Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest among all the religions. Jainism and Buddhism are said to have their beginnings in Hinduism, and so are called ‘daughter religions’ of ‘Hinduism’.

The more appropriate name of Hinduism is Sanaatana Dharma. ‘Dharma’ means that which upholds or keeps together the creation, sustains and protects it.

‘Sanaatana’ means eternal or everlasting. Hinduism is called Sanaatana Dharma as it teaches us ideals and values which are of eternal validity or which will last for ever.

This religion has its roots in the Vedas, which are scriptures of highest wisdom. So, it is also called as Vedaanta or Vaidika Dharma. This Vedaanta or Vaidika Dharma lays down ways in which man has to conduct himself during his life’s journey.

The word ‘Hindu’/’Indu’ was first used to describe people who lived near the banks of river Indus. Baba, of course, gives it His divine touch and explains it as ‘Hin’ means ‘himsaa’ and ‘du’ means ‘dur’ (keeping away from or avoiding). Thus `Hindu’ means people who do not hurt anyone (man or animal) by thought, word or deed. Ahimsaa Paramo Dharmah. We must love and have regard for each and every creation because everything is enveloped by God. ‘Ishaa Vaasyam Idam Sarvam‘ is the basic principle of Hinduism.

Baba says ‘Bhaa’ means God and ‘Rati’ means love and attachment. So Bhaarata means ‘Bhagwadrati’ land of people who are intensely God loving. Love of all beings and love for God is the main teaching of Hinduism. So the meanings of the words ‘Bhaarata’ and Hindu sum up the whole essence of Hinduism. Hinduism is the most ancient and primeval religion laying down the universal path of Dharma. Main teachings of the Hindu religion. :

1. Natural forces are all but an expression of Divine: – It is believed that natural forces like sun, earth, fire, wind etc. which give, nourish as well as destroy life on earth are all expressions of God. Though different deities are worshipped, it was believed God is one. Ekam Sat Vipraa Bahudhaa Vadanti.
2. One’s inner self is also an expression and aspect of the Divine: – Just as the external forces of Nature are an expression of God, similarly God is present in each one of us in the form of the individual soul or Aatman. The human souls are like sparks from fire of the one and only one Reality. So the Aaryans declared ‘Tat Twam Asi‘ – Thou art that. The Goal of Man’s life, therefore, is to liberate himself and merge with God by renouncing material desires. Once the soul gets liberated, it will be free from the cycle of birth and death.
3. God can be worshipped in any form that one chooses – infinite are his forms and names. One can worship God in any form as per his liking i.e. his ‘Ishtadevataa’.
4. Unity of all existence and life: God is present in every being, whether big or small. Therefore, everything deserves our love and veneration. ‘Ishaa Vaasyam Idam Sarvam‘ is the main idea of Hinduism.

The scriptures and the prasthaana traya

The scriptures of Hinduism are divided into two classes – I) The Shruti II) The Smriti.

I. Shruti

It literally means ‘what is heard’. Great rishis heard the eternal truths of this religion, which are embedded in the Vedas. The Shrutis or Vedas are the foundation of Hinduism. The word ‘Veda’ is derived from the root word ‘Vid’ meaning ‘to know’. Vedas were originally countless in number but Sage Vyaasa compiled them into 4 principal texts and taught them to 4 of his disciples –

1. Rig Veda to Paila
2. Yajur Veda to Vaishampaayana
3. Saama Veda to Jaimini
4. Atharva Veda to Sumanta

Each of these Vedas is again divided into 3 divisions:

1. Samhitaas or Mantras
2. Braahmanas
3. Aaranyakas

Upanishads are mostly chapters of Aaranyakas. Upanishads are also known as the Vedaanta, ie the end or concluding portion of the Vedas. The name Upanishad is said to be a compound Sanskrit word Upa (near), ni (down) and shad (to sit), which signifies ‘sitting at the feet, or in the presence, of a teacher’ in an attitude of reverence and respect. The most important Upanishads are –

1. Isha 2. Kena 3. Katha 4. Prashna 5. Mundaka 6. Maandookya 7. Taittireeya 8. Aitareya 9. Chaandogya 10. Brihadaaranyaka.

II. Smriti

They are secondary scriptures and consist of

1. Smritis or Codes of laws or Dharma Shaastras as given by Manu, Yaajnavalkya and Paraashara. They are instructions regarding duties of life to all classes of men.
2. The Itihaasas or Epics like Raamaayana and Mahaabhaarata.
3. Puraanas which are 18 in number and consist of legends, Avataaras of Vishnu. The most important and popular puraanas are Vishnu Puraana and Bhaagavata Puraana.
4. Pagamas or Manuals of worship
5. Darshanas or Schools of philosophy.

There are 3 systems of philosophy –

1. Dwaita (as given by Madhvaachaarya)- According to this philosophy, the jeeva (individual) is different from the Lord. The individual soul gets joy from adoration and worship of the Lord, who blesses him with fulfilling Grace.
2. Advaita (as given by Shankaraachaarya) – Here it is assumed that the whole Universe is One and that it is one Being manifesting Itself in all the various forms that exist in the Universe. It basically teaches that the same Divinity exists in every one. Do not injure another as in doing so, you injure yourself. Love everyone as your own self.
3. Vishishta Advaita (as given by Raamaanuja) – Monism as propounded by Shankaraachaarya did not appeal to many people. They could not grasp the truth of their being one with God. Therefore Ramanujaachaarya propounded Vishishta Advaita or Qualified Non-Dualism. Here it was explained that man can merge with God by following the path of devotion.

They are graded interpretations of Vedaanta Darshana. Among all the scriptures, the Upanishads, Brahma Sootras and the Bhagawad Geetaa are considered the most important and all comprehensive, authoritative texts and they are termed as Prasthaanatraya. They illumine our path and help us to cross the ocean of samsaara safely.

Hindu ethics and codes of duties 

Without moral purity, man cannot enter and progress in spiritual path. Great Rishis have laid down the 4 main goals of life. They are called the 4 ‘Purushaarthas’ –

1. Dharma- Right conduct
2. Artha – Wealth
3. Kaama – Desire
4. Moksha- Liberation

While acquiring wealth (Artha) and fulfilling one’s needs and desires (Kaama) one’s action must be in keeping with the principles of Dharma. One must always remember that the higher purpose of life is to attain Moksha or liberation. Wealth acquired by unfair means i.e. without Dharma, is not true wealth and will eventually lead to unhappiness. True happiness can be got only from wealth acquired by fair means.

Money and Mansion are not wealth. Character is wealth. Dharma protects those who practice it.

They also laid down duties for the 4 stages of life –

1. Brahmacharyaashrama: The student stage. This stage of childhood and youth is the foundation of one’s life. This stage should be devoted to acquisition of knowledge and culture, refinement of character and development of a healthy body.
2. Grihasthaashrama: The householder’s stage. In this stage, attention has to be paid, not only to one’s own advancement and the advancement of the family, but also to the advancement of Society.
3. Vaanaprasthaashrama: Retirement from worldly life and going to the forest. It implies retirement from worldly activities and engaging oneself in spiritual activities.
4. Sannyaasaashrama: Total renunciation.

The Caste System was-a cooperative division of labour for the common good of the society. The 4 Castes –

1. Brahmins – were the spiritual guardians of the society e.g. Priests.
2. Kshatriyas – physical guardians of the society e.g. Kings, Noblemen and Princes.
3. Vaishyas – looking after commercial needs of the people e.g. Farmers, Merchants and Traders.
4. Shudras – The main work force, the muscle, power e.g. Cleaners, Sweepers. They contribute to the society with physical labour.

The work that was done by each class was important. No work was high or low. Untouchability was practised by selfish men. All are equal in the eyes of God. Untouchability is a stigma on the religion of the Hindus.

Swami says, “There is only caste, the caste of humanity.”

Every duty in every state of life must be governed by the important virtues of Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsaa.

Law of karma and doctrine of rebirth 

This is an important characteristic feature of the Hindu religion. Karma means action or work and its result. “As man sows, so shall he reap.” Every thought, word and deed that we do is weighed on the scale of justice and we have to face the consequence of it, good or bad now or in the next birth. Good deeds bring peace and sin is followed by suffering.

There are 3 types of Karma:-

1. Praarabdha Karma: Man’s accumulated Karma which has begun to bear fruit in his present life. It cannot be avoided.
2. Sanchita Karma: Name given to the accumulated Karma of all the previous lives of a man, which has determined his present character.
3. Aagaami (or Kriyaamana) Karma: Karma which is now created in the present life and the fruits of which will come to us in future.

There is a simple analogy which explains this: The stock of grains stored in a granary represents the sanchita karma, the accumulated karma of past lives. The portion of grain taken from the granary for our present use, represents the praarabdha karma responsible for our present life. The present crop which grows is our current or kriyaamana karma which when added back into the granary becomes sanchita karma.

The law of Karma does not bind us if we surrender to the Lord and do everything as an act of worship to God, without expecting the fruits of our action. This kind of action is called Nishkaamakarma or Karma Yoga. Such a devotee is protected by the Lord always and never feels the hardships of life and gets liberated from the cycle of birth and death. ‘Idam Na Mama’. “Ishwaraarpanam” should be our attitude in all our activities.

Baba says, “Joys and sorrows are results of your own good and bad actions. First, recognise this truth. Then engage in good thoughts, words and deeds to obtain a good life and after-life. We reap what we sow – no more, no less. Having said that, bear in mind: No matter how large the pile of your bad karmas, if you pray to God with genuine feeling emanating from the depth of your heart, all karmas disappear like snow on a summer day.”

Therefore, the most important thing we have to do is to try to earn the Grace of God.

The Concept of Avataara: One of the unique features of the Hindu religion is the concept of Avataara. This word is derived from the root word ‘Avatarana’ means `to descend’.

In Bhagawad Geetaa, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that whenever Dharma is on decline, the Lord comes down again and again in human form to preserve Dharma. All prophets, saints, seers can be said to be Avataaras of God who had come down to earth to restore Dharma. Hinduism usually believes in 10 Avataaras of Vishnu –

1. Matsya 2. Koorma 3. Varaaha 4. Narasimha 5. Vaamana 6. Parasuraama 7. Shri Raama 8. Krishna 9. Buddha 10. Kalki.

Baba says, “When a child cries, its mother bends and picks it up. In the same manner, out of His love and affection for Mankind, the Lord descends to the human level in order to elevate man to Godhood.”

In a Poorna Avataar, we can experience the Divine qualities of Aishwaryam (Omnipresence, Omnipotence and Omniscience), Jnaana (Absolute Wisdom), Dharma (Righteousness), Sri (Prosperity and Glory), Yashas (Undiminished fame) and Vairagya (Complete Detachment).

Hindu rituals 

Rituals or samskaaras are essential features of all religions. They help us to cleanse the mind, purify the heart and spiritualise the attitude of man. From birth to death, man has to undergo different samskaaras. The most important samskaaras are:

1. Jaatakarma & Aksharaabhyaasa in childhood.
2. Upanayana in Boyhood– This is the rite of initiation into the Gayatri Mantra. The boy is then taken as a pupil by a Guru, who gives him spiritual knowledge.
3. Lagna Sanskar or Marriage in Manhood- A Hindu wedding is celebrated in front of the Sacred Fire, with priests chanting the Mantras. The Sacred Fire is a witness to the sacred bond between the bride and bridegroom. In addition to their household companionship, they are co-pilgrims on the spiritual path and have to strive together for spiritual advancement.

Every man has to perform certain rites everyday. These are Sandhyaa Vandana, Pancha Yajnas etc.

Pancha maha yagnas

Man lives in society. He is dependent on nature for his daily sustenance. He is dependent on his parents for his birth and early upbringing. The gift of his body, the gift of air, water, sunshine, food and thousands of daily necessities are gifts of God’s creation. Man has a duty and obligation to God, parents, preceptor and fellow beings. The following five Yagnas have to be performed by man for the purpose of showing gratitude to them and also to atone for harm caused to creation unwittingly.

The Pancha Mahaa Yajnas are:

1. Brahma (or Rishi) Yajna: Studying scriptures and holy texts and putting into practice the disciplines prescribed in them.
2. Deva Yajna:- Offering worship to deities or Ishtadevataa.
3. Pitru Yajna:- Grateful remembrance of ancestors and offering of oblations to their spirits. It also includes caring for our parents and looking after their welfare.
4. Bhoota Yajna:- Feeding of animals & birds.
5. Manushya Yajna:- Offering of hospitality and food to guests and needy people.

Rituals of worship

Worship helps us to establish rapport and communicaton with God. In the beginning we worship Lord as a being outside us and slowly this transforms into worship of the Lord seated in our hearts and thereafter worship of the all prevading spirit. The worship of the idol is usually 16 fold (Shodashopachaara) and consists of:

1. Dhyaanam: collecting our mind and concentration
2. Aavaahanam: Invocation
3. Simhaasanam: Offering a throne or a Seat
4. Paadyam: Washing of feet
5. Aarghyam: Offering of hospitality
6. Snaanam: Ablutions or giving a holy bath
7. Vastram: Offering of clothes
8. Yajnopaveetam: Putting the sacred thread
9. Chandanam: Offering sandalwood paste
10. Pushpam: Offering flowers
11. Dhoopam: Burning of incense
12. Deepam: Lighting of lamp
13. Naivedyam: Offering of food
14. Taambulam: Offering of betel leaves
15. Neeraanjanam: Waving of lights
16. Suvarna Pushpam: Offering of gold or something considered valuable as a token of gratitude.

These rituals help us to cultivate an eye and heart to see God in every part and particle of His creation and make our hearts all expansive and learn to love and respect everything created by God.

The Hindu Saadhanaas

Saadhanaas mean pathways to liberation. The main paths are:

1. Karma Maarga: Path of Action
2. Bhakti Maarga: Path of Devotion
3. Jnaana Maarga: Path of Knowledge.
4. Dhyaana Maarga: Path of Meditation

I. Karma Yoga:

Surrendering ourselves whole-heartedly to the Lord and doing everything as an act of worship to the God, without expecting the fruits of action is Karma Yoga. This kind of action is called Nishkaama Karma. Such a devotee is always protected by the Lord and is freed from the cycle of birth and death.

II. Bhakti Yoga:

We can choose any form or name of God according to our liking and worship him. There are 9 pathways in Bhakti:

1. Shravanam: Listening to the leelas of the Lord e.g. Pareekshit.
2. Keertanam: Singing the glories of the Lord like Sage Naarada.
3. Vishnu Smaranam: Always remembering the Lord like Prahlaada.
4. Paadasevanam: Massaging the feet of the Lord like Goddess Lakshmi – being ever attached to the feet of the Lord. We see His Form in all His Creation and serve Him by helping those who need help.
5. Archanam: Constantly worshipping the Lord like Bharata did to the paadukaas of Shri Raama.
6. Vandanam: Offering our humble salutations to the Lord as Akroora.
7. Dasyam: Constantly serving the Lord as Hanuman did, by serving our fellow human beings in a spirit of humility and reverence
8. Sakhyam: Establishing companionship with the Lord as Arjuna who befriended Lord Krishna.
9. Aatmanivedanam: Surrendering onself compeletely to the Lord like Raadha Devi.

Further there are 5 attitudes of Bhakti – Shanta, Vaatsalya, Daasya, Sakhya, and Maadhurya depending on the types of Bhaava or attachment one has to the Lord.

III. Jnaana Yoga:

Scriptures declare that ‘Tat Twam Asi’ ‘Thou Art That’. There are 4 Mahaavaakyas proclaiming this supreme truth.

1. Prajnaanam Brahma: The supreme consciousness is Brahma.
2. Tat Twam Asi: You Are That (God).
3. Ayam Aatmaa Brahma: The soul within me is God.
4. Aham Brahmaasmi: ‘I am God’.

The first two Mahaavaakyas are proclamation of the Guru (who has already realised his identity with God), to the disciple by way of instruction – aadesha. The third one is for the disciple to think and ponder over (Abhyaasa) and the fourth one is the disciple’s exclamation after experiencing the godhead. This is called Anubhava Vaakya. Jnaana Maarga stresses path of meditation to realize the truth that we are God.

Sage Yaajnavalkya instructs his wife Maitreyi that one can realise the truth of these Mahaavaakyas by

1. Shravanam: Listening to the Mahaavaakyas.
2. Mananam: Reflecting on the meaning of what is listened to.
3. Nididhyaasana: Investigating with one pointed mind to experience the truth.

Before we take up the quest for truth, our hearts should be purified and there is a four-fold preparatory discipline called saadhanachatushtaya for all those who want to realize the supreme God. The four disciplines are 1. Viveka 2. Vairaagya 3. Shatsampat 4. Mumukshutva.

The aim of all saadhanaa is to train the whole being of man- physically, mentally, emotionally, morally and spiritually for the realisation of God who is the essence and base of all religions.

Sanaatana Dharma lays emphasis on Sarvaatma-Bhava/Ekaatmya. One must work not only for oneself but for the well-being of the whole society. SAMASTA LOKA SUKHINO BHAVANTU is the Hindu prayer. Another prayer – Sarve vai Sukhinas Santu, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah, Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu, Maa Kaschit Dukhamaapnuyat; suggest the same idea.
Hinduism is a synthetic religion that tolerates and respects others and their views. It is a religion seeking universal Good. To sum up, the main principles of Hinduism are –

1. God is present in everyone as the Aatmaa. The same Aatmaa therefore links all beings with God (Brahman). God is present in everything and everywhere.
2. Happiness and Misery are of our own creation and it is based on our Karma or action that we do.
3. Man is reborn again and again until he finally attains Moksha.
4. God descends on the earth time and again to restore Dharma and guide mankind on the righteous path.
5. All pathways lead to God. God realisation is the goal of human life. Religion (Dharma) helps us to achieve this Goal.