RELG 270 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Tridevi, Dharma, Theism

• School: McGill University
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: RELG 270
• Professor: Eliza Rosenburg

Document Summary

A very diverse tradition, with both convergence and divergence. Many written traditions, including narrative, philosophical, poetic, ethical. Brahman is the supreme reality, but higher beings also exist. Dharmic or indic monotheism- a unity of divinity, where god includes gods . Sustains the universe in its cycles of existence. Incarnates in avataras when the world is in great danger to prevent premature collapse. In due times, destroys the universe so that its cycle of existence can continue. Associated with dance, ecstasy, natural death and destruction. Goddesses who are consorts are part of tridevi and brahman. Reincarnation- the soul is reborn into a new form determined by karma. Karma is the accumulated (de)merit of past actions, attitudes and habits. Dharma is the duty or proper path for reincarnation. Kindness is a core practice, ahimsa means non-harm . All beings can follow their dharma (ex: a flower growing) The cycle of reincarnation, ignorance and suffering is called samsara.