1. An Introduction to Hinduism
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2. Hindu Council UK www.hinducounciluk.org
What is Hinduism?
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3. What are the basic tenets of Hinduism?:
There is no “one Hinduism”. Hinduism is a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions, in which the prominent themes include:
Dharma (ethics and duties)
Samsara (rebirth)
Karma (right action)
Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara)
It also believes in truth, honesty, non-violence, cleanliness, contentment, prayers, austerity, perseverance, penance, and pious company.
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4. What are the major Hindu deities?:
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5. What are the key Hindu scriptures?:
"Shruti" (heard) – The Vedas & Upanishads
"Smriti" (memorised) –
The Bhagavad Gita - The most well known of the Hindu scriptures, called the "Song of the Adorable One", written about the 2nd century BC and forms the sixth part of Mahabharata. It contains some of the most brilliant theological lessons about the nature of God and of life ever written.
The Mahabharata - The world's longest epic poem written about 9th century BC, and deals with the power struggle between the Pandava and the Kaurava families, with an intertwining of numerous episodes that make up life.
The Ramayana - The most popular of Hindu epics, composed by Valmiki around 4th or 2nd centuries BC with later additions up to about 300 CE. It depicts the story of the royal couple of Ayodha - Ram and Sita and a host of other characters and their exploits.
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6. Hindu Council UK www.hinducounciluk.org
Hindu Festivals
Hindus celebrate many holy days
Diwali (the festival of lights) is the best known (Oct/Nov)
Holi It marks the coming of spring, usually in March.
Navaratri (celebrating fertility and harvest), 9 days Sept/Nov
Raksha Bandhan (celebrating the bond between brother and sister- August)
Janmashtami (Krishna's birthday -August)
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7. Hindu Council UK www.hinducounciluk.org
Hinduism and Food
Food as a gift from God
According to Hinduism, food is a gift from God and should be treated with great respect. Devout Hindus offer food to God before eating and are careful about what and how they eat.
Food plays an important role in Hindu worship. According to the Vedic scriptures, all food should be offered as a sacrifice to God before it is eaten, and food offered to God (prasada) is considered to bestow religious merit, purifying body, mind and spirit.
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8. Shanti (peace to others)
Thank you for your time OM
Shanti (peace within)
Shanti (peace to others)
Shanti (peace to the world)
Dipen Rajyaguru LL.B (Hons), IEDPR
Director Equality and Diversity Hindu Council UK
HCUK Registered Office
Uxbridge Road
London, W13 8QS
e: 
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