Rituals and devotion

The various types of yoga are methods that can be used to help people live spiritually, according to their own needs/personalities. The word yoga means “union” Yogas are called margas meaning “paths” A yoga is a way for people to perfect their union with the divine,

1. Jnana yoga (knowledge yoga) 2. Karma yoga (action yoga) 3. Bhakti yoga (devotion yoga) 4. Raja yoga (royal yoga) 5. Hatha yoga (force yoga)

takes years of meditation and study Study of the Upanishads and the Gita Usually practiced by Brahmin caste 4

The Vendata school has one main focus: Monism vs. dualism The greatest teacher of Vendata, Shankara ( CE) taught that: 1. All reality is essentially One: Brahman 2. Brahman=atman: eternal deep self 3. “the waves of the ocean and the drops of water in the waves may be considered separate entities; but the larger truth is that they are all just the same ocean in varied, changing forms. 4. In the same way, a person who perceives thins as being separate and different from Brahman is mistaken. 5

This yoga states that any work done unselfishly can be a way to perfection Karma here is used as “activity” Deeds performed without a desire for reward are the heart of this yoga Gita: “desire for the fruits of work must never be your motive in working”

“Works as worship” “living in accordance with dharma” or ethical duty “Right Action” (without desire for recognition) Example: carry out caste laws, perform rituals, give back to community 7

Ritual dimension: Bhakti yoga (devotion yoga) Devotion to gods through rituals Devotion before shrines, bathing rituals, chants, songs, food offerings, and the anointing of statues of gods/goddesses People usually worship the way they want- no congregation The Gita: Krishna says to Arjuna “Regard me as your dearest loved one. Know me to be your only refuge.”

Places Puja Guru Animals (Sati)

Holy (devotion) places: Ganges Purifies all sins Emerges out of Shiva Other rivers

A devotional ritual performed at an altar- usually at home. It involves the offering of flowers, food, fire, and incense to images of a god or gods, as well as the singing of hymns.

Devotion (bhakti) to a guru (spiritual leader) is a large and ancient component of Hindu spirituality. Guru means “the one who removes darkness” Anyone from any caste may seek a guru for spiritual growth The seeker visits regularly the guru for advice Gurus who have taken vows of silence can offer advice and insight to their disciples by writing on tablets or simply by looking at them with love The majority of gurus are men very few are women

Gurus are recognized as persons of holiness- a saint and a living embodiment of the divine They are surrounded by students and devotees Gurus may set up an ashram- a religious community for disciples A community of people living in a single compound apart from society but some may be establish in towns Most gurus stay with their communities but others travel- even outside India It is common to touch and kiss the feet of a guru- an act of reverence, performed at times for parents and grandparents

A devout Hindu does not kill or eat animals Cows wonder along Indian streets and cars and taxis take care to drive around them Remember that the gods of the Trimurti have a companion animal Every animal is a future human being

Cows receive special veneration A symbol of fertility and economic value To have a cow is to have milk and butter and the warm and comfort associated with household pets Gau mata: mother cow To kill a cow is a capital offense Muslims vs. Hindus due to cows

In sati, a woman whose husband had died, could volunteer to be burnt alive on her husband’s funeral pyre as an act of devotion This practice was performed by women whose husband died leaving them without children Widow women without children sleep on the floor, wear simple clothes, and serve their husband’s family This practice was made illegal in the early nineteenth century Instances of sati still happen today, but are rare

Raja yoga (royal yoga) Promotes meditation The Gita describes basic meditation as: Sitting quietly, turning inward, and calming the mind. Meditation done for short periods of time on a regular basis lowers stress and brings a sense of peace. Meditation done for longer periods of time can induce new states of consciousness.

Emptying the mind of though Focusing on physical or mental object With one’s eyes closed or open Focusing on a point a short distance in front of face Repeating complicated sacred phrases Meditating in silence or listening to gentle music Meditation can be done while gazing at a candle, at the moon, or at moving water Meditating on a symbol or image of a deity

Repeating a word or phrase called a mantra The mantra Om is frequently used Om is the sound of creation It is often recited with each breath to help clear the mind of thought

Hatha yoga (force yoga) Physical exercise Involves stretching and balancing Breathing exercises are sometimes considered a part of hatha yoga