Hinduism for Schools

Secondary Hinduism

Introduction to Hinduism

Thinking of God

Hindu Beliefs

Hindu Practices

Philosophy

Bhagavad Gita

Resources

Secondary Schools Page 1

Introduction to Hinduism

Background

Ancient India

Hindu

Some of the first visitors to come to India were the ancient Persians. The ancient

Persian language had a quirk of replacing the ‘s’ sound with the ‘h’ sound when

they spoke. In the North-West part of ancient India flowed, a river called river

Sindhu. The ancient visitors mispronounced the name as Hindu thus the word

Hindu came into being and the people living across this river acquired the name

Hindus. In days to come the name of the river was again mispronounced and the

river became known as river Indus. Today the river is still called river Indus and

the people living in this part of the world were called people of Indoi. This word

gave rise to the name of the country India.

Symbols

Om (aum) 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 extensively used

during practice of meditation.

Swastika Symbol

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. It is considered to

be a symbol of auspiciousness. The word ‘Swastika’ derives from the Sanskrit root

Swasti literally meaning ‘well being’. The symbol is seen on walls, doors, and is

extensively used as a form of Hindu decoration. During the Second World War

the Nazis misused this symbol for promoting fascism. This had nothing to do with

the auspicious relevance of this symbol in Hinduism.

Lotus Symbol

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.

Founders

Shankaracharya

Rishis ( ancient and modern)

Hinduism is unique in that it does not rely on the spiritual experiences of just one

prophet who lived in ancient times. Instead, it is able to refresh its message of

spirituality through the teachings of many enlightened personalities throughout

the ages. These enlightened people are called Rishis. They claim first hand

experience of God. These Rishis were male or female, young or old. They continue

to be born in Hindu society and continue to refresh and revive the message of

Hinduism in different times. Some like Vashista & Vishwamitra lived in ancient

times. Some like Shankaracharya (788 – 820), & Ramanujacharya (1017 – 1137)

lived in medieval times. Some like Ramana Maharshi & Ramakrishna or

Vivekananda lived in modern times.

The ten Avatars of Vishnu

Special Personalities: Avatars

Avatars – God coming down to earth: Hindus say that from time to time, God

comes down to earth for the good of mankind and for re-establishing religion.

Hindus refer to grand personalities like Rama, Krishna and Buddha as avatars.

Avatars differ from other saintly figures because they seem to have the power of

not only experiencing God for themselves but also have the power to let others

experience God. Hindus accept that such grand personalities are also visible in

other religious traditions.

Scriptures

Krishna’s dialogue about religion is called the Bhagavad Gita

Shrutis the Scriptures of authority

The Shrutis are the books of authority. The word Shruti literally means ‘that

which is heard’. These scriptures are so called because they were passed on for

thousands of years by word of mouth. They contain spiritual knowledge acquired

by the rishis in deep meditation. The main set of Shruti texts is called the Vedas.

Portions of the Vedas containing the Hindu philosophy are called the

Upanishads. The Bhagavad Gita, the central text of the Hindus, is also considered

to have the authority of a Shruti. The name ‘Bhagavad Gita’ means ‘the song of

the divine’. Even though it is not part of the Vedas, it is a highly significant text

for Hindus as it contains the synthesis of the Upanishads.

Ramayana: The Noble story of Rama and Sita

Smritis are Scriptures with lesser authority they contain:

Epics are part of Smriti scriptures. They contina historic stories like the Ramayana (the story of Rama and Sita) and Mahabharata (the story of the Pandava brothers overcoming adversaries with the help of Krishna).

Puranas form part of the Smriti scriptures. There are eighteen grand

puranas called the Mahapuranas. These legendary tales do not have the

same authority as the Shruti scriptures they are vital in Hinduism as they

make religious teaching interesting, colourful and easy to understand.

Most of these stories make it easier to grasp difficult philosophic ideas of

Hinduism. Though it is necessary to remember that these lovely colourful

stories about Gods and Goddesses of Hinduism should not be interpreted

as literal truths.

Law-books like the Manusmriti also form part of the Smriti literature.

Such law books of Hinduism offer codes of conduct for a Hindu society.

These laws come with a sale-by-date. Very few Hindus follow these

ancient law books. Most Hindus follow the codes of conduct prescribed by

modern proponents of Hinduism. Hardly any modern Hindu reads or

lives by the codes of conduct set by the Manu-smriti.

Hinduism is a family of Sectarian movements

The Swaminarayan movement is one of the main sectarian movements of

Hinduism in the West

Pluralism: Hinduism allows for many sectarian movements to exist side-by-side

Pluralistic teachings of Hinduism allows for many different approaches in

spirituality. As we are all different the way we progress spiritually individually or

as groups must also necessarily be different. This is what pluralism teaches.

Hinduism is a family of sectarian movements. Each sectarian movement promotes

different spiritual paths taught by different religious teachers. No one religious

movement or sectarian movement is considered better than others. All are seen as

different pathways used by different people or groups for making spiritual

progress. This teaching of pluralism is at the heart of Hinduism. It is very relevant

in the multi-faith society we live in as it teaches how people of different religions

can live with each other peacefully without feeling threatened or without having

to threaten each other.

Secondary Hinduism Page 2

Thinking of God

God with 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. Many Hindus have successfully found God by

thinking of Him as a person. 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.

The Same God Fulfilling Different Roles:

Brahma: God in the role of the Creator

Brahma is God seen in the role of the creator of the universe. He is shown with

four heads looking in all four directions. He is sometimes shown holding

scriptures, beads, and a water pot.

God in the role of the Preserver

Vishnu as preserver

Vishnu is God seen in the role of the preserver of the universe. He is normally

shown with four arms holding lotus, mace, discus and conch.

Sometimes depicted as God who brings creation to an end

Shiva as the lord of the dance

Shiva is God seen in the role of the destroyer of the universe. He is sometimes

depicted as 'Nataraja', the lord of the dance, holding a drum as a symbol of

creation and fire as a symbol of destruction. Hinduism says that if God is the

creator of the universe then God is the only one who can be the destroyer of the

universe. Shiva is sometimes depicted in the posture of meditation (Yogiraja) with

a snake curled around his neck. His body is smeared in ashes and he is shown

with a third eye (the eye of discrimination).

God as Power is called Shakti:

Shakti: God as Mother

Sometimes as Parvati / Sometimes as Durga / Sometimes as Kali

Mother Goddess: Some Hindus like to think of God as their mother in heaven.

There are several different forms of God as the mother in Hinduism.

Parvati is the form of the Mother Goddess referred to as Shakti (Force). She is the

driving force behind the whole of creation. Parvati in the role of the warrior is

called Durga. She is shown sitting on a tiger holding many divine weapons.

Parvati as the all destroying figure of the mother goddess is called Kali. Her role

as the all destroyer allows creation to come into being again. In the film Star Wars,

the term 'may the force be with you' was likely borrowed from this Hindu idea of

God as shakti power.

Saraswati

Saraswati

Saraswati is the Mother Goddess as the personification of learning, art, and music.

She is shown wearing a white sari, and playing the Veena instrument. She holds

the scriptures in one hand. She is considered to be the consort of Brahma.

Lakshmi

Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the Mother Goddess as the personification of wealth and beauty. She

is shown wearing a red sari and offers gold coins to her devotees. She is the

consort of Vishnu. The English word luck is derived from the Sanskrit word

Lakshmi, meaning good fortune.

God can be thought of as a personality but without shape

Some Hindus prefer to think of God without form. The best way they can describe a formless God is by calling (him) Love and Truth. They say that if we try to discover the real nature of these qualities, we can find God. Two recent movements in India that promoted this approach are the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj, and also brought about important social reforms within

Hinduism.

How can God be both with and without shape?

The best explanation comes with the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. He explained

that there is no contradiction: Ice has a shape, but water does not. In the same

way, God can be both with and without shape. It is the love of the devotee which

freezes a formless God into the form of his choice. Any form of God we decide to

worship is fine. God is both with and without form, and much more.

Sri Ramakrishna

God as a Principle: Brahman & Atman

Hinduism refers to God as the cosmic reality 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 intrinsically

God. Mankind is the most transparent manifestation of God on earth, hence the

most sacred. God as our true self is called Atman. The clearest sight of God on

earth is men and women. Service to mankind is the most comprehensive and

highest worship of God, teaches Hinduism.

Secondary Hinduism Page 3

Hindu Beliefs

The Cycle of Life

Hindus believe that after we die, we are reborn. Even though we do not remember

our past lives we have had many past lives. All of us started off as lesser life form

and then evolved into human form. This theory of being reborn is called theory of

reincarnation. The character we all possess has been formed in previous lives and

that keeps coming with us when we are reborn. That is why we have to take great

care to form a good character as that is the only thing that comes with us when we

die. Once we are born as human beings it is highly unlikely that we will be reborn

as lower life forms though it is possible. We continue to be reborn as human

beings until we find God, merge in God. That is called moksha.

The Law of Karma

Karma means action and law of Karma is law of action and its consequences.

Hindus say that we have to take responsibility for everything we do. Everything

we do will produce results we have to bear. For example if we are careless with a

knife and cut ourselves, we feel the pain immediately. We are responsible for

what happens to us. Sometimes the results of our actions are felt immediately

sometimes we see them much later. For example if we have not been studying

hard in school, we get bad grades at the end of the year. Hindus say that in some

cases the results of what we have done or not done becomes visible only in future

lives. Law of Karma tells us to be very careful with every small thing we do, as the

results are bound to catch up with us sooner or later. It makes us be very

responsible and puts us in charge of our destiny.

Many pathways to find God

There are as many ways to find God as there are people. Everyone has to find their own way to God and make the best use of their own abilities to do so. Hinduism prescribes four basic pathways. We can pick and choose any of these pathways, or a combination of these pathways. They pathways are called margas or yogas.

Bhakti yoga

God as baby Krishna

Bhakti means intense love for God. Yoga means to join together. Bhakti yoga or

bhakti marg is 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. He may read scriptures, sing

devotional songs, tell beads and socialise with people of a similar temperament to

himself. He does worship with great deal of love and care, and develops a special,

loving relationship with the deity of his choice. Hindus have a choice of way they

can think about God. Some think of God like their father in heaven and may call

him Vishnu or Shiva. Some like to think of God as their mother in heaven like

Parvati or Durga or Saraswati . Some Hindus like to think of God as a little child

and they worship God as baby Krishna. or baby Rama.

Raja Yoga

Yoga requires control of the body and mind

Raja Yoga is essentially the path to God through meditation. Many mistake the word ‘Yoga’ to mean physical exercises. Hindus recognise that this shouldn’t be an end in itself. Physical exercises, called Hatha Yoga are only the first step to making spiritual progress. A healthy body is necessary before one is able to find God through meditation. Finding God through meditation is difficult as it requires one-pointed concentration forcing the mind to become absolutely still. When the mind becomes still it is able to reflect God. So God can actually be experienced. Hindus say that it is good to believe in God but better still is to actually experience God in

deep meditation. Rishis, the founders of Hinduism, were able to see God in meditation.

Karma Yoga

Karma yoga means self-less activities

Karma Yoga is the ‘path of action’. Krishna teaches in the Bhagavad Gita that action is better than inaction. This forms the basis of Karma Yoga. We should never stop working but then the work we do must be self-less. If we work for the benefit of others that helps us practise Karma yoga. We must learn to offer the results of all our actions to God. Thus we lead a God-centred life rather than an ego-centred or selfish life. This is the aim of Karma yoga. God lives in everyone so when we do good to others we automatically come closer to God.

Jnana Yoga

Though force of reason we can come close to God

Jnana Yoga is often described as the way to God through reason and intellect. This

path claims that to find God, we need to clear our vision of reality. As our intellect

develops, our perception of the world becomes clearer. We start seeing things in a

different light. With the advance of science we now view the world in a very

different way than the ancient man. Jnana Yoga says that this process should be

sharpened further. We require a far greater understanding of the world in order to

‘really’ see what is out there, and what we are all about. The tools needed are

‘discrimination’ and ‘dispassion’. First we need dispassion towards the world in

order to become less distracted. Then we need to focus our minds on what is real

and what is unreal. This is called discrimination

Secondary Hinduism Page 4

Hindu Practices

Four stages of life & Religious Ceremonies

Consult Primary Schools Page 4 for Worship in the home and temple, and Hindu Festivals

Ashramas:

The word Ashrama can mean hermitage. It also means the division of life into

different stages. According to Hinduism, the aim of life is to find God. In order to

achieve this, life is subdivided into four stages called Ashramas. Though this

practice has been abandoned since the middle ages, most of the values it

promoted are still applicable today.

Student Stage of life ~ Brahmacharya ashrama

Brahmacharya is the first stage of life. It begins at around the age of five

when the child begins his studies. The youngster is expected to lead a

celibate life until he finishes his studies; to stay with his teacher and learn

the scriptures, as well as other skills that will help him earn his living.

Respect for the teachers and elders is considered to be an important

requirement promoted at this stage of life. Need for discipline and self-

restraint are values still considered relevant for modern times.

Householder stage of life ~ Grihastha ashrama

A Householder’s life

Grihasta, the second stage of life, begins with marriage. The individual

enters the householder’s stage and starts a family. Earning money is called

artha. He earns a righteous living, and looks after all family members

including the elderly, guests and children. The individual must work after

the needs of society. He leads a religious life called dharma. It is also a

stage of life when the individual can fulfill legitimate desires, called kama.

The Grihasta Ashrama provides the financial support for the other three

stages of life. Its relevance today is in teaching the importance of righteous

living, performing one’s duties, and in looking after the needs of the

elderly and society.

Retirement Stage of life ~ Vanaprastha ashrama

Vanaprastha is the third stage in life. The scriptures say that one begins

this stage ‘when the skin becomes wrinkled’. The word ‘Vanaprastha’

literally means ‘the forest dweller’; in ancient times, the householder

would retire and live in the forest to contemplate and meditate. Today it

can be taken to simply mean the withdrawal of the individual from family

duties. The person becomes the advisor to the family and passes on the

household duties to younger family members.

Life of a Monk ~ Sanyasa ashrama

Vivekananda A modern sanyasi

Sanyasa is the sometimes seen as the final stage in life. According to the

scriptures, the individual can enter this stage whenever he feels a strong

urge to find God. The word Sanyasa literally means renunciation. It is

often misunderstood to mean ‘giving up everything’, however what it

really means is ‘giving up the minor things in order to achieve the major’

i.e. God. The Sanyasi makes the whole world his family. The aim of this

stage is to find God, and also to work for the good of mankind. He spends

his time in meditation, worship, pilgrimage, and whatever he sees fit to

find God. The value to be learnt from this stage is renunciation. At some

stage in our lifetimes we need to develop dispassion for worldliness in

order to make spiritual progress.

Religious Ceremonies

Rites of passage ~ Samskaras:

Samskaras are rites of passage within Hinduism. Sixteen such

ceremonies are prescribed in the scriptures. They can be classed as

religious ceremonies marking entry into the different stages of life. The

first samskara takes place before conception has taken place and the last

takes place after death. Some of the earlier samskaras include: naming

ceremony, the first feeding of cooked food and the first hair cut. We deal

with four main ceremonies: The naming ceremony, the sacred thread

ceremony, the marriage ceremony and the final cremation ceremony.

Naming ceremony ~ Namakarana literally means the ‘naming

ceremony’ and is usually performed around the eleventh day after birth.

Sometimes the paternal aunt is given the privilege of choosing the name,

sometimes a horoscope is consulted to decide on the first letter of the

name. It is believed that the planetary configuration helps the child to

achieve his or her full potential. Sometimes the name is chosen to inspire

the child, and may be the name of God, or a virtue to aspire towards.

The name serves a religious purpose as it acts to remind the family of

higher values.

Sacred thread ceremony ~ Upanayana is the sacred thread ceremony.

The word ‘Upanayana’ literally means ‘getting closer to God’, and

marks the beginning of life as a student. In ancient times, this used to be

around the age of eight. The child would undergo the ritual, in which a

‘havan’ or sacred fire is lit, and a priest recites hymns from the Vedas.

The father or the priest whispers the Gayatri mantra into the child’s ear,

which marks initiation into a religious lifestyle. The child is then

invested with a sacred thread draped over the left shoulder. It consists of

three strands, representing his debts to God, his forefathers and his

spiritual teacher. The child is then deemed fit to enter the Brahmacharya

Ashrama.

Marriage ceremony ~ Vivah

Marriage ceremony

Vivah is the marriage ceremony, which marks the individual’s transition from a

student to a householder. A suitable partner is found after the individual has

completed their studies. The vivah varies considerably depending on local

customs, but there are a few basic guidelines that are observed at many

ceremonies. The bride’s father offers the hand of the bride to the groom, a

gesture called ‘panigrahana’. A havan or sacred fire is lit, and a priest recites

hymns from Holy Scriptures. The bride and groom offer grains and clarified

butter, ‘ghee’ to the fire in order to obtain the blessings of higher beings. Fire is

considered the witness to the ritual. The bride and groom walk around the fire

four times, and after every turn, the bride places her right foot on a piece of rock

to symbolize her steadfastness in her wifely duties. As a symbolic gesture, the

couple takes seven steps together, each representing health, wealth, strength,

children, happiness, life-long friendship, and God. The wife marks her forehead

(and hair parting) with red powder called ‘kum kum’. The couple is showered

with rice grains and petals to wish them well. The wife is now addressed as the

‘sahadharmini’ or the companion in spiritual progress.

Final rites ~ Antima-Kriya

Cremation

Antima Kriya is the final death rite, and involves the cremation of the body.

Hindu philosophy states that the body is just the outer garment of the

individual, and that the real self never dies, but is reborn in a different body in

due course. The body is not considered important hence it is cremated rather

than buried. The body is bathed, clothed and placed in a coffin to be taken to

the crematorium. The eldest son or male relative will set fire to the pyre. Verses

from the Bhagavad Gita which explain the immortality of the soul, are recited to

comfort relatives. The ashes are collected and taken to be immersed in the river

Ganges.

Secondary Hinduism Page 5

Philosophy

An Attempt to give a rational explanation to the spiritual experiences of the Rishis form the

schools of Hindu philosophy:

Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta are the three schools that have stood the test of time

Samkhya is perhaps the most ancient philosophy in the world. It is authored by

Sage Kapila, it is almost impossible to date this work. Kapila attempted to classify

the world into different categories such as matter, the sense organs, the mind, the

intellect etc. Some of the findings of modern science fit with the teachings of

Samkhya. For the first time it classifies spirit as something different from matter. It

states that the universe is a combination of: Matter or Prakriti and Spirit or

Purusha. There is no reference to a God in the Samkhya school of philosophy.

Yoga is the school of philosophy propounded by Sage Patanjali. He slightly

modified the Samkhya system of Kapila. The Yoga school has adopted most of

the teachings of Samkhya, with the addition of a further category: God. The

practice of Raja Yoga, or the path of reaching God through meditation, is a

practical experiment suggested by the Yoga school of philosophy.

Vedanta is reputed to be the most contemporary school of Hindu philosophy, as it

is the theology that has represented Hinduism for the past two millennia. The

word ‘Vedanta’ literally means the ‘conclusion of the Vedas’. Its teachings are

supported by the Upanishads, and attempts to explain the relationship between

man, God and the universe. Vedanta can be subdivided into the following three

broad categories.

Dvaita- Vedanta: This is ‘dualistic’ Vedanta. It talks of God as the

supreme personality. God, all souls and the physical universe are

considered eternal yet distinct categories. God, Universe and individual

souls are all different and will remain different.

Advaita-Vedanta: This is ‘non-dualistic’ Vedanta. It states that there

cannot be more than one eternal and infinite ultimate category; else the

categories would limit each other. By definition there cannot be more

than one ultimate. It therefore concludes that essentially the individual

souls, the universe cannot be different from God*. The difference we

observe is only in appearance. The same ultimate reality appears as

many, due to ignorance. Hence essentially we are God.

Vishisthadvaita-Vedanta: This is called qualified non-dualism. It

agrees with Advaita but qualifies it by saying that as long as we do not

feel like God, we should adopt a more humble stance of saying: God is

the fire while we are merely the sparks of the same fire (but not the fire).

Hence though we are like God we are actually not God.

Reconciling the different Systems of Vedanta: Swami Vivekananda suggests

that these differences reflect different interpretations of the same spiritual

experiences. Different approaches were promoted by different spiritual teachers in

different time frames, and were adapted to fulfill the needs of their societies.

Spiritual needs keep changing over time, and this is the reason for this variation in

this philosophy. For example in modern times spirituality as a principle

underpinning everything is more likely to be attractive to the youngsters than the

idea of a personalized God.

Scriptural support for these philosophies:

Upanishads are the sacred texts that form the basis of Vedantic teachings. The

word ‘Upanishad’ literally means ‘to sit at the feet of the teacher’. There are one

hundred and eight Upanishads, eleven of which are considered central. The

Upanishads occur at the conclusion of the Vedas, and explain the real nature of

man as ‘Atman’, and the real nature of the universe as ‘Brahman.’ They then

discuss the relationship between these.

Bhagavad Gita is a key Hindu philosophic text that synthesizes the Upanishadic

teachings and presents them in a comprehensible manner. The term ‘Bhagavad

Gita’ literally means ‘the song the divine’, and occurs in the form of a spiritual

dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the epic the Mahabharata. It has seven

hundred verses. Its central teachings are ‘renunciation’ and ‘devotion to Krishna’,

and explain how to practice religion in daily life. The Bhagavad Gita is sometimes

called ‘practical Vedanta’. Great emphasis is placed on Krishna as Godhead; for

example Chapter Eleven is devoted to the cosmic form or ‘Vishvarupa’ of Krishna.

Love, adoration and submission to the divine will of Krishna are offered as a way

to enlightenment.

An ancient Vedic Verse: The Nasadiya Sukta

Nasadiya Sukta is found in the ‘Rig Veda.’ It deals with the theory of creation. In

questioning the reason for creation, it concludes that God alone knows why this

creation…or perhaps he does not know!

“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? Whence this creation has arisen

perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not the one who looks down on it, in the

highest heaven, only he knows or perhaps he does not know.”

Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Background

The Path of Devotion

The Path of Action

The Path of Knowledge

The Path of Meditation

Conclusion

Hinduism for Schools

Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Page 1

Background

Bhagavad Gita ~ A spiritual dialogue at the start of a battle

Bhagavad Gita is a text in the form of a spiritual dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the

battlefield of Kurukshetra. The background is apt, as the dialogue concentrates on the use of

religious teachings in everyday life. Arjuna is torn between his duty to fight for justice, and love

for his kinsmen. He becomes dejected and tries to debate with Krishna that war is not justified.

Krishna however convinces him that religion has to be put into practice and this sometimes

requires standing up for righteousness.

Bhagavad Gita is the book of authority for the Hindus. The term Bhagavad Gita literally means

the ‘Song of the Divine’. It appears in the epic the Mahabharata, it is given the status of a Shruti,

or a text of authority, since it contains the essence of the Shrutis, the Upanishadic teachings. It

has seven hundred verses set in eighteen chapters.

Portrayal of Hindu beliefs in the Gita

The Gita brings into focus various beliefs of the Hindu tradition. Apart from talking about the

essential nature of the universe as Brahman, the essential nature of man/woman as Atman, it

also brings into focus Hindu teachings about Samsara, Moksha and the Law of Karma. It also

comments on the role of Avatar or God descending to earth for the good of mankind. The most

important aspect of the Bhagavad Gita is its promotion of pluralism, or different ways of

thinking about and progressing towards God.

Hinduism for Schools

Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Page 2

The Path of Devotion

Sri Krishna teaches that the easiest path to God realization is through devotion. One can think

of God as a personality having form and attributes, which allows the devotee to build a

relationship with God and approach Him/Her through worship, prayers and meditation.

Bhakti and Para-Bhakti

Sri Krishna teaches that devotion to God (Bhakti) in

order to gain something from Him is a lower form of

Bhakti. Love for the sake of love is the higher form of

devotion and is called Parabhakti, or supreme love.

He further states that it does not matter what is

offered to God, whether it be flowers, fruit or even a

leaf. It is the love of the devotee that counts rather

than elaborate rituals. The devotee spends his time in

worship, adoration, singing and reciting the glories of

God.

Avatars

God incarnates on earth again and again for the

benefit of mankind. The Srimad Bhagavatam (a

devotional Smriti text devoted to Krishna) talks about

the ten avatars or incarnations of Vishnu. Rama is the

seventh avatar, Krishna is the eighth avatar and

Buddha is considered to be the ninth avatar of

Vishnu.

Avatars come with tremendous compassion for

mankind and have the ability to offer enlightenment

to others. They herald a new approach in spirituality

most suited to their times. Hinduism allows for and

accepts that avatars are also possible in other faiths.

Hinduism for Schools

Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Page 3

The Path of Action

Act, but act in a God-Centred manner

Sri Krishna teaches that action is better than inaction. But action should be guarded, we should

act in a manner that frees us rather than binds us. The method prescribed is to do everything to

the best of our abilities and offer the fruits of our action to God. This allows us to lead a God-

centred life rather than an ego-centred life. We have to bear in mind that we are not the real

‘doers’; our essential nature the Atman (Self) is just a witness to all our activities. ‘Actionless-

ness’ in the midst of action is the secret of this path.

Law of Karma is law of cause and effect that operates on a personal basis. Everything we do

will bear consequences which we have to bear. This makes us act in a responsible manner and

puts us in charge of our destiny. In Hinduism there is no God sitting in judgment, our own

actions dictate our future life or lives.

Reincarnation

Cycle of rebirth is called Samsara

Our essential nature is the Atman, and does not die with the body. It is eternal and all

pervading. Its nature is that of consciousness, existence and bliss. The body is just the outer

garment we inhabit. Just like old clothes this outer covering is discarded when worn out. The

cycle of birth, youth, old age, death and rebirth, is called Samsar (the cycle of rebirth). The soul

continues to reincarnate until it realises God or as some prefer to say realizes its essential nature

as the spirit. Freedom from cycle of rebirth is called Moksha (end of delusion). The spiritual

progress we make in each lifetime is not wasted; we carry on with our work in the next life. The

only thing that comes with us when we die, are the fruits of our actions and the character we

have forged for ourselves. Ideas of Law of Karma and Samsara offer a fairer system of after-life,

as they offer measured rewards for measured risks.

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Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Page 4

The Path of Knowledge

Lead us from the Unreal to the Real

Sri Krishna teaches that the path of knowledge is difficult. It requires very sharp intellect and

discerning faculties. Through sheer force of reason it expects us to experience reality as it is. In

order to overcome our delusion about the nature of reality we have to overcome desires that

continue to blind us and bind us. We require the tools of vivek (discrimination) and vairagya

(dispassion) to be able to distinguish between what is real or permanent and what is unreal or

impermanent. Sri Krishna teaches that we should develop an attitude of detachment. We should

not run after the objects of the senses. Let the intellect control the mind in order to control the

senses. Let the discriminating faculty direct the mind and keep desires under control. This is

how to rise above our animal nature and discover our essential nature as divine, as spirit.

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Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Page 5

The Path of Meditation

Raja Yoga ~ The Royal Pathway

The way to God through Meditation

In order to practise meditation, first the body must be strengthened and made healthy. This can

be done through physical exercises called Hatha Yoga. It is recommended that in order to

practice meditation, one must find a secluded place, sit cross legged, keeping the head, neck

and back in an upright position. One must then develop one pointed concentration called

dhyana. Such one-pointed concentration allows one to control the mind and hold it still. When

the mind comes under control and is held still, one perceives ones real nature as Atman (Self).

This experience results in Samadhi or one’s identification with God or the spirit. In order to

succeed one is expected to observe moderation in everything. Celibacy, allows one to control

ones lower self in order to gain a glimpse of ones higher self. The successful aspirant no longer

relishes the pleasures of the senses. He can no longer be deluded by the vagaries of the senses

and abides in his real nature as the Self.

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Bhagavad Gita for Schools

Page 6

Conclusion

The Bhagavad Gita is a book of Pluralism

Bhagavad Gita is synthesis of many ways to think of God & many ways to reach God

The early Upanishadic philosophies taught that the underlying reality of the universe to be

‘Brahman’ and of the essential nature of the individual as Atman (Self) . The Bhagavad Gita

synthesises these ideas and incorporates the idea of a personalised God with form and

attributes. The Gita synthesises many different approaches in spirituality. The attribute-less

Brahman modifies itself and takes on attributes to become a personalised God. The popularity

of the Bhagavad Gita is based on the fact that it advocates comprehensive pluralism. Pluralism

means: Utimate reality can be thought of and approach in a variety of different ways. God can

be thought of as a principle that underpins everything including all living things. God can be

reached through knowledge, action, devotion or meditation. As we are all highly individualistic

the method we adopt for making spiritual progress will reflect our individual preferences. This

essential freedom we all have in making spiritual progress should not be sacrificed, teaches the

Bhagavad Gita

Renunciation

Renunciation is the key requirement for making spiritual progress teaches the Bhagavad Gita.

It advises us to work, but to act in a selfless manner. It advises us to give up minor things in life

so that we can achieve the greatest reward for mankind, God. We have to be vigilant and

continue to see ourselves as the witness to everything and not get caught up with what is being

witnessed. Renunciation does not mean running away from one’s duties, but carrying out one’s

duties in a spirit of detachment.

Vishvarupa ~ God in everything

Brahman ~ The spirit manifesting as everything

Sri Krishna shows himself to Arjun in his cosmic form, Vishvarupa, which depicts the idea that

God can be thought of and approached through many different forms. It can also interpreted to

mean that it is same Brahman or the spirit that manifests as everything and as everyone. Seeing

God in everything and everyone is considered to be the most comprehensive God-experience in

Hinduism.

Devotion to God as a personality

The Gita teaches that the essential nature of man is the spirit, Atman. Mankind is the clearest

manifestation of God on earth. At the same time, the Gita also makes it clear that for most of us,

the way to progress spiritually may be through worship and adoration of a personal God. Sri

Krishna says that this is the easiest pathway to follow, as the tool we are using for making

spiritual progress love of God is both the path and the destination, God.

Glossary

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Glossary with Sound

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Click on the first 'letter of the word'

A ,B , C , D ,F , G , H , I , J , K , L , M , N , P , R , S , T , U , V, Y

Aarti Invocation ceremony or a welcoming ceremony. Normally involves waving a lamp gently in front of the deity.

Acharya Spiritual teacher who teaches by setting an example.

Advaita Vedanta Non-dualism. Philosophy of Monism in Vedanta. Teaches that the individual soul and God cannot be different.

Ahimsa Virtue of non-violence. Abstain from harming any living thing. Not to hurt harm or kill by word, deed or even in thought.

Antim Kriya Cremation of the body. The final rite (Samskar).

Arya Noble one.

Arya Samaj Hindu reform movement started by Dayananda Saraswati (1825 - 1883). Literally means society of nobles. Believes in formless God. Brought many social reforms. Revived ancient ritual of 'Havan' - worship through fire.

Asceticism Austere practices to control the mind and body.

Ashrama Four stages of life. Hermitage or monastery. 'That which is obtained by effort.'

Astanga The eight limbs of Raja Yoga. Disciplines for the mind and body.

Atman Ultimate reality manifesting as the 'I' in the individual. The real self. The silent witness. Without any attributes. It is imperishable and eternal. It does not die with the body.

Aum Sacred symbol and the sound representing God.

Avatar Literally 'One who descends'. God descends to earth for the good of mankind; to establish religion and destroy evil. Vishnu is said to come to descend ten times.

Ayodhya Popular place of pilgrimage. Rama's birthplace. On bank of river Saryu in North India.

Bhagavad Gita 'Song of the divine'. Contains 700 verses in eighteen chapters. Spiritual dialogue between Krishna and Arjun. Book of authority for Hindus. Teaches renunciation and love of God in the form of Krishna.

Bhagavat Popular Purana. Dealing with the life story of Krishna.

Bhajan Devotional singing. Normally sung communally.

Bhakti Strong love for God. Devotional approach to spirituality.

Bhakti Marg Way to God through devotion. Involves worship and adoration in order to build relationship with the divine.

Brahma God viewed as the creator in puranic stories. Has four heads. Holds scriptures. Shown sitting on a white lotus.

Brahma-charya Celibate living. 'Acting in a manner to reflect that everything is manifestation of 'Brahman'.

Brahma-charya Ashram

Student life. Celibacy. Concentrate on studies. Respect elders. Begins with Upanayana ceremony at the age of about eight. Kind of Baptism. Introduction to the main prayer in Hinduism called the Gayatri.

Brahman Ultimate reality manifesting or projecting itself as the universe and everything. Hence Sanskrit word for the universe is Shrusti (projection). Considered to be without qualities (nirguna). Nearest words to describe Brahman are: -Asti - existence itself. Bhati - consciousness. Priya- blissful. Brahman with qualities (saguna) is described as the personal God.

Brahmo Samaj Social reform movement started by Rammohun Roy in nineteenth century. Advocates formless God with qualities.

Buddha 'The enlightened one'. Siddhartha Gautama (~500BC) attained this state. Hindus consider him to be the ninth avatar of Vishnu.

Camphor Burnt during Puja ceremony, to signify the burning of the ego.

Caste system Division of society into groups reflecting and defining division of labour. Degenerated as it was deployed as a hereditary trait. Outlawed by the Government of India.

Chakras Psychic nerve centres - mainly along the spinal column.

Chastity Absolute celibacy in word deed or thought. It is considered to be desirable for spiritual progress.

Dana Act of giving - charity.

Darshan 'To catch sight of' - refers to visiting a holy place to see the image of God.

Devi Female form of God.

Deity Form of God being worshipped.

Dharma (sanatan) Religion of right conduct. Righteous living. That which sustains society and civilization. The intrinsic, innermost quality of everything (including the physical universe). Cosmic order. (Sanatan means:- eternal, everlasting, universal).

Dhyana One pointed concentration on the object of meditation.

Diwali Festival of light. Autumn festival celebrated with lamps to mark the day Rama returned from exile.

Durga 'The inaccessible.' Mother goddess in the form of the warrior. Holding divine weapons. Sitting on a tiger (ego) for destruction of evil. Seen wearing a red sari.

Dussehra Ten day autumn festival honouring Goddess Durga

Dvait Vedanta Dualistic form of Vedanta. Teaches that the individual soul is essentially different from God.

Fasting Total or partial abstinence from food. Austerity practiced for spiritual merit on special dates.

Festivals Click to find out Festival dates for 2002 and 2003

Ganesh Elephant headed God originates from the puranic tales. Son of Shiva and Parvati. God of good luck. Remover of obstacles. Shown with mouse as his vehicle. Holding sweets - symbol of the sweet nature of the divine.

Ganges Most sacred river for Hindus. Flows from Himalayas. Puranic story of how it washes away the sins of those who bathe in it. The ashes of departed are immersed in it.

Gayatri Most important prayer in Hinduism. Ascribed to sage Vishwamitra.

"Let us meditate on the glorious effulgence of that supreme being who has created the world. May she enlighten our hearts and direct our understanding"

Grihasta Ashram Householder stage of life. Graha means house. This stage provided the financial support for all other stages. Teaches righteous living. Looking after the family and

society. Begins with the marriage ceremony.

Gunas Means qualities. The Universe is considered to be composed of a mixture of these three qualities called 'Gunas'. These three gunas are: Sattva (balance, calmness, knowledge) Rajas (action, passion, forces in the universe) and Tamas (darkness, inertia, ignorance)

Guru Spiritual teacher.

Hanuman Monkey faced God from story Epic Ramayana. Great devotee of Rama. Personification of strength. Sometimes shown holding mace and sometimes a mountain both symbolic of strength.

Havan Ancient ritual of worshipping God through fire. Relationship built with higher beings by offering ghee and grains to the fire.

Hindu Word derived from mispronunciation of name of river Sindhu. (Sindhu means river or ocean).

Holi Spring festival. Celebrated by sprinkling coloured powders and waters. Also related to the puranic story of Prahalad.

Incense Used in Puja ceremony. It burns and gives forth a sweet scent.

Jain (Jin) One who has conquered. Name of the religion founded by 'The Jins' is called Jainism.

Japa Repetition of God's name (normally using beads).

Jnana marg Way to God through 'knowledge'. Using discrimination.

Kali Mother Goddess in the role of the all destroyer. She clears the slate to restart the cycle of creation. Shown wearing a necklace of skulls. Shown standing on Shiva - (represents Brahman - her support).

Kalki From Puranic tales. The 10th avatar of Vishnu - yet to come.

Karma

(law of)

Law of Karma (action) is used to mean the law of cause and effect on personal terms. 'What you sow, is what you will reap.' We have to bear the consequences of all our actions - if not immediately then in later life. Does away with God sitting in judgement. We are responsible for our own destiny. If misunderstood can cause indifference to the suffering of others or can cause fatalistic behavior.

Karma marg Way to God through 'action'. Path of Selfless action. Action is considered better than 'inaction'.

Krishna Eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Author of the Gita - book of authority for Hindus. Teaches selfless action.

Kundalini The coiled up energy at the base of the spinal column. Through practice of Raja Yoga (meditation) one hopes to awaken this energy to rise up along the spinal column and reach the inner brain. This experience produces super-consciousness. Union with God - called Samadhi.

Lakshmi Consort of Vishnu, goddess of wealth and beauty. Shown wearing red sari and offering gold coins to her devotees.

Mahabharata Epic of Hinduism - 100,000 verses. Story of Pandav and Kaurav brothers. One of the smriti texts dealing with issues of politics, philosophy and spirituality.

Credited to Sage: Ved Vyas.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Mahatma means great soul. Gandhi used spiritual tools like satya (truth) and ahimsa (non-violence) which won independence for India from the British rule. He called his method Satyagraha, Insistence on truth.

Mala Rosary. Beads - turned during Japa.

Mandala Geometric shape as symbol of divinity.

Mantra 'That which leads the mind to God.' Usually a sacred verse. Often name of God.

Manusmriti Book dealing with ethics, morality and codes of conduct written by sage Manu.

Marga Path - a way to God. The four methods used are: Jnana Marga (through intellect), Karma Marga (through selfless deeds), Bhakti Marga (through love and devotion) and Raja Yoga (through meditation).

Maya The power that makes God 'appear' as the universe.

Moksha Liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Final union with God.

Monism Advaita philosophy which teaches of one underlying unity hidden under all diversity. Does not differentiate between souls and God.

Murti The image of God being worshipped. Pratima better word - means the image that leads one (Prati-towards) to God.

Namaste Salutation meaning: 'Reverence to God as you'

Natraj 'Lord of the dance'. Shiva shown in dance of creation. Holding drum -symbol of creation. Fire - symbol of destruction. Standing on a dwarf - symbol of ignorance.

Pantheism Belief that all of reality is in essence divine.

Parvati Consort of Shiva. Mother Goddess. Personification of power. Shown as an ordinary

woman.

Patanjali Founder of the Yoga school of philosophy and the practice of meditation called Raja Yoga.

Prashad Sanctified food. Food that was offered to the deity at the time of worship.

Pratik Symbols of God. (From Prati - 'that which leads to')

Pratima Image of God. The image that leads to God.

Prayers Prayers Including the Gayatri…..Prayers

Puja Means 'Adoration'. Worship in the home or temple.

Puranas Mythological texts of Hinduism (there are 18 maha- puranas).

Puri Place of pilgrimage. City on the East-coast on the Bay of Bengal. Considered to be the abode of Vishnu. Krishna worshipped here as 'Jagganath' -lord of the universe.

Radha Consort of Krishna. Depicts love of the individual soul for the supreme soul - God.

Rama Hero of the epic Ramayana. Considered to be the Ideal man. Ideal son. Ideal King and Ideal personality.

Ramakrishna (1836-1886)

Recent day prophet of Hinduism. Portrayed unity behind different sectarian and religious movements.

Ramayana One of the two epics of Hinduism. Relates the story of Rama and Sita - ideal man and woman. Written by sage 'Valmiki'

Re-incarnation Belief that: - Individual souls are born again and again. Cycle of rebirth.

Rishi Comes from Sanskrit Drish (to see). Refers to the founders of Hinduism. Rishis claim first hand spiritual experience. They hold authority in spiritual matters.

Sacraments (Rituals) Outward signs of inward spiritual progress. Samskars. Rites of passage.

Saha-dharmini Name given to wife after marriage ceremony - meaning companion for spiritual progress.

Samsara 'Stream of existence'. Cycle of birth and death. Theory of reincarnation.

Samskaras Rites of passage - religious ceremonies to mark entry into different stages of life. 16 main ones. Literally means 'Purification ceremony'.

Sanatan Dharma Another name given to Hinduism. Sanatan means 'eternal or universal'. Dharma

means: Righteous living; That which sustains (society and civilization); The intrinsic nature of everything - external and internal.

Sannyas Ashram The final stage of life as an ascetic. Renounce individual family as the whole world has become your family. Give up trivial things in order to gain something majestic.

Sannyasi 'One who renounces'. Monk. One who enters the final stage in life. Can begin when one has strong urge to find God. Aims of sannyas - personal salvation and for the good of mankind.

Sanskrit Ancient language of India. Considered to be the basis of all Indo- European languages. Means - polished.

Sannyas Final stage in life. Complete renunciation - time spent in search of God. Treating whole mankind as the real family.

Saptapadi Seven steps taken during the marriage ceremony.

Saraswati Mother Goddess as the mother of all learning, art and music. Shown wearing a white sari - holding Veena and scriptures.

Satya Sanskrit word for 'truth'.

Scripture Writing believed to be divinely inspired.

Shaivism Approach to God in the form of Shiva.

Shakti 'Energy' - depicted as mother goddess, the consort of Shiva.

Shankara Philosopher-teacher of the Advaita school of philosophy.

Shiv Purana Puranic tales to do with Lord Shiva.

Shiva One of the forms of God in Hinduism. Shown in meditation with a snake curled round his neck. Smeared in ashes. Shown with three eyes.

Shruti 'That which is heard' - The books of authority for Hindus. Consists of the four Vedas (Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva).

Sita Ideal wife of Rama. Depicts patience, calmness and grace. Ideal role model for Hindu women.

Smriti 'In Memory' - Books written by men - has less authority. Contain the mythological texts (puranas), epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata). Manu smriti -the text on ethics and codes of conduct for society.

Swadhyaya Studying scriptures.

Lord Swaminarayan Head of the 'Swami Narayan movement'. Set up by Sahajananda Swami (1781-1830).

Swami 'Master'. Term for holy man or monk.

Swastika Symbol of auspiciousness from the four corners of the world. Swasti - means well being.

Theology Systematic formulation of beliefs.

Tilak Mark on the forehead - to awaken spirituality.

Tirtha 'Crossing over place'. Name applied to places of pilgrimage, place to cross over to a spiritual plane. Places chosen for geographic, historic or mythological reasons.

Upanayana One of the Samskars. Sacred thread ceremony. Involves rite of initiation. Introduction to Gayatri. Begin first stage of life as a celibate.

Upanishads The texts normally found in the end portion of the Vedas dealing with the philosophy of Hinduism. Means to 'Sit near to destroy ignorance'. 108 main upanishads.

Vanaprasta 'Forest dweller'. Third stage of life (retirement). Withdraw from worldly desires. Spend time in prayers and meditation.

Varanasi (Kashi) Most holy place of pilgrimage for Hindus. In North India, on the bank of river Ganges. Considered to be the abode of Shiva. Place of learning. Temples of Shiva and mother goddess (Annapurna).

Veda From Sanskrit word 'Vid' - to know. Books of knowledge. Books of authority in Hinduism. Divided into four texts.(Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva)

Vedanta The conclusion of the Vedas. The philosophy of contemporary Hinduism. Explores the essential nature of man, God and the universe.

Vishnu God in the form of the preserver of the universe. Normally shown with four arms holding discus, shell, mace and a lotus. He is said to descend to earth ten times as the 'Avatars' for the good of mankind.

Vivah Marriage ceremony. Taking on responsibility.

Vivekananda (1863-1902)

Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Major advocate of Hinduism to the West. Emphasizes on divinity in all living things and rational approach to spirituality.

Vrindavan Place of pilgrimage, where Krishna sported as a child. On bank of Jamuna river in north India. Near Govardhan mountain.

Yatra Spiritual journey.

Yoga Literally means: 'To be one with'. Means: Path to God through meditation (psychic control).