Transcript the PowerPoint Presentation

Part A - HINDUISM PRIMER
A Pluralistic Tradition of Religious Mutual Respect
“Many Paths to the Same Summit”
www.HinduismResource.com
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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 noncommercial 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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“I honor the Divinity within you”
http://dougtrudell.com/assets/images/namaste.JPG
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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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Historical Information
World’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
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L
ist_of_religious_populations
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Hinduism and India
Hinduism 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
Hindu Demographics in USA
www.hafsite.org/hinduism-101/hindu-demographics
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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 – Brahman
Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.
Unity of all
Mutual Respect
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THE DIVINE IN HINDUISM
There 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 Role
God in Everything
And Everything in God
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God is Everywhere!
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!
http://www.easydestination.net/blog/media/Sandeep/Chidambaram%20temple.jpg
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UNITY
Divinity in all of us
We are a part of the Divine
We are all connected
No Conversion Needed
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Mutual Respect: Unity in Diversity
Former Prime Minister of
India - a Sikh
A Jain Temple
Sikh Temple
Muslims in India
http://www.taglick.c
om/basilica-of-bomSource: http://www.amazon.com/Hiddenjesus-church-in-oldGlory-India-Steven-Rosen/dp/0892133511
goa/
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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 Living
Basic Values for Hindus remain the same through the Ages
Truth & Non-Violence
Love & Compassion
Reverence & Care for Parents, Elders, Teachers &
Fellow Beings
Tolerance, Kindness & Forgiveness
Purity both Ceremonial & Daily Life
Unselfish Social Service
Education & Pursuit of Knowledge
Detachment & Self-Control
Hard work, Patience & Fortitude
Unconditional 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/2012-10gandhis-birthday-dr-kings-tributes-mahatma
https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/
33968/mandela_commentary_120613
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Hinduism in Action
Reform 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 Hinduism
Social Classes, called Varnas, were for efficient
functioning of the society
There 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.
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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-hinduconcept-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
http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-GloryEssential Hinduism
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India-Steven-Rosen/dp/0892133511
http://dougtrudell.com/assets/images/namaste.JPG
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
(Peace)!
http://blog.gaiam.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/08/Namaste.j
pg
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