Assignment

Question 1:

In your book, you will see the three main gods outlined: Vishnu (sustainer), Shiva(destroyer), and Brahma (creator).

Choose any TWO of the specific gods or goddesses you read about this lesson and describe them in detail (include the imagery, myths, symbolism and characteristics). What are your thoughts and reflections on each of these deities and how they relate to the beliefs of Hinduism? Very importantly, make sure to specifically address any videos you viewed and/or listened to in the lessons that pertain to these particular deities, giving your specific feedback and reflection.

Question 2:

Post your answer to ONE of the questions below.

• Describe a several of the images from your lessons on Puja and how they related to various elements of puja you read about. Further, discuss what you read in the article on Modern Arranged Marriages at the CNN website and reflect on what you learned about Hindu marriage overall. (Make sure to include your reflection on the specific marriage video links in the lesson).

• Or, choose one specific element of puja, one sacred site, one ritual, and one holiday covered in the online lessons and discuss each one in detail. Give specifics from what you learned in this unit and detailed, vivid descriptions. If you choose an element that had a video link in the lessons, be sure to describe that as well. Make sure to also give your own reflections on each element you choose as well.

• Or, experience India, puja and sacred space first hand by reading any of these travelogues: Rishikesh Puja, Kicking a Cow and The Ganges and viewing the Online India Photo Album. Give your detailed reflections regarding these and how they relate to what you have learned in your text and online lessons. Do not be vague - be thorough in your own words.

Question 3

Choose ONE of the following options and answer in detail:

1) In your own words, describe several key characteristics/elements of religion from Chapter One.
2) Compare Freud, James, Otto, and Jung's perspectives on why we have religion.
3) Describe the Divine Feminine (the Multiple Images of the Female) from Chapter One (NOT Hinduism).
4) Discuss issues of Religion and Oppression from your first Chapter. Why is Religion often associated with such violence?
5) Explain several thoughtful reasons for studying different religions other than your own.

Question 4

Describe the main themes, storylines and characters (including Gods) in both the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana. Give specific, vivid details to each of these sacred scriptures and your own reflections on the symbolism and meaning to Hindus.

OR

Explain how can Hinduism be described as Polytheistic, Monotheistic, and Monistic all at the same time. Then, choose any two Hindu Gods and describe several of their physical characteristics, stories, mythologies, and personalities.

Question 5

Choose ONE of the following Hindu questions:

1) Describe Varanasi as a sacred pilgrimage site. Why is it so meaningful to Hindus? Describe the specific elements, physical characteristics and stories of Varanasi and the sacred Ganges River. Make sure to include descriptions of the ghats, devotees and Ganges.

OR

2) Explain in detail the three Rituals you studied - Upanayana (Sacred Thread), Marriage and Funerals. Describe each ritual, its ceremony, meaning, symbolism and elements with vivid detail.

Question 6

Choose ONE Essay and answer with THOROUGH DETAIL. Do NOT just list, but write a solid essay with description, specific examples and analysis. Ground your answers in what you've learned in your online lessons, text and your own reflections. Really make this portion count!

1) Describe Puja and some of its main components (ex: darshan, kirtan, prasad, etc.). Also describe the festivals of Holi and Diwali as community puja and their main elements, stories and ritual. Make sure you are also able to identify several images from your online lessons.
OR

2) Describe Hindu Dharma. What are the three main factors that influence one s dharma? Describe each of these in detail. Do NOT just list, but write in essay form. What is the tension, if any, between dharma and moksha?