UNIT FIVE INTRODUCTION
The study of Hinduism is intriguing and fascinating, yet its complexity leaves us with more questions than answers, especially if our study is confined to written texts. Hence, a visit to a Hindu temple will always enhance your study of this religious tradition you may not have encountered before.
On one of the trips to India, a man visited what is referred to by religion experts as the “Hindu capital of the world,” Varanasi. He took a boat ride at 6:00 a.m. one winter’s morning on the Ganges River. From on the boat, one could view people carrying out their morning ablutions, saying their morning prayers, burying their dead, and washing their clothes in the river. A fascinating sight to behold as the sun was rearing its golden-red head above the horizon. The Ganges River is considered by Hindus to be sacred. Little is left to imagination that the water in the Ganges, especially close to shore is polluted and least of all not safe to drink. He was surprised that his guide at one point scooped some water with his hands and began drink it with a slurp. When he asked him if the polluted water would not harm him, the guide responded that the water was blessed as the river was believed to be a god—one god in a pantheon of millions of gods.
This very response says much about Hindus today and their beliefs in a myriad of gods, yet at the same breath suggesting that there is ultimately ONE transcendent being. Others say that there are many gods and all are equal. Still others will claim that there are many gods but one is supreme. Some Hindus even say that there is no god whatsoever. It is difficult to determine what Hindus have in common since Hinduism is least dogmatic and most diverse. It does not repel new influences but would rather absorb them.
In this study of Hinduism, the sociocultural makeup of Hinduism is to be noted, especially the
caste system. The PowerPoint presentation clearly delineates the various classes established in
Indian society and the ramifications each has for the people of India. —————————————————————————————————————————————–
5.1 TEXT/MEDIA: TEXTBOOK; POWERPOINT
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT:
See Unit 5 Introduction above.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Chapter 3 in Experiencing the World’s Religions.
2. View the Hinduism PowerPoint.
3. Be prepared to comment and discuss the readings.
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5.3 THREADED DISCUSSION: TEXT/MEDIA REVIEW
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
See Unit 5 Introduction above.
RESOURCES
? Textbook: Experiencing the World’s Religions: Traditions, Challenge, and Change
? 5.1a PowerPoint: Hinduism
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Your initial post of 200-300 words should comment on an idea, event, work, concept, or person found in the text/media. After reviewing the text/media, what is one thing that you thought to be interesting and why? It cannot be the same subject matter as a previous discussion. For this reason, you should feel free to title a discussion thread with the subject that you will discuss from the reading and later add content.
2. This discussion should indicate YOUR thoughts and feedback on this Unit’s assigned reading. You should concentrate on only one aspect of the text/media that you thought was interesting and share your thoughts about it.
