Welcome to the World of Dharmic Traditions!

Hello! This set of notes covers the first major religious category in your World Religions course: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. These faiths are often grouped together because they originated on the Indian subcontinent and share foundational concepts like karma and samsara.

The goal of this "Introduction" unit (Part 1 of the syllabus) is to understand the core perspective of these religions by answering three fundamental questions that underpin all human belief systems:

  • What is the human condition? (What is wrong with the world/us?)
  • Where are we going? (What is the ultimate goal or destination?)
  • How do we get there? (What is the path or method for achieving the goal?)

Don't worry if these terms seem complex right now. We'll break down each religion step-by-step using clear analogies!

1. Hinduism: The Path of Eternal Order (Dharma)

Hinduism is often considered the world’s oldest living religion. Unlike faiths founded by a single prophet, Hinduism evolved over thousands of years, leading to immense diversity in practice and belief.

Key Concepts to Master

  • Brahman: The ultimate, eternal reality; the absolute source of all existence. (Think of Brahman as the ocean, the one unified source.)
  • Atman: The eternal self or soul, which is fundamentally identical to Brahman. It is the spiritual life principle within every living being. (Think of Atman as a single drop of water from that ocean.)
  • Samsara: The endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This is the mechanism that keeps the soul trapped in the physical world. (Analogy: Samsara is like being stuck on a spiritual treadmill.)
  • Karma: The universal law of cause and effect. Every action (physical, mental, or verbal) creates a corresponding reaction, determining one’s future existence. (Analogy: Karma is like spiritual currency—you get what you deposit.)
  • Dharma: Duty, righteousness, cosmic order, and ethical conduct. Following your Dharma is crucial for generating positive Karma.
  • Moksha: Liberation or release from the cycle of Samsara. It is the ultimate goal, achieved when the Atman fully realizes its unity with Brahman.

Addressing the Core Questions (Hinduism)

What is the human condition?

The human condition is characterized by ignorance (avidya). We forget that our true self (Atman) is divine and one with the absolute reality (Brahman). Due to this ignorance, we are bound by Karma and perpetually trapped in Samsara.

Where are we going? (Destination)

The ultimate goal is Moksha. This is not just heaven; it is the realization of the absolute truth, leading to release from rebirth and union with Brahman.

How do we get there? (Path)

The path involves Yoga, which means "union." Hindus follow four main paths (Mārgas) to achieve Moksha:

  1. Karma Yoga: The path of action and selfless duty (Dharma).
  2. Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and love toward a specific deity (e.g., Vishnu, Shiva).
  3. Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and philosophical insight (realizing Atman = Brahman).
  4. Raja Yoga: The path of mental discipline and meditation.
Quick Review: Hinduism

Problem: Ignorance leading to Samsara (the cycle).
Goal: Moksha (liberation/union with Brahman).
Method: Following Dharma and practicing Yoga.

2. Buddhism: The Path of Awakening

Buddhism arose in India around the 6th century BCE, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha (the Awakened One). Buddhism accepts concepts like Karma and Samsara but fundamentally changes the definition of the self and the solution to suffering.

Key Concepts to Master

  • The Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama realized that life is characterized by impermanence and suffering. His teachings centered on the path to escape this suffering, known as the Middle Way (avoiding extremes of indulgence and severe asceticism).
  • Dukkha: Usually translated as suffering, but more accurately means "unsatisfactoriness," "stress," or "dislocation." It is the core existential problem of being human.
  • Anatta (Anatman): The doctrine of no permanent self. Unlike Hinduism (Atman), Buddhism teaches that there is no eternal, unchanging soul or self. We are constantly changing collections of elements (mind, body, perceptions). (This is a crucial distinction to remember!)
  • Nirvana: The ultimate goal. Literally means "to extinguish" or "blow out." It is the cessation of suffering and craving (Tanha), and the ultimate release from Samsara.

The Foundation: The Four Noble Truths

The Buddha presented the problem and solution like a physician diagnosing an illness—a perfect example of a step-by-step explanation for the core questions.

Step 1: The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha)

What is the human condition? (The Diagnosis)

Life is filled with suffering and unsatisfactoriness. This includes physical pain, loss, and the stress of trying to hold onto what is impermanent.

Step 2: The Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Tanha)

The cause of Dukkha is Tanha (craving, attachment, or selfish desire). We suffer because we cling to things (possessions, status, even life itself) that are fundamentally impermanent (Anicca).

Step 3: The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering

Where are we going? (The Prognosis)

Suffering can cease. The cure for Tanha is Nirvana (extinguishing the flame of desire).

Step 4: The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering

How do we get there? (The Prescription)

The path is the Eightfold Path (The Middle Way). This path involves perfecting three areas:

  1. Wisdom: Right Understanding and Right Thought.
  2. Ethical Conduct: Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood.
  3. Mental Development: Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration (Meditation).
Memory Aid: The 4 Noble Truths

1. Life is a problem (Dukkha).
2. The problem is attachment (Tanha).
3. The problem can stop (Nirvana).
4. The solution is the Eightfold Path.

3. Sikhism: The Path of Union through Service (Seva)

Sikhism is the youngest of the world religions, founded in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is a strictly monotheistic faith (believing in one God) that strongly emphasizes equality, selfless service, and truthful living.

Key Concepts to Master

  • Waheguru: The name for God, meaning "Wondrous Teacher." God is one, genderless, formless (Nirankar), and eternal (Ik Onkar).
  • Guru Granth Sahib: The sacred scripture of the Sikhs, considered the eternal living Guru.
  • Samsara & Karma: Sikhs accept the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) driven by Karma, just like Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Haumai: The central spiritual defect. It means self-centeredness, egoism, or pride. It is the wall of falsehood that separates the individual from Waheguru. (This term is vital for understanding the Sikh view of the human condition.)
  • Mukti: Liberation from Samsara, achieved through merging with Waheguru.
  • Seva: Selfless service. A core ethical practice, essential for overcoming Haumai.

Addressing the Core Questions (Sikhism)

What is the human condition?

The human condition is one of separation from the divine source (Waheguru). This separation is caused by Haumai (ego). Haumai causes us to focus on worldly attachments and the "five vices" (lust, anger, greed, attachment, and pride), which keeps us trapped in Samsara.

Did you know? The syllabus specifically asks students to understand Haumai. Remember it as the root cause of the problem in Sikhism!

Where are we going? (Destination)

The ultimate destination is Mukti (liberation), which is achieving spiritual union with Waheguru. This state is often described as Sach Khand (the realm of truth) or merger with the divine light.

How do we get there? (Path)

The path involves three core principles:

  1. Naam Simran: Remembrance of God's name through meditation and contemplation (connecting the mind to Waheguru).
  2. Kirat Karō: Earning an honest living through hard work.
  3. Vand Chakkō: Sharing one's earnings and resources with the needy (practicing selfless service or Seva).

Sikhism emphasizes that liberation is achieved while living a disciplined, householder life, actively engaging in the world through ethical action (Seva).

Quick Review: Sikhism

Problem: Separation from Waheguru due to Haumai (ego).
Goal: Mukti (union with Waheguru).
Method: Seva, honest labor, and Naam Simran.

Comparative Summary: The Three Core Questions

To succeed in this unit, you must be able to compare and contrast the answers these three traditions give to the fundamental questions.

What is the Human Condition? (The Problem)

  • Hinduism: Ignorance (avidya) that binds the soul (Atman) to Karma and Samsara.
  • Buddhism: Suffering (Dukkha) caused by attachment/craving (Tanha).
  • Sikhism: Separation from God due to ego or self-centeredness (Haumai).

Where are we going? (The Destination)

  • Hinduism: Moksha (liberation, union with Brahman).
  • Buddhism: Nirvana (extinction of craving, state beyond suffering).
  • Sikhism: Mukti (union with Waheguru).

How do we get there? (The Path)

  • Hinduism: Following Dharma and the various Yogas (Action, Devotion, Knowledge).
  • Buddhism: Following the Middle Way/Eightfold Path (Wisdom, Ethics, Meditation).
  • Sikhism: Devotion, honest work, and selfless service (Seva).

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—the key is identifying the specific term each religion uses for the problem (Ignorance/Tanha/Haumai) and the specific term for the solution (Moksha/Nirvana/Mukti). You got this!