Hindu Mythology
UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL,
HOWARD COLLEGE
School of Classical Civilizations
Student Number: 208504832
Student Name: Nahishta Singh
Course name: Classical Civilizations 201 Mythology
Assignment: 1
Question: Describe the creation myth of any traditional ethnicity or culture of your choice, ancient or modern. How, according to this culture, did the world begin & how did humans originate?
Sign: _________________________
Cosmic myths are concerned with the world and how it is ordered. They seek to explain the origin of the world, universal catastrophes and natural disasters such as fire or floods, as well as the afterlife. Nearly all mythologies have stories about creation. This type of story is technically known as cosmogony, meaning “birth of the world.” (T Lansford, 2006) These Creation stories also include myths of how human beings first came into existence and how death and suffering entered human experience. In my assignment, I have chosen to describe the creation myth of Hinduism as I am a Hindu myself. I shall begin by creating a clear understanding of Hinduism thereafter proceeding on to discuss the various creation myths of this culture as well as its many religious beliefs. Finally, I will conclude my essay.
Hinduism is currently followed by one fifth of humankind. (A Michaels, 2004: 12) It is a religious tradition of Indian origin, embracing the beliefs and practices of Hindus. Hinduism is a religion of diverse gods and goddesses. It comprises elaborate ritual and a striking tolerance for diversity, or the possibility of different spiritual paths for many different people and at different times in their lives. (P.F Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Our Hindu festivals tend to be vibrant and lively, and are celebrated with much devotion and purity.
Contrary to Judaism, Islam and Christianity each of which
HOWARD COLLEGE
School of Classical Civilizations
Student Number: 208504832
Student Name: Nahishta Singh
Course name: Classical Civilizations 201 Mythology
Assignment: 1
Question: Describe the creation myth of any traditional ethnicity or culture of your choice, ancient or modern. How, according to this culture, did the world begin & how did humans originate?
Sign: _________________________
Cosmic myths are concerned with the world and how it is ordered. They seek to explain the origin of the world, universal catastrophes and natural disasters such as fire or floods, as well as the afterlife. Nearly all mythologies have stories about creation. This type of story is technically known as cosmogony, meaning “birth of the world.” (T Lansford, 2006) These Creation stories also include myths of how human beings first came into existence and how death and suffering entered human experience. In my assignment, I have chosen to describe the creation myth of Hinduism as I am a Hindu myself. I shall begin by creating a clear understanding of Hinduism thereafter proceeding on to discuss the various creation myths of this culture as well as its many religious beliefs. Finally, I will conclude my essay.
Hinduism is currently followed by one fifth of humankind. (A Michaels, 2004: 12) It is a religious tradition of Indian origin, embracing the beliefs and practices of Hindus. Hinduism is a religion of diverse gods and goddesses. It comprises elaborate ritual and a striking tolerance for diversity, or the possibility of different spiritual paths for many different people and at different times in their lives. (P.F Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Our Hindu festivals tend to be vibrant and lively, and are celebrated with much devotion and purity.
Contrary to Judaism, Islam and Christianity each of which
Bibliography: • Beck, G., “Om.” Microsoft® Encarta®, Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006. • Dallapiccola, A.L, “Hindu Myths.” University of Texas Press, 2003. ISBN 0292702337, 9780292702332. • Doniger, W., “Bhagavad-Gita.” Microsoft® Encarta® 2007, Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006. • Leerning, D.A., “A Dictionary of Asian Mythology.” Oxford University Press, 2001. • Lurquin, P.F. & Stone, L., “Evolution and Religious Creation myths: How scientists respond.” Oxford University Press US, 2007. • Michaels, A., “Hinduism ' Past and Present.” Princeton University Press, Oxfordshire, 2004. • Powell, B.B., “A short Introduction to Classical Myth.” Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey, 2002. • “Mythology.” Microsoft® Encarta®, online encyclopedia 2008. Available at: http://uk.encarta.man.com © 1997 ' 2008, Microsoft Corporation.