HinduismHinduism

Unit FourUnit Four

The NameThe Name Hindu is universally accepted as word that refers to the Hindu is universally accepted as word that refers to the

religion of India. Hindu’s call their religion religion of India. Hindu’s call their religion Sanatana Sanatana DharmaDharma..

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

There are many sects within Hinduism, but they all There are many sects within Hinduism, but they all share a common sacred literature, a history of religious share a common sacred literature, a history of religious thought and a world view that place spiritual matters thought and a world view that place spiritual matters above earthly concerns.above earthly concerns.

Elements of the faith such as Elements of the faith such as reincarnationreincarnation, , KarmaKarma (deeds in this life that determine our place in the next), (deeds in this life that determine our place in the next), meditation and yoga are elements of Hinduism that meditation and yoga are elements of Hinduism that many Canadians are familiar withmany Canadians are familiar with..

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

At The End Of This Unit At The End Of This Unit You Should Be Able To ……You Should Be Able To ……

Describe the role of faith in Hinduism.Describe the role of faith in Hinduism. Describe the use of symbols to represent Hindu Describe the use of symbols to represent Hindu

beliefs.beliefs. Identify significant sacred writings and their Identify significant sacred writings and their

importance.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 Understand the characteristics and functions of a

guru.guru. Evaluate Hinduism’s place in the modern world.Evaluate Hinduism’s place in the modern world.

The Origins of HinduismThe Origins of Hinduism

Unlike other religions, Hinduism was Unlike other religions, Hinduism was not founded by a particular not founded by a particular individual. It is the product of the individual. It is the product of the various peoples that have occupied various peoples that have occupied the region of India through time.the region of India through time.

Some have described it as more of a Some have described it as more of a way of life than a religion.way of life than a religion.

Two groups of people laid the Two groups of people laid the foundation for Hinduism, the Indus foundation for Hinduism, the Indus Valley civilization and the Aryans.Valley civilization and the Aryans.

The Indus Valley The Indus Valley CivilizationCivilization

Excavations along the banks of the Excavations along the banks of the Indus river provided the first evidence Indus river provided the first evidence of religious thought in India.of religious thought in India.

Archaeologists discovered the remains Archaeologists discovered the remains of a civilization that rose in the Indus of a civilization that rose in the Indus Valley between 3000 and 2500 BCE. Valley between 3000 and 2500 BCE.

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

The people of this civilization were impressive The people of this civilization were impressive builders and town planners. Houses contained builders and town planners. Houses contained drainage and sewer systems and some included drainage and sewer systems and some included bathrooms on the first and second floors.bathrooms on the first and second floors.

Some of the buildings have been identified as Some of the buildings have been identified as worship houses, where archaeologists worship houses, where archaeologists discovered stone sculptures that may be early discovered stone sculptures that may be early depictions of the Hindu goddesses depictions of the Hindu goddesses ParvatiParvati and and Kali.Kali.

Other discoveries included charms against evil, Other discoveries included charms against evil, thousands of flat seals and fire altars that thousands of flat seals and fire altars that suggest religious activity such as animal suggest religious activity such as animal sacrifice.sacrifice.

One seal depicts a man wearing a head-dress One seal depicts a man wearing a head-dress seated in a yoga position, surrounded by seated in a yoga position, surrounded by animals. It may be an early representation of animals. It may be an early representation of the Hindu god Shiva.the Hindu god Shiva.

The Arrival Of The The Arrival Of The AryansAryans

Around 1500 BCE, thousands of people, known as Around 1500 BCE, thousands of people, known as AryansAryans, 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 They came from central Asia, spoke an early form of Sanskrit and settled near the river Sindhu and of Sanskrit and settled near the river Sindhu and later, the Ganges river.later, the Ganges river.

Aryan religious thought flourished between 1500 Aryan religious thought flourished between 1500 and 500 BCE. It was contained in a collection of and 500 BCE. It was contained in a collection of hymns, ritual texts and philosophical works called hymns, ritual texts and philosophical works called VedasVedas, and are considered Hinduism’s earliest , and are considered Hinduism’s earliest sacred writings.sacred writings.

The earliestThe earliest Veda Veda is Rig-Veda, which constitutes is Rig-Veda, which constitutes the earliest record of sacred knowledge on the earliest record of sacred knowledge on Hinduism.Hinduism.

The Vedas were written in verse, and their The Vedas were written in verse, and their translation into prose interpretations were translation into prose interpretations were called called BrahmanasBrahmanas..

Other mystical texts on human existence, called Other mystical texts on human existence, called UpanishadsUpanishads, also came from the Vedas., also came from the Vedas.

The Aryans worshipped the forces of nature in The Aryans worshipped the forces of nature in the form of gods. the form of gods. AgniAgni, god of fire, is an , god of fire, is an example.example.

Worship and prayer to honor these forces Worship and prayer to honor these forces formed the core of early Hinduism.formed the core of early Hinduism.

The Upanishads combined prayer with The Upanishads combined prayer with philosophical inquiry about philosophical inquiry about atmanatman, the human , the human soul. The atman was considered to be the breath soul. The atman was considered to be the breath of human life and became one of the of human life and became one of the fundamental principles of Hindu philosophy.fundamental principles of Hindu philosophy.

Hindu BeliefsHindu Beliefs The Hindu concept of god is hard for non-The Hindu concept of god is hard for non-

Hindus to understand. It has been described Hindus to understand. It has been described as;as;

PolytheisticPolytheistic – a religion of many gods – a religion of many gods MonotheisticMonotheistic – belief in only one god. – belief in only one god. MonisticMonistic – god as an impersonal and – god as an impersonal and

unknowable entity.unknowable entity. Scholars refer to this confusion as Hinduism’s Scholars refer to this confusion as Hinduism’s

tolerant characteristictolerant characteristic. It allows its . It allows its members to follow their own conscience and members to follow their own conscience and does not impose its beliefs on others, nor does does not impose its beliefs on others, nor does it believe in conversion.it believe in conversion.

The early hymns of the Rig-Veda praise the The early hymns of the Rig-Veda praise the spirits of natural forces such as fire, thunder, spirits of natural forces such as fire, thunder, dawn, water, earth and the sun. However, it dawn, water, earth and the sun. However, it is believed that they all represent different is believed that they all represent different aspects of the same supreme being.aspects of the same supreme being.

The Upanishads refers to this supreme being The Upanishads refers to this supreme being as as BrahmanBrahman, the soul of the universe from , the soul of the universe from which all existing things arise and into which which all existing things arise and into which they all return. It is everything and they all return. It is everything and everywhere!everywhere!

Hindus are free to imagine Brahman in any Hindus are free to imagine Brahman in any way that is meaningful to them. Therefore, way that is meaningful to them. Therefore, Hindus worship different gods that they Hindus worship different gods that they consider manifestations of Brahman.consider manifestations of Brahman.

Hindu DeitiesHindu Deities

The most prevalent manifestations of The most prevalent manifestations of Brahman are the gods Brahma, Brahman are the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who are often Vishnu and Shiva, who are often depicted together as one concept, depicted together as one concept, called the called the Hindu TrinityHindu Trinity. They each . They each have a female counterpart, the most have a female counterpart, the most prominent one being Parvati, Shiva’s prominent one being Parvati, Shiva’s main squeeze.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 Not as widely worshipped as Shiva and

Vishnu.Vishnu. His female counterpart is His female counterpart is SaraswatiSaraswati. She is . She is

the goddess of learning and the arts, often the goddess of learning and the arts, often depicted holding a book and a musical depicted holding a book and a musical instrument called a veena. She gets around instrument called a veena. She gets around on a peacock or a swan. on a peacock or a swan.

VishnuVishnu Preserver of the universe, a loving and forgiving Preserver of the universe, a loving and forgiving

figure who brings salvation.figure who brings salvation. Four arms in which he holds a conch shell, a discus, Four arms in which he holds a conch shell, a discus,

a lotus and a mace. His vehicle is a divine eagle.a lotus and a mace. His vehicle is a divine eagle. Vishnu has many Vishnu has many avatarsavatars, incarnation or , incarnation or

manifestation of a deity in human form, and appears manifestation of a deity in human form, and appears on earth in the form of an animal or human to on earth in the form of an animal or human to conquer evil.conquer evil.

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

His companion is Lakshmi, the goddess of His companion is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, happiness and good fortune. She is wealth, happiness and good fortune. She is often depicted rewarding worshippers with often depicted rewarding worshippers with gold.gold.

ShivaShiva He is the destroyer and restorer of the universe and is He is the destroyer and restorer of the universe and is

associated with creative energy.associated with creative energy. He is considered a great He is considered a great yogiyogi, a spiritually involved , a spiritually involved

individual who practices meditation.individual 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 He is also depicted as Nataraj, the god of dance and is

shown holding a drum, serpent and sacred fire in his shown holding a drum, serpent and sacred fire in his hands while performing the dance of creation.hands while performing the dance of creation.

He holds water in his hair from the sacred Ganges He holds water in his hair from the sacred Ganges river.river.

Parvati, his wife, is the mother goddess. She is Parvati, his wife, is the mother goddess. She is worshipped as Shakti or female energy. She is worshipped as Shakti or female energy. She is portrayed riding a tiger with many weapons in her portrayed riding a tiger with many weapons in her hands.hands.

Ganesha – son of Shiva and Ganesha – son of Shiva and Parvati, remover of all Parvati, remover of all

obstacles. Elephant head, obstacles. Elephant head, human body.human body.

Subrahmanya – second son Subrahmanya – second son of Shiva and Parvati. of Shiva and Parvati.

Worshipped by the Tamil in Worshipped by the Tamil in southern India.southern India.

Hanuman – The Monkey Hanuman – The Monkey God, he is the model of God, he is the model of devotion and everyone’s devotion and everyone’s

protector.protector.

AtmanAtman

The human soul or spirit.The human soul or spirit. It is the part of ourselves that is It is the part of ourselves that is

identical to Brahman, the universal identical to Brahman, the universal soul.soul.

A Hindu’s goal in life is to reunite the A Hindu’s goal in life is to reunite the atman with the Brahman.atman with the Brahman.

The atman is eternal and immortal! The atman is eternal and immortal! When one dies, the atman lives on, When one dies, the atman lives on, shedding one body to enter a new one.shedding one body to enter a new one.

ReincarnationReincarnation Hindus believe that the soul does not die with Hindus believe that the soul does not die with

the body but enters another body to carry on the body but enters another body to carry on its existence.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 is a word used to describe the temporary

and imperfect nature of the physical world. and imperfect nature of the physical world. Hindus believe that all life is caught in this Hindus believe that all life is caught in this cycle of birth, death and rebirth.cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

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

KarmaKarma Karma is the totality of one’s actions in life, Karma is the totality of one’s actions in life,

and it determines the form the individual will and it determines the form the individual will take when he or she is reborn.take when he or she is reborn.

Bad Karma will result in rebirth at a lower Bad Karma will result in rebirth at a lower station in life or as a lower form of life, such station in life or as a lower form of life, such as an animal.as an animal.

Good Karma will result in rebirth at a higher Good Karma will result in rebirth at a higher station in life, which is closer to attaining station in life, which is closer to attaining salvation.salvation.

Therefore, in order to achieve salvation, Therefore, in order to achieve salvation, Hindus must work their way up the ladder of Hindus must work their way up the ladder of existence, by trying to secure rebirth at a existence, by trying to secure rebirth at a higher level. This is what led to the caste higher level. This is what led to the caste system.system.

Four Paths to SalvationFour Paths to Salvation

1.1. Bhakti YogaBhakti Yoga – – The Path of DevotionThe Path of Devotion

- Devotion and love towards a particular - Devotion and love towards a particular personalpersonal

deity. It’s popular among Hindus because it deity. It’s popular among Hindus because it

provides the opportunity to worship Brahman provides the opportunity to worship Brahman in ain a

concrete way.concrete way.

- Followers focus their devotion through - Followers focus their devotion through prayer prayer

and rituals.and rituals.

2. 2. Karma YogaKarma Yoga – – The Path of ActionThe Path of Action- The key to this path is good deeds and - The key to this path is good deeds and

thoughts, which lead to the accumulation of thoughts, which lead to the accumulation of good Karma. Good deeds are considered good Karma. Good deeds are considered unselfish actions that are not done for a unselfish actions that are not done for a reward but because they are morally right.reward but because they are morally right.

3. 3. Jnana YogaJnana Yoga – – The Path of WisdomThe Path of Wisdom- This difficult path calls for the guidance of a This difficult path calls for the guidance of a

guruguru or teacher, a spiritual guide that can or teacher, a spiritual guide that can help one achieve moksha or salvation.help one achieve moksha or salvation.

- Followers learn about the relationship Followers learn about the relationship between Brahman and atman and the nature between Brahman and atman and the nature of the universe as explained in the scriptures. of the universe as explained in the scriptures. By knowing the scriptures, following the By knowing the scriptures, following the guru’s teachings and meditating, followers guru’s teachings and meditating, followers gain the insight necessary to achieve gain the insight necessary to achieve salvation.salvation.

4. 4. Raja Yoga – The Path of Raja Yoga – The Path of MeditationMeditation

- Followers of this path achieve Followers of this path achieve salvation through meditation or deep salvation through meditation or deep contemplation on Brahman.contemplation on Brahman.

- Intense meditation leads to a trance Intense meditation leads to a trance like state in which the individuallike state in which the individual acquires knowledge of the truth and acquires knowledge of the truth and becomes one with Brahman.becomes one with Brahman.

- Requires strict physical and spiritual Requires strict physical and spiritual discipline.discipline.

DharmaDharma This is how Hindus refer to their religion. It This is how Hindus refer to their religion. It

means a code of moral and religious duty.means a code of moral and religious duty. The concept of Dharma is related to the duties The concept of Dharma is related to the duties

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

There are two kinds of Dharma: There are two kinds of Dharma: Sanatana Sanatana dharmadharma, eternal religion, refers to universal , eternal religion, refers to universal values and principles that apply to all people, values and principles that apply to all people, regardless of religion, nationality, age, sex or regardless of religion, nationality, age, sex or profession. profession. Varnashrama dharmaVarnashrama dharma, which , which concerns the specific duties of each individual concerns the specific duties of each individual with respect to age, sex and status in society.with respect to age, sex and status in society.

The Caste SystemThe Caste System Divides humanity into four classes or Divides humanity into four classes or

varnasvarnas, which people are born into , which people are born into according to the Karma they have according to the Karma they have accumulated in previous lives.accumulated in previous lives.

BrahminsBrahmins – priests, religious teachers. – priests, religious teachers. Goals are knowledge and education. Goals are knowledge and education. Have duties such as performance of Have duties such as performance of rituals and sacrifices, pursuit of the arts, rituals and sacrifices, pursuit of the arts, sciences, ethics and religious study and sciences, ethics and religious study and research and training. Must have highly research and training. Must have highly developed intellect and discipline.developed intellect and discipline.

KshatriyaKshatriya – warriors and rulers. Their – warriors and rulers. Their goal is political power and diplomacy. goal is political power and diplomacy. They work in government, law and order They work in government, law and order and protection from foreign invaders. and protection from foreign invaders. They should possess physical strength They should possess physical strength and courage, as well as governing skills.and courage, as well as governing skills.

VaishyaVaishya – merchants and farmers. Their – merchants and farmers. Their goal is wealth and commerce. They goal is wealth and commerce. They should manage wealth and trade with should manage wealth and trade with other societies. They should possess other societies. They should possess management and entrpreneurial skills.management and entrpreneurial skills.

Sudra – servants and laborers. They have Sudra – servants and laborers. They have manual skills, provide service to other manual skills, provide service to other castes and have the ability to acquire castes and have the ability to acquire particular skills.particular skills.

The UntouchablesThe Untouchables A fifth group, outside of the four varnas, are A fifth group, outside of the four varnas, are

called the untouchables.called the untouchables. They engage in what is considered “unclean They engage in what is considered “unclean

practices” such as tanning leather, removing practices” such as tanning leather, removing dead animals or washing toilets. They were dead animals or washing toilets. They were degraded by the nature of their work and lived degraded by the nature of their work and lived separately from those in the other castes.separately from those in the other castes.

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

Today, India’s charter of rights and freedoms Today, India’s charter of rights and freedoms bans discrimination based on caste. President bans discrimination based on caste. President K.R. Narayanan is a member of this fifth caste, K.R. Narayanan is a member of this fifth caste, popularly known as popularly known as dalitsdalits..

For some Indians, untouchables are For some Indians, untouchables are less than human.less than human.

Just over two years ago, five dalits Just over two years ago, five dalits were lynched near New Delhi after a were lynched near New Delhi after a rumour spread that they had killed rumour spread that they had killed and skinned a cow, revered as sacred 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 - none were done for the the dalits - - none were done for the the dalits - which confirmed the story their friends which confirmed the story their friends told - the cow had died of other causes told - the cow had died of other causes and they were skinning it legally.and they were skinning it legally.

The Four Stages of LifeThe Four Stages of Life StudentStudent – discipline mind and body, gain – discipline mind and body, gain

knowledge, learn rules and rituals, show knowledge, learn rules and rituals, show respect towards elders.respect towards elders.

HouseholderHouseholder – marry and have a family, – marry and have a family, provide for the family, give to charity, care provide for the family, give to charity, care for family elders, practice social and religious for family elders, practice social and religious traditions.traditions.

Forest DwellerForest Dweller – retire and transmit – retire and transmit household duties to wife or son, read and household duties to wife or son, read and study, participate in religious pilgrimages.study, participate in religious pilgrimages.

AsceticAscetic – give up worldly life, wander, – give up worldly life, wander, mediate, attain salvation.mediate, attain salvation.

Four Goals of LifeFour Goals of Life DharmaDharma – conduct one’s duties with – conduct one’s duties with

compassion, no jealousy, cruelty or compassion, no jealousy, cruelty or greed, be good and pure.greed, be good and pure.

ArthaArtha – earn an honest living, provide for – earn an honest living, provide for family, acquire wealth and power.family, acquire wealth and power.

KamaKama – pursuing love and physical – pursuing love and physical pleasures to balance life and to sanctify pleasures to balance life and to sanctify marriage.marriage.

MokshaMoksha – leading the soul toward – leading the soul toward salvation through honest and moral salvation through honest and moral actions.actions.

Hindu WomenHindu Women According to “The Laws of Manu” written 2000 According to “The Laws of Manu” written 2000

years ago, women are to be honored and provided years ago, women are to be honored and provided for, while at the same time subordinate and for, while at the same time subordinate and dependant on men.dependant on men.

Divorce is not encouraged but allowed.Divorce is not encouraged but allowed. More and more Hindu women are working More and more Hindu women are working

outside the home, changing tradtional gender outside the home, changing tradtional gender roles.roles.

Indira Ghandi was prime minister of India from Indira Ghandi was prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her death 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her death in 1984.in 1984.

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

Hindu Practices, Rituals Hindu Practices, Rituals Symbols and FestivalsSymbols and Festivals

Practices and RitualsPractices and RitualsHindus usually practice their religion at home, Hindus usually practice their religion at home,

first purifying themselves with water, usually first purifying themselves with water, usually by taking a bath.by taking a bath.

The syllable OM, which represents the The syllable OM, which represents the supremacy of Brahman, is chanted at the supremacy of Brahman, is chanted at the beginning and end of prayers and scripture beginning and end of prayers and scripture readings. Called readings. Called JapaJapa, worshippers chant , worshippers chant the names of deities as well as sacred the names of deities as well as sacred phrases called phrases called mantrasmantras. This is a mantra . This is a mantra that Hindu’s chant to greet the sun……..that Hindu’s chant to greet the sun……..

“ “ I meditate on the brilliance of the sun; I meditate on the brilliance of the sun; may it illumine my intellect.”may it illumine my intellect.”

Worship at homeWorship at home involves a shrine that involves a shrine that serves as an altar for worship. Called serves as an altar for worship. Called pujapuja, it , it is a form of thanksgiving in which offerings are is a form of thanksgiving in which offerings are made to deities. It has 16 steps and ends with made to deities. It has 16 steps and ends with a lamp called an a lamp called an aratiarati waved around the altar waved around the altar while prayers and hymns are recited. You can while prayers and hymns are recited. You can eat the offering, called eat the offering, called prasadprasad, as it is , as it is considered a gift from the deity. Sometimes, on considered a gift from the deity. Sometimes, on special occasions, a priest, usually from the special occasions, a priest, usually from the Brahmin caste, performs a ceremony called Brahmin caste, performs a ceremony called HomaHoma, which involves burning the offering in a , which involves burning the offering in a fire.fire.

Worship in a templeWorship in a temple is not a requirement nor is not a requirement nor is it necessity. Usually they are for festivals is it necessity. Usually they are for festivals and special functions. Arati and prasad are and special functions. Arati and prasad are shared and they treat images of deities with shared and they treat images of deities with baths, adornments and processions. Temples baths, adornments and processions. Temples also teach children classes on Hindu prayers also teach children classes on Hindu prayers and hymns, called bhajans.and hymns, called bhajans.

The Sacred CowThe Sacred Cow ““Holy cow” is an expression that refers to Holy cow” is an expression that refers to

Hinduism’s reverence of cows. They see the Hinduism’s reverence of cows. They see the cow as an manifestation of all that is good and cow as an manifestation of all that is good and precious.precious.

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

Yoga and MediationYoga and Mediation Yoga in the strict Hindu sense means yoke, or Yoga in the strict Hindu sense means yoke, or

the atman at union with the Brahman.the 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, necessary. You control your breathing, concentrate on a single object, sound or idea, concentrate on a single object, sound or idea, until you are in a deep meditative state and are until you are in a deep meditative state and are experiencing the divine presence.experiencing the divine presence.

The real experts are the The real experts are the swamisswamis, or holy men of , or holy men of India, who have dedicated their lives to India, who have dedicated their lives to meditationmeditation

PilgrimagesPilgrimages or journeys to holy places are or journeys to holy places are important to Hinduism.important to Hinduism.

Hindus strive to visit, at least once in a Hindus strive to visit, at least once in a lifetime, the holy city of lifetime, the holy city of VaranasiVaranasi. .

It is believed that the holy It is believed that the holy Ganges RiverGanges River fell from heaven to give life to people and fell from heaven to give life to people and provide food. Varanasi is located along the provide food. Varanasi is located along the west bank of the river and the first thing west bank of the river and the first thing pilgrims do is bathe in the river to cleanse pilgrims do is bathe in the river to cleanse themselves of sin. themselves of sin.

One of the holiest cities in the world, it is One of the holiest cities in the world, it is also sacred because it is the birthplace of also sacred because it is the birthplace of Tirthankara ParsvanathaTirthankara Parsvanatha, a spiritual , a spiritual teacher of Jainism and Buddha gave his teacher of Jainism and Buddha gave his first sermon their and started the first sermon their and started the sanghasangha or community of monksor community of monks

Some of the many symbols in Hinduism Some of the many symbols in Hinduism include the include the swastikaswastika, which represents good , which represents good luck and well being, the lord of the dance luck and well being, the lord of the dance which we have already seen and forehead which we have already seen and forehead marks called marks called tilak tilak which represent the third which represent the third eye of wisdom.eye of wisdom.

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

Festivals includeFestivals include:: DiwaliDiwali, the festival of lights, from the end of , the festival of lights, from the end of

October to early November.October to early November. HoliHoli, a spring festival celebrated in March., a spring festival celebrated in March. MahashivaratrMahashivaratri, day before the new moon in i, day before the new moon in

February.February. NavaratriNavaratri, spring and autumn., spring and autumn.

Sacred WritingsSacred Writings

Hindus have over 200 books that are Hindus have over 200 books that are considered sacred texts. They were considered sacred texts. They were written between 15000BCE and 1500CE.written between 15000BCE and 1500CE.

Scriptures are classified as either Scriptures are classified as either shrutishruti or or smriti.smriti.

Shruti is knowledge that is revealed or Shruti is knowledge that is revealed or discovered by the seers of Hinduism. This discovered by the seers of Hinduism. This wisdom is contained in the Vedas.wisdom is contained in the Vedas.

Smriti is human made literature or Smriti is human made literature or knowledge that is remembered.knowledge that is remembered.

The four Vedas are considered the The four Vedas are considered the oldest and most authoritative Hindu oldest and most authoritative Hindu scriptures: scriptures:

Rig-VedaRig-Veda – comprises 1028 hymns – comprises 1028 hymns contained in ten books, that praise contained in ten books, that praise the ancient deities.the ancient deities.

Yajur-VedaYajur-Veda – a priest’s handbook for – a priest’s handbook for the performance of fire sacrifices.the performance of fire sacrifices.

Sama-VedaSama-Veda – melodies, chants and – melodies, chants and tunes for the singing of hymns.tunes for the singing of hymns.

Atharva-VedaAtharva-Veda – magical formulas, – magical formulas, chants, spells and charms.chants, spells and charms.

Each Veda contains……..Each Veda contains……..

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

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

3.3. AranyakasAranyakas, forest books for saints , forest books for saints and hermits.and hermits.

4.4. UpanishadsUpanishads, philosophical , philosophical commentaries that appear at the commentaries that appear at the end of each Veda.end of each Veda.

RamayanaRamayana Written in Sanskrit about 200 BCE, there are about Written in Sanskrit about 200 BCE, there are about

26 different versions, and 24,000 verses.26 different versions, and 24,000 verses. It is the story of It is the story of prince Ramaprince Rama, who is worshipped , who is worshipped

as the seventh avatar or incarnation of the god as the seventh avatar or incarnation of the god Vishnu.Vishnu.

Rama was exiled to the forest for 14 years so that Rama was exiled to the forest for 14 years so that his brother, Bharata, could be king. His wife, Sita, his brother, Bharata, could be king. His wife, Sita, and his other half-brother, Lakshmana, followed the and his other half-brother, Lakshmana, followed the prince into exile.prince into exile.

Sita was kidnapped by the evil Ravana. A battle Sita was kidnapped by the evil Ravana. A battle ensued where Rama, assisted by Hanuman, king of ensued where Rama, assisted by Hanuman, king of the monkeys, defeated Ravana, rescued his wife and the monkeys, defeated Ravana, rescued his wife and returned triumphantly to his kingdom.returned triumphantly to his kingdom.

The story represents the constant struggle between The story represents the constant struggle between good and evil, where good eventually wins.good and evil, where good eventually wins.

Hinduism in CanadaHinduism in Canada

There are approx. 300,000 Hindus in There are approx. 300,000 Hindus in Canada. Most live in the greater Toronto Canada. Most live in the greater Toronto area.area.

Came to Canada from India, Sri Lanka, Came to Canada from India, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Trinidad and England.Guyana, Trinidad and England.

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

Sermons, lectures and other discourses Sermons, lectures and other discourses are delivered in the language particular are delivered in the language particular to each group.to each group.