HP101 - Introduction
to Hinduism, the Vedas and Vedic Deities, and Major Gods of the Sanatana Dharma
Meet the major Deities of the world's oldest organized Pagan religion - Hinduism!
In this course you will become familiar with the structure of the basic religious development of Hindu spirituality, as well
as discover the scriptural sources of each of the God/desses: from the earliest, elemental Deities of the Vedas, to the more
familiar Gods of the Epics and Puranas. Some of the Deities to be studied over the course of this 2-part class (HP101 and
HP102) are Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Kali, Durga, Parvati, Krishna and many others. Devotional music related to each
lesson is also provided to further enhance the immersive experience. At the conclusion of the courses, material will
be presented on mantras and instructions for their use, as well as an overview of the Hindu system of ritual worship, and
info on what it takes to become a devotee, so that the student can familiarize themselves directly with the Divine energies
of the God/desses if they so choose.
Sanskrit terminology is kept to a minimum, with only the terms necessary for
lesson-related material, &/or basic contextual education included. By the end of this course, the student will be well-versed
in the spiritual and magickal attributes, major myths, and iconographies associated with the most prominent Gods in the Hindu
pantheon, as well as have a firm understanding of the Hindu religious tradition in general! As mentioned above, an outline
of Hindu ritual worship, puja will also be provided so that the students will have a traditional starting point should they
choose to include the Hindu Deities in their personal devotional practice.
NOTE: This class is part 1 of a 2-part course. Completion of the following
companion course, HP102 - The Major Goddesses of the Sanatana Dharma, and Intro to Hindu Worship is required to successfully
receive credit for this course. This course is the pre-requisite to HP102, as the material does build on itself.
Enrolment Duration: 4 months (125 days)
Course Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Course Requirements:
- 4-8
hours / lesson (52-104 hrs total)
- weekly short to medium
length essays are required.
- student must have computer with audio capabilities (Real Audio,
mp3's, etc - having pop-ups enabled will allow files to play automatically)
Course Outline:
Lesson 1: Introductory Material on Hinduism and Mantra Meditation
This lesson will introduce the student to some of the basic terminology and ideals
that will be necessary for placing the following material in to a spiritual and cultural context. Topics include, "The Role
of the Devotional Image in Hinduism", Karma, Reincarnation, Mantras, and overviews of the various scriptural sources that
will be examined over this and the companion HP102 class.
Lesson 2: The Vedas and the Vedic Deities
The student will be asked to read 2 academic introductions and overviews of the
earliest recorded Hindu scriptures, the Vedas. The lesson will include iconographical material of the more prominent Vedic
deities.
Lesson 3: Vedic-Puranic Deities: Shiva
This lesson introduces one of the most dominant gods in the Hindu tradition,
Shiva. Various articles will explore the many aspects and representations of this imposing and inspiring deity. Iconographic
forms such as the abstract lingam, the cosmic dancer Nataraja, the yogic Shankar, and the destroyer of the Hindu trinity will
be presented.
Lesson 4: Puranic Deities - Ganesha
This much beloved and universally worshipped elephant-headed son of Shiva will
be explored in full. Material discussing his major symbolism, role in the Hindu tradition, and personification of OM will be presented.
Lesson 5: Puranic Deities - Murugan / Skanda / Kartikeya
The other son of Shiva, Skanda, highly favoured in South India, is introduced this lesson. This elegant
and youthful god of war will be explored in His various aspects, such as mischief-maker, and quick-acting hero.
Lesson 6: Context Theology: Shaivism
After meeting the major figures in one of the largest sects of Hinduism, an overview
of the religious tradition that worships Them is presented. The conservative and academic sadhus, to the fearsome and convention-breaking
Pashupati ascetics will all be introduced along with material presenting aspects of their faith.
Lesson 7: Puranic Deities - Vishnu
The preserver of the Hindu trinity is introduced, along with the concept of His
avatars. Icons displaying the most common depictions of Vishnu will be presented along with articles delving into His spiritual
significance.
Lesson 8: Deities of the Puranic Epics - Ramayana: Lord
Rama
This lesson introduces the Ramayana, one of the two great Hindu epics that form
the base of much Vaisnava worship. The student will be provided with an abridged version of the epic to read, along with material
discussing the role of the epic's Divine Hero, Lord Rama, in Hindu religious life.
Lesson 9: Deities of the Puranic Epics - Ramayana: Sri
Hanuman
Another key character from the Ramayana - the Monkey King and Ideal Devotee,
Hanuman - is introduced, and articles tracing His expanded mythology and spiritual significance are presented as well.
Lesson 10: Deities of the Puranic Epics - The Mahabharata:
Krishna
This class brings the other great epic, the Mahabharata, to the student again
in an abridged format. The Bhagavad-Gita is discussed at length, with both an abridged and full copy of this seminal spiritual
classic provided. Krishna, the central character in the Gita, is introduced through the text.
Lesson 11: Puranic Deities - Krishna
& Balarama of the Krishna Cult
Expanding the exploration of the pervasive and wide-spread cult of Krishna, the various forms of
the deity - mischievous baby, adventurous young child, and a sensual young adult - are presented with articles explaining
the development and significance that these have come to hold within Hinduism. Krishna's brother, Balarama, is also introduced.
Lesson 12: Context Theology: Vaisnavism
Another major sect of Hinduism, based around the worship of Vishnu and His avatars,
is explored. This theology and articles presenting aspects of Vaisnava practice, should aid the student in putting all the
knowledge into context.
Lesson 13: Puranic Deities - Brahma
The third and final member of the Hindu trinity - Brahma the Creator - is introduced.
While His position in the Hindu religion is an important one, He also does not have a cult of His own. He plays a background
and supporting role in the other denominations, but does not spear-head one himself. Reasons for this are explored, along
with material discussing His significance to the Hindu Tradition.
Lesson 14: Context Theology of the Trinity: Trimurti & Ishvara,
Advaita & Dvaita
Having met the major deities of Shaivism and Vaisnavism, as well as becoming
familiar with the role of the trinity, the student will now be ready to receive some further theological material discussing
two of the more prominent views in Hinduism. The concept of a personal versus an impersonal God will be presented, as well
as monist versus pluralistic interpretations of deity, will be explored.
Lesson 15: Final Examination Projects
The student is asked to write several short essays demonstrating their cumulative
knowledge in the material presented thus far.
HP102: The Major Goddesses of Hinduism
and Intro to Hindu Ritual Worship
The second half of HP101 explores the mojor Goddesses of the Sanatana Dharma, including Lakshmi, Durga, Parvati,
Saraswati, Radha, Tulasi Devi, Sita, Kali, The Ten Mahavidyas, and other goddesses of interest, with relevant context theology
on Shaktism. The student will also be given an introduction to Hindu ritual and worship in order to place all the knowledge
gained over the past 2 courses into perspective. Devotional music related to each lesson is also provided to further enhance
the immersive experience.
Course Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Enrolment Duration: 4 months (125 Days)
Course Requirements:
- 4-8 hours / lesson (52-104 hrs total)
- Students are expected to write short-essays of varying length after each lesson
- Students must have computer with audio capabilities (Real Audio,
mp3's, etc - having pop-ups enabled will allow files to play automatically)
REQUIRED TEXT:
Course Outline
Lesson 1: HP101 Review
The student is coaxed back into the routine of class by being presented with a mixed bag of articles related to aspects
of Hinduism that were introduced in HP101, providing deeper insight and further contextual content.
Lesson 2: Saraswati
The Goddess of Knowledge and Spirituality is introduced, along with the symbolism, major myths, and a wide array of
iconic depictions. Information pertaining to Saraswati as one of the oldest goddesses, and also one of the most widely
worshipped due to the far-reaching nature of Her powers is presented.
Lesson 3: Lakshmi
Another of the universally honored goddesses, Lakshmi, Goddess of Fortune and Wealth is introduced. Her divine relationships,
symbolism, some major myths, and extensive display of Her iconography is presented for the student.
Lesson 4: Durga
The goddess central to most Shakta worship is introduced, along with explanations surrounder Her many forms and relationship
to other related goddesses, such as Parvati and Kali. The major mythology and iconography is presented, with scriptural readings
to contextualize Durga's significance.
Lesson 5: Kali
The most infamous goddess of Hinduism and other central figure in Shakta worship, Kali, is introduced with extensive exploratory
information regarding Her misunderstood iconography, role in myth, and symbolic spiritual significance.
Lesson 6: 10 Wisdom Goddesses of Shakta Tantra
Considered to be aspects of Parvati, these 10 goddesses are the key figures in Shakta Tantric thought and practice. Although
delving to deeply into workings of Tantra is beyond the scope of this introductory class, the importance of these figures
to certain major denominations of Shaktism make at least a brief overview of their role and function important.
Lesson 7: Context Theology - Shakti and Shaktism
Tying all the material from the lessons thus far together is the concept of Shakti - the dynamic feminine power of manifestation,
and the religious sect devoted to the Goddess as the supreme expression of the Divine. This lesson will attempt to enlighten
the student on the major concepts inherant to Shakti and the Shakta religion.
Lesson 8: Parvati (Uma/Sati)
The saga of Parvati and Shiva is introduced, and the multiple incarnations of this Goddess destined to be the partner of
Shiva is presented. The symbolism, iconography, major myths, and spiritual function of Parvati are all explored.
Lesson 9: Sita
The female lead of the epic Ramayana is given proper exploration and articles that examine her role in Hindu culture from
various perspectives are presented to try to give the most holistic view of this divine woman, who has become the ideal for
all Hindu wives to aspire to.
Lesson 10: Goddesses of the Krishna Cult - Radha, Subhadra, Tulsi Devi
The major women of the Vaisnava sects are introduced - from Krishna's consort Radha, His sister and wife of Arjuna Subhadra, to
the ever intriguing Tulsi Devi. Common interpritations of the major myths are presented along with lesser known versions of
the popular tales for a more complete view of these divine women.
Lesson 11: Other Goddesses of Interest
Several Goddesses that figure largely in Hindu myth from various regions are introduced - the universally vital Ganga,
the Great Goddess of South India, and the serpent Goddess of North India - along with goddesses that will most likely find
a place in the heart of modern seekers - a grain and harvest manifestation of Durga relevant to Western IndoPagans, a
female form of the lovable Ganesha, and a painfully ancient Goddess that recalls other faceless and infinite goddesses such
as the Willendorf and the Nile.
Lesson 12: Introduction to Hindu Ritual Worship
The most universal elements of Hindu ritual and worship are presented to provide final and practical contexts to the religious
pratice of the Hindus. Several articles outlining how those attracted to Hinduism can begin incorporting elements of the religion
into their personal spirituality are also presented.
Final Exam
Using the same format as the exam in HP101 the student will be asked to examine and analyze various icons, real-life pictures,
and devotional material, drawing on their knowledge gained in the course of both classes.
