HINDUISM Chapter 4

The Origins The name Hindu is universally accepted as the word that refers to the indigenous religion of India. Hindu, however, is not of Indian, but Persian origin. Hinduism was not founded by any one person and because of this, it absorbed the ideas and practices that suited its cultural framework as it evolved over thousands of years. Vedas is considered Hinduism’s earliest sacred writings. Intro video:

Beliefs Agni the worship of fire, Hindus believe it is the link between gods and humans. Atman the human soul, often this term would be part of philosophical discussions. Closely related to Vayu, the god of wind or air, the atman is considered to be the “breath” of human life. Hinduism is a dogmatic religion, meaning one is free to worship any set of doctrines or rules, it does not impose religious beliefs on others.

Brahman Brahman is the supreme being in Hinduism. Brahman is an entity or soul of the universe from which all existing things arise and into which they return. This supreme being is divine, invisible, unlimited and indescribable. Brahman is an entity without form and Hindus are free to imagine Him, Her or Them in any way that is meaningful to them, This is a supreme entity, not really a ‘god’

Hindu Deities These are the most prevalent manifestations of Brahman: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who are often depicted together as one concept called the Hindu Trinity.

Hindu Deities Brahma the creator of the universe, he has four faces and is seated on a lotus. He holds a book, a rosary and a gourd, although this god is an important part of the Hindu Trinity, he is not as widely worshiped as Shiva and Vishnu.

Hindu Deities Vishnu is the preserver of the universe and is therefore loving and forgiving. Vishnu has four arms in which he holds a conch shell, a discus, a lotus and a mace. This god has many avatars or incarnations and appears on earth in the form of an animal or human in order to conquer evil and establish righteousness.

Hindu Deities Shiva is the destroyer and restorer of the universe and is associated with creative energy. Shiva is considered a great Yogi or spiritually involved individual. Shiva holds and trident, a rosary and a gourd in their hands.

Hindu Deities Parvati is a mother goddess whom Hindus worship as Shakti, or female energy.

Rebirth and Reincarnation Samsara the endless cycle of rebirth or reincarnation. In Hindu thought, the physical world in which we live is temporary, ever changing and artificial. This temporary effect is referred to as Maya. The goal of Hindus is to achieve moksha or liberation from the endless cycle of rebirths into this world, and to unite the atman (human soul) with the Brahman (universal entity).

Rebirth and Reincarnation Karma is the totality of one’s actions in life, it determines the form the individual will take when he or she is reborn.

Paths to salvation Bhakti yoga is one path to salvation (similar to prayer) and involves devotion and love toward a personal deity (god). There are also many other forms or paths of salvation/practices. Dharma – Hindus refer to their religion often as Dharma which means code of moral and righteous duty.

Caste system Today, India’s Charter of Rights bans discrimination on the basis of gender, caste, race or religion. The Indian government has introduced a number of social welfare programs and economic initiatives to improve the living conditions of those who suffered as a result of the caste system.

Mahatma Gandhi Religious beliefs based on Dharma – duty Satya – truth Ahimsa – non-violence Moksha – spiritual liberalization ghttps:// g

Practices Om represents the power of Brahman, it is the chanting that occurs at the beginning and the end of all Hindu prayers Mantras are also chanted and they are sacred phrases “I meditate on the brilliance of the sun; may it illuminate my intellect” “I am bountiful, I am beautiful, I am bliss”

Worship at home The most common form of home worship is called puja, a form of Thanksgiving in which offerings are made to the deities. Family members place all of the offerings on a tray near the shrine and present them to the shrine of the deity. Offerings include flowers, fruits, incense sticks, water, milk, butter and a lamp. A traditional puja includes sixteen steps, and it is usually performed by worshipers on festival days and special occasions.

Worship at home

At the end of the Puja the food that has been presented to the god(s) is not necessarily wasted but shared among those involved in the ceremony as a gift. This is called prasad. Homa can also occur and this is when the offerings are burned in a fire that has been blessed by a priest.

Significance of the Cow Most Hindus refrain from eating beef since they consider the cow sacred to their culture and beliefs. “Holy cow” is a familiar expression that refers to Hinduism’s reverence of cows. Hindus adore the cow as a manifestation of all that is good an precious.

Yoga and Meditation Yoga is the practice of combining the practice of meditation with physical exercises and meditation to help create a union with god. Meditation is the deep contemplation that leads to a trance-like state in which the individual tries to become one with the Brahman. Swamis are the experts of meditation, they are considered the holt men of India who have dedicated their lives to meditation.

Pilgrimage to the Ganges River

Festivals - Diwali Festival of Lights Celebrated over five days at the end of October or beginning of November Hindus set off fireworks, decorate their houses with lights, give gifts and wear new clothes to celebrate the triumph of good and knowledge over the dark forces of evil and ignorance. Puja, followed by lavish vegetarian dinners Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune, and Vishnu, who defeated the demon Naraka. festival festival

Festivals - Holi A spring festival, celebrated in March on the day of the last full-moon of the month in the Hindu calendar. Night before there is a bonfire which signifies the burning of the evil. And during the day there is a colour ceremony/ event using coloured water and powders. This festival is connected to several Hindu legends.

Festivals - Mahashivaratri This event takes place on the day before the new moon, during the month of February. Not really a festival or a feast…it is an event dedicated to the devotion to the god Shiva. Devotees worship him, light candles, and fast for 24 hours. Those who are unable to fast eat light vegetarian meals. Between midnight and sunrise, devotees worship him by repeating his name and by placing flowers and grains on his image. Water is also poured in a steady stream over his image from a copper vessel.

Festivals - Navaratri nine nights festival held in the spring and fall On the first three nights Hindus worship the goddess Durga who washes away laziness and evil thoughts. The next three nights with a mind better prepared for spiritual guidance, they offer puja to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. The final three nights are dedicated to Saraswati, the god of knowledge and learning. On the tenth day, worshipers observe Vijayadasami or the Day of Victory.

Milestones Hindus often say that life is a series of events or steps from birth to death or from “conception to cremation.” Each rite of passage is called a Samskara. Priests officiate at all of these rites, which are often attended by friends and family. Naming of a child Traditionally done by a priest ten days after birth, now more informal in non-orthodox groups and usually more of a social gathering.

Milestones A child’s first outing Parents and child bathe and wear new clothes and venture outside of the home to meet neighbors. This can depend on baby and mother’s health and weather. Parents apply a dab of soot on baby’s forehead to protect from evil. With baby in the arms of the parents, they say a simple prayer to the deities and then take the baby out for a short walk.

Milestones First solid food 7-8 months after birth depending on child’s health On the day of ceremony parents recite a special prayer Small portion of boiled rice mixed with butter and honey

Milestones First haircut Between 6-8 months the hair of baby boys is cut at the barber… Completely shaved except for a small tuft of hair at front Thread initiation ceremony (Upanayana) Two day ceremony for boys entering school/school- age where chanting occurs and a thread is worn over one shoulder.

Milestones Marriage Arranged marriages are common in India but in the West marriage focuses more on love. Both families/parents are heavily involved. Engagement is a family event as it will bond the two families. The wedding date and ceremony are carefully selected and planned and usually the ceremony lasts approximately 3 hours. Bride is given a necklace or string that she wear around her neck for the rest of her married life. Ceremony is followed by a grand feast, dancing, drumming, fireworks etc.

Milestones Death and cremation Solemn ceremony with cremation fire takes place under the direction of a priest. Flowers, hymns etc. are present. The oldest son initiates the cremation and ashes are scatter in the rivers of India or other bodies of water. 10/11 days after friends and family gather for a feast.

Milestones Death anniversary Priest recites religious rights and the family meets for a meal.

Sacred writings Shruti is a sacred writing in which knowledge is revealed or discovered Smriti is human-made literature or knowledge that is remembered The four Vedas are considered the oldest and most authoritative Hindu scriptures. Ramayana and the Mahabharata are popular religious stories/texts Include stories about Rama who is worshipped throughout the Hindu world as a 7 th incarnation or advatar of God Vishnu.

Groups Shaivism are worshipers of Shiva and his many forms. Vaishnavism are worshipers of Vishnu and his many forms. Arya Samaj is a movement/group founded in 1875 where the people do not select a particular god. This group focuses more on worship during fire ceremonies.