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INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND

BELIEF SYSTEMS
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 1
DHARMIC RELIGION HINDUISM

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INTRODUCTION (What I Need to Know)

In the previous lesson you have studied the comparative analysis of the three Abrahamic
religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In this lesson you will be able to learn the
Dharmic Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. You are going to study the brief history,
core teaching, fundamental belief, practices, and related issues of Hinduism.
Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion with around 15% of the entire population
practicing the Hindu faith. Hindu followers in India comprise the major bulk with almost 80% of
the country’s population adhering to the religion.
Hinduism is oftentimes considered as the oldest and most complex of all world’s religions.
While the most active religions of the modern times may have started around the sixth century
B.C.E onward, elements and themes of Hindus belief may have begun around third millennium
B.C.E. In addition, unlike other major religions, Hinduism had no one identifiable founder (Hopfe
1983).
This module will guide you to understand the Dharmic Religion which focus on Hinduism.

(MELC) Most Essential Learning Competency

Analyze the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related
issues of Hinduism.

At the end of this module you should be able to;

a. trace the brief history of Hinduism;
b. discuss the core teaching, practices and belief of Hinduism;
c. identify the different issues of Hinduism religion.

DISCUSSIONS AND ACTIVITIES (What is It)

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF HINDUISM
The term Hindu originated from Persian word hindu (in Sanskrit sindhu) which means
“river”. It also refers to the people of Hindus Valley-the Indian. (Bowker 1997). The name
Hinduism was given in the nineteenth century to describe the wide array of belief systems in
India. Hinduism was originally known as “Arya Dharma” or the “Arya Way.”
Historically the foundations of Hinduism may have originated from the custom of the early
peoples of the Indus Valley around 2500 B.C.E to 1500 B.C.E.,in the more advanced culture of
Dravidians, and from the Aryans who invaded northwest India around 1500 B.C.E (Bowker 1997).
Between 1750 B.C.E and 1200 B.C.E., Aryans conqueror moved to the Indus Valley and
brought with them their own set of beliefs that eventually mingled with the religion of the
natives. They brought their set of belief based on oral texts known as Vedas.
Here are the Fundamental Assumptions about Aryans.
 First, the Aryans brought polytheistic religion like that of other Indo-European peoples.
The sun, the moon, and storm are personified about the pantheon of god and goddesses
worshipped by the Aryans. (Ong, Jose 2016)
 Second, sacrifice was the principal form of worship to the Aryans gods. Offering to gods
include animals and dairy product performed on altars in open spaces.
Since Aryans were nomadic, they had no temple. In general, Hinduism has pre-Aryan and Aryan
elements that date back to ancient time. (Hope 1983)

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SACRED SCRIPTURES
The sacred texts of Hinduism have been principally passed down throughout generation
by the way of music, recitation, dance, and drama. Sanskrit has been the language of the
earliest writing (Coogan 2005). The sacred writings of the Hindus are categorized in two classes, the
Shruti and Shmriti.
1. SHRUTI – literally means “that which is heard.” They are regarded as eternal truths that were
passed orally until the beginning of the present age wherein there came the need to write them
down. The four collections of the texts of the Vedas form the shruti and are considered primary
sources and the most authoritative text of the Hindu faith.
Other writings that form part of SHRUTI include the Samhitas, Brahmanas, Upanishads and the
few Sutras.
 Vedas – which means “knowledge” or “sacred lore.” It also known as the earliest Sanskrit
Literature from the Brahmic period and oldest scripture of Hinduism. The four basic vedic
books which are sacrifice hymns compiled from the earlier oral traditions are the
following;
Rig-Veda The oldest living religious literature in the World.
Yajur-Veda Known as the “Knowledge of rites.” This book is a compilation of
materials recited during rituals and sacrifices of deities.
Sama-Veda Known as “Knowledge of Chants.’ This book is a collection of verses
from the basic hymns recited by priest during sacrifices.
Atharva-Veda Known “Knowledge given by Atharva.” This book contains ritual used
in homes and popular prayers to gods. It also contains numerous
spells and incantations for medical purposes and magical aids to
victory in the battle among others (Parrinder 1971)

Each Vedas consist of Four Main parts, the Matras, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and
Upanishads
 Mantras – hymn and chants for praising god.
 Brahmanas – explanation of mantas with detailed description of the sacrificials
ceremony related to them.
 Aranyakas – meditations that explicate their meaning.
Upanishads – known as sacred teaching transcend rituals to elucidate the nature of the
universe and human’s connectedness. It also translates as “sitting down near” or “sitting
close to” as it implies listening intently to the mystic teaching of a spiritual teacher who
has fully understood the universal truth. It could also mean “brahma-knowledge” whereby
ignorance is totally eliminated. Fundamental teaching and concepts about Hinduism are
found in these profound treaties – such as Karma(action), samsara (reincarnation), moksha
(nirvana), atman (soul) and Brahma (absolute almighty). (Ong, Jose 2016)

2. SHMRITI – literally means “that which has been remembered.” These writings serve to
reinforce shruti and are interpreted by sages and scholars alike. Most of these texts are
sectarians in nature and considered of lesser importance compare to shruti, such as stories and
legends, codes of conduct for society, and guidebooks for worships. These are the following
content of Smriti (Brown 1975).
 Ramayana - Translated as the story of Rama or Rama’s Journey is a Sanskrit epic poem.
This was written between 200 B.C.E and 200 C.E. The story is about Rama, a prince and
later portrayed as avatar or incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, who was born in
Ayodhya.

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 Mahabharata - Composed of around hundred thousand verses making it the word’s
longest poem. It tells of a great struggle among the descendants of a king called Bharata,
a named use by many Indians to mean “India”. (Ong, Jose 2016)

Bhagada Gita - Translated as “the Lord’s Song. The Gita instruct any person that one
may reach god through devotion, knowledge, or selfless action. Human must do their duty
or dharma whatever it may be whatever result it could produce. (Ong, Jose 2016)

BELIEF AND DOCTRINES

 The Hindu faith offers its follower many paths to salvation. They may find liberation from
the cycle of life through devotion to one or more gods.
 Gods and goddesses can be worshipped at their temples.
 Devotees can pray and offer sacrifices so that they can gain favor from deities and assist
them in their struggles for salvation.
 Bhakti stands for the soul’s longing for and clinging to god.
Devotion to the Trimutri
 Central to Hinduism id the Brahman who is ultimate reality, one and undivided. Brahman
is often seen in three forms and functions. Called the Trimurti, these are creation,
preservation, and destruction. These functions are expressed in god forms, namely.
 Brahma – the creator, though widely respected and recognized as the creator of the
universe, Brahma receives the least attention among the trimurti. In fact, only two
temples are dedicated to him in India and he has no cult of devotees. He is not
worshipped in the same way as other gods because he has done his task and will not
come into his own until next creation of the universe. Brahma has four heads and
eight hands. His chief consort is Saraswati, the goddess of science and wisdom.
Brahma’s vehicle is a swan or goose which symbolizes knowledge.
 Vishnu – the preserver, known as a god of love, benevolence, and forgiveness. Vishnu
primary concern is Humanity itself. Vishnu is intended to help humanity with his
preserving, restoring, and protecting powers.
 Shiva – the destroyer and the god of death, destruction and disease, Shiva is third in
the trimurti. His functions are many. He is also the god of dance, vegetable, animal,
and human reproduction.
Routes to Moksha
 From the Upanishads one may find the three principals and inter-related doctrines within
the Indian religions. (Hopfe 1983)
 First, every soul dies and is reborn anew in new form (this cycles called
samsara).
 Second, one’s deed have an effect in this or a future life.
 Lastly, one may escape the weary round of death and birth.
 Within every human is an eternal souls or atman that is being reborn many times and in
various forms in accordance with the moral law or karma.
 A soul may escape the cycle of rebirth and attain Moksha. This liberation can be achieved
through the four yogas that involves a system of practices aimed at producing spiritual
enlightenment.
 The word yoga is derived from the root word yuj which translate as “to yoke” or “to join”.
(Hopfe 1983)

The Four Yogas Practices

Jnana Yoga (The way of The path of knowledge, wisdom, introspection, and
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 Knowledge) contemplation.
Bhakti Yoga (The way of Love) The path of devotion, emotion, love, compassion,
and service to God and others.
Karma (The way of Work) The path of action, services to others, mindfulness,
and remembering the level of our being while
fulfilling our actions or Karma in the World.
Raja Yoga (The way of The path of meditation that directly deals with the
Meditation) encountering transcending of the mind.

 For all the Hindus, there are four desirable goals of life or purushartha;
 Dharma – appropriate behavior.
 Artha – the pursuit of legitimate worldly success.
 Kama – the pursuit of legitimate pleasure.
 Moksha – release from rebirth.

http://world-faiths.com/school-resources/key-stage-4/year-11/reincarnation/

Hinduism Beliefs
 The Hindu belief involves reincarnation of the soul, which is rebirth after death
 Hindus believe the conditions of one’s present life are due to karma, or accumulated good
or bad behavior in past lives
 The purpose of life is to obtain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation
 People reach true enlightenment and happiness Moksha-when they free themselves of
earthly desires
Dharma
 Signifies behaviors that are in accord with the universe
 Includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and ‘‘right way of living’’
 People are encouraged to practice good Dharma and they may come back into a higher
class/better life.

WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES

 Hindu scriptures state that there are 330 million gods or devas (Kolanad 1994).

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  These include manifestation of natural phenomena, evil force, and even illnesses.
Hindu worship or puja involves images (murtis), prayers (mantras), and diagram of the
universe (yantras). (Ong, Jose 2016)
 Most Hindu worship individually involving mantras or vibrating sound that summon the
deity and the prasad of gifts offerings.
 In temples, ceremonies may be in the form of offering a flame, milk, or honey, and even
reciting chants and music.
 Worship may be undertaken any day of the week; Thursday is the most opportune day.
 Hindus celebrate a number of festivals that are based on the Hindus Calendar and often
related to seasonal changes. Main festivals include Holi, Diwali, and Dusserah.
 The Diwali or “Festival of Lights” is Indian biggest and most important holiday of the year
held on October and November that is similar to Christmas Holiday of the Christians.
Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that safeguards the people
from evil force. (Ong, Jose 2016)

Several Festivals Celebrated by Hindus in a year

Month Name of Festivals Significance
January Lohri Celebrated in the Punjab, this mark the end of winter.
February Pongal-Sankranti A feast help in south India to celebrate the rice harvest.
March Holi A national celebration of spring of the New Year.
March Shivarati A national honoring of Shiva; worshippers fast during the day, and
an all-night vigil is held at Shiva temples.
April Sri Vaishnavas An honoring of Vishnu and his consort Sri celebrated in Madras at
the beginning of the hot season; Image of Vishnu are taken from the
temples to the seashores.
May Rathyantras The birthday of Lord Jagannath, celebrated with chariots in Puri.
August Janmashtami The birthday of Krishna celebrated nationally; worshippers fast
during the day and break the fast in the evening, following a special
puja or worship.
September Dusserah A celebration of the triumph of good over evil, in honor of Durga or
Rama.
September Ganesh The birthday of Ganesh, celebrated nationally throughout the India;
Chaturthi huge image of Ganesh is paraded.
October Diwali A national Celebration in honor of Rama and his consort.
( Source: World Religions, John Bowker, 1997, p.39)
 Pilgrimage are also undertaken by Hindus throughout the India to visit the sacred shrines
of their deities. These include rivers, mountains, and temples.
RELATED ISSUES ON HINDUISM
Hinduism continues to be religion of almost 80% of the Indian people. India is a secular
state that remain neutral in issue involving religious convictions and practices of its
citizenry. All Indians can follow and propagates their own set of beliefs. Being country
with the largest adherents of Hinduism, India is presently facing numerous challenges
that are religious in character, some which are the following.
1. Hinduism and Women
 The “Laws of Manu” states that women should be honored in Hindu society, women have
always been considered inferior to men in almost all aspects of life.
 A woman’s life revolves around the men in her life, to be taken care of by her father in
childhood, by her husbands in married life, and by her sons upon old age.
Thus, woman is relegated to performing household chores and are expected to become
loyal to their husbands, even after their husbands die. (Ong, Jose 2016)
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 
 In traditional society, women are expected to perform Sati or Suttee wherein widowed
women are expected to jump on the funeral pyre of their husband to prove their loyalty
and help save the soul of their life in the afterlife.
2. Caste System
 The caste system is one major
distinguishing features of Indian
cultures that still affectsmodern day
society.
 A system of social class composed of
the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas,
and Sudras, opportunities are based
upon family origin.
 One-person belongs to a caste by being
born to parents of that caste.
 This has been an issue of distinctive
concern for the reformers of the caste
system.
 A person’s diet, vocation, residence is https://medium.com/@notesfromunderground/caste-

dictated by the caste where he or she belongs. system-of-india-a-hoax-b0dffb333696

 The most deplorable group are those

persons that do not belong to any group – those that are despairingly called as “outcast”
or “untouchables”. Also known as Dalits, they are highly ostracized in society. (Ong, Jose
2016)
 They perform the most menials of jobs, such as street sweeper, latrine cleaners, and
handlers of the dead.
 The teachings of Hinduism may have justified the status of the outcastes. Their present
condition may have been caused by their accumulated Karma from the past.
 By fulfilling their duties and accepting their dharma, they may be born to a better caste in
their next lives.
 Despite the negative backlash on the caste system, India has been receptive in enacting
legislation aimed at eradicating inherent social evil. For example, untouchability has been
banned and the caste system is no longer rigid.
 The Indian constitution has provided that it is unlawful to discriminate against lowest
castes.
 Lower caste member is now being elected to key government position .
(Ong, Jose 2016)

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ACTIVITY 1: WORD HUNT
Directions: Find ten (10) words hidden in the puzzle box which is associated to Hinduism belief.
You might find the words spelled across, up, down, or diagonally. The words might be spelled
forward or backward. Write your answer in your answer sheet.

V E D A S P O I Z T N M

I H K K G H V A T M A A

S T M I B P S A A B L D

H S S N E A R H M S H F

N Y H Q R C D M A A Y L

U V A T Q S H V R V T K

H I N D U I S M J I P J

P A T H G A A U K H L H

M A V N I H S A A S K Y

U Q N E K N I N G S Y T

L O V T N A M T A O Q H

A M R A K M J H K W Y X

ACTIVITY 2: FACT OR BLUFF

Directions: Write FACT in your answer sheet if the statement is correct and BLUFF if the
statement is incorrect.

STATEMENT FACT or BLUFF

1. Hindu follower in India comprise the major bulk with almost 80% of
the country’s population adhering to the religion.

2. Hinduism was known as “Arya Dharma” or “Aryan Way”.

3. The Upanishads is the earliest known Sanskrit literature from the

Brahmanic period and oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

4. Brahman is the ultimate reality, one and undivided.

5. Brahman is not worshipped in the same way as other gods because

he has done his task and will not come into his own until the next
creation of universe.

6. There are 600 million gods or devas in Hinduism.

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 7. The “festival of light” is held annually around January and February.

8. Human is an eternal soul or atman that is being reborn many times

and in various forms in accordance with the moral law of karma.

9. Mahabharata is translated as “the lord song.”

10. The sacred text of Hinduism have been passed down throughout
generation by the way of music, recitation, dance, and drama.
ACTIVITY 3: POSITION PAPER

Directions: Explain your stand in the given statement below by providing clear examples. Use
the rubric below as your guide.

One of traditional practice of Hindu is the SUTTEE wherein widowed women are expected
to jump on the funeral pyre of their husband to prove their loyalty and help save the soul of their
husband in the afterlife.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

RUBRICS FOR POSITION PAPER

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS

Organization The concept was clearly and creatively conveyed. 5

Strength and Relevance of The arguments are strong, convincing, and relevant. 5
supporting argument

Use of Example All arguments are supported with clear examples. 5

Total: 15

ASSESSMENT
I. Directions: Read and analyze the statement. Write the letter of correct answer in your answer
sheet.

1. The term “Hindu” originated from the Persia which means _____.
A. Land B. River C. Light D. Way
2. Aryan brought their set of belief based on the oral text known as ___.
A. Vedas B. Shruti C. Upanishads D. Shmriti
3. The supreme work of the Indian Mind.
A. Vedas B. Shmriti C. Shruti D. Upanishads
4. The world’s longest poem.
A. Ramayana B. Bhagada Gita C. Mahabharata D. Vedas
5. The god of death, destruction, and disease.
A. Vishnu B. Brahman C. Shiva D. Shivarati
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II. Directions: Match the terms in Column A with its English meaning in Column B. Write the
letter of your answer in your answer sheet.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Karma A.) Reincarnation
2. Samsara B.) Sacred Lore
3. Moksha C.) Action
4. Atman D.) Sitting down near
5. Brahman E.) Soul
6. Dharma F.) Absolute Almighty
7. Yoga G.) Prayer
8. Murtis H.) to join
9. Upanishads I.) Duty
10. Veda K.) Nirvana

III. Directions: Give your explanation to answer the question below. Observe and follow the
given rubrics.

1. Why is Hinduism considered a diverse and complex religion?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________.
RUBRICS FOR ESSAY

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS

Organization The concept was clearly and creatively conveyed. 5

Content The topic was thoroughly explained, and example were provided 5

Presentation The idea was clearly presented based on the words used 5

Total: 15

ANSWER KEY FOR ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY 1 ACTIVITY 2

1. VEDAS 1. Fact 6. Bluff

2. HINDUISM 2. Fact 7. Bluff
3. ATMAN 3. Bluff 8. Fact
4. KARMA 4. Fact 9. Bluff
5. VISHNU 5. Fact 10. Fact
6. AUM
7. SHIVA ACTIVITY 3
8. MANTRAS  Answer may vary
9. DHARMA Refer to rubrics
10. YOGA

References:
A. Book

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 Ong, J., Jose, M.D., Government of the Philippines, Department of Education, Introduction to
World Religions and Belief Systems, Textbook-First Edition 2016, Vibal Group, Inc –pp.118-131

B. Online Resources
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Religious_symbols.svg
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/754493743808408037/visual-search
https://www.slideshare.net/mrbruns/the-five-major-religions-of-the-world
https://www.tummee.com/yoga-sequences/yoga-sequence-for-teens-introduction

DIVISION QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT TEAM IN HUMSS

WRITER: ANGELITO S. GENESE

VALIDATORS:
DR. MARILEX A. TERCIAS DR. EUGENE M. TORALBA
DR. ALBERTO O. RABANG DR. VIRGINIA B. FREGILLANA
JEANNEROSE M. ACOSTA ZOSIMA IRENE H. FERNANDEZ
MA. JOCELYN J. SOTONG DANILO T. SIBLAG
VICTOR B. ABAN JAMELIE M. CRISPINO

CONSULTANTS:
DR. DANILO C. SISON DR. TEODORA V. NABOR
DR. CORNELIO R. AQUINO DR. JEROME S. PARAS
DR. MAYBELENE C. BAUTISTA

ANSWER KEY FOR ASSESSMENT

I. Multiple Choice II. Matching Type III. Essay

1. B 1. C  Answer may
2. A 2. A vary
3. D 3. J Refer to rubrics
4. C 4. E
5. C 5. F
6. I
7. H
8. G
9. D
10. B

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