Education in Values and Spirituality :: Perspectives of the Major Religions

Module 3 - Perspectives of the Major Religions in India

Questions about consciousness and the Divine have occupied human minds for the past 25 centuries. The religious responses are sometimes imprecise and occasionally self-contradictory. Module 3 explores the history of these concepts as they are described in both non-theistic and theistic religious traditions. We look at Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism and illustrate the commonalities and differences in their teachings about the self and the higher or cosmic power.

Module 3 has two units. They provide an overview of the significant concepts of consciousness, the Divine and the nature and meaning of the universe in the major religions practised in India. All religions promote spiritual and human values.

Unit 1 describes Hinduism, the oldest and most complex system of belief which arose in India as a way of life and a system of religious law. The unit describes concepts such as karma, dharma, atman, brahman and briefly refers to the Vedic literature. In Hinduism God is conceived as an all pervading omnipresent force as well as the Supreme Being, which corresponds to the Christian concept of God as both immanent and transcendent. This unit also examines Durga as an example of an important Hindu goddess or Shiva Shakti, the feminine embodiment of the powers, wisdom and qualities of Shiva, the incorporeal Supreme Being.

The history and concepts of Jainism and Buddhism are described briefly. Both religions developed at about the same time and have similar beliefs and practices. Both came into being as a reaction to some aspects of Brahmanism. Both have a strong focus on non-violence and the laws of karma. Neither religion considers God or the soul as permanent individual entities, but state that life is a constantly changing continuum. Spiritual effort is to reach beyond earthly existence through good karma and attain the permanent bliss of Nirvana.

Unit 2 examines Christianity, Islam and Sikhism which are monotheistic religions. Christians are Christ-centred and believe in God as the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Christ is the second figure of the Trinity and is thus God incarnate. The early Christians and the Roman Catholics also give great importance to the Virgin Mary as Co-redeemer and the feminine divine power. Her worship is linked to the perception of her as the bestower of love, compassion and healing. Love, compassion, forgiveness and mercy are among the most cherished Christian values.

Islam is the religion of the Muslims. Mohammed is the messenger of God whose words are contained in the Qu’ran. The five pillars of Islam include prayer five times a day, charity, fasting and pilgrimage to Mecca. The religion is focussed upon Allah and strictly forbids any images. Islamic religious art favours calligraphy and often depicts the beauty of flowers and fruits.

Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak in the 15th Century. It combines certain elements of Hinduism and Islam. The scripture, Adi Granth, became the focus of attention after the tenth Guru (1675-1708). The Adi Granth is placed upon an altar and read daily with veneration in Sikh gurudwaras. The important values of Sikhism are compassion, tolerance and contentment.