HinduismThai Studies - Religion in Thailand

Facts about Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest surviving religion of the world. It originated before history was recorded.

Hinduism is also called ‘Sanatana Dharma’ i.e. The Eternal Religion

Hinduism is spontaneous by nature.

It has no founder to give credit to its discovery nor does anyone know its date of origin.

More Facts

Size rankIt is the third largest religion in the world.

Founder of HinduismNone

The Original Language Sanskrit

Main location India.

Spiritual LeaderGurus or sages

The History of Hinduism

According to historians, the origin of Hinduism dates back to 5,000 or more years. The word "Hindu" is derived from the name of River Indus, which flows through northwestern India. In ancient times the river was called the "Sindhu", but the Persians who migrated to India called the river "Hindu," the land "Hindustan" (Sanskrit, Hindi), and its inhabitants "Hindus". Thus the daily life practices evolved as the religion followed by the Hindus came to be known as "Hinduism." The term generally denotes the religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions native to the Indian subcontinent.

Brahmanism is present in Thailand since the influence of Khmer people starting in the 10th century. In Thailand, many Brahminic statues can be seen in old Khmer temples. Thai people seized Angkor, from Cambodia, in 1431.

Who is the founder of Hindu religion?

Hinduism is the oldest religion of all world religions. For hundreds of years historians have searched for some evidence of its founder, but no one could point to a specific founder or its date of origin. Even the authors of its sacred texts are largely unknown. The system exists from time immemorial and there is no exact beginning of this religion. It has no particular fonder but has many Rishis, Saints, Gurus, and leaders who reformed and revived the existing culture and traditions. It has developed out of Brahmanism.

Scriptures and Major Sects of Hindu religion

Scriptures Hinduism is not a religion in the normal sense, but it is a set of traditions and beliefs evolved over a long period of time. There are different sects of Hinduism, but they all admire the ancient scriptures called Vedas. Upanishads are more philosophically inclined Vedic texts. The ancient Indian scholars called Rishis' search for the knowledge, that would make man kind to be free from the cycle of reincarnation can be seen in Upanishads.

Major SectsShaivismVaishnavismShaktism

God in Hinduism

God in Hinduism is the Supreme Being-Maha Vishnu who is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent.

This Supreme Being is the universal energy which is everywhere and in everything.

The different deities and Gods worshiped are different aspects and avatars of this Supreme Being. This Supreme Being is formless, shapeless and genderless.

Ten Important Symbols

1.Om (Aum) – the most important Hindu symbol, often used as the emblem of Hinduism (see above). 2.Hands in prayer – a sign of respect for the sacred, that which is dear to the heart (see above). 3.Lotus (padma) – symbol of purity/transcendence. Growing out of the mud, it is beautiful, and though resting on

water, it does not touch it.

4.Conchshell – used during arati: one of the four symbols of Vishnu. The others are the lotus, club and disc.

5. Swastika – an ancient solar sign considered to invoke auspiciousnes. 6.Trident (trishul) – the symbol of Shiva; often carried by Shaivite sannyasis (renunciates).

7.Kalasha – coconut circled by mango leaves on a pot. Often used in rituals such as the fire sacrifice. 8.Cow – symbol of purity, motherhood and ahimsa (non-violence). 9.Lotus feet (of guru or deity) – touching the feet of superiors shows an attitude of submission and service.

10.Dipa/lamp – symbol of light.

Some Hindu Symbols

Basic Tenets of Hinduism Satya - Follow truth, do not lie Ahimsa - Follow non violence

Brahmacharya - do not overindulge Asteya - do not steal

Aparigraha - Non-corrupt Shaucha - Be clean

Santosha - Be content Tapas - Be self-disciplined

Svadhyaya - Learning the scriptures

Ishvara Pranidhana - surrender to God

The Four Stages & Four Purposes in Life

Four Stages• Brahmacharya - During education - grow and learn• Grhastha - Taking care of marriage, family and career• Vanaprastha - starts seeking spiritual things• Sanryasa - abandon world to seek spiritual things

Four Purposes• Dharma- Fulfilling social , moral, and religious duties • Artha - Attaining financial and worldly success • Kama – Satisfying desires God• Moksha– Attaining freedom from rebirth

Purpose of life,The Three Debts, and The Three Paths to be followed

The purpose of lifeto obtain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

Three Debts

debt to God debt to saints and sagesdebt to ancestors

The Three PathsKarma-marga - path of work and actionJnana-marga - path of knowledge Bhakti-marga - path of devotion to God

Basic Beliefs in Hinduism

Hindus believe in one and all pervasive Supreme Being who is both transcendent and immanent and that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.

Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.

Hindus believe that all life is sacred and pure to be loved and respected.

Hindus believe that our soul reincarnates through many births until it attains moksha- liberation from the cycles of birth and rebirth.

Hindus believe in ahimsa and dharma-doing one’s duties.

Hindu Ideas on Death and Dying

Hindus believe in the concept of many reincarnations. The ultimate goal is to unite with the Supreme Being, Brahman. They also belief in Karma, and tend to be fatalistic. The general belief is that one's present status and condition is a result of existence in the previous birth and is, therefore, deserved, be it good or bad. Being good in his present life may help him have a better life next time, but this will not alter his present situation.

The ultimate goalThe ultimate aim of the Hindu faith is to achieve Moksha. In other words they long for liberation from the vicious cycle of incarnations. The most important event in the life of a Hindu is, his/her death. Moksha can be achieved by following the four different ways. They are karma yoga, the path of action, Bhakti yoga the path of devotion,Gnana yoga, the path of knowledge and Raja Yoga a way of special postures, methods of breathing.

Hindu Temple in Phuket

Indian people migrated to Phuket in 1340. They needed the temple to revere their gods. The first Hindu temple was located on Phuket Road it was a small and narrow. Later Indian people donated their money to build a new temple that we can see today at Suthat Road Taladyai in Phuket .