AQA GCSE R.E. - HINDU PRACTICES

What is a mandir?

Mandir is a Hindu temple

What is the importance / purpose of temple as a place of worship?

- Every town has mandir

- The purpose of a mandir is to create a heaven on earth

- So that Hindus can find truth within themselves - to worship in the space of the heart

What is a shrine?

A shrine is a sacred space in the home, temple or outdoors where a deity is worshipped

What is Havan?

Havan is name of the fire sacrifice which is performed on special occasions to the god Agni

- the fire is lit with small pieces of wood and ghee (purified butter), rice is offered and prayers are said while the fire burns

What is puja?

Puja is paying respect to a deity as an honoured guest; ways to worship in the home or temple

- Puja means 'giving respect and honour'

- Usually done in front of a chosen deity, represent by the murti

What is arati?

Arati is an offering of light to a deity through the murti

What is an arati lamp?

- An arati lamp is always lit and passed round the deity with prayers and songs

- The flame is handed around on a tray so that worshippers can pass their hand over the flame

What is darshan?

Darshan is viewing a holy image with respect and receiving a divine blessing

What is bhajan / kirtan?

Devotional songs and hymns to God

What are japas / mantras

Chants or prayers to God; repeating holy sounds or words

What are family murtis?

Family murtis are treated with great respect -

- Clothes changed regularly and offered food as a sign of love and care

- Photos of dead family and friends

Why is the shrine kept in the cleanest room in the house?

To show respect to Brahman

Why is incense significant at 'at home' worship?

Fills the room to remind worshippers that Brahman is always there

Different Hindu views in worship of Shaivism and Vaishnavism -

Hindus who prefer to worship Shiva are called Shaivites. Shaivites worship while focusing on the importance of Shiva and practise raja yoga. This kind of Hinduism is called Shaivism.

- Vaishnavas (sometimes know as Vaishnavites) are Hindus who follow Vishnu and want to show Vishnu that he is the most special deity. They focus their worship on the ten incarnations of Vishnu, which include Rama and Krishna. This kind of Hinduism is called Vaishnavism.

What is the significance of rivers?

- E.g. the river Ganges

- Symbolised as Goddesses

- Purifies anyone that comes in to contact with it

- Associated with the birth of krishna

- The river Ganga descends from heaven itself

- Represents liberation from consciousness

What is the significance of hills in Hinduism?

E.g. Himalayas in Northern India

- Pavarti = daughter of the Himalyas

- People pilgrimage to mountains

- Hindus pay reverence to Mount Kailash as a throne of Lord Shiva,

What is a guru?

A guru is a wise teacher of religion and prosperity

What characteristics should Guru's possess?

- Have overcome all human desires

- Know about Brahman

- Be well versed in the scriptures

- Gurus pass on knowledge bu darshan or a 'gracious glance

What is the significance of Banyan tree in Hinduism?

- Represents shelter given by God to his devotees

- Symbolises a benevolent leader

What is Diwali?

Diwali is the festival of lights

In terms of Hinduism when Diwali?

Diwali is at the beginning of the Hindu new year

What does the constant noise of firecrackers represent?

The constant noise of firecracker represents the victory of light over darkness, and truth over falsity

What Goddess is celebrated at Diwali?

Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity is remembered -

- Business people get their financial accounts in order to pray for her blessing over the next financial year

- Lakshmi is welcomed into the family home to bring learning and prosperity

What is Holi?

Holi is the festival colours

When is Holi?

Holi is celebrated in the spring

What does Holi celebrate?

- Holi celebrates the victory of the devotee Prahlad over the demonesses Holika - Holika burnt in fire, and good triumphed over evil

- For Vishnus fire is lit to symbolise the story of Prahlada

How is Holi celebrated?

- Hindus where old clothes and smother powders over one another

- The normal standards of behaviour are forgotten and everyone joins the fun

What is yoga?

Yoga is union with the divine

What is karma yoga?

Action

This type of yoga is about focusing on doing good things around you and helping others. The idea is to try not to focus on the material objects in life and instead focus on the spiritual. Doing good things will gain a person good karma and therefore help towards achieving moksha. In the Bhagavad Gita, which is an important Hindu holy book, Lord Krishna explains that selfless action is the best example of karma yoga.

What is jnana yoga?

Knowledge

A disciplined type of yoga that is done by Hindus who have given up worldly possessions and want to focus on trying to be in unity with God. They try to connect themselves and the world with Brahman. They study the Hindu holy books to understand Brahman in more depth.

What is Astanga yoga?

Meditation

Focused in finding God within the heart

It is a meditation yoga that is mainly used by Hindu holy men, ascetics at Kumbh Mela, who complete mantras to focus on Brahman.

What is bhakti yoga?

Devotion

This type of yoga is about worship and showing God love and devotion. This might be done through prayer to an image of a deity in the shrine at home. Hindus want to make it clear to Brahman that the most important being is Brahman. Bhakti yoga is about showing this through worship.

Why do Hindus go on pilgrimage?

- Become closer to God

- Ask for healing

- It is a part of their dharma or religious duty

- To make ammends for what they have done wrong

- To strengthen their faith

Why are holy places important?

Holy places are where heaven meets earth

What are the practices taken at Hinduism?

Circumambulate - walk around a temple or an image, saying prayers

Ghats - Stairs of platforms beside a river, especially the Ganges, used for cremation

What takes place at Kumbh Mela?

- Demonstrates passion and devotion

- Timing is calculated by the stars

- A large festival takes place every 12 years

- Sadhus take part in the pilgrimage - naked and ash-smeared leads the huge progession

Why is Varanasi important?

Hinduism in Varanasi - The city is important to Hindus because it is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is built on the banks of the River Ganges and pilgrims travel for miles to immerse themselves in the sacred river. They believe that bathing in the Ganges will help purify them and wash away their sins.

What is ahimsa?

Ahimsa is not killing; respect for life; never being violent; never being violent; not hurting others

What do Hindus believe about life?

Hindus belief life is cyclical - all animals and plants are part of one harmonious creation

Why are cows sacred?

- The Vedas forbids the killing of cows

- Cows give us nutrition for a complete diet

- Lord Krishna was a cowherd so many want to follow his example

Name a cow project

The Bhaktivedanta

- Have retirement homes for cows called goshallas

What are goshallas?

Goshallas are cow sanctuaries

What is the purpose of tree-hugging?

1730, over 300 women led a tree hugging movement to stop them being cut down

What is dana?

giving

One may amass wealth with hundreds of hands but one should also distribute it with thousands of hand

Charities promoting women's rights -

Sewa International - improves status of women in India

- Tries to get women into full employment

- Help with education, health and welfare

Promoting wellbeing, social justice and inclusion

- Part of dharma

- Offer food to unexpected guests

- Cannot refuse hospitality to those at our door