The word Hinduism was coined by the
British administration in India during colonial
times. It is suspected that the word is derived
from the Persian word hindu, meaning
“river,” or a Persian corruption of the word Sindhu, which means
“the river Indus.”
Hindus call their religion Sanatama Dharma, which means "eternal religion" or "eternal truth,“ or Vaidika Dharma, meaning "religion of the Vedas.”
Translated, Hinduism roughly means "of the Indus Valley" or
simply "Indian“ in modern times.
Hinduism
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism2.htm
Hinduism is a mixture of religious, philosophical, and cultural ideas andpractices that originated in India. It is based heavily upon the caste system which governs India’s people. It is characterized by the common
belief in reincarnation, one absolute being capable of
multiple manifestations, the law of “cause and effect”,
following a path of righteousness, and the desire
for liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.
What is Hinduism??
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm
What is Hinduism??
Although Hinduism is considered polytheistic, all Hindus believe that there is a single Ultimate Reality, known as Brahman. Also known as “the One,” Brahman is credited towards the creation of everything.
Hinduism, unlike other religions, is open to a variety of beliefs, including those involving God and the universe.
Regardless of beliefs, all Hindus
wish to obtain moksha, or release, from samsara, the cycle of rebirth. By breaking from this
cycle, the individual becomes one with
God.
Furthermore, the system of karma is
universal. Actions during a person’s lifetime result in
karma status, which will affect that
individual’s reincarnation and
journey towards moksha.
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs.htm
Hindus believe that there are four purposes of life:
Dharma, or fulfilling one’s caste duty
Artha, or prosperity
Kama, or desire, sexuality, and enjoyment
Moksha, or the ultimate enlightenment
Hindus believe that the creation of the universe was started by Brahman. The universe itself is viewed as a sphere, with India at its center.
The world is believed to be
cyclic, and goes through
periods of destruction,
afterwards resulting in a
golden age. This ties in
with the rebirth system,
as well as the karma of the
universe.
As a result, Hinduism comes to the conclusion that the universe is never-ending, and
continues this cycle of rebirth.
http://creationtheologies.tripod.com/creationtheologies/id1.html
What is Hinduism??
Referred to as “the world’s oldest religion,” Hinduism is the third largest religion on the planet, with around
one billion followers.
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm
Today, it is practiced across the globe; most of the population can be found in India, Nepal, parts of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Trinidad, Mauritius, Surinam, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United
States.http://www.faithresource.org/showcase/Hinduism/hinduismoverview.htm
What is Hinduism??
Origins
Hinduism’s origins date so far back, that it cannot be traced to any one individual founder. Most ancient writings have unknown authors, and await decipherment. Scholars have relied on educated guesses based around archaeology, as well as modern texts, to trace Hinduism back to its roots.
Some scholars believe that Hinduism must have existed as early as around 10,000 B.C..
The earliest of theHindu scriptures, the Rig Veda,
may have been composed years before 6500 B.C..
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm
Symbolism
Symbols in the Hindu religion encompass many different ideals, including the attributes of various
deities, gods and goddesses. Often these symbols are
found throughout art, sacred objects, and rituals.
The Om, or Aum, is a sacred sound, represented as a symbol, in the Hindu religion. It is spoken at the beginning and end of all prayers, mantras, and meditation, therefore it is considered the greatest of all mantras.The Aum has a threefold nature, not only in its spelling. The three letters in Sanskrit combine to represent…
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/symbols/aum.htm
And the three worlds -The three major Hindu gods -
The three sacred Vedic scriptures - Rg, Yajur, and Sama
Vishnu Brahma
Shiva
Earth
Atmosphere
Heaven
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/symbols/aum.htm
Symbolism
One, if not the most iconic symbols, of the Hindu
religion is the Bindi – a dot marked by vermilion
traditionally worn on a married woman’s
forehead.It is meant to represent the “third
eye”, or the area between the
eyebrows focused on during meditation.
In modern times, the Bindi has become
somewhat of a fashion accessory for young
women. Unmarried girls and even non-Hindus
adorn them. They are no longer restricted in color or shape, and come in various designs, forms,
and colors.
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/things/bindi.htm
Symbolism
SymbolismOther symbols include…
The LotusThe PratikSwastika
Trishula Yantra
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/symbols.htm
Gender RolesWomen are often considered inferior to men in Hindu texts. In both social and ethical standards, women are regarded as subservient to men. Certain texts regarded that women be disallowed from listening to ceremonies and performing rituals. It was even believed that women had to be reborn as men before journeying towards moksha. Some texts went as far as calling women impure, thanks to menstruation.
Girls are to be closely watched by their fathers, by
their husbands once married, and sons once
widowed. Men are regarded as the breadwinners, and the more in control of the
two in partnership. Men also have more religious
freedoms. Though this is not true in all aspects,
considering the varying beliefs that Hindus are
capable of having.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism/Ethics-Morality-Community/Gender-and-Sexuality?offset=2&max=1
Holy Scriptures Hindu scripture is
collectively referred to as “Shastras.” This
collection was gathered by wise saints and
sages during the history of the religion, and is
comprised of two types of writings: “Shruti,” or
heard, and “Smriti,” memorized.
Before written in the Sanskrit language,
they were transferred orally for
centuries.Widely known Hindu texts includethe Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, as well as the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm
Spread Hinduism is very versatile and encompasses thousands
of different personal gods and goddesses. The main
three that are recognized are Brahman, Shiva, and
Vishnu, though Brahman is recognized as the Absolute.
Many, but not all, Hindus believe in numerous deities, also known as devas. The worship of animals, planets, and nature is also advocated.
Though often labeled as a polytheistic religion, some Hindus devote their lives to worshipping a specific god, instead believing that all recognized gods are manifestations of a single being.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism.html
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm
Because Hinduism was so adaptable to outside gods, even those involved in other religions, people found it easy to revert to the religion.
Hinduism’s spread can also be accredited to immigration, as well
as trade routes that traversed overseas.
The accessibility that Hinduism provided thanks to this made it easy to overshadow other religions, such as Buddhism, and create a powerful force that could spread rapidly.
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism/Historical-Development/Exploration-Conquest-Empire-(incl-violence-persecution).html
Spread
Places of Worship
At home is the most common place of worship, since temple worship is not required. Often, temples are only used for festivals and special occasions, or as means to teach children about the Hindu religion.
Worship at home takes place at an altar, in a room decorated with
depictions of dieties as framed portraits, or copper and marble
statues. Such depictions help focus
meditation techniques.
http://world-religion.tripod.com/id14.html
Holy Sites There are hundreds of
holy temples scattered across India. Many
Hindus take a religious pilgrimage and visit
these various centers . The most important of
them are the four corners of India, which when visited are meant to symbolize national
integration, as it requires criss-crossing
the nation to visit them.
Benares is the most important temple site, as it is the city of Shiva. There are over two thousand temples here.
http://history-of-hinduism.blogspot.com/2008/09/sacred-places.html
The Ganges River is considered the heart of
India, as it flows through the nation and
provides hundreds of thousands of people with a source of life.
The river itself is tied to the personification
of a goddess.
http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/index.php/issue/The-Ganges-River-The-Heart-of-Indian-Civilization/
Art InfluencesSymbolism attributed itself to much of the revolutionary artwork created by Hinduism. Even ancient structures are recognized by the iconography Hindu symbolism has left over the ages. Much of modern-day architecture is still influenced by these primitive styles.Much Hindu art is based around abstract pieces and geometrical shapes, in an attempt to represent the immaterial world that their religion finds so fascinating. Aside from these paintings, sculptures were casted and chiseled to mirror the many deities worshipped.
Forms of Classical Hindu art and
architecture include Rajasthani,
Moghul, Kangra, Pahari and
Kalighat.
http://www.ehow.com/info_8704857_hindu-art-architecture.html
Hinduism is a very celebratory religion. It has been estimated that there is a festival for every day of the year, possibly more! Some scholars believe there are thousands recognized throughout the world.
Holidays are celebrated for various
purposes; some revolving around
nature, others in honor of deities, and some to commemorate events
such as marriage. Festivals involve many
different activities, including worship,
prayer, processions, music, dancing, ,
eating, drinking, and feeding the poor.
Holidays
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/holidays.htm
Major Holidays often observed include:
Holi - festival of colors and SpringMahashivaratri (Shiva Ratri) -
night sacred to ShivaRama Navami - birthday of Lord
Rama Krishna Jayanti - birthday of Lord
KrishnaRaksābandhana - renewing bonds
between brothers and sistersKumbh Mela - pilgrimage every 12
years to four cities in IndiaGanesha-Chaturthi (Ganesha
Utsava) - festival of GaneshDassera - victory of Rama over
demon king RavanaNavaratri - festival of Shakti (in Bengal) or Rama's victory over
Ravana (South India)Diwali - festival of lights and Laksmi
Works Citedhttp://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/British/clive.jpg
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/history.htm
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism.html
http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=8&article=1408
http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism2.htm
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm
http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/The-Indian-Subcontinent_-3000-to-1500-B.C..pdf
http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/iakh/HIS2172/v09/undervisningsmateriale/HIS2172-The_Vedic_Age.pdf
http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/PHIL_of_RELIGION_TEXT/CHAPTER_2_RELIGIONS/Hinduism.htm
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/fastfacts.htm
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/things/bindi.htm
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/symbols/aum.htm
http://www.faithresource.org/showcase/Hinduism/hinduismoverview.htm
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism/Historical-Development/Exploration-Conquest-Empire-(incl-violence-persecution).html
http://history-of-hinduism.blogspot.com/2008/09/sacred-places.html
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/holidays.htm
http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/index.php/issue/The-Ganges-River-The-Heart-of-Indian-Civilization/
http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/beliefs.htm
http://creationtheologies.tripod.com/creationtheologies/id1.html
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Hinduism/Ethics-Morality-Community/Gender-and-Sexuality?offset=2&max=1
http://www.ehow.com/info_8704857_hindu-art-architecture.html