite.com/gnana.asp ( accessed December 9, 2009 ) .

[ 25 ] Jayaram V. , “ Jnana Yoga or the Yoga of Knowledge. ” hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hinduwebsite.com/gnana.asp ( accessed December 9, 2009 ) .

[ 26 ] James Santucci. “ Karma ( N ) and Samsara. ” ( Fullerton, CA: James Santucci, n.d. ) Power Point in PDF format. [ Slides 22 ] .

[ 27 ] Santucci, “ Karma ( N ) and Samsara, ” [ slide 23 ] .

[ 28 ] R.C. , Zaehner, “ Hindooism: Moksha. ” No. 3, ( 1962 ) : 57-79.

[ 29 ] Zaehner, “ Hindooism: Moksha, ” 57-79.

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[ 31 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 2.

[ 32 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 2.

[ 33 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 2.

[ 34 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 2.

[ 35 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 2-3.

[ 36 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 3.

[ 37 ] Santucci, “ Hindooism ” : 3.

[ 38 ] James Santucci, “ Class Information Overview. ” Lecture Notes in CPRL 270T on December 10, 2009.

[ 39 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slide 13 ] .

[ 40 ] Santucci, James. “ Sikhism: Introduction. ” ( Fullerton, CA: James Santucci, n.d. ) Power Point in PDF format. [ Slide 1 ] .

[ 41 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slide 1 ] .

[ 42 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slide 4 ] .

[ 43 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slide 9 ] .

[ 44 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slide 10 ] .

[ 45 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slide 1 ] .

[ 46 ] Santucci, “ Sikhism: Introduction, ” [ slides 30-31 ] .

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[ 48 ] “ Sikhism, ” hypertext transfer protocol: //sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhism ( accessed December 9, 2009 ) .

[ 49 ] “ Sikhism, ” hypertext transfer protocol: //sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sikhism ( accessed December 9, 2009 ) .