Invitation to World Religions

152  CHAPTER 4  Hinduism

shift in population from rural to urban settings. Furthermore, India, the world’s second largest country in population and its largest democracy, has become a leader in high-tech industries, with cities like Bangalore and Mumbai now epi- centers of international corporations. Hinduism, in the face of significant chal- lenges brought on by modernization and the accompanying phenomenon of globalization, is constantly being reshaped. But as this chapter has shown, the diversity of the Hindu tradition is integral to its identity, in the present just as in the ancient past. Whatever shape Hinduism takes in the future, it is likely to thrive, drawing on its age-old ability to adapt and to reform with even greater diversity and vitality.

REVIEW QUESTIONS For Review

For Further Reflection 1. What are the various ways in which Hindus under- stand divine reality? How do these compare with those of other religions? 2. What is an avatar? How does the concept of avatar compare with the ways in which other religions speak of God on earth? 3. How does the traditional system of varnashrama dharma compare to systems of social organization with which you are familiar? 4. How were Hindus and Hinduism affected by British colonialism? 5. What are the most important turning points or milestones in the history of Hinduism?

1. What were the essential features of Vedic religion? How was it different from Hinduism as it is prac- ticed by most Hindus today? 2. In what ways do Hindus seek an experience of the divine? 3. What is the relationship between the ideas of karma, samsara, and dharma? 4. Describe the three margas, or paths, to liberation. 5. Describe the Vedas, Upanishads, epics, and Pura- nas. What are the most important features of each?

GLOSSARY arati  (ah-rah’tee; Sanskrit) Worship with light, involv- ing the waving of a lamp in front of the deity. atman  (aht’-muhn; Sanskrit) The eternal self or soul that is successively reincarnated until released from samsara through moksha. avatar  (a’vuh-tahr; from Sanskrit avatara , “descent”) A “descent” of God (usually Vishnu) to earth in a physi- cal form with the specific goal of aiding the world. bhakti marga  (bhuhk’tee mahr’guh; Sanskrit) The path of devotion. PROPERTY OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS