Hinduism
Overview
Hinduism is a Western term that refers to the diverse religious and cultural traditions stemming from the Vedas the ancient Sanskrit writings of India. Hindus refer to their faith as 'Sanatan Dharma' meaning the "the eternal way" which indicates belief in universal and everlasting truths.
Hinduism or "Sanatana Dharma" is not a founded religion. It is a way of life which has conserved itself through the ages and has grown and evolved over many millennia of history. It is rooted in its Vedic heritage, in the Upanishads and in the teachings of its great savants, seers and saints. Its history goes back to the dawn of civilisation. It is "Sanatan", because it is ancient and because it encapsulates that which is eternal and everlasting.
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the UK with about 559,000 Hindus in Britain. The majority of these people will have hailed from Gujarat, arrived here from East Africa in the 1960's. The Hindus are widespread and settled all over the world.
Hinduism promotes the concept of one God and believes in the principle of equality, justice and freedom for all. Hinduism subsumes many philosophies, which are like the facets of a crystal. It accepts many forms of worship, which extol and idolise sublime attributes through its many-splendour pantheon. It celebrates the triune cosmic principles of creation, preservation and destruction respectively through Brahma, the Creator, Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the Destroyer.
Basic concepts and beliefs of Hinduism
The aim of Hinduism is to help one excel in the science of self realisation and harmony, leading to skill in action and day to day life. The Hindus believe that the same God is present in every animate and non-animate object in this Universe.
The Hindus strongly believe in the concept of Equality and One God. One of the common bhajans (devotional songs) reflects this principle time and again:
"Ishwer Allah Tero Naam, Sab Ko Sanmati De Bhagawan",
God, Ishwer and Allah, these are some of the names we use to address you, O Almighty, bless us all with peace and understanding".
Philosophy
There is no one book which the Hindus can turn to and state is the central authority for their belief. Instead there are a number of books, The Bhagavat Gita, The Upanishads, The Vedas, Ramayana (History of Lord Rama) and Mahabharata ( History of king Bharat and his ancestors & predecessors; from where is derived the name Bharatvarsh or India ). Hinduism can claim no founder or central authority like the Church. It is a mixture of living philosophy, of temple ritual, of ancient traditions of social customs developed over 6000 years and movements of social reform.
Customs and daily living
Family/Community - The family community is an important focus of faith among Hindu people. The traditional Hindu family is one described as extended and includes three or more generations. The family provides and receives on a shared basis. Hindus value love and loyalty between all members of the extended family and the community.
Tradition - The Hindu tradition has four aims of human life:
Dharma - the purpose of life
Artha- economic development by earning money by honest means
Karma - regulated enjoyment of the good things in life
Moksha - salvation or union of god
Seva - a service to others is service of God
Daily Duties - The Hindus believe in five main duties:
the worship of God (meditation, yoga, prayers etc)
the worship of God by the necessary ceremonies and rituals
respect of elders and ancestors
the giving of offerings to others e.g. visitors, travellers
the giving of offerings to other living beings
Dress and appearance - Saree is the traditional and standard dress code for women. Ghagra Choli is worn on special occasions. Hindu women do not wear a veil but older women may cover their head during religious ceremonies. For men the traditional costume is Dhoti and Kurta. A Pagdi or head dress would be worn on special occasions.
Food - Hindus are mostly vegetarians. Even those who do not practise vegetarianism are prohibited from eating beef. For orthodox Hindus, intoxicants, including drugs, alcohol, and smoking are forbidden. Every Temple serves vegetarian food as community service, free of charge to all the devotees and visitors.
Names - The Hindu name consists of two essential parts - the first one would be the personal name and the last one would be the family name, for example, Chiman Bhai Patel, for a man's name and Shanti Ben Chauhan for a woman's name. Out of respect, Bhai means brother and Ben means sister.
Family - Hinduism believes in the principle of equality and brotherhood of man. Men and women are given equal importance in the social structure. The extended family structure is less common in the UK.
Birth - The birth of a child into the Hindu community is a cause for great celebration. As soon as possible, the time, date and location of the child's birth are sent to the priest, and a horoscope is prepared for the child. After consulting the horoscope, the priest will suggest suitable names for the child; the horoscope may, for example, reveal certain traits. Hindu babies do not receive a permanent name until after this process and so it is important to make sure that both the temporary birth name and the Hindu name are recorded on the child's clinical records.
Marriage - Marriage according to the Hindu Scriptures represents the second stage in the pilgrimage of eternal life (salvation). GRIHASTH ASHRAM - the base of which is marriage, procreation and preparing the new generation to take up responsibility.During Vedic era a girl chose her future husband from amongst a group of men specially invited by her father. This was called SWAYAMVER - to choose yourself. According to Manu Smriti ( Law of Manu) there are eight types of marriages, including choice marriage and love marriage. In modern times the trend is that the young men and women make their own choices albeit in agreement with their families.
Death - Hindu scriptures look upon death as inevitable, explaining it as the passage of the soul to another body. The soul is deathless and eternal. The bereavement process involves funeral rites, which includes preparing the body, cremation, bone gathering, the dispersal of the ashes, home purification and commemorative ceremonies. The involvement of the whole family and the community in general helps the bereavement process.
The Hindu Festivals
Diwali - This is in fact a six-day festival including the New Years Day and Bhai-Beej (Brother's Day). Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the death of Demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and Lord Ramas installation as king of Ayodhya (Central India). People use firecrackers and other fire materials like divas and candles which light the sky, and have a great feast.
Mahashivaratri - Lord Shiva has two different forms: the form of Shivalinga, representing the formless omnipresent force, and a human form to represent the manifested nature. On this day, people worship both the forms to attain purification of mind.
Ramnavami - Ramnavami is celebrated on the 9th day of the month of Chaitra (March/April) to mark the birth day of Lord Rama, a most splendid incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Holi - People celebrate Holi with Joy by throwing colour and sprinkle coloured water on each other.
Janmasthami - The appearance of Lord Krishna is celebrated on the 23rd day of the Month of Shravan ( August ). His birth took place at midnight, so people fast till midnight on the day. The day is celebrated with devotional songs and prayers.
Raksha Bandhan - This day is celebrated by sisters tying a thread on the brothers wrist, which is returned by the brothers vow to protect his sister. Gifts are exchanged between brothers and sisters.
Navaratri - Navaratri means 'nine nights', and is celebrated during the first nine days of the month (of Aasa, September-October). Each night marks the different manifestations of the mother Goddess. During these nine days, people from the Hindu Community would meet for devotional songs, dances and getting together. Devotees fast during this festival.