KST HINDUISM

What are the main beliefs of Hindus?

Avatarvad (Incarnations), Karmavad (Karma), Punarjanmavad (Reincarnation), Murti-Puja (Idol Worship).

Name the four Vedas?

Rig-veda, Sam-veda, Atharva-veda, Yajur-veda.

Who recited the Mahabharata to Ganeshji?

Ved Vyas.

What is the glory of performing pradakshinas?

God and His sadhu are the center-point of our life. By performing pradakshinas, we gain spiritual merits.

What is ‘sashtang dandvat pranam’? Why should we do them?

When the following 8 parts touch the floor: forehead, nose, chest, hands, feet, mind, vision, and speech, this is known as a sashtang dandvat pranam. By offering them to God, we become humble, and the understanding that we are das of God is strengthened.

What should one do after puja?

Bow to the murtis in the ghar mandir, bow down to your parents, and wish everyone ‘Jai Swaminarayan!’

What are the nine forms of devotion?

Shravanam (Listening), Kirtanam (Chanting/Praising), Smaranam (Remembering), Archanam (Worship), Vandanam (Praying), Dasyam (Servitude), Sakhyam (Friendship), Atmanivedanam (Self-surrender), Padasevanam (Serving the feet of God).

What are the five eternal entities?

Jiva (Soul), Ishwar (God), Maya (Illusion), Brahman (Cosmic Reality), Parabrahman (Supreme God).

Who gives the fruits (results) of our karmas?

Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Which step of Ashtang yog is Samadhi?

The 8th step, or last step.

Why should we avoid attachment to material objects?

Attachment to material things hinders spiritual progress and diverts one’s attention away from God.

What is Fuldol? What does it represent?

Fuldol is a Hindu festival celebrated the day after Holi, focusing on devotion, flowers, and divine blessings. Mandirs are decorated, devotees sing kirtans, and saffron-colored water is sprinkled as a symbol of spiritual joy and purity.

What is the significance of chanting God's name?

Chanting God's name purifies the heart, connects the devotee to God, and removes negative energies and impurities.

What is the primary purpose of visiting a mandir?

To offer prayers, strengthen one’s devotion, and seek blessings from God.

What is the meaning of "Bhakti"?

Bhakti refers to pure devotion and love for God, leading to spiritual liberation.

How should one practice detachment in daily life?

By doing atma no vichar and by understanding that everything in this world is temporary and by focusing on God as the ultimate source of happiness.

What is the importance of Guru in the Swaminarayan tradition?

The Guru provides spiritual guidance, knowledge, and helps lead the devotee on the right path to God.

What is Janmashtami? What does it represent?

Janmashtami is Krishna Bhagwan’s birthday, celebrated with great devotion, focusing on Lord Krishna’s life and teachings as seen through the lens of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s philosophy.

What should a devotee’s attitude be towards worldly possessions?

A devotee should remain detached from worldly possessions, seeing them as temporary and not the source of ultimate happiness.

Why is it important to maintain good company (satsang)?

Good company helps one stay focused on the path of devotion, gain spiritual knowledge, and cultivate virtues.

What is the role of prayer in a devotee’s life?

Prayer strengthens one’s relationship with God, helps overcome difficulties, and purifies the heart.

How can one overcome doubts in faith?

By seeking guidance from Santos, reading Hindu scriptures, and meditating on God’s greatness.

What is Dev Podi?

Dev Podi Ekadashi (also called Dev Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi) marks the beginning of Chaturmas, the four-month period when Lord Vishnu is to enter a divine slumber.

What is Dev Uthi?

Dev Uthi Ekadashi (also called Prabodhini Ekadashi) marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month slumber (Chaturmas).

What Jal Jhini? What is its significance?

Jal Jhini is a Hindu devotional ritual in which Thakorji is taken across a body of water in a small boat or palanquin. This tradition symbolizes Bhagwan’s divine leelas and the devotee’s journey across the ocean of life with God’s guidance.

What is the Bhagvad Gita?

Dialogue between Arjun and Krishna Bhagwan, taken place just before the Mahabharata.

Who were the 5 Pandavs?

Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev

What is the meaning of "Gnan"?

Gnan refers to spiritual knowledge and wisdom, which helps in understanding the nature of the Jiva, God, and the universe.

Why is it important to remain humble?

Humility allows one to maintain devotion, reduce ego, and be open to spiritual growth.

What Raksha Bandhan? What is its significance?

A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists ensuring brotherhood and sisterhood, and brothers offer gifts in return.

What is the role of scriptures in the life of a devotee?

Scriptures provide crucial knowledge, moral guidance, and the teachings needed to live a righteous life.

What is the importance of doing seva (service)?

Seva purifies the heart, removes selfishness, and strengthens one’s bond with God and the community.

What Makar Sankrati? What is its significance?

Also known as Uttarayan, it symbolizes the importance of keeping a strong connection with the Guru no matter how far he may be.

What are the four stages of life according to Hindu philosophy?

Brahmacharya (student life), Gruhastha (householder life), Vanaprastha (retired life), and Sannyasa (renunciant life).

Why is it important to respect elders?

Respecting elders helps cultivate humility, gratitude, and receive their blessings and guidance in life.

What is the role of meditation in spiritual development?

Meditation helps calm the mind, focus on God, and strengthens one’s connection with the divine.

What are the different forms of devotion?

Different forms of devotion include bhajan (singing praises), dhyan (meditation), kirtan (chanting), and puja (worship), thal (offering food) and many other ways.

How can one overcome anger?

One can overcome anger by practicing patience, tolerance, and focusing on the divine qualities of God.

How does devotion help in overcoming material desires?

Devotion to God purifies the heart, reduces attachment to material objects, and fosters a focus on spiritual goals.

What is the importance of moral conduct in spiritual life?

Moral conduct helps maintain a pure mind, facilitates devotion, and enables one to earn spiritual merit.

How does faith in God help during times of difficulty?

Faith in God provides strength, patience, and the confidence that God’s will is always for the devotee’s ultimate good.

What is ahimsa?

Non-Violence: All living things have souls. We should not harm or kill anything - not even mentally.

What is the significance of the festival of Diwali?

Diwali is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and devotion to God.

What is the relationship between Guru and God?

The Guru is seen as the representative of God, guiding devotees to connect with and serve God.

What is the concept of "Maya"?

Maya refers to the illusory material world that distracts the jiva from spiritual pursuits and devotion to God.

What is the principle of reincarnation?

All living things have a soul and until we do not free ourselves from our desires, flaws and base-instincts the soul repeatedly takes birth as animals, insects, humans etc. (through the 8.4 million life forms infinite times).

What is the significance of Pradakshina (circumambulation)?

Pradakshina is a ritual where devotees walk around the deity, signifying reverence, humility, and devotion to God. Also signifying that God is the center of our lives.

What is avatarvad?

For the liberation of infinite souls, God himself takes birth on earth and reestablishes Ekantik dharma. He also fulfils the love and good wishes of his devotees.

What is the meaning of "Vairagya"?

Vairagya refers to renunciation or detachment from worldly pleasures and desires to focus on spiritual goals.

What is the importance of community in spiritual life?

A spiritual community helps support each other’s growth, provides inspiration, and offers a place for shared devotion.

What is the role of Prarthana overcoming obstacles?

Prathana connects one to God, invoking divine help, strength, and guidance in overcoming life’s challenges.

What is Holi?

The festival of colors represents the eternal and divine love of Radhaji and Krishnaji.

What is Guru Purnima?

A day to honor our guru Mahant Swami Maharaj and seek his blessings. It is observed on the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Ashadha (June–July).