Hinduism, Part 4
Question 1: Describe the shraddha rites of Hinduism.
Answer 1: Shraddha is a Sanskrit word meaning anything done in full sincere faith. The shraddha rites are rituals of remembrance of ancestral spirits. During the ritual, individuals offer food and often money to their ancestors as an act of both remembrance and thankfulness for their assistance. These offerings are thought to keep the ancestral spirits alive in the universe. Pinda, or rice balls, are the typical offering. They are offered to parents and those who have not died at home, and are performed on the anniversary of the death. They must be performed by male descendents; therefore, if one does not produce sons, one’s spirit will cease to exist in the afterlife.
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Question 2: Describe the role of women as defined by the Law of Manu.
Answer 2: Until the Law of Manu, women in Vedic society enjoyed relative freedom. The Law of Manu, however, codified a set of rules for appropriate female behavior. According to the Law of Manu, women are to remain wholly dependent on the men closest to them for their entire lives. First, they depend on their fathers, then their husbands, and later, if they are widowed, their sons. All important decisions are to be made for their benefit by these men. Women’s sphere of influence is wholly domestic.The total role of women is to serve the men in their lives, indeed to worship them as gods. There is a hierarchy within female society, and lower-ranking women must defer to higher-ranking ones.Women, however, are considered objects of worship, representing goodness and beauty.
Question 3: Describe the great five daily sacrifices of Hinduism.
Answer 3: The five great daily sacrifices of Hinduism are designed to help humans increase their awareness of their relationships with the entire universe.They are:Brahma Yajna—sacrifice to Brahman. Hindus should study the scriptures and share their spiritual knowledge with others.Deva Yajna—sacrifice to the celestials. Hindus should offer sacrifices to the deities.Pitri Yajna—sacrifice to the manes. Hindus should make offerings to ancestors.Bhuta Yajna—sacrifice to the creatures. Hindus should feed animals.Manushya Yajna—sacrifice to men. Hindus should feed the poor and otherwise serve suffering people.
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