Origins of Hinduism

1. Origins of Hinduism Basic Beliefs, Observances and Symbols

2. Basic Beliefs Polytheistic Vedas (Rig-Veda) Oldest scripture of Hindu philosophy Used along with the Upanishads (opening to spirituality) Lets individual seek and discover answers in the quest of life • Followers believe in more than one god • Worshippers devote themselves to one god • Household shrines feature pictures and statues of chosen gods • “Who really knows? • Who will here proclaim it? • Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation? • The gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe. • Who then knows whence it has arisen?”

3. Basic Beliefs Dharma Moksha State of changeless bliss (like heaven) Living a life of religious devotion and moral integrity without any interest in worldly things May take many lifetimes to achieve Ultimate reward is union with God • Ultimate moral balance of all things – in the universe and individual life • Divine order within a personal life • Each one has responsibility to balance own dharma • Plays out in all areas of life • Religious, social, familial • Promises must be kept at all costs • Faithful maintain religious rituals while attending to family’s needs

4. Basic Beliefs Karma Samsara Known as reincarnation Cycle of life, death and rebirth Each cycle presents opportunity for balance An individual may experience effects from past lives Worldly status depends on actions in a past lives Good thoughts and actions can liberate a person Every relationship and situation becomes meaningful • Belief that a person’s actions – every act or thought – has consequences • Disturbing the balanced universe will lead to suffering • An ethical and moral life will lead to happiness

5. Observances Pilgrimages Four principal places of pilgrimage in India Puri (Krishna) Rameswaram (Vishnu and Shiva) Southern tip of India Dwarka (Vishnu) Badrinath (Vishnu, Ganges River) • Many holy sites, each dedicated to a certain god, gods or famous happening • Meeting of spiritual and earthly • Each spot rests on 4 compass points • Hindus visit each spot throughout 10 weeks • Tangible journey through enlightenment requiring self-discipline

6. Observances Varna: Caste System Rank is based on occupation Rank in caste system is linked to dharma Hindus strive to be born into a higher caste in next life People expected to marry within own caste Inter-caste marriages – jatis Not recognized by most country, including India Most Hindus believe varna is unjust Still exist within small villages • Brahmins • priest • Kshatriyas • Warriors and rulers • Vaisyas • Skilled workers and farmers • Sudras • servants • Untouchables • Outcasts of society

7. Symbols Ganges River Born in Himalayas and nourishing to holy city of Varanasi People visit banks, washing themselves, spreading ashes in water, etc. Belief that contact with sacred rivers helps balance person’s karma Lotus • Hindus considered water sacred • Literally and symbolically a source of life, renewal and hope • Born of water and symbolizes birth of universe • Many deities depicted sitting on Lotus flower

8. Symbols Om (Aum) Cow Offspring of celestial cow, created by Lord Krishna Sacred animal providing milk and butter Both used in rituals of atonement • Principal symbol of Hinduism • 2 separate letters, A, U and M • A represents beginning, U means progress, M stands for dissolution • Visual and oral representation of Brahmin, or God • Repeat the word to transcend individual thoughts and merge with God

9. Polytheistic • Followers believe in more than one god • Introduced in Rig-Veda • Worshippers devote themselves to one god • Household shrines feature pictures and statues of chosen gods Hindu Trinity Brahma: the Creator • Mystical creator, supreme presence, God • All other gods came from him • Four faces stand for 4 corners of the Universe • Holds sacrificial ladle, 4 Vedas, holy water from the Ganges, necklace of prayer beads • Sits on Lotus flower throne

10. Hindu Trinity Vishnu: the Preserver Shiva: the Destroyer Also known as the purifier Dances in a halo of fire, crushes dwarf of ignorance Keeps rhythm beating a drum, holds flame of destruction Wears snakes around his neck = power over evil and symbol of fertility (ability to shed skin) • Greatest of the gods • Maintains balance between good and evil forces • Comes to earth in different forms – 10 avatars • Matsya (fish) • Kurma • Varah • Narasimha • Vamana • Outwit ruling demon-king, Bali • Parashurama • Rama • Life story of Prince Rama, The Ramayana • Krishna • Fled to forest, slayed dragons, accidentally killed • Buddha • Prince Siddhartha of Buddhism • Kalki • Yet to come – will appear on white horse, wielding flaming sword, at end of time • Rama, Krishna and Buddha worshipped most today • Always holds white conch shell, rotating disk, golden mace and lotus flower

11. Holidays and Celebrations Hindu Calendar Diwali Nov 9, 2013, lasts for 5 days Holi Mar 27, 2013, last for 2 days • Follows the lunar year • ShyklaPaksha • First 2 weeks – waxing moon • Krishna Paksha • Last 2 weeks – waning moon

12. Holidays and Celebrations Divali Holi Spring festival to celebrate Equinox Begins in evening with bonfires lit to empower the sun Dance, sing and pray all night around bonfires Water becomes center of festival Throw dyed water at each other Lasts for 3 days • Hindu New Year • Fall in either October or November • “a row of lights” • People decorate with small clay lamps called divas • Lay on streets and in doorways • to greet Lakshmi who brings blessings of wealth and abundance • Lasts for 5 days • Decorate floors with colourful floor paintings made of rice flour • Wears finest clothes and give gifts to friends and family

13. Krishna Temple • In Spanish Fork, UTAH

14. Holi 2012

15. The End