Hinduism

Ahimsa

The concept of non-violence towards all living creatures

Atman

The human soul, part of our innermost self that is identical to Brahman

• Eternal and immortal

Brahman

The universal soul and ultimate being

Dharma

Religious or moral duty

Guru

A spiritual teacher or guide who can help one reach moksha

Hindu Trinity

A concept that unites the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva into one entity

Karma

The totality of one’s actions that determines their birth in their next life

Mantra

A sacred word or phrase that is chanted during worship or meditation

Maya

The temporary and imperfect nature of the physical world

Meditation

Deep concentrating state in which the individual tries to become one with the Brahman

Moksha

The liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths; the ultimate goal of Hindus

• Allows Hindus to be able to unite with Brahman

Puja

A thanksgiving ritual that involves offerings of flowers, food and other articles to the deities

Prasad

A practice involving the redistributing of food to devotees that has been offered to and blessed by the deities

Samsara

The endless cycle of rebirths

Shakti

The generic name for all manifestations of female energy

Shruti

Knowledge that is revealed to, or “discovered by”, the wise men of Hinduism

• The 4 Vedas

Smriti

Human-made literature that is “remembered”

• Stories

Swami

The Holy men of Hinduism

Yoga

A practice or discipline combining philosophy with physical exercises and meditation

Yogi

A spiritually evolved individual who practices meditation

What type of religion is Hinduism?

ALL 3!

• Monistic: deity is impersonal and unknowable

• Monotheistic: worship of one deity

• Polytheistic: worship of more than one deity (Hindu Trinity)

The Hindu Trinity

Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

Brahma

The creator of the universe

• Has 3 heads

Vishnu

The preserver of the universe

• Blue skin

Shiva

The destroyer and restorer of the universe

• Blue skin with trident

Shiva and Parvati’s son?

Ganesha

• Remover of all obstacles

• Has an elephant head representing wisdom

The Caste System

1. Brahmin: priests, religious teachers

2. Kshatriya: warriors, rulers

3. Vaishya: merchants, farmers

4. Sudras: servants, labourers

Untouchables: “unclean” occupations such as washing toilets or removing dead animals

Stages of Life

1. Student: disciplines mind and body, learns rules and rituals

2. Householder: marriage and kids, service to others

3. Retirement: leave family to read and study religion

4. Holy Man: give up wordly life, attain salvation

Where does daily worship take place?

Typically at home with daily prayers

Dietary Laws

Hindus practice vegetarianism

• Hindus consider the cow (“Holy Cow”) to be sacred and therefore complete vegetarian actions to honour it

What do Hindus practice for spiritual discipline?

Yoga and Meditation

• Allows them to be in a deep meditative state to experience divine presence

Swatika

• Stems from sanskrit meaning “being happy”

• Good luck symbol

• Provides protection against evil

Om

• Sacred symbol envoking the essence of Brahman

• Chanted at the start of prayers and meditation

• Found at the head of letters, pendants, enshrined in every temple + family shrines

• Symbolizes the 3 worlds of earth, atmospere and heaven; the 3 Hindu Gods

Diwali

• 5 day ‘Festival of lights’ celebration in October/November

• Celebrates the triumph of good over evil

Holi

• Spring festival in March

• Coloured water is squirted on others

• Traditional foods are eaten

• Bonfire is lit the night before to signify the burning of evil

Birth/Naming Child

Usually done by a priest ten days after birth

Thread Initiation Ceremony (Upanayana)

• Performed by boys of the highest 3 castes

• Marks the transition into the student stage of life

• Boy wears a thread over his left shoulder and chants a mantra

Marriage

• Marks the bride and grooms entry into the householder stage of life

• Bond between couple and future fulfillment of responsibilities

• Arranged marriages are common in India

  • Families select spouse for child based on values that would fit best

  • Seen as a union of two families, not just of the couple

Death

• Cremation by fire

• Families bathe and dress the body in new but traditional clothing

• Light and flowers are offered

• Ashes are spread on the holy river

Sacred Writings

The Vedas

• The oldest Hindu scriptures, written in Sanskrit

• Comprised of hymns, prayers, and rituals that guide worship and daily life

• Made up of 4 sections

Mahatma Gandhi

• Kicked off a train in South Africa for his race, despite him having a first class ticket

• A great enthusiast of ahimsa

  • Led non-violent campaigns and protests to fight for Indian equality and independence

• Fought for women’s rights and the demolishment of the untouchables

• Fasted to stop riots

• Constantly imprisoned for sedition and non-cooperation of the government

• Called the British to Quit India during WWII

  • India became independent on August 15, 1947

• Shot to death