-MAIN TEXTS/HISTORY:

Hinduism, also known as Sanatana dharma, is one of the world’s most ancient religions, dating back to around 3000 BC.  Hindus comprise of 11% of the world’s population, and there are over 1 million Hindus in the United States.  Hinduism does not have just one main text, but many texts, known as the Vedas and the Upanishads.  These texts are believed to have been revealed to wise men, known as Rishis long ago.  One of the most important texts is called the Bhagavad-Gita, which is a section of the epic poem the Mahabharat, and is said to convey the full meaning of the religion. 

-MONOTHEISTIC RELIGION:

Hindus believe in a single God, which we call Bhagvan, or Ishwara, or simply God.  We do not see god as a single entity, but rather an over arching force, which is present in all aspects of the universe.  In this way, the universe is seen not as separate from god, but rather as a manifestation of God. 
The numerous gods and goddesses that many of you are familiar with are simply various representations of that one god.  These gods and goddesses were traditionally used in Hindu mythology to represent different characteristics of god, and of ourselves.  For example, Lord Ganesh, depicted as a man with an elephant’s head, is said to represent knowledge and intelligence.  The beautiful goddess Saraswathi represents wealth and good fortune.  The god Hanuman, depicted as a half-man, half-monkey, represents strength and virtue. 

-DHARMA:

Dharma is one of the most important concepts of Hinduism, and is central to our beliefs.  Dharma directly translated means “duty” or “righteousness”.  It is our belief that the universe is run under the law of dharma, and that all our actions should be taken with this in mind.  It is said that in any given situation, there is a “right thing to do” and this is the action which must be taken. 

-KARMA:

The concept of karma is also central to Hindu belief.  Directly translated, karma means “action”.  There is an entire philosophy, known as karma yoga that deals with how to approach the actions we take, and after we take them, how to deal with the consequences.  Actions are taken with dharmic conditions in mind, as previously discussed.  We are taught not to take actions that are controlled by desire or anger, etc.  After an action is taken, Hinduism teaches non-attachment.  We are taught to maintain a sense of equanimity in our lives, and to separate ourselves from the consequences of our actions.  We are responsible for the choices we make, and not the results that they bear.  With this said, we are taught to maintain a balance in our lives.

-REINCARNATION:

Hindus believe that all actions have certain consequences.  When we perform good, or dharmic actions, we will eventually be rewarded, and when we perform bad, or adharmic actions, we will eventually be punished.  These rewards or punishments may not manifest themselves in this lifetime, but may stay on with you throughout several lifetimes.  We believe that the soul, or atma, can be reborn in a new life, and that our actions  in this life may affect our future lives.  This cycle of rebirths is known as samsara.
The ultimate goal of Hinduism is to attain moksha, whereby we end this cycle of rebirths and become one with the universe, or God. 

-AHIMSA:

Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is another central belief in Hinduism.  This is one of many values taught in our scriptures, and guides many of our actions.  In each given situation, we are taught to take the path that causes the least amount of harm. 

-PRACTICING THE RELIGION:

• we go to TEMPLE…does not need to be a specific type of architecture. Can be as small as an alter in your home, or a statue (murthi), etc. 
• pundits, or swamis (priests, who have trained to perform religious rites)
• strong teacher-student tradtion (guru-shishya tradition)
• no shoes allowed in temple, seen as sign of disrespect.
• sit on floor
• not very structured (no temple every Sunday),  some people practice more than others. 
• Pooja = prayer, offerings to god, evoking nature (through fire, water, earth, air, etc.)      …offerings can be fruits, nuts, flowers (natural)
• Different poojas for auspicious occasions (such as buying a new home, a new car, ….laptop?)
• Arthi = prayer in the form of song…song very important to Hinduism.  Different aarthi’s for different gods and goddesses, but there are universal ones too. 
• There are many religious festivals/observances to celebrate and honor gods and goddesses.
• Fasting, importance of fasting:  Is a sign of devotion, shows non-attachment.  A sacrifice to god.  Fasting doesn’t mean “im not eating”…it could mean a number of things. 
• Vegetarianism:  practiced by some, shows practice of ahimsa.
• The cow is considered sacred among Hindus.  The cow is seen as a selfless creature.  It represents sacrifice and guileless behavior.  It is seen as a mother figure, in that it provides us with milk and sustenance.  The milk is used to make ghee, or condensed butter, which is used as an offering during puja. 

*Hinduism is not a proselytizing religion.  Rather, we are an embracing religion.  It is often referred to as a henotheistic religion, whereby we believe in our god, but are accepting of others. 

PROBLEMS/ISSUES WITH PRACTICING IN US:

• Not many temples in US (compared to churches and temples)
• Not much in the way of schools for children, to teach us the religion.  Instead it is passed on through family.
• AUM: Hindu Association is a means to practice and understand Hinduism
• Complex religion, difficult to explain to others…leads to many misconceptions