hinduism cwr unit 2

8/3/2019 Hinduism Cwr Unit 2

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HinduismHinduismUnit FourUnit Four



The Name The Name

Hindu is universally accepted as word that refers to the religionHindu is universally accepted as word that refers to the religionof India. Hindu·s call their religionof India. Hindu·s call their religion Sanatana DharmaSanatana Dharma..

The word is of Persian origin, used to describe people who lived The word is of Persian origin, used to describe people who livedon the other side of the Sindu river.on the other side of the Sindu river.

There are many sects within Hinduism, but they all share a There are many sects within Hinduism, but they all share acommon sacred literature, a history of religious thought and acommon sacred literature, a history of religious thought and a

world view that place spiritual matters above earthly concerns. world view that place spiritual matters above earthly concerns.

Elements of the faith such asElements of the faith such as reincarnationreincarnation,, K armaK arma (deeds in(deeds inthis life that determine our place in the next), meditation andthis life that determine our place in the next), meditation and

yoga are elements of H

induism that many Canadians are familiaryoga are elements of H

induism that many Canadians are familiar with with..

Today Hinduism is the world·s third largest religion, about 837 Today Hinduism is the world·s third largest religion, about 837million followers or 13% of the world·s population.million followers or 13% of the world·s population.



A t The End Of This Unit Y ou A t The End Of This Unit Y ou

S

hould Be Ab

le To ««S

hould Be Ab

le To «« Describe the role of faith in Hinduism.Describe the role of faith in Hinduism.

Describe the use of symbols to represent Hindu beliefs.Describe the use of symbols to represent Hindu beliefs.

Identify significant sacred writings and their importance.Identify significant sacred writings and their importance.

Explain the origin of Hinduism.Explain the origin of Hinduism. Describe the role of woman in Hinduism.Describe the role of woman in Hinduism.

Show how Hinduism is reflected in Canada.Show how Hinduism is reflected in Canada.

Describe an individual·s role in Hinduism.Describe an individual·s role in Hinduism.

Explain the importance of Mahatma Gandhi.Explain the importance of Mahatma Gandhi. Understand the characteristics and functions of a guru.Understand the characteristics and functions of a guru.

Evaluate Hinduism·s place in the modern world.Evaluate Hinduism·s place in the modern world.



The Origins of Hinduism The Origins of Hinduism

Unlike other religions, Hinduism was notUnlike other religions, Hinduism was notfounded by a particular individual. It is thefounded by a particular individual. It is theproduct of the various peoples that haveproduct of the various peoples that have

occupied the region of India through time.occupied the region of India through time. Some have described it as more of a way of lifeSome have described it as more of a way of life

than a religion.than a religion.

T wo groups of people laid the foundation for T wo groups of people laid the foundation forHinduism, the Indus Valley civilization and theHinduism, the Indus Valley civilization and the

Aryans. Aryans.



The Indus Valley Civilization The Indus Valley Civilization

Excavations along the banks of the Indus riverExcavations along the banks of the Indus riverprovided the first evidence of religious thoughtprovided the first evidence of religious thoughtin India.in India.

Archaeologists discovered the remains of a Archaeologists discovered the remains of acivilization that rose in the Indus Valley betweencivilization that rose in the Indus Valley between3000 and 2500 BCE.3000 and 2500 BCE.

T wo ancient cities, Mohenjo T wo ancient cities, Mohenjo--Daro and Harappa,Daro and Harappa, were the heart of this civilization, also referred were the heart of this civilization, also referredto as the Harappa Culture.to as the Harappa Culture.



The people of this civilization were impressive builders The people of this civilization were impressive buildersand town planners. Houses contained drainage andand town planners. Houses contained drainage andsewer systems and some included bathrooms on thesewer systems and some included bathrooms on the

first and second floors.first and second floors. Some of the buildings have been identified as worshipSome of the buildings have been identified as worship

houses, where archaeologists discovered stonehouses, where archaeologists discovered stonesculptures that may be early depictions of the Hindusculptures that may be early depictions of the Hindu

goddessesgoddessesP

ar v atiP

ar v ati andand K ali.K ali. Other discoveries included charms against evil,Other discoveries included charms against evil,

thousands of flat seals and fire altars that suggestthousands of flat seals and fire altars that suggestreligious activity such as animal sacrifice.religious activity such as animal sacrifice.

One seal depicts a man wearing a headOne seal depicts a man wearing a head--dress seated in adress seated in ayoga position, surrounded by animals. It may be anyoga position, surrounded by animals. It may be anearly representation of the Hindu god Shiva.early representation of the Hindu god Shiva.



The A rriv al Of The A ryans The A rriv al Of The A ryans

Around 1500 BCE, thousands of people, known as Around 1500 BCE, thousands of people, known as A ryans A ryans, migrated into India from the northwest,, migrated into India from the northwest,destroying the Indus Valley civilization.destroying the Indus Valley civilization.

They came from central Asia, spoke an early form of They came from central Asia, spoke an early form of Sanskrit and settled near the river Sindhu and later, theSanskrit and settled near the river Sindhu and later, theGanges river.Ganges river.

Aryan religious thought flourished between 1500 and Aryan religious thought flourished between 1500 and500 BCE. It was contained in a collection of hymns,500 BCE. It was contained in a collection of hymns,

ritual texts and philosophical works calledritual texts and philosophical works called Vedas Vedas, and, andare considered Hinduism·s earliest sacred writings.are considered Hinduism·s earliest sacred writings.

The earliest The earliest Veda Veda is Rig is Rig--Veda, which constitutes the Veda, which constitutes theearliest record of sacred knowledge onHinduism.earliest record of sacred knowledge onHinduism.



The Vedas were written in verse, and their translation The Vedas were written in verse, and their translation

into prose interpretations were calledinto prose interpretations were called BrahmanasBrahmanas..

Other mystical texts on human existence, calledOther mystical texts on human existence, calledUpanishadsUpanishads, also came from the Vedas., also came from the Vedas.

The Aryans worshipped the forces of nature in the The Aryans worshipped the forces of nature in the

form of gods.form of gods. A gni A gni, god of fire, is an example., god of fire, is an example.

W orship and prayer to honor these forces formed the W orship and prayer to honor these forces formed thecore of early Hinduism.core of early Hinduism.

The Upanishads combined prayer with philosophical The Upanishads combined prayer with philosophical

inquiry aboutinquiry about atmanatman, the human soul. The atman was, the human soul. The atman was

considered to be the breath of human life and becameconsidered to be the breath of human life and became

one of the fundamental principles of Hindu philosophy.one of the fundamental principles of Hindu philosophy.



Hindu Belief sHindu Belief s

The Hindu concept of god is hard for non The Hindu concept of god is hard for non--Hindus toHindus tounderstand. It has been described as;understand. It has been described as;

Pol ytheisticPol ytheistic ² ² a religion of many godsa religion of many gods

MonotheisticMonotheistic ² ² belief in only one god.belief in only one god. MonisticMonistic ² ² god as an impersonal and unknowablegod as an impersonal and unknowable

entity.entity.

Scholars refer to this confusion as Hinduism·sScholars refer to this confusion as Hinduism·s toleranttolerant

characteristiccharacteristic. It allows its members to follow their. It allows its members to follow theirown conscience and does not impose its beliefs onown conscience and does not impose its beliefs onothers, nor does it believe in conversion.others, nor does it believe in conversion.



The early hymns of the Rig The early hymns of the Rig--Veda praise the spirits of Veda praise the spirits of

natural forces such as fire, thunder, dawn, water, earthnatural forces such as fire, thunder, dawn, water, earth

and the sun. However, it is believed that they alland the sun. However, it is believed that they allrepresent different aspects of the same supreme being.represent different aspects of the same supreme being.

The Upanishads refers to this supreme being as The Upanishads refers to this supreme being as

BrahmanBrahman, the soul of the universe from which all, the soul of the universe from which all

existing things arise and into which they all return. It isexisting things arise and into which they all return. It iseverything and everywhere!everything and everywhere!

Hindus are free to imagine Brahman in any way that isHindus are free to imagine Brahman in any way that is

meaningful to them. Therefore,Hindus worshipmeaningful to them. Therefore,Hindus worship

different gods that they consider manifestations of different gods that they consider manifestations of

Brahman.Brahman.



Hindu DeitiesHindu Deities

The most prevalent manifestations of Brahman The most prevalent manifestations of Brahman

are the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who areare the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who are

often depicted together as one concept, calledoften depicted together as one concept, called

thethe Hindu TrinityHindu Trinity. They each have a female. They each have a female

counterpart, the most prominent one being counterpart, the most prominent one being

Parvati, Shiva·s main squeeze.Parvati, Shiva·s main squeeze.



BrahmaBrahma

Creator of the universe.Creator of the universe.

Has four faces and sits on a lotus.Has four faces and sits on a lotus.

He holds a book, a rosary and a gourd.He holds a book, a rosary and a gourd. Not as widely worshipped as Shiva and Vishnu.Not as widely worshipped as Shiva and Vishnu.

His female counterpart isHis female counterpart is Sarasw atiSarasw ati. She is the. She is the

goddess of learning and the arts, often depictedgoddess of learning and the arts, often depictedholding a book and a musical instrument called aholding a book and a musical instrument called a

veena. She gets around on a peacock or a swan. veena. She gets around on a peacock or a swan.



V ishnu V ishnu

Preserver of the universe, a loving and forgiving figure whoPreserver of the universe, a loving and forgiving figure whobrings salvation.brings salvation.

Four arms in which he holds a conch shell, a discus, a lotus and aFour arms in which he holds a conch shell, a discus, a lotus and amace. His vehicle is a divine eagle.mace. His vehicle is a divine eagle.

Vishnu has many Vishnu has many a v atarsa v atars, incarnation or manifestation of a deity , incarnation or manifestation of a deity in human form, and appears on earth in the form of an animal orin human form, and appears on earth in the form of an animal orhuman to conquer evil.human to conquer evil.

Hindus believe that one of his incarnations was of Hindus believe that one of his incarnations was of SiddarthaSiddarthaGautama,Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.the founder of Buddhism.

His com panion is Lak shmi, the goddess of w ealth,His com panion is Lak shmi, the goddess of w ealth,happiness and good f ortune. She is often depicted happiness and good f ortune. She is often depicted re w arding worshi ppers with gold.re w arding worshi ppers with gold.



Shiv aShiv a

He is the destroyer and restorer of the universe and is associatedHe is the destroyer and restorer of the universe and is associated with creative energy. with creative energy.

He is considered a greatHe is considered a great yogi yogi, a spiritually involved individual, a spiritually involved individual who practices meditation. who practices meditation.

He holds a trident, a rosary and a gourd in his hands.He holds a trident, a rosary and a gourd in his hands. His vehicle is a bull.His vehicle is a bull.

He is also depicted as Nataraj, the god of dance and is shownHe is also depicted as Nataraj, the god of dance and is shownholding a drum, serpent and sacred fire in his hands whileholding a drum, serpent and sacred fire in his hands whileperforming the dance of creation.performing the dance of creation.

He holds water in his hair from the sacred Ganges river.He holds water in his hair from the sacred Ganges river. Parvati, his wife, is the mother goddess. She is worshipped asParvati, his wife, is the mother goddess. She is worshipped as

Shakti or female energy. She is portrayed riding a tiger with many Shakti or female energy. She is portrayed riding a tiger with many weapons in her hands. weapons in her hands.



GaneshaGanesha ² ² son of Shiv a and Par v ati,son of Shiv a and Par v ati,

remov er of all obstacles. Elephantremov er of all obstacles. Elephant

head, human bod y.head, human bod y.

S b hS b h d f Shid f Shi



Subrahman yaSubrahman ya ² ² second son of Shiv asecond son of Shiv a

and Par v ati. Worshi pped b y theand Par v ati. Worshi pped b y the

Tamil in southern India. Tamil in southern India.

HH Th M k G d h iTh M k G d h i



Hanuman Hanuman ² ² The Monkey God, he is The Monkey God, he is

the model of de votion and e v eryone·s the model of de votion and e v eryone·s

protector. protector.



A tman A tman

The human soul or spirit. The human soul or spirit.

It is the part of ourselves that is identical toIt is the part of ourselves that is identical to

Brahman, the universal soul.Brahman, the universal soul. A Hindu·s goal in life is to reunite the atman A Hindu·s goal in life is to reunite the atman

with the Brahman. with the Brahman.

T

he atman is eternal and immortal! W

hen one T

he atman is eternal and immortal! W

hen onedies, the atman lives on, shedding one body todies, the atman lives on, shedding one body to

enter a new one.enter a new one.



R eincarnationR eincarnation

Hindus believe that the soul does not die with the body Hindus believe that the soul does not die with the body but enters another body to carry on its existence.but enters another body to carry on its existence.

This endless cycle of rebirth is called This endless cycle of rebirth is called samsarasamsara..

MayaMaya is a word used to describe the temporary andis a word used to describe the temporary andimperfect nature of the physical world. Hindus believeimperfect nature of the physical world. Hindus believethat all life is caught in this cycle of birth, death andthat all life is caught in this cycle of birth, death andrebirth.rebirth.

The goal of Hindus is to achieve The goal of Hindus is to achieve mok shamok sha, liberation of , liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths into thisthe soul from the endless cycle of rebirths into this world , by uniting the world , by uniting the atmanatman with the with the BrahmanBrahman..



K armaK arma

K arma is the totality of one·s actions in life, and itK arma is the totality of one·s actions in life, and itdetermines the form the individual will take when he ordetermines the form the individual will take when he orshe is reborn.she is reborn.

Bad K arma will result in rebirth at a lower station in lifeBad K arma will result in rebirth at a lower station in lifeor as a lower form of life, such as an animal.or as a lower form of life, such as an animal.

GoodK arma will result in rebirth at a higher station inGoodK arma will result in rebirth at a higher station inlife, which is closer to attaining salvation.life, which is closer to attaining salvation.

Therefore, in order to achieve salvation,Hindus must Therefore, in order to achieve salvation,Hindus must

work their way up the ladder of existence, by trying to work their way up the ladder of existence, by trying tosecure rebirth at a higher level. This is what led to thesecure rebirth at a higher level. This is what led to thecaste system.caste system.



Four Paths to Salv ationFour Paths to Salv ation

1.1. Bhakti Y ogaBhakti Y oga ² ² The Path of De votion The Path of De votion

-- Devotion and love towards a particular personalDevotion and love towards a particular personal

deity. It·s popular among Hindus because itdeity. It·s popular among Hindus because itprovides the opportunity to worship Brahman in aprovides the opportunity to worship Brahman in a

concrete way.concrete way.

-- Followers focus their devotion through prayerFollowers focus their devotion through prayerand rituals.and rituals.

22 K YK Y Th P h f A iTh P h f A i



2.2. K arma Y ogaK arma Y oga ² ² The Path of A ction The Path of A ction

-- The key to this path is good deeds and thoughts, which The key to this path is good deeds and thoughts, whichlead to the accumulation of good K arma. Good deedslead to the accumulation of good K arma. Good deeds

are considered unselfish actions that are not done for aare considered unselfish actions that are not done for areward but because they are morally right.reward but because they are morally right.

3.3. Jnana Y oga Jnana Y oga ² ² The Path of Wisdom The Path of Wisdom

-- This difficult path calls for the guidance of a This difficult path calls for the guidance of a guruguru oror

teacher, a spiritual guide that can help one achieveteacher, a spiritual guide that can help one achievemoksha or salvation.moksha or salvation.

-- Followers learn about the relationship betweenFollowers learn about the relationship betweenBrahman and atman and the nature of the universe asBrahman and atman and the nature of the universe as

explained in the scriptures. By knowing the scriptures,explained in the scriptures. By knowing the scriptures,following the guru·s teachings and meditating, followersfollowing the guru·s teachings and meditating, followersgain the insight necessary to achieve salvation.gain the insight necessary to achieve salvation.



4.4. R aja Y ogaR aja Y oga ² ² The Path of Meditation The Path of Meditation

-- Followers of this path achieve salvation throughFollowers of this path achieve salvation through

meditation or deep contemplation on Brahman.meditation or deep contemplation on Brahman.

-- Intense meditation leads to a trance like state inIntense meditation leads to a trance like state in

which the individual which the individual acquires knowledge of theacquires knowledge of the

truth and becomes one with Brahman.truth and becomes one with Brahman.-- Requires strict physical and spiritual discipline.Requires strict physical and spiritual discipline.



DharmaDharma

This is how Hindus refer to their religion. It means a This is how Hindus refer to their religion. It means acode of moral and religious duty.code of moral and religious duty.

The concept of Dharma is related to the duties and The concept of Dharma is related to the duties and

obligations of the individual and is considered essentialobligations of the individual and is considered essentialto the welfare of the individual, family and society.to the welfare of the individual, family and society.

There are two kinds of Dharma: There are two kinds of Dharma: Sanatana dharmaSanatana dharma,,eternal religion, refers to universal values and principleseternal religion, refers to universal values and principles

that apply to all people, regardless of religion,that apply to all people, regardless of religion,nationality, age, sex or profession.nationality, age, sex or profession. Varnashrama Varnashramadharmadharma, which concerns the specific duties of each, which concerns the specific duties of eachindividual with respect to age, sex and status in society.individual with respect to age, sex and status in society.



The Caste S ystem The Caste S ystem

Divides humanity into four classes orDivides humanity into four classes or v arnas v arnas,, which people are born into according to the which people are born into according to theK arma they have accumulated in previous lives.K arma they have accumulated in previous lives.

BrahminsBrahmins ² ² priests, religious teachers. Goals arepriests, religious teachers. Goals areknowledge and education. Have duties such asknowledge and education. Have duties such asperformance of rituals and sacrifices, pursuit of performance of rituals and sacrifices, pursuit of the arts, sciences, ethics and religious study andthe arts, sciences, ethics and religious study andresearch and training. Must have highly research and training. Must have highly developed intellect and discipline.developed intellect and discipline.



K h t iK h t i i d l Th i l ii d l Th i l i



Kshatri yaKshatri ya ² ² warriors and rulers. Their goal is warriors and rulers. Their goal ispolitical power and diplomacy. They work inpolitical power and diplomacy. They work ingovernment, law and order and protection fromgovernment, law and order and protection from

foreign invaders. They should possess physicalforeign invaders. They should possess physicalstrength and courage, as well as governing skills.strength and courage, as well as governing skills.

Vaishya Vaishya ² ² merchants and farmers. Their goal ismerchants and farmers. Their goal is

wealth and commerce. T

hey should manage wealth and commerce. T

hey should manage wealth and trade with other societies. They wealth and trade with other societies. They should possess management and entrpreneurialshould possess management and entrpreneurialskills.skills.

SudraSudra ² ² servants and laborers. They have manualservants and laborers. They have manualskills, provide service to other castes and haveskills, provide service to other castes and havethe ability to acquire particular skills.the ability to acquire particular skills.



The Untouchables The Untouchables

A fifth group, outside of the four varnas, are called the A fifth group, outside of the four varnas, are called theuntouchables.untouchables.

They engage in what is considered ´unclean practicesµ such as They engage in what is considered ´unclean practicesµ such astanning leather, removing dead animals or washing toilets. They tanning leather, removing dead animals or washing toilets. They

were degraded by the nature of their work and lived separately were degraded by the nature of their work and lived separately from those in the other castes.from those in the other castes.

Ghandi fought to have these people included in the mainstreamGhandi fought to have these people included in the mainstreamof Indian society.of Indian society.

Today, India·s charter of rights and freedoms bans Today, India·s charter of rights and freedoms bansdiscrimination based on caste. President K .R. Narayanan is adiscrimination based on caste. President K .R. Narayanan is amember of this fifth caste, popularly known asmember of this fifth caste, popularly known as dalitsdalits..



For some Indians, untouchables are less thanFor some Indians, untouchables are less than

human.human.

Just over two years ago, five dalits were lynched Just over two years ago, five dalits were lynchednear New Delhi after a rumour spread that they near New Delhi after a rumour spread that they

had killed and skinned a cow, revered as sacredhad killed and skinned a cow, revered as sacred

in India.in India. An autopsy was conducted on the cow An autopsy was conducted on the cow -- nonenone

were done for the the dalits were done for the the dalits -- which confirmed which confirmed

the story their friends toldthe story their friends told -- the cow had died of the cow had died of

other causes and they were skinning it legally.other causes and they were skinning it legally.



The Four Stages of Life The Four Stages of Life

StudentStudent ² ² discipline mind and body, gain knowledge,discipline mind and body, gain knowledge,learn rules and rituals, show respect towards elders.learn rules and rituals, show respect towards elders.

HouseholderHouseholder ² ² marry and have a family, provide formarry and have a family, provide for

the family, give to charity, care for family elders,the family, give to charity, care for family elders,practice social and religious traditions.practice social and religious traditions.

Forest D w ellerForest D w eller ² ² retire and transmit household dutiesretire and transmit household dutiesto wife or son, read and study, participate in religiousto wife or son, read and study, participate in religiouspilgrimages.pilgrimages.

A scetic A scetic ² ² give up worldly life, wander, mediate, attaingive up worldly life, wander, mediate, attainsalvation.salvation.



Four Goals of LifeFour Goals of Life

DharmaDharma ² ² conduct one·s duties withconduct one·s duties withcompassion, no jealousy, cruelty or greed, becompassion, no jealousy, cruelty or greed, begood and pure.good and pure.

A rtha A rtha ² ² earn an honest living, provide forearn an honest living, provide forfamily, acquire wealth and power.family, acquire wealth and power.

K amaK ama ² ² pursuing love and physical pleasures topursuing love and physical pleasures to

balance life and to sanctify marriage.balance life and to sanctify marriage. Mok shaMok sha ² ² leading the soul toward salvationleading the soul toward salvation

through honest and moral actions.through honest and moral actions.



Hindu WomenHindu Women

According to ́The Laws of Manuµ written 2000 years According to ́The Laws of Manuµ written 2000 yearsago, women are to be honored and provided for, whileago, women are to be honored and provided for, whileat the same time subordinate and dependant on men.at the same time subordinate and dependant on men.

Divorce is not encouraged but allowed.

Divorce is not encouraged but allowed.

More and more Hindu women are working outside theMore and more Hindu women are working outside thehome, changing tradtional gender roles.home, changing tradtional gender roles.

Indira Ghandi was prime minister of India from 1966Indira Ghandi was prime minister of India from 1966

to 1977 and again from 1980 until her death in 1984.to 1977 and again from 1980 until her death in 1984.

Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became the first woman Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became the first womanpresident of the United Nations in 1953.president of the United Nations in 1953.



Hindu Practices, R ituals S ymbols Hindu Practices, R ituals S ymbols

and Festiv alsand Festiv als

Practices and R itualsPractices and R ituals

Hindus usually practice their religion at home, firstHindus usually practice their religion at home, firstpurifying themselves with water, usually by taking apurifying themselves with water, usually by taking abath.bath.

The syllable OM, which represents the supremacy of The syllable OM, which represents the supremacy of Brahman, is chanted at the beginning and end of Brahman, is chanted at the beginning and end of prayers and scripture readings. Calledprayers and scripture readings. Called Japa Japa,, worshippers chant the names of deities as well as sacred worshippers chant the names of deities as well as sacredphrases calledphrases called mantrasmantras. This is a mantra that Hindu·s. This is a mantra that Hindu·schant to greet the sun««..chant to greet the sun««..

´ I meditate on the brilliance of the sun; may it´ I meditate on the brilliance of the sun; may itillumine m y intellect.µillumine m y intellect.µ

Worship at homeWorship at home involves a shrine that serves as aninvolves a shrine that serves as an



Worshi p at home Worshi p at home involves a shrine that serves as aninvolves a shrine that serves as analtar for worship. Calledaltar for worship. Called puja puja, it is a form of , it is a form of thanksgiving in which offerings are made to deities. Itthanksgiving in which offerings are made to deities. Ithas 16 steps and ends with a lamp called anhas 16 steps and ends with a lamp called an aratiarati waved waved

around the altar while prayers and hymns are recited.around the altar while prayers and hymns are recited. You can eat the offering, called You can eat the offering, called prasad prasad, as it is, as it isconsidered a gift from the deity. Sometimes, on specialconsidered a gift from the deity. Sometimes, on specialoccasions, a priest, usually from the Brahmin caste,occasions, a priest, usually from the Brahmin caste,performs a ceremony calledperforms a ceremony called HomaHoma, which involves, which involves

burning the offering in a fire.burning the offering in a fire. Worshi p in a tem ple Worshi p in a tem ple is not a requirement nor is itis not a requirement nor is it

necessity. Usually they are for festivals and specialnecessity. Usually they are for festivals and specialfunctions. Arati and prasad are shared and they treatfunctions. Arati and prasad are shared and they treat

images of deities with baths, adornments andimages of deities with baths, adornments andprocessions. Temples also teach children classes onprocessions. Temples also teach children classes onHindu prayers and hymns, called bhajans.Hindu prayers and hymns, called bhajans.

The Sacred Cow The Sacred Cow



´Holy cowµ is an expression that refers to Hinduism·s´Holy cowµ is an expression that refers to Hinduism·sreverence of cows. They see the cow as anreverence of cows. They see the cow as anmanifestation of all that is good and precious.manifestation of all that is good and precious.

They see the docile way of a cow as the result of its They see the docile way of a cow as the result of itsbeing a vegetarian. They aspire to the same lifestyle.being a vegetarian. They aspire to the same lifestyle.

Y oga and Mediation Y oga and Mediation

Yoga in the strict Hindu sense means yoke, or the Yoga in the strict Hindu sense means yoke, or the

atman at union with the Brahman.atman at union with the Brahman. To achieve this union with God, meditation is To achieve this union with God, meditation is

necessary. You control your breathing, concentrate on anecessary. You control your breathing, concentrate on asingle object, sound or idea, until you are in a deepsingle object, sound or idea, until you are in a deep

meditative state and are experiencing the divinemeditative state and are experiencing the divinepresence.presence.

The real experts are the The real experts are the sw amissw amis, or holy men of India,, or holy men of India, who have dedicated their lives to meditation who have dedicated their lives to meditation

PilgrimagesPilgrimages or journeys to holy places are importantor journeys to holy places are important



PilgrimagesPilgrimages or journeys to holy places are importantor journeys to holy places are importantto Hinduism.to Hinduism.

Hindus strive to visit, at least once in a lifetime, theHindus strive to visit, at least once in a lifetime, the

holy city of holy city of Varanasi Varanasi.. It is believed that the holy It is believed that the holy Ganges R iv erGanges R iv er fell fromfell from

heaven to give life to people and provide food.heaven to give life to people and provide food. Varanasi is located along the west bank of the river and Varanasi is located along the west bank of the river and

the first thing pilgrims do is bathe in the river to cleansethe first thing pilgrims do is bathe in the river to cleansethemselves of sin.themselves of sin.

One of the holiest cities in the world, it is also sacredOne of the holiest cities in the world, it is also sacredbecause it is the birthplace of because it is the birthplace of Tirthankara TirthankaraParsv anathaParsv anatha

, a spiritual teacher of Jainism and Buddha, a spiritual teacher of Jainism and Buddhagave his first sermon their and started thegave his first sermon their and started the sanghasangha ororcommunity of monkscommunity of monks



Some of the many symbols in Hinduism include theSome of the many symbols in Hinduism include the



y yy ysw astikasw astika, which represents good luck and well being,, which represents good luck and well being,the lord of the dance which we have already seen andthe lord of the dance which we have already seen and

forehead marks calledforehead marks called tilak tilak which represent the third which represent the thirdeye of wisdom.eye of wisdom.

W omen wear red dots on their foreheads called W omen wear red dots on their foreheads called bindibindi,, which shows they are married and should be treated as which shows they are married and should be treated assuch.such.

Festiv als includeFestiv als include::

Diw aliDiw ali, the festival of lights, from the end of October, the festival of lights, from the end of Octoberto early November.to early November.

HoliHoli, a spring festival celebrated in March., a spring festival celebrated in March. Mahashiv aratrMahashiv aratri, day before the new moon in February.i, day before the new moon in February.

Na v aratriNa v aratri, spring and autumn., spring and autumn.



Sacred WritingsSacred Writings

Hindus have over 200 books that are considered sacredHindus have over 200 books that are considered sacred

texts. They were written between 15000BCE andtexts. They were written between 15000BCE and

1500CE.1500CE.

Scriptures are classified as eitherScriptures are classified as either shrutishruti oror smriti.smriti. Shruti is knowledge that is revealed or discovered by Shruti is knowledge that is revealed or discovered by

the seers of Hinduism. This wisdom is contained in thethe seers of Hinduism. This wisdom is contained in the

Vedas. Vedas.

Smriti is human made literature or knowledge that isSmriti is human made literature or knowledge that is

remembered.remembered.

Th f V d id d h ld dTh f V d id d h ld d



The four Vedas are considered the oldest and The four Vedas are considered the oldest and

most authoritative Hindu scriptures:most authoritative Hindu scriptures:

R igR ig-- Veda Veda ² ² comprises 1028 hymns contained incomprises 1028 hymns contained inten books, that praise the ancient deities.ten books, that praise the ancient deities.

Yajur Yajur-- Veda Veda ² ² a priest·s handbook for thea priest·s handbook for the

performance of fire sacrifices.performance of fire sacrifices.SamaSama-- Veda Veda ² ² melodies, chants and tunes for themelodies, chants and tunes for the

singing of hymns.singing of hymns.

A thar v a

A thar v a-- Veda Veda

² ² magical formulas, chants, spellsmagical formulas, chants, spellsand charms.and charms.

Each Veda contains««..Each Veda contains««..



Each Veda contains««..Each Veda contains««..

1.1. MantrasMantras, psalms of praise., psalms of praise.

2.2. BrahmanasBrahmanas, prose manual for priests on, prose manual for priests onprayer and ritual.prayer and ritual.

3.3. A ran yakas A ran yakas, forest books for saints and, forest books for saints and

hermits.hermits.4.4. UpanishadsUpanishads, philosophical commentaries that, philosophical commentaries that

appear at the end of each Veda.appear at the end of each Veda.



R amayanaR amayana

W ritten in Sanskrit about 200 BCE, there are about 26 different W ritten in Sanskrit about 200 BCE, there are about 26 different versions, and 24,000 verses. versions, and 24,000 verses.

It is the story of It is the story of prince R ama prince R ama, who is worshipped as the, who is worshipped as theseventh avatar or incarnation of the god Vishnu.seventh avatar or incarnation of the god Vishnu.

Rama was exiled to the forest for 14

years so that his brother,Rama was exiled to the forest for 14

years so that his brother,Bharata, could be king. His wife, Sita, and his other half Bharata, could be king. His wife, Sita, and his other half--brother,brother,Lakshmana, followed the prince into exile.Lakshmana, followed the prince into exile.

Sita was kidnapped by the evil Ravana. A battle ensued whereSita was kidnapped by the evil Ravana. A battle ensued whereRama, assisted by Hanuman, king of the monkeys, defeatedRama, assisted by Hanuman, king of the monkeys, defeatedRavana, rescued his wife and returned triumphantly to hisRavana, rescued his wife and returned triumphantly to his

kingdom.kingdom. The story represents the constant struggle between good and The story represents the constant struggle between good and

evil, where good eventually wins.evil, where good eventually wins.



Hinduism in CanadaHinduism in Canada

There are approx. 300,000 Hindus in Canada. There are approx. 300,000 Hindus in Canada.

Most live in the greater Toronto area.Most live in the greater Toronto area.

Came to Canada from India, Sri Lanka, Guyana,Came to Canada from India, Sri Lanka, Guyana,

Trinidad and England. Trinidad and England.

Most Hindu priests in Canada are from Guyana.Most Hindu priests in Canada are from Guyana.

Sermons, lectures and other discourses areSermons, lectures and other discourses are

delivered in the language particular to eachdelivered in the language particular to each

group.group.

hinduism cwr unit 2

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