Lect#1: Hindu Culture-An Introduction 1
Etymology of word Hindu "The actual term 'hindu' first occurs as a Persian geographical term for the people who lived beyond the river Indus (Sanskrit: Sindhu) It did not refer to a religion. Arabic term al-hind, which referred to the people who live across the River Indus Only in 18-19 th century merchants &colonist Europeans called traditions and religious philosophy native to India as Hinduism 2
Ancient Civilizations 5000-3000BC 3
Basics of Hinduism The "oldest religion" in the world, *Refered as Sanātana Dharma, *The Eternal law Beyond Human Origins. *A Fusion of Traditions overtime. *Diverse Roots hence No Single Founder. * It prescribes Eternal Duties, such as honesty, ahimsa, patience, forbearance, selfrestraint, compassion, self-less actions for greater good, among others. [ 4
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Goal of Sanatana Dharm in Our Life Hindu cx teaches us goal of life and many ways to practice and reach it through a set of enduring foundation of beliefs and rituals (Dharma)that suit all people, at all times, everywhere (sanatana) Gradually help to lift the limited and selfish human being from his passion, greed, and hatred to a loftier vision of world-universal oneness. 6
Goal of Sanatana Dharma In Civilization Value system makes us realize that our actions influence entire society, The choices we make become paramount importance. CLIP greek/roman society or Indian society devas+asuras deteriorate society). 7
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Lect#2:Definition of Culture Basics of Hindu Culture=>Sanatan Dharma Culture: When a group of people live together for a long time in a particular geographic area, living certain values, a special individuality of that group is their culture. They will have a set of code of conduct. Civilizations which have left their fingerprints on the world as we know it today. 9
Comparison between (Innate) Nature and Culture NATURE: Individuals behavior SAMSKARA: behavior based on individual s innate tendencies. CULTURED= Samskriti means, that which is very well refined/ purified. Educated PRAKRITI: Behavior based on natural urges. Eg.Hunger, sleep, thirst, fear/ Dog vs humans CULTURE: Group of people s way of behaving SAMSKRITI: behavior of group of people based on their tendencies ANIMALISTIC: uncultured, driven by selfish urges. Uneducated VIKRITI: perversion > when desire grows out of proportion. Eat for hunger vs taste. Sleep for survival vs laziness 10
Prakrti or Nature is composed of the Three Gunas - tendencies or modes of operation, Sattva:(Creation) encompasses qualities of goodness, light, and harmony. peace/harmony/liberation. Rajas(Preservation) are associated with concepts of energy, activity, ambition, and passion; Tamas(Destruction)is commonly associated with inertia, darkness, insensitivity. 11
To refine Humans and prevent prakrti from turning into vikrti; what we need is sanskara & samskrti =culture PRAKRITI VIKRITI 12
Which&Why Guna! Sattva?Rajas?Tamas? Satyarthi 13
Which&Why Guna! Sattva?Rajas?Tamas? 14
Which&Why Guna! Sattva?Rajas?Tamas? 15
To teach culture, Exemplary life speaks louder than words! =Be Ideal Human (Purush) Based on Vedas, Hindu culture laid down sanatan-dharma set of values and rituals to lift selfish human being from his vikriti (passion, greed, and hatred) to become discipline Purush=Ideal Human "Sugar Ray" Williams, once an NBA superstar, was found sleeping out of his Buick in 2010 16
What is the Importance of Values & Rituals These set of values and rituals results in progress and growth of the human, community, and civilization.. Unless somebody misuses them for personal gain/power eg Parsurama kills Khatris. Acharya Shankarcharya, Buddha & chaitanya belittles fanatic brahmins 17
So when our mind is like that of a vulture, fixed on low, base-selfish things, we need culture to fly high 18
What is the Importance of Values & Rituals: Prevent Destruction of Civilizations. How! 19
What is the Importance of Values & Rituals: Promote Ethical Living (Dharma) by Saintly People. All saints/dieties taught the cultivation of the mind, the practice of ethical living, and wisdom and compassion. He said, Consider others as yourself, and Peace comes from within. His departing words were, be a lamp unto yourselves, look for no other refuge. Let the dharma be your map and your refuge All things are impermanent, work out your own salvation with diligence. 20
What is the Importance of Values & Rituals: Prevent Destruction of Civilizations. How! 21
What is the Importance of Values & Rituals: Prevent Destruction of Civilizations. How! 22
What is the Importance of Values & Rituals: Promote Ethical Living (Dharma) by Saintly People. How! What is Dharma?? Is it Duty?.Or More Next Lecture Series on this 23