Hinduism

What is Hinduism? One of the oldest religions of humanity. A way of life – focused both on this world and beyond.

Main Beliefs Hinduism has no founder. Hinduism has no agreed upon set of beliefs. For many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do, than what you believe. One of the main ideas is Dharma or duty.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT CONDUCT IN HINDUISM Activity

SYMBOLS

Om Symbol Om (sometimes written Aum) is the most important symbol for Hindus. Hindus claim that this is a sound heard in the deepest of meditation when one experiences God. Hence this sound and is said to be the most fitting name of God. Many Hindu prayers and chants begin with this word. This sound is used during the practice of meditation.

Lotus flower Lotus flower grows out of muddy water, it emerges pure, beautiful and detached. In the same way, Hindus are encouraged to live in a pure state detached from worldliness.

Swastika Swastika is a symbol that denotes good luck drawn from all four corners of the world. It has four arms drawing in good luck from all corners. The word ‘Swastika’ means ‘well being’. The symbol is seen on walls, doors, and is extensively used as a form of Hindu decoration.

LOTUS FLOWER ORIGAMI ACTIVITY

SCRIPTURES

Sacred Texts Shruti– oldest, most authoritative text: Four Vedas – myths, rituals, chants Upanishads - philosophy Plus other texts Smriti Ramayana Mahabharata (includes Bhagavad-Gita) Plus other texts

GODS AND GODDESSES

What do Hindus believe? Hindus believe in a universal soul or God called Brahman. Brahman takes on many forms that some Hindus worship as gods or goddesses in their own right.

What do Hindus believe? Hindus believe that there is a part of Brahman in everyone and this is called the Atman. Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman (Moksha)

God As Form Hindus say that it is not enough to just believe in God. We need to make the effort to find God while we are alive. One of the best ways to find God is to think of him/her as a person. This allows us to build a relationship with God and allows us to become closer to him. This is why we see God being portrayed in so many different forms in Hindu temples. These are all different ways used by different Hindus to think of and reach the same one God.

God as a Principle Hinduism refers to God as Brahman. The ultimate reality (God) appears as the physical universe. This ultimate reality appears more clearly as living things. This is why all living things are sacred, as they are a sign of God. Mankind is the best sign of God on earth, hence the most sacred. God as our true self is called Atman. Service to mankind is the highest worship of God.

The Same God Fulfilling Different Roles Brahma: God in the role of the Creator Vishnu: God in the role of the Preserver

Shiva as the Destroyer

Other Gods Saraswathi - Goddess of Wisdom - Wife of Lord Brahma. Saraswathi is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and all the creative arts. Lakshmi - Goddess of Wealth - Wife of Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth.

Parvati - regarded as a representation of Shakti. Parvati is the wife of Lord Shiva and the Godess of household and motherhood. Ganesha - Son of Shiva and Parvati. The Hindu god in a human form but with the head of an elephant.

All these deities are but forms of the Brahman All these deities are but forms of the Brahman

And we too are forms of God! “We are not human beings having spiritual experiences; We are spiritual beings having a human experience!” “That art Thou”

THE MAIN GODS AND GODDESSES IN HINDUISM Activity

LIFE GOALS OF HINDUS

What do Hindus believe? Hindus believe in reincarnation - a belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in one body after another. Samsara means going through the cycle of repeated births and deaths (reincarnation). Hindus believe that existence of this cycle is governed by Karma.

THE MAIN LIFE GOALS OF HINDUS Activity

PATHWAYS TO FIND GOD

Bhakti yoga The path of love. It is suited to those people who feel naturally drawn towards God. The devotee spends his time in prayers, worship, and constant remembrance of the deity of his choice.

Raja Yoga The path to God through meditation.

Karma Yoga The ‘path of action’.. We should never stop working but the work we do must be self- less.

Jnana Yoga The way to God through reason and intellect. We require a far greater understanding of the world in order to ‘really’ see what is out there, and what we are all about.

QUESTIONS Activity

FESTIVALS

DIWALI

What is Diwali? Diwali is the Hindu “festival of lights” which celebrates the New Year. The festival falls on different days each year but usually falls in the Month of October or November. It is a five day celebration. Gifts are exchanged, homes are decorated and fireworks are common.

It is held in honor of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus pray to Lakshmi to bring them good luck in the coming year.

RANGOLI PATTERNS Activity

HOLI

What is Holi? Holi is a festival celebrates the coming of Spring, usually in March. It is more a time for fun than religious observance. Holi is a colourful festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of powder paint and coloured water. It is the festival of colours, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil

HOLI GREETING CARD Activity

Greeting card idea

Explore Hinduism on the Web: The Hindu UniverseThe Hindu Universe: Lots of information on Hinduism and the Hindu community on-line and around the world. Includes chat rooms and message board forums - The Virtual Hindu Temple:The Virtual Hindu Temple: Contains some interesting and useful pages including: Discover Hindu Gods & Goddesses and FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HINDUISM. Also contains a gallery of deity images and a collection of links to Hindu sacred texts online and other sites related to Hinduism - Hindu Gods & Goddesses FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HINDUISM.collection of links Hinduism for SchoolsHinduism for Schools provides basic, introductory info to teach primary and secondary level students about Hinduism - Created by Laura Ellen Shulman