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Hindu Swayamsevak SanghHindu Swayamsevak Sangh 11

Introduction toIntroduction to

Hindu / Sanatan DharmaHindu / Sanatan DharmaThe search for Truth is called the Sanatana Dharma, or the Eternal Path.Practiced by people on the otherside of Sindhu river, so Hindu Dharma.

Hinduism has been enriched by the contributions by many sages.

Hinduism is as old as the world itself. Vedas form the basis. A Way of life that TRANSCENDS Religion Believes in Truth is one. Paths are many.Worlds 3rd largest with 1 billion+ followers. Let Noble Thoughts Come From ALL Directions Focuses on personally experiencing the Truth within.

Dharma: Dharma is the natural and rightful order and foundation of everyoneand everything. It is both why things are as they are and the path to therealization of why things are as they are. It is a way-of-life.

Religion: is a way to understand or practice on how to realize God.Religion isconcerned with all of the relations existing between God and human beings,

and between humans themselves because of the central significance of God.




What are the Hindu scriptures? What is the concept of God? Hindu concept of Individual and Universe What are the basic principles of Hindu Dharma?

Three Debts of Human Life Four Stages of Hindu Religious Life Four Ends of Human Life Who is a Hindu?. Code of Conduct Additional Topics

References and links

Contents of the presentation

The Rig Veda has declared the Ultimate Reality (God) as: Ekam sat, vipraha bahudha vadanti. (Rig Veda 1.164.46)

"Truth (God) is one, the wise call it by various names"

http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf for more info.




Smriti

(Remembered)

Sruti

(Revealed)

Hindu Scriptures

j Vedas (Four)

Rig (21 shakas)

Sama (109 shakas)

Yajur (1000 shakas)

Atharva (50 shakas)

j

Hymns, Brahmanas,Aranyakas and Upanishads

j Dharma Shastras (Law Codes)

Ex: Manu Smriti

j Epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata)

j Puranas (Mythology) ± There are many;

each tradition has its own. Ex: Shiva Purana

and Bhagavat Puranaj Agamas and Tantras: (sectarian scriptures)

j Darshanas (Manuals of Philosophy) ±

Each school has its own literature. Ex:

Yoga Sutras of Sage Patanjali.

Vedas are the eternal truths revealedby God to the great ancient Rishis.

These eternal truths never change.

Scriptures that change with time and space and summeryof Smriti in understandable format for common mind

Prajnanam Brahma:Consciousness is Brahman Aham Brahma Asmi:I Am Brahman Tat Tram Asi: That Thou Art Ayam Atma Brahma:This Self is Brahman http://www.dlshq.org/download/vedbegin.pdf for more info.




In Hindu scriptures, the Cosmic Absolute/Absolute Reality is defined asTranscendent (impersonal) and Immanent (personal).

In the transcendent aspect, the Supreme Reality is called Nirguna Brahman, that isBrahman, without attributes. " Brahman is He whom speech cannot express, andfrom whom the mind is unable to reach Him, comes away baffled" states the Taittiriya

Upanishad.

Nirguna Brahman is not an object of prayer, but of meditation andk nowledge. It cannot be described, and It is absolute existence, absoluteknowledge, and absolute bliss (sat-chit-ananda). It is unborn, self-existent, all-pervading, and the essence of all things and beings in the universe. It isimmeasurable, unapproachable, beyond conception, beyond birth, beyondreasoning, and beyond thought". God cannot be defined in terms of any specificmanifestation, nor indeed in terms of their sum total. He is beyond all possibility of definition. The Bhagavad Gita, the best-known scripture of India, states this point clearly:

Concept of God (Brahman)




Brahman , the Cosmic Absolute(beyond description)

Transcendent(impersonal aspect,

can be realized, butnot worshipped

Immanent(personal aspect,

can be prayed, andworshipped, but not

realized)

Male AspectIshvara or God (note capital G)

worshipped by many namesand forms known as deities

or gods (note small g)

Female AspectDivine Mother, worshippedby many names and forms

known as deities or goddesses(note small g)

Concept of God, cont¶d

We will focus on Immanent aspect of Brahman for now




Concept of God (Bramhan)

In its Immanent (personal) aspect, the Supreme

Reality, is called Saguna Bramhan. He is the personalGod, the creator, the preserver, and the controller ofthe universe. In Hinduism, the immanent (personal)aspect of Bramhan is worshipped in both male andfemale forms. In the male form, He is worshipped asBrahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is the creativeaspect, Vishnu is the protecting, sustaining aspect; andSiva is the transforming, dissolving aspect. In the

female form, as Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi. ALL POWERFUL MOTHER GAYATRI

BRAHMA -CREATOR VISHNU - PROTECTOR

SHIVA - DISSOLVER




However, on the personal level, its up to individuals tocreate a form /view of the same Supreme Bharman to pray.Hindu accepts only one God, the Supreme. Because of thisflexibility in giving a shape or form, it appears as if thereare many Hindu Gods/Goddesses to a non-Hindu. Hindussee divinity in all living creatures. Animal deities therefore,occupy an important place in Hindu dharma. Animals, forexample, are very common as form of transport for various

Gods an

d Goddesses. This is dues to the con

cept of Atm

an

and Brahman being the same. We will discuss that in laterslides..

Concept of God (Bramhan)




Hindu Concept of the IndividualHindu Concept of the Individual

Just as a man living in a house is called a householder,

Atman (meaning ´God withinµ) living in a human body iscalled an individual. When this ´human houseµ becomes oldand irreparable, Atman leaves the house and we say that theindividual has died. But Atman is immortal and is part ofBrahman, Supreme God. Atman is divine so all the beings are

divine.




Hindu Concept of the Individual,Hindu Concept of the Individual,

contdcontd.. Atman is uncreated, immortal and divine. Atman is uncreated, immortal and divine. Although Atman is generally translated as soul or spirit, Although Atman is generally translated as soul or spirit,

Atman and soul do not mean the same. Atman and soul do not mean the same. Atman and Brahman is same. So individual can reach Atman and Brahman is same. So individual can reach

the state of divinity. Aham Brahmasmithe state of divinity. Aham Brahmasmi I am God.I am God. In the human body, Atman is deluded by cosmicIn the human body, Atman is deluded by cosmic

ignorance, calledignorance, called MayaMaya in Sanskrit.in Sanskrit. In Hindu view,In Hindu view, WE ARE CHILDREN OF IMMORTALITY

and mayand may commit sin under the influence of commit sin under the influence of Maya.Maya.

Thus, the purpose of Hindu religious life is to transcendThus, the purpose of Hindu religious life is to transcendMaya.Maya.




Electricity + Ref rigerator = Cold

Electricity + Television = Audio & Video

Electricity + Type of Appliance = Type of Application

Electricity + Oven = Heat

Opposing

Functions

Personality

Individuality

Spirituality

Divinity

Hindu Concept of the Individual, cont¶d

AtmanPhysical

Human Body+ =

just as

Why are individuals different form each other?




Cosmic EnergyDivine Mother

(Shakti)

Hindu Concept of the Universe

Brahman (Infinite, Undivided and Changeless)

CosmicConsciousness

(Heavenly Father)

Cosmic Ignorance(Maya)

Sattva Rajas TamasTimeSpace

Duality

Appearance of Brahman as things and beings of the worldThe Infinite, Undivided and Changelessappears as finite, divided, and changing




Hindu Concept of the Universe

Hindus believe that the universe is without a beginning (anadi= beginning-less) or an end (ananta = end-less). Rather the universe is pr ojected in cycles. Each cycle

is divided into four yugas (ages of the world).

Satya yuga (golden age) 4,000,000 yearsTreta yuga (silver age) 3,600,000 yearsDvapara yuga (copper age) 2,400,000 years

Kali yuga (iron age) 1,200,000 yearsPralaya (cosmic deluge ) 4000,000 yearsNew Creation 400,000 yearsDuration of O ne Cycle 12,000,000 years

Total duration of the four yugas is called a kalpa. At the end of kalyuga theuniverse is dissolved by pralaya (cosmic deluge ) and another cycle begins.

Each cycle of creation lasts one kalpa, that is 12,000,000 human years ( or12,000 Brahma years).

Hindus believe that there is almost a universe hidden in each Atman and

that can be explored looking inward with the help of Yoga and Meditation.




10 AVATARS (INCARNATIONS)10 AVATARS (INCARNATIONS)

Lord Vishnu's preserving, protecting powers have been manifested to the

world in a variety of forms, called Avatars, in which one or more of his divine

attributes were embodied in the shape of a human being or an animal or a

human-animal combined form, possessing great and sometimes

supernatural powers.that are innumerable.




Basic principles of Hindu Dharma

Divinity of the AtmanDivinity of the Atman

Unity of ExistenceUnity of Existence

Ahimsa Ahimsa

Harmony of ReligionsHarmony of Religions

Law of KarmaLaw of Karma

Doctrine of IncarnationDoctrine of Incarnation

Freedom of Thought Freedom of Thought

Law of DharmaLaw of Dharma




Each human being, regardless of religion, geographicEach human being, regardless of religion, geographicregion, gender, color or creed is in reality Atmanregion, gender, color or creed is in reality Atmanclothed in a physical body. Since Atman is inherentlyclothed in a physical body. Since Atman is inherentlypure and divine, every human being is potentiallypure and divine, every human being is potentially

divine. In Hindu view, a man is not born a sinner,divine. In Hindu view, a man is not born a sinner,but becomes a victim of ignorance under thebut becomes a victim of ignorance under theinfluence of cosmic ignorance, called Maya. Just asinfluence of cosmic ignorance, called Maya. Just asdarkness quickly disappears upon the appearance of darkness quickly disappears upon the appearance of light, an individuals delusion vanishes when he gainslight, an individuals delusion vanishes when he gains

self self--knowledge.knowledge. Practical SignificancePractical Significance: Eliminates fear of God,: Eliminates fear of God,

encourages freedom of thought, and removesencourages freedom of thought, and removespsychological barrier to human growth. No fear of psychological barrier to human growth. No fear of

eternal hell.eternal hell.

Divinity of the AtmanDivinity of the Atman




Unity of ExistenceUnity of Existence

Science has revealed that what we call matter isScience has revealed that what we call matter isessentially energy. Hindu sages tell us that theessentially energy. Hindu sages tell us that thecosmic energy is manifestation of the Universal Spirit cosmic energy is manifestation of the Universal Spirit ((BrahmanBrahman). Brahman has become all things and). Brahman has become all things andbeings in the world. Thus, we are all interconnectedbeings in the world. Thus, we are all interconnectedin subtle ways. All is One and One is in all, declarein subtle ways. All is One and One is in all, declarethe sages.the sages.

Practical SignificancePractical Significance::

Encourages universal brotherhood, reverence for allEncourages universal brotherhood, reverence for all

forms of life, and respect for our environment. Hinduforms of life, and respect for our environment. Hindu

scriptures address earth as Mother Earthscriptures address earth as Mother Earth..




Ahimsa Ahimsa

Ahimsa means non Ahimsa means non--violence, nonviolence, non--injury, or noninjury, or non--killing. Hinduism teaches that al forms of life arekilling. Hinduism teaches that al forms of life aremanifestations of Brahman. We must, therefore, not manifestations of Brahman. We must, therefore, not be indifferent to the sufferings of others.be indifferent to the sufferings of others.

Practical SignificancePractical Significance: Creates mutual love between: Creates mutual love betweenhumans and other forms of life, and protects ourhumans and other forms of life, and protects ourenvironment. Ahimsa provides basis for Hindu notionenvironment. Ahimsa provides basis for Hindu notionof morality. That mode of living which is based uponof morality. That mode of living which is based upon

a total harmlessness towards all creatures or (in thea total harmlessness towards all creatures or (in thecase of necessity) upon minimum of such harm, iscase of necessity) upon minimum of such harm, isthe highest morality. (Mahabharata Shantiparvathe highest morality. (Mahabharata Shantiparva262.5262.5--6).6).




Harmony of ReligionsHarmony of Religions

Hinduism believes that there is no one religion that Hinduism believes that there is no one religion that teaches an exclusive way to salvation. All genuineteaches an exclusive way to salvation. All genuinespiritual paths are valid and all great religions are equallyspiritual paths are valid and all great religions are equallytrue. In whatever way humans love Me (God), in thetrue. In whatever way humans love Me (God), in thesame way they find My love. Various are the ways forsame way they find My love. Various are the ways forhumans, but in the end they all come to Me.humans, but in the end they all come to Me.(Bhagavad Gita 4.11)(Bhagavad Gita 4.11)

Practical SignificancePractical Significance: This doctrine lays foundation for: This doctrine lays foundation for

universal harmony. The attitude of religious tolerance isuniversal harmony. The attitude of religious tolerance isone of Hinduisms greatest gifts to mankind.one of Hinduisms greatest gifts to mankind.




The Law of KarmaThe Law of Karma

Hindus believe that God, who is allHindus believe that God, who is all--loving andloving andmerciful, does not punish or reward anyone. Hemerciful, does not punish or reward anyone. Hemolds our destinies based upon our own thoughtsmolds our destinies based upon our own thoughtsand deeds. Every action of a person, in though,and deeds. Every action of a person, in though,word, or deed, brings results, either good or bad,word, or deed, brings results, either good or bad,depending upon the moral quality of the action, independing upon the moral quality of the action, inaccordance with the adage, As you sow, so shall youaccordance with the adage, As you sow, so shall youreap. Moral consequences of all actions arereap. Moral consequences of all actions are

conserved by the Nature.conserved by the Nature. Practical SignificancePractical Significance: Eliminates fear of God and: Eliminates fear of God and

hell; enhances self hell; enhances self--confidence and strengthens theconfidence and strengthens theconcepts of righteousness and fairness.concepts of righteousness and fairness.




Doctrine of IncarnationDoctrine of Incarnation

Hindus believe that God incarnatesHindus believe that God incarnatesHimself on earth to uphold righteousness,Himself on earth to uphold righteousness,whenever there is a decline in virtue.whenever there is a decline in virtue.Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita,Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, Whenever there is a decline in Whenever there is a decline inrighteousness and predominance of righteousness and predominance of unrighteousness, I (God) embody Myself.unrighteousness, I (God) embody Myself.

For the protection of For the protection of the good and for thethe good and for the

destruction of the evildestruction of the evil--doers and for the redoers and for the re--establishment of establishment of righteousness, I amrighteousness, I amborn form age to age.born form age to age.(BG 4.6(BG 4.6--4.7)4.7)




Freedom of Thought Freedom of Thought

Hindus believe that wisdom is not an exclusiveHindus believe that wisdom is not an exclusivepossession of any particular race or religion.possession of any particular race or religion.Hinduism, therefore, provides everyone with absoluteHinduism, therefore, provides everyone with absolutefreedom of thought in religious matters. One is freefreedom of thought in religious matters. One is free

to approach God in his or her own way, without to approach God in his or her own way, without conforming to any dogma or blind faith. An openconforming to any dogma or blind faith. An openmind is all that is needed to study Hinduism. Hindusmind is all that is needed to study Hinduism. Hindusplace the greatest value on experiencing truthplace the greatest value on experiencing truthpersonally.personally.

Practical SignificancePractical Significance: Eliminates blind faith and: Eliminates blind faith anddogma. Encourages reason and logic for mutualdogma. Encourages reason and logic for mutualunderstanding. Hinduism is a Godunderstanding. Hinduism is a God--loving religion andloving religion andnot Godnot God--fearing one.fearing one.




The Law of DharmaThe Law of Dharma

The thought of dharma generates deep confidence inThe thought of dharma generates deep confidence inthe Hindu mind in cosmic justice. This is reflected inthe Hindu mind in cosmic justice. This is reflected inthe oftenthe often--quoted maxims: The righteous side willquoted maxims: The righteous side willhave the victory. Truth only prevails, not have the victory. Truth only prevails, not

falsehood. Dharma kills if it is killed; dharmafalsehood. Dharma kills if it is killed; dharmaprotects if it is protected. The entire world rests onprotects if it is protected. The entire world rests ondharma.dharma.

Dharma is the law that maintains the cosmic order asDharma is the law that maintains the cosmic order aswell as the individual and social order. Dharmawell as the individual and social order. Dharma

sustains human life in harmony with nature. Whensustains human life in harmony with nature. Whenwe follow dharma, we are in conformity with the lawwe follow dharma, we are in conformity with the lawthat sustains the universe.that sustains the universe.




Dharma

Morality

Ethics

Individual Resp.

Social Resp.

Laws of the Land

Pr of ession

Ahimsa (non-violence)

The Law of Dharma´Don·t do to others what you don·t want done to you.µ




33 Debts, 4 Stages, and 4 Ends of HumanDebts, 4 Stages, and 4 Ends of Human

LifeLife Three DebtsThree Debts::

Debt to GodDebt to God

Debt to Sages and SaintsDebt to Sages and Saints

Debt to ones parents and ancestorsDebt to ones parents and ancestors

Four Stages:Four Stages:

Brahmacharya (Studentship)Brahmacharya (Studentship)

Grhastha (Householder)Grhastha (Householder)

Vanaprastha (Retirement) Vanaprastha (Retirement) Sannyasa (Renunciation)Sannyasa (Renunciation)

Four EndsFour Ends::

Dharma, Artha, Kama, MokshaDharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha




Progress of Human thought Towards DharmaProgress of Human thought Towards Dharma

Dependent

(Independent)

Individual

Family

Community

Nation

Humanity

Universe

Truth




Who Is Hindu?Who Is Hindu? 9 Point Test 9 Point Test

Hindus believe many diverse things, but there are a few bedrock concepts on which most Hindus concur. The following nine beliefs,though not exhaustive, offer a simple summary of Hindu spirituality.

1) I believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the worlds most ancientscripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. Theseprimordial hymns are Gods word and the bedrock of SanatanaDharma, the eternal religion which has neither beginning nor end.

2) I believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is bothimmanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.

3) I believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation,preservation and dissolution.

4) I believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which eachindividual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.




Who Is Hindu?Who Is Hindu? 9 Point Test 9 Point Test

5) I believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births

un

til all karm

as have been

resolved, an

dm

oksha, spiritualk nowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is attained. Not asingle soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.

6) I believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and thattemple worship, rituals, sacraments as well as personal devotionalscreate a communion with these devas and Gods.

7) I believe that a spiritually awakened master, or satguru, isessential to k now the Transcendent Absolute, as are personaldiscipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry andmeditation.

8) I believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, andtherefore practice ahimsa, nonin jury.

9) I believe that no particular religion teaches the only way tosalvation above all others, but that all genuine religious paths arefacets of Gods Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and

understanding.




Code of Conduct DO NOTs




Code of Conduct DOs




Four major religions of the world have originated fromFour major religions of the world have originated from

India: Hinduism,Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism.India: Hinduism,Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism.

Hindu Temple Jain Temple

Sikh Gurudwara Buddhist Pagoda




Some Facts

Probably the first written language withcomplete grammer is Sanskrit. 5000 years+.

Oldest civilization to exist on the earth today.

The science of Yoga and Meditation wasdeveloped in the Himalayas

Birthplace of 4 major religions Hinduism,Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism

Worlds first University in Takshila in 700 BC

Vedas are the oldest texts available to humans

Sanskrit: Source of numerous languages

No Human Founder. No k nown beginning No O ne Scripture of authority O ne Supreme God/ Ultimate Reality Emphasis on personal experience All Paths deserve equal respectWhole world is one family

Let every on

e be happy, healthy an

d peaceful




Sacred Cow Why?

Everything is sacred for Hindus. Cows, Like in all societies of all times, have been

considered to be wealth.

Cows provide milk which helps sustain life,life of adults and children alike. The by-products of the milk, yoghurt, buttermilk,butter etc were an integral part of their dailydiet. Their dung was a useful, year around

fuel supply. By pulling carts and ploughs,they were partners in technology that helpeddevelop new frontiers in the Indian sub-continent.

Their usefulness meant they were valued ashighly as any gold, gem or sometimes even kin. By giving it a very special place in oursociety, that of a pseudo mother, we madesure it was respected at all times. By givingit the same divine status as parents, theancients made sure the humble cow had thesame legal and social protection as humans ! All this to protect our wealth !!




Caste System

Vedas speak of nobility of entire humanity (krinvanto vishvam aryam), and do not sanction any caste system or birth-based caste system. Mantra, numbered 10-13-

1 in Rig Veda, addresses the entire humanity as divine children (shrunvantuvishve amrutsya putraha). Innumerable mantras in Vedas emphasise oneness,universal brotherhood, harmony, happiness, affection, unity and commonality of entire humanity.

Veda Mantra numbered 5-60-5 in Rig Veda declares, All men are brothers; no

one is big, no one is small. All are equal. Mantra numbered 16.15 in Yajur Vedareiterates that all men are brothers; no one is superior or inferior.

Hindu scriptures speak only about varna which means to select (onesprofession, etc.) and which is not caste or birth-based.

As per shloka numbered IV (13) of the Bhagavad Gita, depending upon a personsguna (aptitude) and karma (actions), there are four varnas. As per this shloka, apersons varna is determined by his guna and karma, and not by his birth. ChapterXIV of the Bhagavad Gita specifies three gunas viz. satva (purity), rajas (passionand attachment) and tamas (ignorance). These three gunas are present in everyhuman in different proportions, and determine the varna of every person.




Additional Resources

Idiots Guide To HinduismBy Linda Johnsen

On The Internet:

http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basicshttp://www.atributetohinduism.com/

http://www.dlshq.org/download/vedbegin.pdf

http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm

http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/ans_00.htmlhttp://www.hindubooks.org/bansi_pandit/hindu_dharma /

This is a presentation by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS). For moreinformation, email at [email protected]

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