HINDUISM “Eternal Law”

सनातन धर्म�

Basics of Hinduism Oldest Religion Still Practiced

From Ancient Vedic Religion Combination of Diverse Traditions

No single founder 3rd Largest World Religion

After Christianity Islam

1 Billion People 905 Million India and Nepal Other Countries with many:

Bangladesh Sri Lanka Pakistan Indonesia Malaysia Singapore Fiji United Kingdom Canada

Hinduism Beliefs Beliefs

Extremely Diverse Everyone has different beliefs

Agree Main Ideas Dharma Ethics/Duties Samsara Continuing

Cycle Life, Death, Rebirth

Karma Action and Reaction

Moksha Liberation from Samsara

Yogas Paths or Practices

Hindu Concept of God Only Religion Polytheistic

and Monotheistic Believe:

Soul (Atman) Eternal Brahma “Universal

Consciousness” Supreme Spirit that all souls are a part of

Become aware that oneself is part of the whole perfect soul of Brahma Reach Moksha Escape Cycle of Rebirth Attain perfection Gods Triad of main Gods

including Brahma Vishnu Shiva

Brahma God of the

Universe

Vishnu the Creator Preserver of the

Universe Creator God

Shiva the Destroyer God of:

Death Reincarnation

As the Destroyer Naked Ascetic Train of Serpents Necklace of Skulls

As the Reincarnation God: White, Blue Throat Seven Arms Three Eyes Carries Trident Rides a White Bull

Krishna कृष्ण

Reincarnation Supreme God Vishnu

Divine and Heroic Defeated Monsters

Depicted as Philosopher Hero Cowherd playing

the flute

Ganesh God of

Success Destroyer of Evil Education Wisdom Knowledge

Devas and Avatars Devas-Celestial Beings in Hindu

scriptures Depicted in mythology by:

Art Architecture Icons Indian Epic P

Ishvaras-Idea of Supreme God in one (Deva) form Choice based on:

Personal Choice Family Traditional Areas

Avatars-Decent of God to Earth in human form In order to:

Restore Dharma in society Guide humans to Moksha

Stories told Hindu Epic Poems mostly about: Krishna Vishnu Rama

Hindu Goals of Life The Grihastha Dharma

recognize four goals known as the puruṣhārthas. They are: Kama Sensual pleasure

and enjoyment Artha Material prosperity

and success Dharma Correct action, in

accordance with one's particular duty and scriptural laws

Moksha Liberation from the cycle of samsara

Yoga Yogi- practioner of

Yoga Texts include:

Bhagavad Gita Yoga Sutras Hatha Yoga

Type of Yoga Practiced Goal of Life Bhakti Goal

Spiritual Perfection Jana Yoga Goal Pure

Love

Hindu Scriptures Hindu Scriptures

Divided Sruti (Revealed) Smriti (Remembered)

Developed over hundreds of years

Include Theology Philosophy Mythology

Purpose Spiritual Insights Practice of Dharma

Hindu Practices Goal of Worship

Awareness of God Blessings of a Deva

Worship occurs at Home Temple

Temples are dedicated to Dieties

Most Hindus go Only during Festivals Hindus worship through --> Icons

(Murtis) Image Link between God and

Worshipper Image is Manifestation of God

Hindu Sacred Art with Symbols from

Mythology Literature Cultural Traditions

Important Hindu Symbols Om Sound to

which the universe was made

Important Hindu Symbols Swastika Sign

Prosperity

Important Hindu Symbols Tilaka Dot on the

forehead

Important Hindu Symbols Lotus Flower

representing enlightenment

Important Hindu Symbols Chakra Energy

Centers

Important Hindu Symbols VeenaString

instrument like a guitar or sitar

Hindu Rituals Hindus practice their faith in

everything they do Do not simply go to church once a

week Most have rituals at home

Vary based on Family Traditions Area lived in

Worship includes Worship at family shrine after

meal at dawn Leave food or gifts at shrine Light candle or lamp

Rituals practiced daily by Meditation Prayer Chanting Mantras Reciting Scripture

Hindu Rituals Purpose of rituals

Get pure rid pollution Purification Water

Sacrifice or Merit Charity Improves Karma Reduces next life

suffering Vedic rights Fire

oblation (Yayna) Chanting mantras

Weddings Burials

Hindu Rituals Religious life-cycle rituals

Annaprashan Baby’s 1st intake of food

Upanayanam “Sacred Thread Ceremony” For Upper Caste Children Formal induction into

education system Shraadh Treating people

to feasts for the dead Marriage and Engagement

Decided by parents Dates chosen Astrologers

Death Cremation

Wrapped in cloth and burnt in a pyre

Hindu Pilgrimages and Festivals Pilgramage Not mandatory Many undertake them Holy cities:

Allahabad Haridwar Varanasi Vrindavan

Notable temple cities Puri Vishnava Iagannath (Temple) Rath-Yatra Tirumala-Tirupati

Holy sites Puri Rameswaram Dwarka Badrinath

Pilgramages to Shakti Peethas Mother Goddess

Hindu Festivals Celebrates Mythology Season Changes

Maha Shivatra Great night of Shiva Holi Spring Festival of Colors Ram Navai Birthday of Hindu God

Rama Krishna Janmastami Birth of the

God Krishna Ganesh Chathrui Birthday of Lord

Ganesh Dussera Very fun, colorful festival

of the mother goddess Durga Puji Invokes the goddess

Durga to protect the people against evil

Diwali Festival of Lights Victory of good over evil

Hindu SocietyHindu society 4 classes

called Varnas Brahmans Teachers,

pritests Kshatryas Warriors,

nobles, kings Vishyas Farmers,

merchants, buisnessmen Shudras servants,

laborers Untouchables

Can not escape caste The caste born into

Determined by past life