Proposal parts:

1. What do you know about your subject already?

2. Why did you choose this subject over others? Why does it interest you?
3. List the most important questions you want to find answers to. These
will be your primary inquiry questions as you begin your research.
4. Where do you think you will find answers you seek? Possibilities are:
-

Articles from academic journals or web sites, scholarly

research or studies

Government documents for data/surveys, etc.

Blogs, op-ed pieces, popular literature, social media

Individuals who might be good subjects for interview

5. If the results of your initial research are so numerous you need to

narrow your subject, what will you narrow it to?
6. If your preliminary research turns up very little information, in what
way will you broaden your subject to open up more research findings
Class Discussion

- I am looking to understand and comprehend the culture of hinduism and

their perspective on life

- how open ended their religion is in comparison to other religions that

are very rule driven

- bhavgad gita - about hinduism

- festivals for the region; Holi
- how the outside world external influences
- how we know nothing about it here in America/Canada; lack of it in
mainstream culture here

- time period today versus past

- the worlds third largest religion - 900 million

1. What I know:

- Hinduism is the most prominent religion in India

- Brahman is their God, their one absolute and he is the life force of the
universe

- Have many gods and goddesses to represent Brahman

- They try to reach nirvana throughout their lifetime by achieving good
karma
2. I chose this subject over others because I want to understand the
history and cultural background behind the religion of Hinduism. I am
interested in understanding why it came about and why so many
people are dedicated to its teachings.
3. - When and how did Hinduism come about/begin/take form?

- Why does Hinduism have so many gods?

- What is the Hindu form of reincarnation?
In Christianity we have heaven, what is their equivalent?

- What is karma, why are they looking to build up their karma

- Why is the cow sacred?
Vegetarianism

- Do Hindus worship an idol?

- What is the significance of yoga/cremation to their religion?

Hinduism Rough Proposal

What I know:
In high school I had the opportunity to take a course based on the religions of the world. One
religion that was covered was Hinduism, and despite the fact that I have been a practicing Christian my
whole life, something drew me towards it and peaked my interest. Some things that I learned in this class
were that Hindus worship one life force, or higher being known as Brahman. Brahman is the equivalency
of their god. I learned that though Brahman was their one sole god, he was worshipped in many forms on
earth as both gods and goddesses. These representations were not held to one embodiment but rather an
infinite number, with stories and tales of their becomings as numerous as what they were physically
represented by. I am aware that Hinduism is the most prominent religion in India and worldwide there are
around 900 million followers, making it the third largest religion.
- expand on world religions class for more personal view (possibly move into why I chose this subject)
Why I chose this subject:
I chose this subject because it was something I do not particularly understand or agree with. I am
constantly seeking out opportunities to learn about others peoples views on the world and their idea of
life. I enjoy immersing myself in others culture, I feel like it allows you to find a deeper perspective on
your life and the things that you believe in. I feel that Hinduism has such a rich history behind it flowing
from all the people before it. I was drawn to the stories behind the becoming of each of their gods and
goddesses as well. I want to be able to understand.
- like the idea of expanding my spiritual views, and views on the purpose of life
- want to strengthen my relationship with God through understanding and respecting the views of other
- I have always had a fixation with Indian cultures, and the beauty that comes from it
Questions:
When and how did Hinduism come about/begin/take form?
Why does Hinduism have so many forms to represent Brahman?
What is the Hindu form of reincarnation?
What is the significance of karma?
Why is the cow viewed as sacred?
Why do Hindus cremate the dead?
Where I will find my answers:
I will find my answers through online research and through research done at the library for books on the
Hindu culture. As advised by one of my classmates I want to read parts of the bhavgad gita, for a greater
perspective from an actual Hindu source. It would be interesting to be able to interview someone who is a
practicing Hindu within America (or Canada) to learn about a perspective that recognizes the disconnect
that exists between the common population and their knowledge on other religions such as Hinduism. It
would be eye opening as well as very revealing if I could participate in some sort of Hindu ceremony or
religious meeting if the opportunity arises.
Preliminary research:

If my initial research becomes far too broad, I think I can narrow my subject to the lack of
understanding of hinduism in modern society; in North America in particular.
If my initial research becomes too narrow, I can broaden my subject by speaking about multiple
religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.