HINDUISM

By: Brealynn Jarrett & Hope Johnston 19 October 2011

ORIGIN OF HINDUISM

Originated in India Cannot be traced to any one

individual Scholars believe the earliest

scripture of Hinduism (The Rig Veda) was written before 6500 B.C.

The word “Hindu” is not mentioned in these scriptures, but was established from foreigners referring to those on the other side of the River Indus or Sindhu

BJ

THE MEANING OF LIFE

Absolutely open-minded Does not force followers to

accept god Hindu scriptures serve as a

“guide” to how they may want to live their lives as opposed to telling them the right way to live it

A general god and a personal god

Their god does not have a specific form or name

Hindus see their god in different forms when they have different emotions

BJ

AFTERLIFE

One can be born again multiple times before their soul “dies” (Reincarnation)

They believe one can be born as a human, animal, plant, and even a divine that rules over nature

When one is done living their life/lives, they reach a state of liberation, which is the ultimate state

Karma is when one commits good/bad deeds and these deeds go to the “karma bank” and each of the deeds have either good or bad consequences

BJ

HINDU SYMBOLS

The folding of hands symbolizes prayer

Hindu people greet one another by folding their hands and bowing while saying the phrase “namaste”

Tilaka is the mark that most Hindus have between their eyebrows

The Aum (or Om) is a very important Hindu symbol. Made up of the letters a-u-m, it represents the three worlds of earth, atmosphere, and heaven; the three major Hindu gods

BJ

SACRED ANIMALS

Some animals are considered “sacred” in Hinduism and are to be respected. These include:

Cows Mice Peacocks Elephants

BJ

MYTHS AND RITUALS

Hindus often do yoga daily to remain “one” with nature and at peace with themselves

Puja is a religious ritual that Hindus perform daily after they shower and get dressed. They gaze upon an image and it provides a connection to a god or goddess. It can be performed by simply being silent, or by praying.

BJ

HOLY DAYS & FESTIVALS

Diwali - This is the festival of lights which celebrates the return of Lord Rama from his exile in the forest. It is celebrated in late October & the middle of November.

Dussehra - This is a celebration of good conquering evil which lasts 10 days and is in late September through mid October.

Holi - This is a spring festival to celebrate creation and renewal.

Hope

PLACES OF WORSHIP

The Home Practice of Rites:At dawn, a man and his wife rise and purify themselves with a bath. They make an offering to the fire god, Agni, in their household fire. The man turns to the rising sun and says a mantra to the sun god, Savatar. He asks for blessing and understanding.

Shrines:Small shrines to the gods are important to the house. They are the focus of household worship. They offer them food and drink and say mantras and prayers at these shrines.

The Temple:The people go to a local temple for everyday worship, but on special occasions they go to a grander cathedral. They say mantras, listen to the priest chant, sing, & read from sacred texts.

Road-side Shrines:Shrines to gods are placed beside the road as permanent statues or they are placed on carts pushed by an attendant. The people say a short prayer or mantra as they pass it to receive a blessing.

Hope

THE HOLY BOOK

The Vedas: Samnitas – the core part

which is composed of mantras

brAhmaNa – the application & interpretation of the verdic samhitas

Aranyaka & upanishats – the philosophy

In Hinduism, reading the Vedas is not something that is required. You can still achieve Eternal Bliss without it. Hope

BURIAL PRACTICES Cyclical reincarnation Cremation- intended to release the soul from its earthly existence- the soul remains as long as the body remains- ritual cleansing, dressing, & adorning of the body- carried to the cremation ground while prayers & chants are being said- crack skull with a bamboo stick to release the soul- ashes are thrown into a river & the mourners leave without looking back- 11 day ritual is performed while the body is on its way to the Otherworld

Hope

MARRIAGES

Pre-marriage:A day before the wedding the brides feet & palms are decorated with “mahendi.” The bride & groom are anointed with turmeric, sandalwood paste and oils. Then they bathe to the chanting of Vedic mantra.

The marriage ceremony:In the mandapa or canopy covered with flowers the ceremony begins. The event is long and rooted in Vedic tradition.

Hope

SOURCES

http://www.shaivam.org/hipscrip.htm www.vivaaha.org www.diversition.com www.uwacadweb.uwyo.edu www.shaivam.org www.mailerindia.com http://hinduism.iskcon.org/lifestyle/807.h

tm http://www.religious-symbols.net/hindu-s

ymbols.html