The Hindus-in Pursuit Of Peace
Sachendra Nigam and Sethu Raju
The sound of one of the most frequently uttered chants that reverberates in all Hindu temples is – Om Shantih, Om Shantih, Om Shantih” (Aum Peace, Aum Peace, Aum Peace). This ritual of prayer for peace is very characteristically repeated thrice – chanting aloud first, addressing to the powerful forces, such as Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, Meteorites, and other natural phenomena that are beyond human control, second time addressing the same softer to the people and all life immediately around and out in the world, and finally addressing almost silently to oneself, to aatma or soul. This pattern of praying is significant Continue reading “The Hindus-in Pursuit Of Peace”
Hindu Rituals and Routines
Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Unlike other religions, Hindu dharma has many specialties. This is not known as a religion, it is known as the dharma; Sanaathana Dharma. Sanaathana means, according to Bhagavath Geetha, which cannot be destroyed by fire, weapons, water, air, and which is present in all living and non living being. Dharma means, the way of life which is the ‘total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals’.
Is Religion Dead?
A Hindu Perspective by Dr. Suresh Basrur
The question “Is religion dead?” can be rephrased from the Hindu perspective as the question “Is Hinduism dead?” The short answer is, “No. Hinduism is not dead. In fact it is thriving and growing.” Before we examine the current state of Hinduism worldwide, let us first look at the cycles which Hinduism has undergone over the past thousands of years.
1. Hinduism’s cycles of resurgence and suppression:
Hinduism has undergone a number of cycles of resurgence Continue reading “Is Religion Dead?”
Good to Know
Hindu Scriptures
Nine kinds of Devotions: 1. to Listen, 2. Sing, 3. Worship, 4. Bowing down, 5. Serving, 6. Thinking, 7. Dedication, 8. Humility, 9. Intimacy.
Nine Kinds of Ego: 1. Possession, 2. Wealth, 3. Singing hymns, 4. Knowledge, 5. Education, 6. Beauty, 7. Youth, 8. Family lineage, 9. Cast or sect
Five Koshas or Coverings:
- Annamaya, (Gross physicals body made of and sustained by food),
- Pranamaya (vital covering consisting of five Praanaas or vital force),
- Manomaya (mental cover),
- Vigyaanmaya (cover of intelligence),
- Anandamaya (cover of bliss).
Five Enemies: 1. Lust, 2. Anger, 3. Greed Continue reading “Good to Know”
Who Are You?
This is the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita (God’s songs or teaching):
- You are the ‘self soul’ covered by a material body.
- You are bewildered by Maya, the illusion of identifying the self with bodyIn this material body you go through the pangs of birth, disease, old age and finally reach death.
- You will reincarnate from body to body, life after life. At death you will take on another body in the animal kingdom, or again in the human form. What your next body will be is dependent on your karma (good or bad actions) of your previous life.
The above precepts can be analyzed in the following way. Continue reading “Who Are You?”
Hinduism
Suresh Basrur, Ph.D.
Hinduism is a complex subject whose in-depth understanding requires lifelong study. This brief outline is intended to give only an overview. The usual practice of denoting dates as B.C.E. (Before Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era), which is acceptable to all religions, and which are equivalent to B.C. and A.D., have been followed here. The author would like to encourage you to delve deeper by reading books, and by speaking with those who have in-depth knowledge. You are also encouraged to discuss these ideas with your children so that the Hindu heritage may be passed on to future generations of Indians in North America. Continue reading “Hinduism”
Prayer or Worship – A Powerful Ritual Of The Hindus
Dr. Sethu Raju and Pt. Pramod Sharma Shastri
Historical. Many millennia ago the early nomadic peoples witnessed numerous miracles and other strange happenings in nature. As such events, at the time, were beyond any rational explanation, they ascribed them as supernatural and accordingly created many iconographic gods. With complete belief and faith, they carefully guarded and worshipped them, in their own way, with utmost care and devotion. Continue reading “Prayer or Worship – A Powerful Ritual Of The Hindus”