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“No religion which is narrow and which cannot satisfy the test of reason, will survive the coming reconstruction of society in which the values will have changed and character,

not possession of wealth, title or birth will be the test of merit.”

- Mahatma Ghandi

HINDUISM\ \BY IAN MCMULLEN

Originated near present-day Indus River, Pakistan

No single founder

Not a single scripture or agreed set of teachings

Over 1 billion people follow Hinduism.

Has no definitive starting point

Hinduism is primarily practiced in India (pictured right).

Background

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Hinduism combines many beliefs and ideas, but has some well-known features: Dharma (the morals and duties of people) Samsara (new beginning—reincarnation) Karma (doing well by others) Moksha (freedom from the cycle of Samsara)

Some other beliefs of Hinduism are honesty, non-violence, celibacy, prayers, etc...

Most Hindus believe there is one Supreme God (Brahman) through which other deities receive their power.

Brahman is not worshipped by Hindus, but seen more as a force, or power.

Beliefs

For those practicing HinduismAllows a sense of self

Gives an answer to what happens after death (reincarnation)

Communities formed due to similar interests

Hard to fully comprehend or understand

Little respected

Seen to participate in odd rituals and ceremonies

Social Function vs. Culture’s Opinion

For those exposed to Hinduism

RitualBaby RitesEach individual is

expected to carry on the human race

A prayer, Garbhadana (meaning “conception”), is said so newly married couples understand their obligations

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Ritual (cont’d)Baby Rites (cont’d)Several more rituals

are performed throughout pregnancy for the health of the child and mother.

Jatakarma is performed by putting honey in the mouth of the newborn followed by whispering the name of God in the child's ear.

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Ritual (cont’d)Weddings

Vary from region to region and can last up to several hours

Many rituals are performed during the ceremony, including jayamaala, madhu-parka, sapta-padi, and more

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Ritual (cont’d)Wedding Rituals Explained Jayamaala

Introduction of families to each other

Madhu-Parka Bridegroom brought to altar and

given a special drink Gau Daan and Kanya Pratigrahan

Exchanging of gifts Bride’s father approves daughter

for marriage Vivaha-homa (pictured right)

Sacred fire is lit while scripture is read

Represents selflessness needed to run a family

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Ritual (cont’d)Wedding Rituals Explained (cont’d) Paanigrahan

Ceremony of vows

Shilarohan and Laaja Homa Bride climbs over a stone to symbolize

her strength to overcome difficulties Bride and groom walk around sacred

fire

Sapta-Padi Vows are said for food, strength,

prosperity, wisdom, progeny (children), health, and friendship

Surya Darshan and Dhruva Darshan Couple looks at the Sun for creativity

and the Polar star to stay unshaken

Ashirvada (Blessings) Elders and the priest bless the newly

married couple

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Das, Subhamoy. "Hinduism." About.com. The New York Times Company, 2012. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://hinduism.about.com/>.

"Hinduism." BBC News. BBC, 29 Sept. 2009. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduis m/>.

Works Cited

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/images/india.jpg

2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/ritesrituals/images/baby.jpg

3. http://img2.photographersdirect.com/img/95/wm/pd938906.jpg

4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/ritesrituals/images/wedding3.jpg

5. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/ritesrituals/images/wedding2.jpg

6. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/ritesrituals/images/wedding1.jpg

Image Credits