Reading Guide 6.3.2 KEY
Hinduism: Chapter 6, Section 3, Part 2 (pp. 216-219)
Key Ideas (write the two key ideas that are listed on the right side of the key ideas):
· Hindus believe that people’s actions determine how they are reincarnated.
· Hinduism spread across India and to Southeast Asia and has had a lasting impact on those regions.
Beliefs about Life/Reincarnation and Karma
1. What does reincarnation mean?
Reincarnation is the rebirth of a soul in a new body.
2. What is karma and how does it affect how a person is reborn?
Karma is the effect of a person’s actions in this and in previous lives. Karma determines how a person is reborn (higher caste in the next life or lower caste).
Four Goals
1. List the four basic goals in life for Hindus and describe what they mean.
a. Dharma – doing what is right, including the duties that come with one’s caste or age or position in life; this includes ahimsa (not harming living things).
b. Striving for well-being – earning a livelihood with dignity; however, material well-being by itself does not bring true happiness.
c. Pleasure – physical pleasures, such as eating good food; however, seeking nothing but pleasure leaves a person feeling empty.
d. Moksha – liberation from reincarnation, which is the purpose of human life. When this happens, a person’s soul becomes one with Brahman in a state of joy.
Three Paths to Moksha
1. What are the three paths to moksha and who traditionally follows them?
a. The way of knowledge – understanding one’s soul and its oneness with Brahman; traditionally followed by Brahmins.
b. The way of works – carrying out the religious rituals and duties that will improve one’s karma; most Hindus choose this path.
c. The way of devotion – people devote themselves to loving God, usually by worshipping one of the gods or goddesses. The book doesn’t say how many Hindus do this.
The Impact of Hinduism
1. Based on the figures given in our text, approximately how many people in India are Hindu?
More than a billion people live in India. About 80% are Hindu. Therefore, 1b x .80 = >800,000,000.
The Spread of Hinduism
1. What things helped the growth of Hinduism in India?
a. Hinduism’s flexibility – people could accept the worship of new gods without giving up their old religion.
b. Hinduism did not require regular attendance at religious services. People could practice their religion wherever they went.
2. List 6 countries where Hinduism eventually spread.
Hinduism eventually spread to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Great Britain, the United States, and Canada.
Hindu Traditions
1. In the Ganges River festival, what happens when you bathe in the Ganges River?
Bathing in the Ganges River washes away bad karma and cures diseases.
2. How has Hinduism’s openness shaped India’s political system?
It guarantees religious freedom.
Synthesize
Why is moral behavior important to Hindus?
Moral behavior affects a person’s karma. Good moral behavior brings good karma, which brings rebirth closer to moksha. Bad moral behavior brings bad karma, which brings rebirth further away from moksha.