Hindu

Whats unique about Hinduism?

no founder, no common creed or doctrine, Henotheistic

What is the Vedas?

sacred old Sanskrit texts; the “way of life”

Who is Braham?

the single deity they worship

What does henotheistic mean?

believe and whorshiping one supreme god while acknoledging

What is Samsara?

continuous cycle of life, death , and reincarnation

What is Kharma/karma?

universal Law of cause and effect; idea that people’s actions and thoughts directly determine their current life

What do Hindus not eat? Why?

beef or pork; cows are sacred and they value all living creatures

What does the swastika mean?

good fortune or being happy

What is an Om?

sacred sound; composed of three sanskrit letters

What do Hindus believe/have that buddhists dont?

caste system and multiple gods

Who performs death rites?

Hindu priests or the family of they are not available

What is a traditional Hindu death?

at home; with friends and family will keep a vigil through singing, praying and reading scripture (can be carried out in hospital if no other choice)

What happens at moment of passing?

mantra chanted; holy ash placed on forehead and holywater/milk dripped in mouth; held til cremaiton

What disposition is preferred?

cremation without any embalming

What is Homa?

ritual of fire, most ancient and sacred ceremony in the Vedic tradfition; mantras chanted and special offerings (not just funeral)

What is the purpose of Homa?

bless and purify everyone present spreading peace and healing

What are Kumbhas?

pots

What kumbhas are used for funeral?

9 brass pots and 1 clay pot

Who leads the rites?

chief mourner; eldest son for father, youngest son for mothers

How is the body prepared?

the family themseles prepares the body or at least witnesses it; removes cloths and drape it with a white cloth, essential oils applied to head and body and bathed with water from the pots

What is an Arti?

hindu ritual to express love and gratitude to god; remove darkness (regularly preformed outside of funerals)

Who performs arti? How?

chief mourner; passing oil lamp over remains and offering flowers

What do young children do at arti?

holding small lighted sticks, encircle body, and singing hymns

What do women do at arti?

walk around the body and offer rice balls to nourish the deceased for the journey ahead

What does the widow do at arti?

will place tali(wedding pendant) around husbands neck

What will mourners be dressed as?

casually, but black is inappropriate

What is Mukhagni?

hindu funeral ceremony, open casket where guests are expected to view the body, any pictures are impolite

Who conducts mukhagni?

hindu priest and senior family members (other faiths are not expected to participate)

What happens at the cremation?

used to be only men attending, body carried counterclockwise aronud pyre/chamber, pots carried (clay pot and pot with embers from Homa)

What does the chief mourner do at the cremation?

has clay pot on left shoulder, circling the pyre while holding a brand, each circle is a notch in the pot, (gas-fueled includes sacred wood and ghee), and cremation switch is engaged

What happens when they return home?

(10-13 days)all bathe and share in cleaning the house, water is changed daily, icons are draped, lamp and water pot are set where the body lay instate, people dont visit others homes, (at this time the soul has acquired a new body)