HINDUISM PRACTISES

What is a 'mandir'?

a Hindu temple of worship

Why do the styles of Hindu temples vary?

there are many different gods so some temples are very elaborate, and are covered with images and scenes from the lives of deities

What does the 'space of the heart' mean?

a concept known as 'antaryami', meaning God is within the hearts of living beings

What is the intention of the appearance of a temple?

the appearance of a temple is intended to create a kind of heaven on earth, where worshippers can be still and find the truth within themselves (worship in the space of the heart)

What is the interior of a Hindu temple like?

- a Hindu temple is a house of God, a place where an image of God, a murti, is honoured as an important royal guest
- therefore, the temple becomes a sacred space, set aside for the worship of deities
- usually one of the deities is thought to be the most important, while all of the deities of the local area are also represented => this means that all the members of the family and community can worship in the same space and share their activities

What do worshippers do inside the mandir?

worshippers prepare food and offerings in the side rooms of the temple and honour the deity by solemnly presenting these gifts, and walking round the murti and saying prayers or chanting mantras - worshippers always take their shoes off before entering a temple

What are the benefits of shrines inside a home or outdoors?

shrines are also sacred spaces and used for worshipping deities, but they are much smaller - a Hindu family can decorate the shrine however they like
- can be used as a worship at any time of the day so it is very convenient

What is 'bhakti'?

loving devotion to God

Give two quotes that suggests why a Hindu worships God.

A leaf or flower, water, fruit, a devotee in love may bring; I cherish from that earnest soul the love that makes the offering." - Bhagavad Gita 9.26

"Bear Me in mind, with love to Me, revere Me, sacrifice, I promise you will come to Me for you are dear to Me." - Bhagavad Gita 18.65

What is 'puja' and what is its significance?

puja' is paying respect to a deity as an honoured guest; it is ways to worship in the home or temple
- 'pujua' means 'giving respect and honour'
- prayers are said in front of the chosen deitty, represented by the murti, and worshippers make offerings of flowers, fruit, rice and money

What is 'arati' and what is its signifance?

arati is the main worship ceremony

it is an offering of light to the deity through a murti
- an arati candle is always lit and passed round the deity with prayers and songs
- then, the flame is handed round on a tray so that worshippers can pass their hands over the flame, and their eyes and heads to receive the blessing of the deity
- the arati tray included four/five lights, representing the elements of fire, earth, air, wind and water

What is 'bhajan/kirtan'?

devotional songs and hymns to God

What is 'darshan' and what is its signifance?

viewing with respect a holy image and receiving a divine blessing
- Hindus will often touch or kiss the steps of a shrine or the feet of a deity, or offer a greeting as a sign of respect and honour
- they then ask for the deity to bless them in return (darshan)
- they sing hymns, known as bhajan or kirtan, and chant mantras

What is 'japa'?

chants or prayers to God and the repeating of holy sounds or words
- japa is one way of chanting mantras, often using a string of beads as a way of focusing the mind as they count through the different names by which the deity is known

What is 'havan' and what is its signifance?

havan is the name of the fire sacrifice offered to the fire god, Agni, in the temple
- the fire is lit with small pieces of wood and ghee (purified butter), rice is offered and prayers are said while the fire burns
- this is a symbol of the rituals of animal sacrifice in ancient Hindu scriptures

What are the four main types of festival?

celebration of a key event in the life of a deity
- celebration of the birt, life and achievements of a Hindu saint
- seasonal festivals and customers associated with nature or harvest
- joyful celebrations of family relationships and the cycle of human life

What is the origin of Diwali?

Diwali is the festival of lights
- a celebration lasting five days in Oct/Nov, accompanied by the constant noise of firecrackers to mark the victory of light over darkness, and truth over falsity
- in South India, it celebrates the marriage of Vishnu and Lakshmi
- In Kalighat, Kali (Shiva's consort) is remembered
- most Hindus, especially Vaishnavas, recall the story of Rama and Sita:
=> Hindus remember the day when Rama returned to his capital with Sita, leading a vast army commanded by Hanuman
=> this happened at the time of new moon so lights were needed to show them the way; this is why lamps are lit everywhere during Diwali
=> the skies are filled with firework displays as it is also the start of the Hindu New Year

Which goddess is remembered at Diwali?

Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, is remembered
- businessmen and women get their financial accounts in order and pray for her blessing over the next financial year
- Lakshmi is also welcomes into the family home and asked to bring learning and prosperity

What happens at home during Diwali?

houses and temples are cleaned, then decorated with lights
- new clothes are bought and gifts are exchanged

What is the origin of Holi?

the Holi festival takes place in Feb/Mar, at the time of the full moon, and lasts for two days
- it is the festival of Spring, associated with the victory of the devotee Prahlad over the demoness Holika

What happens during Holi?

Holi is the most fun-filled and colourful of all Hindu festivals: people where old clothes and smother each other in brightly coloured powders or liquids to remember how Krishna and the milkmaids had fun playing tricks on each other
- normal standards of behaviour can be forgotten at Holi and everyone joins in the fun

How do Vaishnavas see Holi?

fires are lit at this festival to symbolise the story of Prahlada, who was protected by Vishnu through all the attempts of his evil father to kill him

in the final attempt, his father summoned his evil sister, Holika, to carry Prahlada into a burning fire, thinking that she was protected from fire and his son would die, however, the opposite happened
- hence the festival is called Holi to remember that Holika burnt in the fure, and good triumphed over evil

In what ways do Hindus have personal deities?

most Hindus prefer a personal deity whose powers are easier to understand than those of a Supreme (formless) Being
- they refer to God as bhagavan and also choose personal deities for whom they have a natural affection, or they consider relevant to their daily lives
- they believe they are under the protection of one particular god
- some Hindus prefer a fierce personal deity, such as Durga, while others choose calmer images, such as the baby Krishna

In what ways are murtis treated with respect?

family murtis are treated with great rrespect
- they are washed, have their clothes changed regularly, are offered food as a sign of love and care, and are decorated with flowers

What do Hindus do with photographs of people who have died?

photographs of grandparents, wise teachers or faithful friends who have died are put in the family sshrine

Why do Hindus have a bell in the shrine?

Hindus ring the bell to tell the deities that they are ready to worship

What should be the first word uttered each day for Hindus?

the sound and symbol of God, Om / Aum

What is the symbolism of the swastika for Hindus?

the swastika was often used a symbol of the sun and prosperity in ancient times
- its crooked branches, which face the opposite way to the Nazi swastika, point out from the centre, symbolisin that the human mind in unable to comprehend directly the truths about Brahman
- the swastika also points in every direction, showing how God is present in every place and form of life

What is a 'guru'?

wise teacher of religion and spirituality
- a holy person, usually a man, who has reached enlightenmentt after giving up attachment to worldly goods to spend time studying the scriptures and meditating to God
- a guru's life is spent teaching others how to find self-realisation

Give two quotes said by gurus.

The pearl is found in the oysterm and the oyster is in the sea. The diver brings it up. No one else has the power to do this." - Guru Kabir

"The guru is the skilful helmsman, divine grace the favourable wind; if with such means man does not strive to cross the ocean of life and death, he is indeed lost." - Guru Chaitanya

What is the origin of gurus?

the word "guru" has two parts: "gu" means darkness and "ru" means light
=> a guru is therefore, a teacher who gets rid of spiritual darkness and replaces it with ligght or enlightenment
- gurus have been a part of Hinduism for a very long time
- there is evidence in the Upanishads that wise men are able to reveal the truths about Brahman and that the pupils of religious teachers may expect to spend many years studying

What four qualities must a guru have?

he must be well versed in the scriptures
- he must know about Brahman
- he must have overcome all human desires
- he must be honest, sincere and trustworthy

What is a 'sadhu'?

another form of Hindu teacher or wandering holy man
- sadhus are recognised at the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage, coming from all over India to lead the procession of pilgrims into the water

What is a sannyasin?

a religious hermit who has reached the last stage of life
- someone who has decided to give up his possessions and all contact with his family
- the sannyasin only carries a begging bowl, a stick to help him walk in lonely places, and some prayer beads
- Hindus treat them with great respect because of his example of simplicity and austerity, meditation and prayer

What is a 'swami'?

another title for a Hindu holy man, an ascetic who is specially known for the teaching of Hindu scripture
- swamis belong to a religious order (a group of followers of a particularly well-known religious teacher)

What is the aim of yoga?

the aim of yoga is to achieve union of the self with the deity by self-discipline and worship
- yoga involves concentrating deeply on God, either as the non-personal Brahman, as the more personal bhagavan, or the God within, antaryami

What is yoga used for in Hinduism?

yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word, meaning 'discipline'
- practising yoga helps Hindus to reach moksha
- it helps them to let go of negative feelings, such as stress and anxiety
- yoga is used to help them live better lives and to reach inner peace

What is the 'karma yoga' path?

the path of unselfish action

What does karma yoga involve?

this path is for those involved in tthe world, doing good things, but always aiming to free the soul from the desire of money, success or personal glory

it requires the performance of special rituals, eg the havan

What is an example of karma yoga?

giving to charity a householder working for his family
- someone cleaning up the local environment

What is the 'jnana yoga' path?

the path of knowledge and understanding, requiring a learned teacher

What is an example of jnana yoga?

when a person makes no distinction between rich and poor, between people of a different coloured skin, believing that these divisions are illusion due to human ignorance

What does jnana yoga involve?

this is a stricter path
- it is practised by those who have given up worldly pleasures, eg smartphones, to focus the mind on the non-personal nature of God
- through the study of scriptures, those who practise this form of yoga hope to reach self-realisation
- a follower will try to be one with Brahman, seeing the world as a complete and harmonious whole

What is the 'bhakti yoga' path?

the path of devotion to God

What is an example of bhakti yoga?

meditating before an image of Rama and Krishna in the home each day as a way of showing love

What does bhakti yoga involve?

this path aims at developing loving devotion to God and focuses on loving service and worship of a personal God, bhagavan, as a way to reach union with God it teaches that everything belongs to God so nothing can be owned or given up

What is the 'astanga yoga' path?

the path of meditation

What is an example of astanga yoga?

yogis who practise intense meditation in isolated places or at holy sites of pilgrimage those who meditate using mantras and prayer beads

What does astanga yoga involve?

the focus is on meditation and finding God within the heart more recently, this path has become more popular
- this is the path of yoga followed by ascetics at Kumb Mela and also those who practice transcendental meditation, reciting mantras

What are ten reasons why Hindus go on pilgrimage?

to make amends for something they have done wong
- to strengthen their faith and become closer to God
- to show how committed they are to their religion or a particular deity
- to make the spiritual journey on behalf of someone unable to do it for themselves
- to ask for help or healing
- to find out about a holy place
- because members of their family have always gone to a particular place on pilgrimage -to say thanks for something good that has happened
- pilgrimage is part of their dharma or religious duty
- because pilgrimage is open to everyone and there are no divisions of age, class or gender

Where might Hindus go to on pilgrimage?

Hindus believe that heaven and earth meet a holy places
- many of these places are associated with rivers or mountains, where people are full of awe and wonder at the beauty of the natural world
- there are also sites associated with the gods or deities, with legends about special events in the past or with magnificent temples built at holy places
=> Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka
=> Vrindavan (Krishna)
=> Haridwar (Kumbh Mela)
=> Varanasi (city of the Lord Shiva)
=> Tirupati
=> Kaveri River, Ganges River, Godavari River, Yamuna River

What happens when pilgrims reach their pilgramage destination?

- Hindus believe that some fords or river crossings are where earth and heaven meet, so they will more easily pass from material to spirtual worlds and receive blessings by washing in the holy water there; sometimes, they will take a small bottle of the water home, eg if they have come on behalf of an ill relative
- pilgrims may put on special clothes; they may choose to have their head shaved or walk barefoot; they remain celibate on the pilgrimage; these behaviours show the intention of the pilgrim, which is to remain focused on God during the journey - all pilgrims offer puja at the sacred site or in front of the deity; they will circumambulate the temple or shrine, saying prayers or chanting mantras, and spend time in the presence of the deity
- many pilgrims hope to go to the Ganges River to die, or they may take the ashes of a loved one to be thrown into the river; the water is considered so sacred that it will wash away past bad karma (this is why there are so many ghats for funeral pyres, especially in Varanasi)

How often is Kumbh Mela?

- there are four different pilgrimage sites for the Kumbh Mela, used in rotation every 3 years
- a large festival takes place every 12 years at Prayaga, where the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers meet and where the mythical river, Saraswati, is thought to join them

What is the mythological origin of the Kumbh Mela?

- in the story of the churning of the oceans by gods and demons, the celestial bird, Garuda, flew away with a jar containing the nectar of immortality during a quarrel
- the word "kumbh" means "jar" and it is said that the water of the Ganges was transformed into the nectar of immortality as four drops from the jar fell to earth at the four sites during the quarrel
=> so to be bathing in the waters at that time brings purification

How is the timing of the Kumbh Mela calculated?

the timing is carefully calculated by studying the stars -it is particularly linked to the constellation of Aquarius

What is said to happen if you take part in the mass bathing at dawn, on the day of the new moon, at Kumbh Mela?

you are released from the repeated cycle of birth and death

How long does the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage last?

55 days

What is the atmosphere like at the Kumbh Mela sites?

- like a fair or medieval pageant, with entertainers reciting Hindu epics, minstrels singing, people dancing, and many traders selling souvenirs or food snacks
- it is the custom to purchase garlands of marigolds to cast into the water as an offering to Mother Ganges
- then, pilgrims pick up water from the Ganges in cupped hands, offer it to the gods and let it fall through their fingers back into the river

Traditionally, who leads the huge procession into the water at the Kumbh Mela?

naked sadhus come from all over India, ash-smeared and garlanded with orange flowers