Hinduism

Hinduism is at least 5000 years old and has a following of over 500 million. The majority of its followers live in India; it is also the majority faith in Nepal and Mauritius. The Hindu way of life is referred to as ‘Dharma’ or sometimes ‘Santana Dharma’ meaning the eternal way of life

There is great diversity within the religion and its followers. Hindus in the UK usually speak one or more languages as well as English. The most common are Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati or Punjabi. The ancient language of Sanskrit is used in worship and in the sacred texts.

Hindus worship Brahma (The Creator) who is the supreme deity. Brahma is expressed in the images of hundreds of individual Gods. Each expresses a different quality associated with Brahma. Images of Hindu gods and goddesses show them to have more than one pair of arms, which signifies that they have supernatural ability. Hindu tradition allows the use of a variety of symbols, names, terms and images.

Scriptures

Hindus hold a number of texts to be sacred. They fall into two broad categories ‘shruti’, that which is heard and ‘smriti’ that which is remembered. The shruti include the four Vedas, which are the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The smriti consists of six parts including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana tells the story of King Rama, his wife Sita and Ravana. The Mahabharata includes the Bhagavad Gita or Song of the Blessed Lord, the teachings from the Lord Krishna.

Key Beliefs

The roles of different deities are linked to the movement of the stars. Hindu beliefs are closely connected to Astrology. Brahman, the universal soul is present in all things. Brahman has no form and is eternal. Brahman is creator, preserver and transformer of everything and appears in the human spirit as the soul. Other gods are different aspects of Brahman. Most common aspects are:

  • One God - who caused all creation to happen and who remains involved with the life of this world;
  • Jesus Christ – Son of God who came to earth to save humans from the consequences of their sins. Jesus was fully human when he experienced this world;
  • Crucifixion – Jesus was tortured and gave his life to save humanity;
  • Resurrection – Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his Crucifixion and ascended to heaven 40 days later in the presences of his disciples;
  • The Doctrine of Trinity – God manifests in three ways: the Father, the son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit
  • Judgement Day - Christians believe they will be judged on how they have lived their life;
  • Life after death - continuation of the soul life after death

Buddhist’s follow the five precepts:

  • Brahma – the creator;
  • Shiva – the destroyer;
  • Vishnu – the preserver.

Beliefs and practices include:

  • Dharma – social duty or religion. Purpose of one’s life and the intrinsic value of a soul is to serve God;
  • Karma – decent behaviour. Every action has an equal or opposite reaction, these can be good or bad depending on the nature and intentions of the action;
  • The Atman – spirit soul. There is a spirit in all life form that embodies each cycle of birth and death until it reaches its goal of ‘Moksha’;
  • Samsara - reincarnation according to the law of Karma, one’s present actions determine the type and circumstance of one’s future bodily form;
  • Moksha - achieving release from the cycle of reincarnation;
  • Fasting – Many Hindus fast and avoid certain foods at particular times;
  • Pilgrimages – an important part of Hindu religious observance.

Worship

The Mandir is the Hindu place of worship. Inside the temple there will be a shrine where the ‘murtis’ stand, these are the representatives of the deities. The Mandir is where most celebration and teachings take place. During ceremonies, money and flowers are offered to the deities. An important part of worship is the lighting of the ‘sacred’ fire. Hindu priests are referred to as pandit, swami or maharaj; their role is to conduct religious ceremonies and to care for the holy shrines. When visiting the temple visitors should dress modestly, women should cover their hair and seating is on the floor.

Most Hindus have a shrine or small area in their homes for worship. There is no particular day of the week stipulated for prayer and Hindus are not required to come to the temple to pray. There are five principles around which religious life is centred:

  • Parmeshwar – God;
  • Prathana – Prayer;
  • Punarjanma – Reincarnation;
  • Purushartha – Law of good and bad actions;
  • Prani Daya – Compassion for all living things.

Diet and dress

The majority of Hindus are vegetarian; all life is viewed as sacred although vegetarianism is not compulsory. Meat eating Hindus do not eat beef because the cow is revered. Many Hindus refrain from alcohol, smoking and eating onions and garlic. It is not acceptable for a Hindu girl or women to have her legs uncovered. Traditional dress for women includes the Sari or a Shalwar and Khameez. Married women may adopt the ‘Tika’ (red spot) on the forehead.

Points to remember

  • Hindu names traditionally have three parts: a personal name; a complimentary or middle name and a family name. Not all married women change their names;
  • It is polite to accept when you are offered food or drink;
  • Hands should be washed before and after eating and food should only be eaten with the right hand;
  • You should not enter the part of the home used for worship without invitation;
  • You may be expected to remove your shoes;
  • You should shake hands if invited to;
  • Hindus observe 13 days of mourning following the death of a family member;

Festivals

    The main festivals are:
  • Diwali – Festival of lights;
  • Holi – Festival of colours;
  • Maha Shivatri;
  • Ram Navami;
  • Janmashtami;
  • Navratri;
  • Dashera.


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