Religion: Hinduism

• OM or AUM?

  • It symbolizes purity and encourages us to enjoy the purity of our minds and action
  • It symbolizes the Universe and the ultimate reality.
• • -Brahma (the creator)
  • -Vishnu (the preserver)
  • -Shiva (the destroyer)
• SWASTIKA

  • The swastika represents the four directions. Facing right represents the evolution of the universe; facing left, it represents the evolution of the universe.
• • The word “swastika” has Sanskrit roots and means “the mark of well-being.” It has been used in prayers of the Rig Veda, the oldest of Hindu scriptures.
• LOTUS?

  • It symbolizes purity and encourages usto enjoy the purity of our minds andactions.
  • Spiritual enlightenment, beauty, fertility, purity, prosperity and eternity.
• • In Hindu philosophy, lotus isregarded to be the firstborn ofcreation and a magic womb for theuniverse and gods
• • Puja offerings - symbolize devotion and purity.
• • Temple decorations - symbolize divine presence.
• • Wedding rituals - symbolize love and purity.
• • Funerary rites - symbolize the cycle of life and rebirth.
• Hinduism may have originated fromthe customs of the early peoples ofthe Indus valley around 2500 B.C.E. to1500 B.C.E., in the more advancedculture of the Dravidians, and fromthe Aryans who invaded northwestIndia around 1500 B.C.E.(Bowker1997)
• dharma, or duty and justice
• karma, or the law of cause and effect
• reincarnation, or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
• moksha, or the quest forfreedom from the cycle of rebirth.
• The Vedas, written in ancient Sanskrit, are the first sacred texts in Hinduism. The Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda are the four components of this. They are composed of intellectual lectures, chants, rites, and hymns. Hinduism is based on this, which are regarded as divine revelations.
• The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate truth (Brahman). They are considered to be the culmination ofVedic thought and are often referred to as Vedanta, meaning "the of Vedicend of the Vedas." It discusses concepts such as karma,dharma, reincarnation, and moksha (liberation). ultimate truth texts that of Vedic
• The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Ramayana. It is an epic narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes. It also contains the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, which discusses duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality.
• The Ramayana is another ancient Indian epic, attributed to the sage Valmiki. It narrates the life and adventures of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman. The epic explores themes of duty, honor, loyalty, and the victory of good over evil. It is revered for its moral and spiritual teachings and is considered one of the greatest works of Indian literature.
• The original writer of Mahabharata in Sanskrit is the sage Vyasa. Also known as Krishna Dvaipayana, Vyasa is a central and revered figure in most Hindu traditions.
• • The author of Ramayana is Valmiki and in its present form consists of some24,000 couplets divided into seven books. Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda,Kishkindha Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yuddha Kanda, Uttara Kanda.
• The Trimurti is made up of these three gods, and symbolizes the universe's cycle of creation, preservation, and annihilation.
• Brahma: Frequently portrayed with four heads, signifying thefour Vedas and denoting creation, knowledge, and wisdom.
• Vishnu: Usually depicted with a lotus blossom, a mace, a discus,and a conch shell in each of his four arms, this deity stands formercy, preservation, and protection.
• Devotion (Bhakti): Many Hindus cultivate a deep sense ofdevotion and love for their chosen deity or deities. They mayexpress their devotion through prayers, rituals, and offerings,seeking a personal connection with the divine.
• Service (Seva): Another aspect of the relationship involvesserving the divine through selfless acts of service to others. Thiscan be seen as a way to honor the divine presence in all beingsand to fulfill one's dharma (duty).
• • Surrender (Prapatti): Some followers emphasize surrenderingtheir will to the divine will, trusting in the wisdom and guidanceof the gods and goddesses to navigate life's challenges anduncertainties.
• • Seeking Liberation (Moksha): Ultimately, many followers aspire to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, viewing it as the ultimate goal of human existence. This journey often involves seeking union with the divine and realizing one's true nature as part of the universal consciousness.
• darshan (viewing the deity)
• aarti(waving of lamps).
• • Idol Worship (Murti Puja): Devotees worship deities through physical representations called murtis, engaging in rituals, offerings, and prayers.
• • Yantras and Mandalas: Geometric diagrams used in worship andmeditation to represent cosmic forces and divine energies.