Hinduism

Question 1

What is Hinduism?

Answer 1

Set of beliefs developed over a thousand years.
It has no central organization or historical founder.
It describes the ancient beliefs of the people of India.

Question 2

What are the 4 Paths of Salvation in Hinduism?

Answer 2

Action (Karma Yoga) - way of good works
Devotion (Bhakti Yoga) - way of devotion
Meditation (Raja Yoga) - way of contemplation/meditation
Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) - way of wisdom and knowledge

Question 3

Hindu’s 3 main gods?

Answer 3

Brahma, who creates the universe
Vishnu, who preserves the universe
Shiva, who destroys the universe

Question 4

2 Key Components of Yoga?

Answer 4

Meditation (prayer)
Discipline (asceticism)
To obtain union with the absolute, the greatest obstacles need to be suppressed. Therefore they use yoga to “control” the body (different body postures)

Question 5

4 main stages of life

Answer 5

birth and infancy
marriage
retirement
renouncer

Question 6

Core beliefs of Hindus?

Answer 6

Reincarnation (wheel symbol) - a cycle only broken by spiritual self realization. The goal is Nirvana or liberation from this cycle that only cause pain, suffering and unjustness. Once a person reaches this, their soul joins Brahman (Moksha)

Vedas are ultimate authority - without beginning or end

Brahman is truth/one true god - limitless, formless, all-inclusive, eternal. An entity that encompasses everything in the universe

Question 7

Caste System Order?

Answer 7

Priestly/Intellectual class
Warrior class 
Trade/Commerce class
Agriculture/Labor class
Untouchables - a perversion of the system, fought against by Ghandi, meant to include everyone outside those 4 classes whose work was menial

Question 8

The 4 Vedas?

Answer 8

Veda - “sacred knowledge”
These are the sacred texts of Hinduism
Were given to 7 gurus who taught it to everyone else

Question 9

Ways to Evangelize to Them?

Answer 9

1. Practical relationship building with demonstrations of Christ’s love prove effective.
2. Discussion that emphasizes relief from fear and the burden of sin through redemption in Christ is to be worked towards.
3. Way of redemption is attractive but misunderstood -the need for sacrifice or attendance to festivals is hard to change. Sharing our approach to spirituality may be a better way to go about it.
4. Good Christian example of moderation in regards to some cultural practices, materialism, and food - Hindus respect the quest for knowledge