Hindu Temple Society Augusta GA Essence of Hinduism

Hindu Temple Society Augusta, GA Essence of Hinduism

Hinduism One of the Oldest Religions in the world Practiced by about a billion people in India Nepal Bali and elsewhere

Name and Goal The name “Hindu” was given to the people settled on the banks of river Sindhu (Indus) Other names Sanatana Dharma Vedic religion Ultimate goal of a Hindu is to be one with Brahman (God or the Supreme Soul)

Hindu Faith Welcomes Broad outlook Free thinking Questioning No Blind belief No Hell or Heaven Neither the Day of Judgment

Something for Everyone Very few “DOs” and “DON’Ts” Different paths to different people based on individual aptitudes, abilities and nature A Philosopher or a Poet A Mystic or a Man of action An intellectual or a Simple man with unquestionable devotion

Hinduism - A Way of Life Hinduism is not confined to few practices or rituals It is the way of life, permeates every aspect of the life Leads to the eternal path of righteousness called Sanatana Dharma

Sacred Scriptures Vedas - explain ritualistic aspects of Hinduism Rig Veda; Yajur Veda; Sama Veda and Adharvana Veda Bhagavad Gita - the dialogue between God and a devotee describing the Supreme Soul Upanishads - explain philosophical essence of Hinduism Puranas – parables, stories explaining code of conduct Epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata - describe the life of different divine incarnations, triumph of good over evil.

God, the Supreme God is one and only one. Different saints (faiths) call HIM by different names - Rig Veda, ~10, 000 B. C. Conversion is not a practice in Hinduism, one need not be converted to practice Hinduism Whosoever follows any faith and worships ME under whatsoever form with steadfastness, his faith shall I indeed reinforce - Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita, ~3, 000 B. C. In other words, come to Me as a Hindu or Christian or Jew or Muslim - I shall make you a better Hindu or Christian or Jew or Muslim

Hinduism - Tenets and Beliefs One God, the Brahman is Absolute Universe is the manifestation of Brahman Myriad forms evolve from this single source Brahman is all pervasive universal Spirit

Nirguna Brahman - the Supreme God without any attributes No Shape or form Neither Male nor Female Without Beginning or End Hence to referred to as “tat” meaning “that” in the scriptures

Saguna Brahman For common people, impersonal Nirguna Brahman is hard to comprehend Saguna Brahman - God with form and attributes Easy to fix the mind on Easy to relate to Easy to follow However, one has to transcend from Saguna Brahman to Nirguna Brahman during the spiritual journey

Divine Trinity Brahma – the creator Vishnu – the sustainer Shiva – the annihilator

Paths to reach Brahman Three paths to reach Brahman (God) Bhakti Yoga - steadfast devotion Karma Yoga - selfless actions Jnana Yoga - realization of the ultimate Paths are prescribed based on individual’s nature and aptitude

Cycle of Life is the cycle of Birth, Death and Rebirth Soul goes through many such cycles before attaining liberation or Moksha, the ultimate bliss, where soul merges and be one with the Ultimate Soul, the Brahman This is the true “Yoga”

Karma Results of man’s own actions - both good and bad If actions are done with specific intentions reap the benefits from good actions face the consequences of bad actions Status of birth is predetermined based on ones own deeds in the past lives Although we are not aware of our past deeds, they are responsible for inequalities in the world Children with disabilities Suffering of the innocent Why bad things happen to good people

Dharma Ones own duty - based on the profession, based on family or social structure Fulfilling ones duty is the service to the God It must be done unselfishly with devotion It is the first step towards spiritual enlightenment

Yoga Ultimate of union of individual soul with the Supreme soul is the Yoga. Achieved by steadfast devotion or by selfless actions or by realization of the truth Now a days, the term “Yoga” is improperly used for a type of physical exercise coupled with controlled breathing

Common Misconceptions - Idol Worship For most people, God with specific attributes and form is essential to contemplate upon Idols are manifestations of various attributes Some of the idols have animal forms - for easy and quick association multiple hands and weapons and with ferocious looks - for assurance of protection from the bad and wicked blessing hands - for reassurance feminine Gods - human existence is a combination of two genders

Common Misconceptions Multiple Idols Unity in diversity Unstructured religious service Hinduism is not an organized religion Hindu religious practices are not meant to be “sound bites” or “video clips” or “radical instigations” Rituals Ritualistic practices regularize spiritual journey of an individual

Bhagavad Gita