1. Hinduism 101 -- for beginners
By
Dr. Whitney Howarth

3. Definition of Hinduism:
Hinduism can best be defined as a
way of life based on the teachings of
ancient sages and scriptures:
the Vedas.
Hinduism is known to practitioners as
Sanatana Dharma, which means
everlasting or eternal truth.

4. Vedas – “Wisdom”
Sanskrit Hymns, spells, incantations,
charms and formulas in poetry, prose and
song for priests. 1000-500 BCE

5. Many religions under one Umbrella!
Hinduism differs from Christianity and other
Western religions in that it does not have
a single founder, a specific theological
system, a single system of morality, or a
central religious organization.
Hinduism consists of thousands of
different religious groups that have
evolved in India since 1500 BCE.

6. Oral transmission…
for 2000 years.

7. One GOD or many?
Hindus worship many gods, but
recognize one Supreme Being and
see the parts of the universe as ONE.
Hence, many consider Hinduism a
henotheistic religion -- a
religion which recognizes a single
deity, but which identifies other
gods and goddesses as facets or
manifestations or aspects of that
supreme God.

8. Thousands of
gods &
goddesses
and their
various
incarnations
(avatars) in
the pantheon

9. Tolerance
Religions which recognize the
existence of multiple deities have
traditionally been among the world's
most religiously tolerant. Hinduism
remains arguably one of the most
tolerant of such religions. Hindus
recognize the fact that the means
or ways to salvation are many.

10. Gods and Goddesses
Emphasis given to different gods based on
region, caste, family and personal interest.
Worshipped in temples and at home at
“pooja alters”
Worshipped in stone, gold, brass and
wooden “murthis” (or idols).

12. The Trimurti (the primary trinity)
BRAHMA
Shiva
Vishnu

13. Nataraja – Shiva’s Cosmic Dance

14. Shiva Lingam

16. Shakti… the feminine Divine Power
Devi Ma

17. SaraSwati
Laxmi

18. Durga Kali

19. Vishnu:
One god, many incarnations… or
AVATARS

20. Ideal families…
Rama, Sita, and Laxman
Shiva, Parvathi, and their of the “Ramayana”
son Ganesha

21. Naughty gods and mischievous
gods…
Baby Krishna… Krishna with the Gopis…

22. Animal Gods…

23. Vehicles of the gods…
Nandi

24. Facts
Hinduism is widely believed to be the
oldest world religion still practiced
today.
Hinduism is the world’s third largest
religion (after Christianity and Islam)
and has over one billion practitioners.
Hindus believe in Karma and
reincarnation.

25. Myths
Hindus do not worship cows
All Hindus are not vegetarians
All Hindus do not study the Kama
Sutra.

26. History
Origins: It is generally believed that the basic
tenets of Hinduism were brought to India by the
Aryans (Indo-Europeans) who settled along the
banks of the Indus river about 2000 BCE. Beliefs
of the Harappan and Dravidian people also
shaped early Hinduism.
Chants, prayers, hymns and rituals were initially
transmitted orally and later (between 1000 BCE-
100 CE) written down. The Great Epic stories
were written down between 500 BC and the 1st
century CE (these are the Mahabharata and the
Ramayana, etc.)

27. The Ramayana

28. The Mahabharata

29. Beliefs:
1) All Hindus, regardless of sect, recognize the
sacred writings called the Vedas which are
divided into four books.
The first and oldest of these, the Rig Veda,
contains hymns, incantations, and rituals from
ancient India and also explain the divine origins
of the caste system.
VEDA means WISDOM.
Other scriptures include The Upanishads
which contain Vedic philosophy, explaining
the importance of Yoga, meditation and karma.

30. Karma
Hindus believe in karma: the law of
cause and effect by which each
individual creates his own destiny by
his thoughts, words and deeds.
Karma is the accumulated sum of ones
good and bad deeds, and it
determines how you will live your next
life.

31. Reincarnation
3) Hindus believe in reincarnation
(also known as SAMSARA)
which is the transfer of one's soul after death into
another body.
This produces a continuing cycle of birth, life, death and
rebirth through their many lifetimes.
Karma determines how you will live your next life.
Through pure acts, thoughts and devotion, one can be
reborn at a higher level.
Eventually, one can escape samsara and achieve
enlightenment. Bad deeds can cause a person to be
reborn as a lower level, or even as an animal. The
unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, suffering are
thus seen as natural consequences for one's previous
acts, both in this life and in previous lives.

32. Dharma
Hindus believe in the concept of dharma or religious
duty. Dharma requires each person to act righteously,
piously, and ethically towards his/her family, clan,
community and the universe. Moral action insures good
karma and COSMIC HARMONY.
Dharma is defined differently for each person but among
these mentioned in the scriptures are non-violence, not
stealing; disciplining desire; avoiding lust and greed;
curbing arrogance and anger; not lying; avoiding
injustice; shunning wrongdoing and evil company.
Hindus are called to be pure in body, mind and speech;
love mankind; seek contentment; cultivate devotion;
develop forbearance; give charitably; study the
scriptures; perform penance and sacrifice.
Every person has his or her path; worship God, and
your dharma will become clear. Kama (sensual and
sexual pleasures) and Artha (material prosperity) should
be balanced with Dharma.

33. Worship
Hindus believe in active worship, but
worship can take many forms.
Puja (ritualized),
bhajan (song),
Prayer, meditation and yoga
are all worshipful means of direct,
personal communion with God.

34. Home pooja set

35. Worship…
Many Hindus erect puja alters in their homes, keep photos
of ancestors, and worship idols of family gods by offering
them sweets, milk, fruits, incense, rice, and flowers daily. For
festivals, people often bathe and dress the idols of the gods,
parade with them in the streets, light lamps and chant the
gods’ names in praise.
Some Hindus adore the gods in temples, hold special feasts
for them and perform ceremonies in their honor in public,
while other Hindus prefer silent meditation or yoga to
commune with God.
Brahmin priests often preside at official ceremonies, and
many Hindus have a personal Guru who helps them to obtain
greater knowledge of the divine. Historically, most Hindus
believed in the importance of caste purity and pilgrimage in
seeking a spiritual life, but those beliefs are changing.
HINDUISM IS A DYNAMIC FAITH!

36. Brahmin priests perform pooja…

37. Personal pooja altar

38. Home pooja altars…

39. http://www.ecoheritage.c

41. Why are trees sacred?
What shapes our collective consciousness about the
importance of trees?
When we were children, trees were magnificent and old and mysterious…
Trees give us fruit, honey, places to sit – some trees are parasitic/killers! War of trees
Not paying attention – they aren’t there – they are invisible to us. We take “a” tree for
granted… may lose sight of many trees….
Trees are livelihood for folks in our community
Druid concept of tree – roots extended beneath earth – realm of mystery
Many ancient cultures developed sense of the sacredness trees