Hindu Texts

Hindu Texts

1. BHAGAVAD GITA

   • Arjuna was worried about going to war and killing his family/friends. He knew as a Kshatriya, his duty was to fight, but it wasn't his duty to kill his loved ones. This is a conflict of personal dharma.
   • Krishna tells him he won't get bad karma for fighting, addressing the issue of varna dharma and arguing that actions done out of a sense of duty, without attachment, have no karmic effect.
   • The source of evil is not the action but the intention. Arjuna is a Kshatriya; his duty is to fight.

2. KEY NOTES

   • Hinduism consists of an extensive collect of ancient writings that expound upon eternal truths, some which have been divinely revealed and realised by enlightened individuals.
   • The Vedas and other sacred writings are considered valid sources of knowledge about God and other means of knowledge

3. SHRUTI

   • Texts which are 'revealed' and divine in origin. Believed to contain the foundational truths of Hinduism and natural law. Ancient sages realised these through meditation and transmitted them orally.
   • The Vedas and Upanishads are considered ultimate authority and basic principles, applicable to all people at all times.
   • They're written in Sanskrit. Rishis in the forest developed holiness and recieved the truths of the universe, writing it down for Hindus.

4. SMRITI

   • Subservient to Shruti texts. According to the time and society which you live in, applicable to some people at some times.
   • They are meant to be read and interpreted in light of changing circumstances. Intended to create structure for society and must be flexible in response to changing history.
   • Contains most of the Epics. Not regarded as the divine word of God, but their fundmental purpose is to help Hindus 'remember' the teachings of Shruti

5. THE VEDAS

   • The most important Hindu scripture, generally regarded as the oldest. Shruti, gives it authority and status. Was transmitted orally over generations before being written down.
   • THE RIG VEDA is the most important and oldest. Deals with worship of deities and asking them for worldly benefits.
   • THE SAMA VEDA consists of chants and melodies, which carry significance because of their musical quality.
   • THE YAJUR VEDA is a handbook for priests for use in worship and sacrifice. Called the book of formulas.
   • THE ATHARVA VEDA is the most recent and contains hymns, mantras and magical incantations which reflect the religion concerns of everyday life. Their purpose is to cast charms and spells. Also associated with marriage and funeral practises.
   • They're still used today as a basis for ritual ceremonies and as a source of great wisdom. They were first revealed by god at the beginning of time for the benefit of humankind.

6. THE RAMAYANA

   • One of two great epics offering models in dharma. Rama lived by the rules of dharma and is regarded a hero. He was a virtuous, wise prince, and Sita was his wife.
   • His father forced him to exile in a forest due to a promise to Rama's stepmother. Rama accepts exile and Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana accompany him. The evil demon Ravana hears of Sita's beauty and kidnaps her. Rama forms an alliance with the monkey king, Sugriva, and they invade anka. Rama defeats Ravana and wins Sita back, with help from a monkey army led by Hanuman.
   • Rama's insistence on keeping the promise made by his father shows deep love and devotion. He is the 'ideal' son. The Ramayana teaches the values of life and how to uphold them.
   • Rama and Sita are role models in divine qualities. Rama is associated with righteousness in all his actions. Sita is the embodiment of purity, patience, devotion and forgiveness. Hanuman is presented as courageous, strong and selfless. Lakshmana is selfless caring.

7. THE MAHABHARATA

   • The longest epic in literature, telling the story of the Great War between the Pandavas and the Kayrayas. The five sons of Pandavas (including Arjuna) were obedience and dutiful, loved throughout, and shared a wife, Draupadi.
   • They lost a game of dice and were banished for twelve years. When they returned they won the great battle of Kuruskshetra. Krishna helped Arjuna with his conflict of varna dharma.

8. THE UPANISHADS

   • They explain the Vedas and reveal sacred truths. They are not accessible to all and need to be explained by gurus,
   • Worldly desires are not outright condemned but recommended. Everything that is done must be done for the love of God

9. THE EPICS

   • The characters represent the sentiments of Hindus and are role models in life. The festivals centred around the principle characters exhibit the ideals upheld by Hindus.
   • They list the codes and rules which govern the action of Hindu communities. They're open and accessible to all and effectively teach the ideals and values of Hinduism to all, regardless of social background.