Religions: Hinduism

Hinduism refers to a diverse set of religious, philosophical and cultural beliefs and practices.   It is predominately native to India. Reincarnation and a supreme being revealed in a variety of forms and natures are fundamental to Hinduism. A basic desire for freedom from the evils and pitfalls of life guide much of their practices.

Hinduism is one of the oldest religious traditions practiced today. It has no founder. The revered sacred texts called the Vedas contain much of their tradition. There are a great number of rituals which venerate a diverse group of deities. It is said that there are over 300 million gods worshipped. Many consider these deities as manifestations of one Supreme Being, Brahman. Others see a singular god with different forms.

Some key concepts in Hinduism are:

• Dharma: individual ethics, obligations and duties
• Samsara: reincarnation or rebirth
• Karma: cause and effect of actions
• Moksha: salvation by more than one path
  

Essentially it is believed that a person’s soul will continue to be reborn until it attains salvation. The ultimate freedom from reincarnation and material existence by becoming part of or one with the Supreme Being is the goal of all Hindus. Actions are considered to determine a person’s progress toward salvation. Actions of virtue will lead one closer to the goal while evil actions add to the separation and prove a lack of understanding.

Also see:

Sharing Christ with Hindus (sermon)...>

Vedic Bridge (tract in English)...>

Vedic Bridge (tract in Hindi)...>

Truth Always Triumphs (tract)...>

Wikipedia.org for more information.

Hindu Festivals

Below are a couple of the many Hindu festivals.

Diwali:

One of the most popular festivals in India and other countries is Diwali. It is called the “Festival of Lights.” This festival is a celebration of the hope of good triumphing over evil. The celebration takes place over several days in the Hindu month called Ashwayuja (typically around October or November). Small lamps called Diyas are lit. Strings of lights are hung on homes, buildings and along streets. In many areas fireworks are used each day as part of the festivities.

Diwali is also a time to wear new clothes, purchase gifts and share sweets. Similar to Christmas in the western world, this festival provides a yearly financial stimulus to the economy. Indians purchase everything from gold and clothes to decorations and home appliances.

Holi:

The festival of Holi, also known as “Festival of Color,” occurs over two days around the end of March or early April. It is based on Hindu mythology. One story involves the king of demons, Hiranyakashipu, who was granted by Brahma the benefit of being impervious to death by being but under certain circumstances. He was granted this because of a long period of penance. The king grew to be very arrogant and attacked the Heavens and the Earth. His own son prayed to Lord Vishnu who later came in the form of half-man and half-lion and killed Hiranyakashipu. The other story is also violent and involves the gods Kamadeva and Shiva.

During this time people have feasts and celebrations in the evening. The consumption of a drink called thandai or bhang, which contains small amounts of marijuana, is also part of the tradition for most.However, the most well known aspect involves the mischievious throwing of colored powders which have a medicinal significance. You will see many people covered from head to foot in an array of colors. There is a general sense of inhibition during this festival. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a malicious throwing of other objects which has led to serious injuries and deaths. However, this festival is considered a very positive and fun celebration.

Hindu Rituals

Rangoli:

In India one of the first sounds you may hear every morning is the sound of stick brooms grating on concrete. Every morning in front of each house, someone will begin their day by sweeping away the leaves, dirt, and whatever else may have gathered there during the previous day and night. Then they will wet down the area in front of the home, whether it be concrete, tile, pavement or dirt, and sprinkle chalk powder on it in intricate designs.

These designs have various meanings. They extend hospitality to visitors. They are a prayer of blessing on the home. And, they can be an invitation to gods and goddesses, such as Lakshmi, to enter the home. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, and prosperity. Usually the designs are only done in white, but on certain Hindu festival days, they will fill in the designs with colored chalk powder to make intricate, artistic pictures.