MALANDAG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET 1 - QUARTER 4

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

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HINDUISM
Learning Activity Title

LEARNING COMPETENCY: Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs,
practices, and related issues of Hinduism.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS:

Hinduism, the world's third-largest religion, is predominantly practiced in India, where about 80% of the
population adheres to it, making up around 15% of the global population. Significant Hindu populations also
exist in countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia (especially in Bali), Mauritius, Guyana, Fiji, Bhutan,
Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Sri Lanka. Unlike Christianity or Islam, Hinduism historically hasn't been a
missionary religion, but recent efforts by Hindu missionaries have been observed in some Western cities.
Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, three other religions originating in India, have their roots in Hinduism, with
Jainism and Buddhism emerging around the 6th century BCE to challenge traditional Indian beliefs, and
Sikhism arising in the 15th century CE with influences from both Hinduism and Islam.

Hinduism, considered the oldest and most intricate world religion, traces its roots back to the third millennium
B.C.E. The term "Hindu" comes from the Persian word "hindu," meaning "river," referring to the people of the
Indus Valley. Originally called "Arya Dharma" or the "Aryan Way," Hinduism encompasses diverse belief
systems in India, with foundations possibly originating from early Indus Valley customs, Dravidian culture, and
Aryan influence. Archaeological findings from cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro suggest a flourishing
civilization around 2500 B.C.E. to 1500 B.C.E., with evidence of pre-Aryan beliefs inferred from recovered
artifacts. Aryan conquerors arrived between 1750 B.C.E. and 1200 B.C.E., merging their beliefs with those of
the natives, leading to Classical Hinduism. By the sixth century B.C.E., Aryans settled into cities, bringing oral
texts called the Vedas, which showcase both pre-Aryan and Aryan influences, featuring polytheistic deities
personifying natural phenomena. Sacrifice was central to Aryan worship, performed in open spaces due to
their nomadic lifestyle. Overall, Hinduism exhibits a blend of pre-Aryan and Aryan elements dating back to
ancient times.

THE SACRED SCRIPTURES:

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 texts of the Vedas form the shruti and are considered primary sources and the most
authoritative texts of the Hindu faith. Other writings that form part of shruti include the
Samhitas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and a few Sutras
a. The Vedas, the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, consist of four main books:
i. Rig-Veda: The oldest and most significant, containing hymns dedicated to the gods.
ii. Yajur-Veda: Comprising materials recited during rituals and sacrifices.
iii. Sama-Veda: A collection of chants recited during sacrifices.
iv. Atharva-Veda: Contains rituals for everyday life, prayers, spells, and incantations.
b. Each Veda consists of four parts:
i. Mantras: Hymns and chants praising the gods.
ii. Brahmanas: Explanations of the Mantras with descriptions of sacrificial ceremonies.
iii. Aranyakas: Meditations elucidating the meaning of the Mantras.
iv. Upanishads: Teachings transcending rituals, exploring the nature of the universe and
humanity's connection to it. These teachings, known as Vedanta, are rich in spiritual
truths.
The Upanishads, constituting the fourth part of the Vedas, are ancient texts with profound
philosophical teachings. The term "Upanishad" means "sitting down near," signifying attentive listening to
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spiritual teachings. They are also called "brahma-knowledge," aimed at dispelling ignorance and forming the
basis of Hindu philosophy. Sri Aurobindo hailed them as the pinnacle of Indian intellectual achievement.
Covering topics like karma, samsara, moksha, atman, and Brahman, the Upanishads are fundamental to
Hinduism. Of the approximately two hundred Upanishads, fourteen are considered principal writings, dating
from the ninth to the sixth century B.C.E.
2. Smriti - meaning "that which has been remembered," comprises texts that reinforce shruti (revealed
scriptures) and are interpreted by sages and scholars. These writings, although of lesser importance
compared to shruti, encompass stories, legends, societal codes of conduct, and worship guidebooks.
Examples include the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, which contain the philosophical poem
Bhagavad Gita. These epics are considered national treasures in India and serve as sacred texts for the
masses, providing values and ideals for society.
3. Ramayana - an epic poem written by the poet Valmiki, tells the story of Rama, a prince who is exiled by
his father on the eve of his coronation. Central to the tale is Rama's quest to rescue his consort Sita,
who is abducted by the demon-king Ravana. After a fierce battle, Rama defeats Ravana and is reunited
with Sita. Returning to Ayodhya, they are crowned, with Rama portrayed as the ideal king. Rama and
Sita represent the epitome of perfect man and woman, while Ravana symbolizes ambition and greed.
The Ramayana, comprising 24,000 verses in seven books and 500 cantos, was written between 200
B.C.E. and 200 C.E. It is celebrated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia,
where Hindu influence is evident through dance and theater adaptations of the story.
4. The Mahabharata - composed around 500 B.C.E. and attributed to the author Vyasa, is one of the
oldest Sanskrit epics and the world's longest poem, consisting of around one hundred thousand verses.
It narrates a great struggle among the descendants of King Bharata, with two families, the Pandavas
representing good and the Kauravas representing evil, at war. The story revolves around the attempt of
the hundred Kaurava brothers to cheat their five Pandava cousins out of their rightful share of the
kingdom. With the help of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu, the Pandavas emerge triumphant but
suffer significant losses. The Mahabharata encompasses about 1.8 million words, making it four times
longer than the Ramayana, eight times longer than the Iliad and the Odyssey combined, and fifteen
times longer than the Bible. It explores various aspects of the human condition, including intrigue,
romance, duplicity, moral collapse, dishonor, and lamentations, and holds significance as one of the
sacred writings of various world religions, alongside the Bible and the Quran.
5. The Bhagavad Gita - translated as "the Lord's Song," is a celebrated episode within the Mahabharata,
believed to have been written between the second century B.C.E. and the third century C.E. This holy
book, comprising 700 verses, depicts a dialogue between the Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide-
cousin Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is troubled by the prospect of fighting his
relatives and seeks guidance from Krishna, who explains the righteousness of action and expounds on
the moral and philosophical consequences of human actions. Their conversation, spanning about
eighteen chapters between chapters 25 and 42 of the Mahabharata, forms the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita
teaches that one can attain God through devotion, knowledge, or selfless action, emphasizing the
importance of fulfilling one's duty or dharma regardless of the outcomes. It is considered the layman's
Upanishads, presenting the profound teachings of the Upanishads in a manner accessible to common
people.
BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES:
 Trimurti - Devotion to the Trimurti, central to Hinduism, focuses on three divine functions: creation,
preservation, and destruction, embodied by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, respectively. Brahma, the
creator, receives minimal attention and worship due to completing his task until the next creation
cycle. Vishnu, the preserver, is revered for his benevolence and incarnations, known as avatars, which
aid humanity. Vishnu is believed to have appeared on earth nine times and will return once more to
end the current era. Shiva, the destroyer, symbolizes transformation and renewal in the cycle of life.

In Hindu mythology, Parshurama is renowned for annihilating the warrior class, while Rama is celebrated for
rescuing his wife Sita and defeating the demon king Ravana. Krishna is revered for imparting the teachings of
the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, guiding him through moral dilemmas. Buddha is honored for achieving
enlightenment, spreading teachings of compassion and wisdom. Kalki, an avatar yet to appear, is prophesied
to bring about the end of the current age. Vishnu, often depicted as Krishna, is accompanied by his consort
Lakshmi and mounts the divine bird Garuda. Shiva, known as the destroyer, also embodies aspects of

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creation and reproduction, with consorts such as Kali, Durga, and Parvati representing different facets of his
persona. Their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, are revered figures in Hindu mythology.

ROUTES TO MOKSHA:
From the Upanishads, three fundamental doctrines underpin Indian religion: samsara, the cycle of death and
rebirth; karma, the impact of deeds on future lives; and moksha, liberation from samsara. Moksha, achieved
by breaking free from the cycle of rebirth, can be pursued through four yogas: Karma Yoga, emphasizing
selfless action and service; Bhakti Yoga, focusing on devotion and love for the divine; Jnana Yoga, centered on
knowledge and wisdom; and Raja Yoga, highlighting meditation and mental control. These yogas, codified by
sage Patanjali around the 2nd century B.C.E., aim to facilitate spiritual enlightenment by aligning the
individual with ultimate reality.

Moksha, attained by escaping the cycle of rebirth, is achievable through four yogas:
 Karma Yoga: The path of selfless action and service.
 Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and love for the divine.
 Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom.
 Raja Yoga: The path of meditation and mental control.

WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES:

For Hindus, life's goals, or purushartha, encompass four ideals:

 Dharma: Upholding appropriate behavior and righteousness.
 Artha: Pursuing legitimate worldly success and material well-being.
 Kama: Seeking legitimate pleasure and enjoyment.
 Moksha: Attaining liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, representing liberation from earthly constraints and the cycle of
reincarnation. Attaining moksha involves fulfilling social and family duties (artha and kama) while adhering to
righteousness (dharma). Those who achieve moksha during their lifetime are known as jivan-muktas, or
liberated souls. Hindu worship, called puja, involves reverence for 330 million gods and devas, with rituals
using sacred images, prayers, and offerings. Central to worship is darshan, being in the presence of the deity.
Hindus celebrate various festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra, with Diwali symbolizing the triumph of
light over darkness. Pilgrimages to sacred sites like Varanasi, Kurukshetra, Ayodhya, and Mathura are common
practices in Hinduism, with devotees expressing exceptional devotion by residing in these holy places until
death.

SUBDIVISIONS:
1. Shaivism - revolves around Lord Shiva, known as the Compassionate One, revered by Saivites.
Followers emphasize self-discipline and philosophical pursuits. They engage in temple worship and
practice yoga as integral aspects of their spiritual devotion.
2. Shaktism - centers on the worship of the Goddess Shakti, who is revered as the supreme divine mother
and takes on various forms, ranging from gentle to fierce. Followers, known as Shaktas, utilize chants,
magic, and yoga practices to invoke cosmic forces and connect with the divine energy embodied by
Shakti.
3. Vaishnavism - venerates Lord Vishnu as the primary deity, particularly in his incarnations as Krishna
and Rama. Adherents, known as Vaishnavites, have numerous saints, temples, and sacred texts
dedicated to the worship and glorification of Vishnu and his avatars.
4. Smartism - For the Smartas, devotees are left to choose their own deity in one of six
manifestations, namely, Ganesha, Siva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda. Smartas are known as
liberals as they embrace all major Hindu gods.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES:

1. Hinduism and Women - Despite the Manusmriti's assertion of honoring women, Hindu society
historically viewed women as inferior to men. Women's roles primarily centered around serving and

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 being dependent on men throughout their lives. This relegation often confined them to household
duties and limited their autonomy.
Women in traditional Hindu society are not only confined to household chores but are also
expected to display unwavering loyalty to their husbands, even after their husbands' death. This
expectation historically manifested in the practice of sati, where widowed women were compelled to
self-immolate on their husbands' funeral pyres to demonstrate their fidelity and purportedly aid their
husbands' souls in the afterlife. While the British abolished sati in India, sporadic incidents of this
practice persist in modern times.
2. The caste system - a fundamental aspect of Indian culture, categorizes individuals into four social
classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, based on birth. Over time, this system has
expanded to include thousands of castes, often linked to occupations, dictating dietary habits,
professions, and living arrangements. Those outside the caste hierarchy, known as "outcasts" or
"untouchables," face severe discrimination and are relegated to menial tasks such as street sweeping
and handling the deceased, enduring abysmal living conditions and low wages.
While Hindu teachings historically justified the status of outcastes as a result of their karma, efforts to
reform the caste system have gained momentum. Legislation has been enacted to outlaw
untouchability and mitigate caste-based discrimination, leading to greater social mobility for lower
caste members. Notably, individuals from marginalized communities have risen to prominent
government positions, symbolizing progress towards a more inclusive society.

ASSESSMENT:
1. Complete the Diagram. Write your answers in a 1 whole sheet of paper.

THE FOUR YOGA

Karma
Raja
Yoga
Yoga

Bhakti Jnana
Yoga Yoga

2. Let’s do it! Yoga and Reflection.

Instruction: Engage in a Yoga exercise session, capturing your practice on video as evidence of your
performance and send it in our Group Chats. Following this, craft a REFLECTION PAPER exploring your insights
and experiences during the activity. Write your reflection paper in a 1 whole sheet of paper. Utilize the
provided Rubric as a framework to structure your reflection.

Criteria Description Points

Video Presentation Sent a Video of his/her exercise in 20
the group chat as a proof. Not
more that 10 seconds video only.
Reflection Paper Content Concepts are clearly explained 20
Originality The idea is original meaning it was 10
not copied from other sources
Total 50

REFERENCE FOR LEARNERS:

Jerome A. Ong and Mary Dorothy dL. Jose, 2016; Introduction to World Religions and Belief System, Learners
Material page 32-44
DepEd - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd - BLR)

PREPARED BY:

JAY C. MANGARON, T-II

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