Theme 3: Religious Life Flashcards
(71 cards)
1
Q
What does Varna mean?
A
- Means kind and colour
- in English means caste and in Portuguese caste means breed or race
- refers to organisation of society under Hindu religious influence
2
Q
What is the first idea of the origins of the caste system?
A
- in BCE Aryans invaded India and it was they who brought with them the system of dividing society
- varna meaning colour bring the idea it was to separate the white aryans from the dark skinned Indians
- Sudras/workers are most likely to be originally dark skinned people = related to the super aryans they wanted to separate them
- originally 3 varnas then later 4
3
Q
What is the second idea of the origins of the caste system?
A
- believed related to the old Hindu creation myth - the Purusa of the rig Veda
~ not a human hierarchy but a divinely ordained system - myth that humans were created because of the sacrifice of a cosmic being (Purusa)
- its body was divided to create society (mentioned in Hindu literature) - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudra
- caste system is natural and god willed
- authoritarians like Manu treat the myth as fact showing basic rites and duties of all those who belong to each of the divisions
4
Q
What are the Brahmins?
A
- the priests of the mouth used for speaking sacred text
- leadership/teacher roles and led others in religious ritual
- scriptures not written down but memorised by only people thought capable (Aryans scripture)
- lower priests of lower classes carry out functions specific to their caste (varna) or sub-caste (jati)
- involve charity and provide medical care to those who need it
5
Q
What are the Kshatriyas?
A
- born from the arms
- rulers in society and they involve protection = warriors
- arms hold action so therefore their duty/dharma of some people in life to be protectors of others
- Brahmins can’t do this as they don’t have the right parts of Purusa
- power, chivalry and generosity
6
Q
What are the Vaishyas?
A
- they provide the necessary things for the rest of society how to function
- the thighs of the body are strong and supporting - they worked manual tasks
- productive class and they are merely skilled employers
- pay taxes to the leaders and higher
7
Q
What are the Sudra?
A
- the servants born from the feet
- they support all the others by doing the domestic work
*compulsory religious rite of passage for them to observe
8
Q
What is the meaning behind the myth?
A
- points out the religious circumstances people are destined to have different attributes which complemented each other to form the perfect society
- performing to full potential, they would all be seen as different but equal
- each class is necessary for the survival of the others and we should treat everyone the same way we would treat each body part
- golden age in Ramayana where all 4 worked alongside each other
9
Q
What are the untouchables?
A
people who deal with death and the undesirable things in society, they cannot move up the chain of being
10
Q
Mistaking lower down the Purusa means economic divisions
A
- they are ranks of religious difference as not all Brahmins are wealthy just like how not all Sudras are poor
~ both Sudras and women have done better economically than most - first three groups are thought of as dvija meaning twice born -
~ part of tradition in Hinduism is experiencing a second spiritual birth through taking part in upanayana (sacred thread ceremony)
~ 1 birth = physical and 2 birth = spiritual
11
Q
What are the religious origins of caste in the Bhagavad Gita?
A
- according to Matoor Krishnamurti, caste is determined by the character of a person and not what they where born into
- personality, temperament, actions and behaviour are developed in a pure and moral way
- castes and developed in each varna and these divisions were based on family occupation
- law book Manu (200BCE- 200CE)
- variety of specialised occupations increased as each village or settlement required its own potters and carpenters
- occupation formed guidelines and later people couldn’t move from what they were born into
12
Q
What is the concept of Varnashramadharma?
A
- universe is ordered and each person has a role to do for the universe to work harmoniously
- dharma are for individuals to complete their varna/caste duty in the ashrama/stage they are in
- one specific dharma and what is acceptable if completely different from what is acceptable in another part of society
- divided individuals accordingly to their varna and stage of life
13
Q
What is the varna system?
A
- work given to each atman and the opportunity to pay back negative Karma through hard work in the lower varnas
- successive rebirth is being brought back as a Brahmin to perform all the correct rituals
- very logical system as seen by Hindus and to go against your own class is to go against your personality to try behave like someone your not - message of Krishna
- “and do thy duty, even if it be humble, rather than another’s even if it be great. To die in ones duty is life; to live in another’s is death”
14
Q
Caste Rules Symplafied
A
- No polluting other castes
- No eating with members of different castes
- No marrying someone outside your caste
- Hereditary occupation - staying in the job your born into
- Economic independence - serving caste received a share of the grain from their farming patrons at harvest times
- based around the ‘pollution’ of those in the lower classes
15
Q
People’s arguments against varna system
A
- exploitation of the weak by socially and politically privileged groups in the name of religion
- justified by those who profit from it
- gave preferential treatment to some which had an effect of the growth of the nation - system based on birth
- untouchables are treated as less than human beings
- argue varna system was used by socially privileged varnas to suppress
- socially diverse and leads to lack of trust
16
Q
What is the origin of the term ‘Caste’ or ‘Jati’?
A
‘Caste’ originates from the root word ‘Jana’, which implies taking birth.
17
Q
How does the caste system relate to birth?
A
Caste is concerned with birth, while Varna is concerned with one’s colour or occupation.
18
Q
What does the hierarchical pattern of Varna show?
A
It shows the concept of purity and pollution as the basis of division of society.
19
Q
How does mobility in the Varna system compare to the caste system?
A
Varna’s are relatively flexible, while the caste system is based on rigid principles.
20
Q
What is the basis of the caste system?
A
The caste system is based on a closed type of stratification and ritualistic criteria.
21
Q
What is the religious explanation of the Varna system derived from?
A
It is derived from the Purushashukta and the Rig-Vedic hymn.
22
Q
What was the purpose of the ashrama system?
A
It was fundamental to maintaining discipline, peace, and harmony in family and society.
23
Q
What does each stage of life have according to the ashrama system?
A
Each stage of life has its own dharma (code of duty).
24
Q
What is the goal of moksha in Hinduism?
A
Moksha is the liberation or union of atman (soul) and Brahman (God).
25
Who are the twice born Hindus?
Twice born Hindus are male members of the three higher castes.
26
What are the four main stages of life in Hinduism?
The four main stages are:
1. Brahmacharya (student stage),
2. Grihasta (householder stage),
3. Vanaprastha (retired stage),
4. Sannyasa (spiritual pilgrim).
27
What is the Brahmacharya stage?
The Brahmacharya stage is the student stage where boys traditionally live away from home to study with a guru.
28
What is the duration of the Brahmacharya stage?
The Brahmacharya stage usually lasts twelve to fifteen years.
29
What is the primary focus during the Brahmacharya stage?
The focus is on formal education, spiritual values, and preparation for adult life.
30
What does Manu Samhita say about the Brahmacharya stage?
It indicates that a boy aims to 'restrain his senses which run wild among alluring sense objects'.
31
What is the Grihasta stage?
The Grihasta stage is the householder stage where the Hindu gets married and raises a family.
32
What are the duties during the Grihasta stage?
Duties include earning a living, raising a family, performing sacrifices, and teaching spiritual values.
33
How long does the Grihasta stage usually last?
The Grihasta stage usually lasts well beyond the age of fifty.
34
What goals can be attained during the Grihasta stage?
In the Grihasta stage, one can attain three of the four goals of life: pleasure (kama), economic stability (artha), and ethical duty (caste dharma).
35
What are the main obligations of a Grihasta?
The obligations are to work hard, earn money, and raise a family.
36
How does work relate to religious duty in Hinduism?
Work is considered a religious duty, known as the dharma of a Grihasta.
37
What happens if a Grihasta does not live in the prescribed way?
The three other ashramas are affected.
38
What is the Vanaprastha stage?
It is the retirement stage, also called the forest dweller stage.
39
What should a person do after reaching the age of fifty in the Vanaprastha stage?
They should retire from family life and focus on meditation and spiritual preparation.
40
What are the duties of the Vanaprastha stage?
Devote more time to spiritual matters and go on pilgrimage.
41
What does the Manu Samhita say about the Vanaprastha stage?
'He should be engaged in regular study, control his senses, keep friendly behaviour with everyone and keep a tranquil mind.'
42
What is the Sannyasin stage?
It is the renunciation stage, expected after the age of 75.
43
What is expected of a Sannyasin?
They should break all ties with family and live a life dependent on God.
44
What lifestyle does a Sannyasin follow?
An ascetic lifestyle, relying on charity for food and other needs.
45
What is customary for a Sannyasin before embarking on their spiritual quest?
To make an effigy of themselves and perform their own funeral.
46
What is the goal of a Sannyasin?
To pursue moksha.
47
What is the traditional role of a Sannyasin?
A Sannyasin traditionally dedicates their life to the quest for jnana (knowledge) and often wanders without cares or worries.
48
How do Sannyasins sustain themselves?
They eat whatever comes their way through the grace of those dwelling in the villages they travel through.
49
What is one way Sannyasins help people?
They share their wisdom about the meaning of life or provide comfort merely by their presence.
50
What duties do Sannyasins undertake?
Duties include controlling the mind and senses, fixing the mind on the supreme, becoming detached and fearless, and being fully dependent on God as protector.
51
What is the significance of awareness for Sannyasins?
They become aware of the self and of God.
52
What is Dharma?
Dharma is often translated as duty, but it encompasses a more complex system of right and wrong actions that shape an individual's value system.
53
What are the four basic aims of life in Hinduism?
The four basic aims of life are:
1. Dharma (religious duty)
2. Artha (earning money)
3. Kama (enjoying pleasures)
4. Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life).
54
What does Dharma involve at a cosmic level?
At a cosmic level, Dharma signifies a universal order where everything has a specific duty, and most obey it without choice.
55
How do humans fulfill their Dharma?
Humans must make a conscious effort to fulfill their Dharma by choosing to do the right thing.
56
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about Dharma?
The Bhagavad Gita states (18:47) 'It is better to do one's own dharma, even though imperfectly, than to do another's dharma, even though perfectly.'
57
What is varnashramadharma?
varnashramadharma determines an individual's duty based on their stage in life and position in society.
58
How does Dharma relate to Karma?
Understanding and fulfilling one's Dharma is crucial for gaining positive Karma.
59
What did Gandhi want to eradicate?
Gandhi wanted to eradicate the caste system.
## Footnote
He was a proponent of varna, which he believed was based on hereditary occupations.
60
How did Gandhi differentiate between varna and caste?
Gandhi believed varna has nothing to do with caste; varna is based on hereditary occupations, while caste is more related to political and economic status.
61
What name did Gandhi give to the Dalits?
Gandhi renamed the Dalits 'Harijans', meaning 'children of God'.
## Footnote
The Dalits found the name patronizing.
62
What was Gandhi's view on VAD?
Gandhi believed VAD was the most important characteristic of Hindu society, and it should be purely functional.
63
What was Gandhi's stance on untouchability?
Gandhi was completely against the concept of untouchability, as it leads to inequality and expulsion.
64
What did Gandhi say about touchability?
"I am touchable by birth, but untouchable by choice...what I should delight in dying for is the eradication of untouchability."
65
Who was Ambedkar?
Ambedkar was a Dalit himself.
66
What was Ambedkar's disagreement with Gandhi?
Ambedkar wanted political mobilization for the Dalits and aimed to wipe out varna as well as caste.
67
What did Ambedkar believe was easier to change?
Ambedkar believed it was easier to change laws and politics than people's hearts.
68
What did Ambedkar want for Dalits in terms of political power?
Ambedkar wanted separate electoral colleges for Dalits to give them more political power.
69
What did Ambedkar urge Dalits to do regarding their religion?
Ambedkar urged Dalits to change their religion to one that didn't recognize caste.
70
What significant action did Ambedkar take regarding Hinduism?
Ambedkar eventually left Hinduism, taking 4 million followers over to Buddhism with him.
71
What did Ambedkar say about fraternity, equality, and liberty?
"Without fraternity, equality and liberty will be no deeper than coats of paint."
