This research was stimulated by pastoral concerns regarding the high rate of suicide in the South African Hindu community. On the one hand it was found that traumatized individuals contemplating suicide were woefully ill-equipped with helpful religious guidelines and on the other it is known that the primary and authoritative scriptures of Hinduism possess a wealth of information that can promote healing. This work uses the Taittiriya Upanishad (3.10.5) to address this challenge. The early Vedic writings are not systematized nor are they fully explicable except through commentaries. This research surveys the early Vedic and Upanisadic Writings in order to show the literary, social and philosophical conditions under which the texts were produced. The Taittiriya Upanisad is the culminating part of several strands of thought that emerged from the earlier Taittiriya School. In order to interpret the text of this Upanisad it was necessary to link its key concepts with other Upanisads of this period. Further interpretations emerged from later Upanisads. These texts were viewed in the light of several commentators - Shaukara (medieval period), and Vivekananda, Aurobindo and Radhakrishuan of the Neo-Vedanta movements. In the early Vedic period the soul is a metaphysical entity. Upon death it is judged and in accordance with its good or bad actions, heavenly rewards or the punishments of hell are meted out to it. Heaven and hell are final eschatological goals for the soul in the Vedic period. In the later Vedic or Upanisadic period it is found that heaven and hell are temporary eschatological goals. The ultimate goal becomes Liberation which implies the cessation of duality and the realization of non-duality. Correspondingly the Taittiriya Upauisad defines the soul in a manner in which its components have the potential to achieve this later goal. Here the soul is a formulation of five sheaths: body, vital energy, mind, intellect and bliss with an immortal consciousness as its focus. Functioning under the effects of ignorance each sheath binds the soul to suffering and rebiiths either on earth or on other planes (heaven or hell). However, each sheath also possesses an intrinsic capacity to liberate the soul from suffering. Tills work explores these negative and positive capabilities of the sheaths and points out the path by which the soul's divine potential may be realized. The ultimate healing or liberation occurs when the 'focus-consciousness' of the soul is intuitively realized. This consciousness is one with the universal consciousness. This achievement produces the 'liberated soul' who experiences ecstasy at this knowledge of oneness. This research also points out that the Neo-Vedanta movements, unlike their medieval counterparts, have a life-affirming and positive social attitude that seeks to draw from ancient texts for the purposes of healing and social upliftment.

We are all going to die. Despite how the human lives, the path to death has different patterns. For hinduism a vital ritual for a good death is to be cremated, especially in the holy city Varanasi. Therefore this essay has studied how Hindus in diaspora, Sweden, want to be cremated and what their wishes from funeral homes and crematoriums are. The research questions that this study aims to answer are: How do funeral homes in Sweden adapt to Hindus' wishes for funeral ceremonies? How do cremation staff adapt the funeral rite of cremation for Hindus in Sweden? How does the Swedish Hindu diaspora’s funeral ceremony and cremation differ from the traditional way in Varanasi?The method used for this study was a mix between qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative method for this essay is used for the qualitative analysis of the data that the study has received. The quantitative method was used for the e-mail survey that was sent out to the informants, but also for the coding that the study made. The results presented were related to previous research and theories about phenomenology, diaspora and death studies.The study shows that the most important thing the funeral homes and crematoriums do is to accelerate the funeral rites and cremation. The individual significance from the funeral home is also to transport the dead to different places, a rite the Hindus in Varanasi do by themselves. For the crematoriums, one of the most important things is to let the oldest son or an other family member start the cremation.

Advances in technology and medicine have greatly impacted on religious thought and have contributed to a large extent in bringing to the fore questions regarding euthanasia, suicide and abortion. This has raised a plethora of questions regarding actions and consequent ethical choices. What impact this has had on the Durban Hindu regarding the interpretation and re-interpretation of scripture to accommodate euthanasia, suicide and abortion is examined in the background of karma and dharma. A cross-section of Durban Hindus consisting of lawyers, doctors, academics, schoolteachers, Hindu scholars, priests and housewives were interviewed. Their views on karma and dharma, to what extent these concepts underlie their thinking with respect to euthanasia, suicide and abortion and what influence classical views based on Hindu scripture as well as Western thinking have had on the contemporary Hindus of the Durban area, are examined. Consequently, karma and dharma are viewed from a hermeneutical perspective and examined in the light of the phenomenological approach. The key hermeneutical concepts of karma and dharma have been modified and re-interpreted to accommodate changing circumstances. The views expressed range from the extremely liberal to the ultra conservative. Although the subjects were not all familiar with Hindu scripture, the views expressed were similar to scripture. Many Hindus therefore are reasoning on traditional lines, although the basis of their reasoning has shifted from scripture. Ethics and morality are not the only underlying principles affecting the euthanasia, suicide and abortion debate: financial and social considerations are also important. Although euthanasia and abortion are strongly condemned by the conservative Hindu they are accepted on medical, social and utilitarian grounds. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)

Advances in technology and medicine have greatly impacted on religious thought and have contributed to a large extent in bringing to the fore questions regarding euthanasia, suicide and abortion. This has raised a plethora of questions regarding actions and consequent ethical choices. What impact this has had on the Durban Hindu regarding the interpretation and re-interpretation of scripture to accommodate euthanasia, suicide and abortion is examined in the background of karma and dharma. A cross-section of Durban Hindus consisting of lawyers, doctors, academics, schoolteachers, Hindu scholars, priests and housewives were interviewed. Their views on karma and dharma, to what extent these concepts underlie their thinking with respect to euthanasia, suicide and abortion and what influence classical views based on Hindu scripture as well as Western thinking have had on the contemporary Hindus of the Durban area, are examined. Consequently, karma and dharma are viewed from a hermeneutical perspective and examined in the light of the phenomenological approach. The key hermeneutical concepts of karma and dharma have been modified and re-interpreted to accommodate changing circumstances. The views expressed range from the extremely liberal to the ultra conservative. Although the subjects were not all familiar with Hindu scripture, the views expressed were similar to scripture. Many Hindus therefore are reasoning on traditional lines, although the basis of their reasoning has shifted from scripture. Ethics and morality are not the only underlying principles affecting the euthanasia, suicide and abortion debate: financial and social considerations are also important. Although euthanasia and abortion are strongly condemned by the conservative Hindu they are accepted on medical, social and utilitarian grounds. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D. Litt. et Phil. (Religious Studies)

The purpose of the study was to draw parallels between the Hindu religious teachings and environmental sustainability. A literature review on Hindu teachings on the environment as well as the practical application thereof as experienced or practiced by religious leaders and devotees were conducted. This was similar to the study that was conducted at the Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple near Watford in England at a Janmashtami festival in 2007 (Chauhan et al., 2009).The intention of the 2007 campaign was to raise spiritual self-consciousness by linking the concept of karma to environmental degradation, i.e. the concept of every action has a reaction. It also prompted the devotees to realise that there were practical steps that could be taken to alleviate the environmental crises by reducing one‟s ecological footprint. Literature on similar themes and hypotheses were referenced in the mini-dissertation, exposing the double-edged sword practices of Hinduism, where some religious practices have a harmful impact on the environment, which is contradictory to the teachings themselves. A survey was conducted at the Benoni Temple in Eastern Gauteng in South Africa where there is a strong Hindu community. The study was specifically aimed at two target audiences: Hindu religious leaders and Hindu devotees. The purpose was to establish both the religious leaders‟ and devotees‟ viewpoints regarding the correlation between Hindu religious teachings and lifestyles. The outcome was synonymous that there is a need for better communication and more environmental awareness from the Hindu religious teachings. Limitations of the study: Bearing in mind the vastness of the topic the study has been limited to Hinduism for the Masters in Environmental Management qualification and lays the foundation for expansion of further studies. The purpose of the study was not to denounce any religion, nor is it to promote one religion over the other, but rather to evaluate objectively both the positive and negative influences Hinduism has on the environment. / M Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The purpose of the study was to draw parallels between the Hindu religious teachings and environmental sustainability. A literature review on Hindu teachings on the environment as well as the practical application thereof as experienced or practiced by religious leaders and devotees were conducted. This was similar to the study that was conducted at the Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple near Watford in England at a Janmashtami festival in 2007 (Chauhan et al., 2009).The intention of the 2007 campaign was to raise spiritual self-consciousness by linking the concept of karma to environmental degradation, i.e. the concept of every action has a reaction. It also prompted the devotees to realise that there were practical steps that could be taken to alleviate the environmental crises by reducing one‟s ecological footprint. Literature on similar themes and hypotheses were referenced in the mini-dissertation, exposing the double-edged sword practices of Hinduism, where some religious practices have a harmful impact on the environment, which is contradictory to the teachings themselves. A survey was conducted at the Benoni Temple in Eastern Gauteng in South Africa where there is a strong Hindu community. The study was specifically aimed at two target audiences: Hindu religious leaders and Hindu devotees. The purpose was to establish both the religious leaders‟ and devotees‟ viewpoints regarding the correlation between Hindu religious teachings and lifestyles. The outcome was synonymous that there is a need for better communication and more environmental awareness from the Hindu religious teachings. Limitations of the study: Bearing in mind the vastness of the topic the study has been limited to Hinduism for the Masters in Environmental Management qualification and lays the foundation for expansion of further studies. The purpose of the study was not to denounce any religion, nor is it to promote one religion over the other, but rather to evaluate objectively both the positive and negative influences Hinduism has on the environment. / M Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This study attempts to show that an appeal to the 'perspective of the witness' is essential to better understand the way Sankara makes sense of the richly diverse Vedanta material. It goes beyond the general understanding that Sankara 'conveniently' arranges such material into the categories of the conventional and the absolute placing texts speaking of the Absolute (Brahman) with properties in the conventional/relative category. It suggests that the fundamental properties associated with a theistic conceptualisation of the Absolute, which all authoritative texts attest to, need not be seen as dogmatic tenets that Sankara has to contend with while expounding his non-dual system of thought. Instead, it argues that they should be regarded as meaningful devices that have for their sole purpose to lead the spiritual seeker to the realization of the absolute unity of being, a result that the Advaita tradition holds as the highest goal of life. Three key conceptions of Brahman are explored: Brahman as the cause of the world, as an entity who is gracious towards his devotees, and as an object of devotion. It is argued that all three can be better understood and appreciated when considered in their proper and larger pedagogical context, whose climax is 'the perspective of the witness.' The first three chapters of this thesis are mainly concerned with epistemological and didactic means that are associated with demonstrating the 'perspective of the witness.' The fourth and fifth chapters evaluate how much help such a standpoint can provide us in our appraisal of these three aspects of the Absolute in the context of Sarikara's writings.

Thesis advisor: Catherine Cornille / The purpose of this dissertation is to retrieve the early Panikkar's christology of religions, especially in "Meditacion sobre Melquisdedec" and Le mystere du culte dans l'hindouisme et le christianisme. As opposed to the later Panikkar's pluralist, cosmotheandric christology, the early Panikkar privileges the primacy of Jesus Christ amidst a wider considersation of the value and significance of the religions. This dissertation will also situate the early Panikkar's christology of religions against the background of Dominus Iesus and recent systemtatic theologians seeking to move beyond pluralist christologies. The early Panikkar's understanding of Incarnation meets their criteria for an inclusivist theology of religions, but also challenges the asymmetricality of their christologies, expanding the possibilities for inter-religious learning and transformation. Specifically, Panikkar's early dialogue with karman and advaita illuminates the meaning of Jesus' sacrificial existence and the Church's eucharistic participation in that existence through comparison, shedding light upon the centrality of liturgical and paschal transformation in the Christian tradition. This christocentric comparative theology will be constrasted with Panikkar's later, syncretistic appropriation of Hinduism, influenced by Abhishiktananda's quest for Hindu-Christian synthesis, and will conclude by calling for a renewal of interest in neglected aspects of Panikkar's vast corpus. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Theology.

Este estudo analisa a presença, apropriação e influência da Índia no período de gênese da filosofia de Schopenhauer (1811-1818). De modo a sustentar tal tese, este trabalho buscou conjurar rigor histórico e filosófico. Os materiais históricos analisados são três obras consultadas pelo filósofo e que foram tomadas de empréstimo nas bibliotecas de Weimar e de Dresden, entre os anos de 1813 a 1816: Asiatisches Magazin (dois volumes), Mythologie des Indous (dois volumes) e Asiatick Researches (os nove primeiros volumes). Nelas estão presentes conceitos indianos importantes para Schopenhauer, por exemplo: Māyā, Brahman, Ātman, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, liṅgaṃ, saṁnyāsins, Buddha, Tat tvam asi, metempsicose, nirvāṇa, dentre outros. Conceitos igualmente presentes nos Manuscritos schopenhauerianos, assim como em sua obra capital, O mundo como vontade e representação, publicada em 1818. O objetivo é demonstrar que a \"Índia schopenhaueriana\" se fez a partir de contribuições para além da obra Oupnek\'hat (Upani?ads). De fato, como se buscou evidenciar, as três obras aqui analisadas foram fundamentais para o entendimento adquirido pelo filósofo acerca do hinduísmo e budismo. / This study analyzes the presence, appropriation and influence of India in the period of genesis of the Schopenhauer\'s philosophy (1811-1818). In order to sustain such a thesis, this work tries to develop a rigorous analyzis, both philosophic and historic. The historical materials analyzed here are three works consulted by the philosopher and borrowed from the libraries of Weimar and Dresden between 1813 and 1816: Asiatisches Magazin (two volumes), Mythologie des Indous (two volumes) and Asiatick Researches (the first nine volumes). In them it can be found important Indian concepts to Schopenhauer, such as Māyā, Brahman, Ātman, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, liṅgaṃ, saṁnyāsins, Buddha, Tat tvam asi, metempsicose, nirvāṇa, among others. Concepts that are present in the Schopenhauerian Manuscripts, as well as in his capital work, The World as Will and Representation, published in 1818. My goal is to demonstrate that the \"Schopenhauerian India\" was built upon contributions that transcendend those he obtained from the Oupnek\'hat (Upani?ads). Indeed, as I will try to prove, these three works on India were fundamental to the understanding acquired by the philosopher about Hinduism and Buddhism.

This dissertation explores the means by which Hindus in the United States theorize and cultivate desires in the midst of the larger project of making Hindu subjectivities for themselves and their children. It suggests that the cultivation of desire—while significant in creating any type of subjectivity anywhere—is a centerpiece of making identities for Hindus in the diaspora. From its very beginnings, in reference to Jews, the language and sentiment of diaspora have always been associated with desires. Specifically, there is the longing for the homeland, which most diasporic communities have cultivated. For many Hindus, the idea of India as a desired ‘homeland’ is also fundamental, but for them, as throughout history, the desires associated with diasporic experiences have been enacted in a range of ways and they have always been about more than simply place. Hindu parents and community members are engaged in the development of other types of desires—moral-spiritual, theological, narrative-historical, “sanctioned” romantic and familial, gastronomic, and material. Many contemporary practices of Hindus in the diaspora—educational, ritual, representational, political, and consumer—revolve around the inculcation and fulfillment of desires, for both children and adults. Desire is a recurrent trope, articulated differently by parents, teachers, community leaders, married couples, students, young adults, devotees, and children. Not only do people express their own desires, but they negotiate, facilitate or hinder the desires, both real and perceived, of others. Through an examination of various Hindu realms and practices, I trace some of the types of Hinduism that are forming in the United States, as well as the affective cultures and desires that seem to animate them. The chapters explore: the development, content and cultures of Hindu supplementary educational programs; new modes of Hindu exhibition as ritual and devotional practices, and as reflections of collective desires about Hindu representation; the role of consumer cultures—particularly the place of ethnic stores and practices of shopping; the rise in forms of Hindu advocacy, particularly with respect to the concomitant desires to control representations of Hinduism and Indian history within educational and other public spheres; the place of Hindu nationalism and the motivations of participants in a variety of Hindu spaces; and the expression of ‘strategic citizenship’ on the part of a Hindu community seeking public recognition and acceptance. My hope is that this work not only sheds light on processes at work within contemporary Hindu communities in the U.S., but helps us to consider larger human questions about the development of religious selves and sensibilities, the shaping of identities, the cultivation of belonging, the negotiation of public and civic spheres, and the politics and poetics of nationalism and self-representation. The ways people locate themselves and are located by others, both consciously and unconsciously, are often artifacts of desire, and it is through desire that various identifications are negotiated.