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Part A - HINDUISM PRIMERA Pluralistic Tradition of Religious Mutual Respect

www.HinduismResource.com

“Many Paths to the Same Summit”

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Mission Hinduism can be a global light,

for compassion, unity, and peace.With this in mind, this is a humble resource for learning and educating others about Hinduism.

Please use the content in these slides - modify it and augment it – as you see fit.

This resource is for purely educational and non-commercial purposes. The material in these slides is taken from various sources and, as far as possible, proper attribution is provided for the sake of its credibility.

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http://dougtrudell.com/assets/images/namaste.JPG

“I honor the Divinity within you”

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What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is often described as a river – many traditions coming together and this complex we call Hinduism.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religious_populations

Historical InformationWorld’s oldest religion, over 7,500 years old– sees its origin going back

to the dawn of history – Perhaps also the youngest

because it allows for its social compacts to evolve over time

– Largest Non-organized Religion with over 1 Billion Hindus

– 3rd largest religion after Christianity and Islam

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Hinduism and IndiaHinduism is fundamentally linked to the exotic soil of India. India has all major religions but Hinduism is the largest.

To fully understand Hinduism, one needs to look at the practices of Hindus.

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Hindu Diaspora

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_by_country

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www.hafsite.org/hinduism-101/hindu-demographics Hindu Demographics in USA

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Humility: Hindu view of our place in the cosmos

Contemporary observational astronomy supports this view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8GA2w-qrcg

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Hinduism is NOT an Organized Religion

No one that speaks for all Hindus, for that matter any Hindu.

Each Hindu is free to practice faith as one chooses - totally individualistic, based on one’s conscience and certain basic tenets.

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Hindu View: We all want Happiness“So long we believe that our capacity is limited, we grow anxious and unhappy. We are lacking in faith.

One who truly trusts in God has no right to be anxious about anything.”

- Swami Parmahansa Yogananda

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Three Basic Principles of Hinduism

God is Infinite – BrahmanTruth is one, the wise call it by many names.

Unity of all

Mutual Respect

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THE DIVINE IN HINDUISMThere is one God but many representations in both male and female forms.

Divine Feminism plays a pivotal role.

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In Hinduism, God plays a Pivotal RoleGod in Everything

And Everything in God

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God is Everywhere!

http://www.easydestination.net/blog/media/Sandeep/Chidambaram%20temple.jpg

For a Hindu, it’s absolutely not necessary to go to a temple Ever! But to many, visiting a temple is a daily part of their lives.All, Hindus and non-Hindus, are welcome!

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UNITY

Divinity in all of usWe are a part of the DivineWe are all connected

No Conversion Needed

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http://www.taglick.com/basilica-of-bom-jesus-church-in-old-goa/

Mutual Respect: Unity in Diversity

Source: http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Glory-India-Steven-Rosen/dp/0892133511

Sikh Temple

Former Prime Minister of India - a Sikh

A Jain TempleMuslims in India

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Mutual Respect but Confident

“I want all the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

- Gandhi

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Embracing other faiths with respect and honor

“Hinduism is a world religion that reaches out to embrace other faiths with respect and honors the sincere beliefs of others without trying to convert them.”

“To claim salvation as the monopoly of any one religion is like claiming that God can be found in this room but not the next, in this attire but not another.” – Huston Smith

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Principles for Right LivingBasic Values for Hindus remain the same through the Ages

Truth & Non-ViolenceLove & CompassionReverence & Care for Parents, Elders, Teachers &

Fellow BeingsTolerance, Kindness & ForgivenessPurity both Ceremonial & Daily LifeUnselfish Social ServiceEducation & Pursuit of KnowledgeDetachment & Self-ControlHard work, Patience & FortitudeUnconditional Surrender to God

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“Nonviolence is the highest duty and the highest teaching.”

(Mahabharata 13.116.37-41)

http://www.thekingcenter.org/news/2012-10-gandhis-birthday-dr-kings-tributes-mahatma

https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/33968/mandela_commentary_120613

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Hinduism in ActionReform of Social Practices - Caste is not essential to Hinduism.

Hinduism values scientific development.

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Constant and Unchanging

The spiritual core of Hinduism is

searching and understanding the mystery of consciousness

and our being.

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Reform of Social Practices

Rights and duties have gone through reform and will do so

in the future. Hindus accept that laws should change

as the society evolves and becomes more advanced.

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Varna System in HinduismSocial Classes, called Varnas, were for efficient functioning of the societyThere was freedom to change profession

based on one’s preference and training. After 1947 at India’s Independence, all discrimination

based on castes was outlawed.Many reformers are working to overcome the caste

system, since it is not intrinsic to the Hindu tradition.

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Moderation:Following A Middle Path

Hinduism proposes a “middle Path” -

a path that does not deny the senses but does not to overly indulge in them.

Concept of Time in Hinduism: Cyclical and Endless no beginning and End

Carl Sagan - Hindu Concept of Beginning and End of Universe http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmbdcj_carl-sagan-hindu-concept-of-beginning-and-end-of-universe_tech

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Heart of Hinduism

A. Living by Hindu beliefs is what counts not just the believing the beliefs.

B. God is pivotal in a Hindu life but Hinduism approaches this subject with a great deal of humility.

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Heart of Hinduism

C. Nonviolence & compassion are the greatest virtues.

D. Its practical message: enjoying life without overindulgence in material pleasures

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Humanity of Hinduism A truly pluralistic tradition

“Hinduism, therefore, sees itself as being of universal significance, because it represents an entire range of spiritual possibilities and provides spiritual technologies by which one can practice any religion one chooses. It can accommodate spiritual seekers who see God as personal, and also those who prefer an impersonal Absolute; it speaks to those who call themselves Hindus, and to those who do not. It even includes modes of practice for the gradual elevation of those who disbelieve in spiritual reality and who favor atheistic worldview. “

- Steven J Rosen, the author of Essential Hinduismhttp://

www.amazon.com/Hidden-Glory-India-Steven-Rosen/dp/0892133511

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http://dougtrudell.com/assets/images/namaste.JPG

http://blog.gaiam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Namaste.jpg

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti (Peace)!