Lect#12: Symbolism of Idols=Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu
|
|
- Earl Flowers
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Lect#12: Symbolism of Idols=Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu It has been a tradition in civilized nation to provide hidden messages in places where people will least search for it... The best example would be art forms, which are used to convey messages to those who are ready to take it, or in the state where they would grasp the subtle meaning in the display. Sometimes the messages are not that subtle but very simple and yet we don t seem to recognize them, maybe because of our ignorance or biased thinking. One of the oldest civilizations in the world is Vedic, and the art forms of this civilization have simple symbols, which had tons to say, but the essence of the art has been lost. I would like to discuss about the symbolism of gods, what the vedic saints would have thought about it while they created these images of god. Vaishnavas and the shaivites fought over the superiority of their gods, but the attributes to their gods have been given well before this war started. When we consider the actual meaning of the gods and then reconsider the myths, it would become clear that they actually don t contradict. They create an ambiguity only to those who don t understand them. The west think that the Vedic civilization was obsessed with wild animals, infact they will call vedic gods to be paganic, in a way they are, but they are more than what they appear. Let us see the deeper essence of the Idol s appearance as a symbol of some ideals and the legacies they left behind by their ideal actions for greater good of civilization. WHY SO FEW TEMPLES OF LORD BRAHMA COMPARED TO SHIVA & VISHNU Our minds continuously and effortlessly entertain thoughts of doing and creating. We have no difficulty in creating thoughts in our minds but we donot know how to sustain and destroy those thoughts very well. For example, we can have thought of buying a house or car very easily, but often to achieve the power to maintain our action and destroy the hurdles to achieve the goal. Having created so many entanglements and attachments in our lives, we become helpless and cannot free ourselves from them. Therefore to achieve our goal, we need to first destroy our hurdles (due to our entanglements) we need the inner power of destruction, so we invoke Lord Shiva. Secondly, we need to sustain noble thoughts and make them consistent with reaching our goal, so we invoke Lord Vishnu. These actions require many attempts of failure and successes while creating a thought only one! The gods and goddesses are understood from 4 aspects: absolute, cosmic, departmental and incarnation. Page 1
2 Some historians believe that the figure of Shiva as we know him today was built up over time, with the ideas of many regional sects being amalgamated into a single figure Once upon a time there was a strong, disciplined, caring fearless man on earth. MEANING OF SHIVA: Similar word shav means, inert matter corpse. Shiva s presence converts it into a living form which bestows love, honor, and affection. Hence the root word Shiva means that brings auspicious one and it is our own true nature. Shiva has multiple meanings: "The Pure One", or "the One who is not affected by three Gunas of Prakrti (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas)" or "the One who purifies everyone. Shiva might have originated from Tamil word 'sivappu' means "red" in Tamil language but while addressing a person's skin texture in Tamil the word 'Sivappu' is used for being Fair Skinned Attributes Shiva is usually worshiped in the aniconic form of Lingam Shiva of the highest level is limitless, transcendent, unchanging and formless. It represents the seed of the universe, demonstrating Shiva's quality of creation. One in whom the whole creation sleeps after dissolution (black hole?? ). The term Dharma originally refers to what upholds things and can be symbolized by a pillar. The Shiva linga is the universal pillar of Dharma. Hindus believe his powers of destruction and recreation are used even now to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change. Shiva is therefore seen as the source of both good and evil and is regarded as the one who combines many contradictory elements. Sivalinga/Jyotirlinga: The way of worship of primitive men was by representing The Almighty on a stone. The sacred of all Shiva linga is worshipped as Jyotir linga. Jyotirlinga means The Radiant Page 2
3 sign of The Almighty. The Jyotirlingas are mentioned in Shiva Purana. The worship of the Shiva- Linga originated from the famous hymn in the Atharva-Veda Samhitâ sung in praise of the Yupa- Stambha, the sacrificial post. In that hymn, a description is found of the beginning- less and endless Stambha or Skambha, and it is shown that the saidskambha is put in place of the eternal Brahman. Just as the Yajna(sacrificial) fire, its smoke, ashes, and flames, the Soma plant, and the ox that used to carry on its back the wood for the Vedic sacrifice gave place to the conceptions of the brightness of Shiva's body, his tawny matted hair, his blue throat, and the riding on the bull of the Shiva, the Yupa-Skambha gave place in time to the Shiva-Linga. In the text Linga Purana, the same hymn is expanded in the shape of stories, meant to establish the glory of the great Stambha and the superiority of Shiva as Mahadeva. Central luminary is the linga and its field of revolution is the yoni. The planets form a yoni or circle as they revolve around the Sun as the linga, of the solar system, its central principle or axis. Yet the Sun itself is revolving around other stars and creating a yoni. Some view the linga as the black hole where everything is annihilated and new creation of pillar of light is generated around which all the gases and masses revolve.). OTHER NAMES OF SHIVA: also known as Parameshwara (the Supreme God),] Mahadeva, Mahesh("Great God") or Bholenath ("Simple Lord"). Shiva is also regarded as the patron god of yoga and arts. Other popular names associated with Shiva are Mahadev, Mahesh, Maheshwar, Shankar, Shambhu, Rudra, Har, Trilochan, Devendra (meaning Chief of the Gods) and Trilokinath (meaning Lord of the three realms). Shiva also has many benevolent and fearsome forms. In benevolent aspects>, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash, as well as a householder with wife Parvati and two sons, Ganesha & Kartikeya or as the Cosmic-Dancer. In fierce aspects>, he is often depicted slaying demons. Shiva as we know him today shares features with the Vedic god Rudra. Shiva's form: Shiva has a crescent moon on his head. He is said to be fair like camphor/moon or like an ice clad mountain. Has golden brown hair. Ummm He has deer, fire and Damaru and Mala or a kind of weapon trishul. He wears five serpents as ornaments. He wears a garland of skulls. He is pressing with his feet the demon Muyalaka, a dwarf, holding a cobra. He faces south. Panchakshara itself is his body. The trident>, like almost all other forms in Hinduism, can be understood as the symbolism of the unity of three worlds that a human faces - his inside world, his immediate world, and the broader Page 3
4 overall world with hell, heaven, earth. Can be three Gunas Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. At the base of the trident, all three forks unite. It also represents using bhakti, jnan and karma in a united manner to kill negative forces. Third eye: (Trilochana) Shiva> is often depicted with a third eye, with which he burned Desire (Kāma) to ashes. It is also eye of truth & wisdom/insight. Name is "Tryambakam "having three eyes". However, in Vedic Sanskrit, the word ambā or ambikā means "mother", and this early meaning of the word is the basis for the translation "three mothers refers to Rudra, which according to some traditions were shared with the goddess Ambikā. It has been mentioned that when Shiva loses his temper badly, his third eye opens which can destroy most of the things to ashes. Shiva two eyes are Love and justice. There has been balance between sentimental and harhness whenever dealing with the world. But when things get chaotic, then the third eye of wisdom and knowledge is opened to destroy passion and ignorance. Crescent moon>: (The epithets "Chandrasekhara/Chandramouli")- Shiva bears on his head the crescent moon. The waxing and waning phenomenon of the moon symbolizes the time cycle through which creation evolves from the beginning to the end. The wearing of the crescent moon in his head indicates that He has controlled the mind perfectly. Ashes, digambara: (The epithet "Bhasmaanga Raaga") - Shiva smears his naked (digambara) body with ashes (bhasma). Ashes represent the final reality that a human being will face - the end of all material existence. One epithet for Shiva is "inhabitant of the cremation ground" (Shmashanavasin), referring to this connection. Ashes also cools and protects body. Matted hair: (The epithet "Jataajoota Dhari/Kapardina"). A kaparda is a cowrie shell, or a braid of hair in the form of a shell, or, more generally, hair that is shaggy or curly. His hair is said to be like molten gold in color or being yellowish-white. Blue throat: The epithet Nīlakaṇtha since Shiva drank the Halahala poison churned up from the Samudra Manthan to eliminate its destructive capacity. Shiva drank but did not swallow or spit out the poison. He held it and it became ornamental. This personifies that whoever is able to go through all experiences of life and still do not become bitter, will be happy and at peace like Shiva. Only great people will be able to swallow all poison of life! Page 4
5 Sacred Ganges: (The epithet "Gangadhara") Bearer of Ganga. The ferocious Ganges River was controlled and flows from the matted hair of Shiva. The flow of the Ganges also represents the nectar of immortality/knowledge that keeps us cool and nurtured. Tiger skin: (The epithet "Krittivasana").He is often shown seated upon a tiger skin an honour reserved for the most accomplished of Hindu ascetics, the Brahmarishis. Tiger represents lust. His sitting on the tiger s skin indicates that He has conquered lust. Serpents: (The epithet "Nagendra Haara"). Shiva is often shown garlanded with a snake. The snake holds poison and sheds its skin to make way for new, smooth skin. Shiva can handle poison of life and have renewal of new life. (Immortality). Also serpent and tiger fear creates fear. Shiva is fearless. He has the moom+ganges+damru that are calming+nurturing while serpent+trishul+snakes+tiger and fearful things. Shiva holds contradictory things also in control. Deer in hand: His holding deer on one hand indicates that He has removed the Chanchalata of the mind (i.e., attained maturity and firmness in thought process). A deer jumps from one place to another swiftly, similar to the mind moving from one thought to another. Drum/dumru: Instrument of music, which sounds like OM. It is also considered source of calmness and flow of knowledge. An hour glass that time passes and then repeats itself. Axe: (Sanskrit: Parashu): The parashu is the weapon of Lord Shiva who gave it to Parashurama, sixth Avatar of Vishnu, whose name means "Rama with the axe" and also taught him its mastery. Axe cuts things (cuts bonds and entanglements). Kamandal:Has the life in it. Earing Right ear small & Left ear Large: Shows he is combination of make+female in equalifty. Sati first wife and parvati 2 nd wife are shown always with shiva. There is Ardhnareeswar Ardhanarishvara reconciles and harmonizes the two conflicting ways of life: the spiritual way of the ascetic as represented by Shiva, and the materialistic way of the householder as symbolized by Parvati, This shows that truth is not available from either male or female side. Truth of life needs both approaches; ration and intuition, emotion and action, moon and sun, introspection and action Nandī: (The epithet "Nandi Vaahana"). Shiva's association with cattle is reflected in his name Paśupati, or Pashupati. Rishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata. Lord Siva rides on the bull. Page 5
6 Bull is his vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness. Gaṇa: The Gaṇas are attendants of Shiva and live in Kailash. They are often referred to as the bhutaganas, or ghostly hosts, on account of their nature. Generally benign, except when their lord is transgressed against, they are often invoked to intercede with the lord Mount Kailāsa: Mount Kailash in the Himalayas is his traditional abode.[111] In Hindu mythology, Mount Kailāsa is conceived as resembling a Linga, representing the center of the universe Varanasi: Varanasi (Benares) is considered to be the city specially loved by Shiva, and is one of the holiest places of pilgrimage in India. It is referred to, in religious contexts, as Kashi. Lord of the dance: Dance is an important art form in India, and Shiva is believed to be the master of it. He is often called the Lord of Dance. The rhythm of dance is a metaphor for the balance in the universe which Shiva is believed to hold so masterfully. His most important dance is the Tandav. This is the cosmic dance of death, which he performs at the end of an age, to destroy the universe. There is an interesting legend behind the conception of Shiva as Nataraja. In a dense forest in South India, there dwelt multitudes of heretical sages. Thither proceeded Shiva to confute them, accompanied by Vishnu disguised as a beautiful woman. The sages were at first led to violent dispute amongst themselves, but their anger was soon directed against Shiva, and they endeavored to destroy him by means of incantations. A fierce tiger was created in sacrificial fires, and rushed upon him; but smiling gently, he seized it and, with the nail of his little finger, stripped off its skin, and wrapped it about himself like a silken cloth. Undiscouraged by failure, the sages renewed their offerings, and produced a monstrous serpent, which however Shiva seized and wreathed about his neck like a garland. Then he began to dance; but there rushed upon him a last monster in the shape of a malignant dwarf. Upon him the god pressed the tip of his foot, and broke the creature s back, so that it writhed upon the ground; and so, his last foe prostrate, Shiva resumed the dance. Page 6
7 Symbolism of Vishnu Vishnu, considered the most patient, intelligent of the trinity has been symbolized in a very special way. He has four arms like many of the other gods in this pantheon. He is represented with a blue skin, he is shown wearing the Kaustubha mani and a flower garland. On his chest there is a mark of srivatsa. He also has crown like all other gods (exceptions exists) in vedic civilization. He also wears two earrings. He is always shown having the 1. Conch (Panchajanya ) in left upper hand 2. Chakra (Sudarshan) in upper right hand 3. Mace (kaumodaki) in left lower hand 4. Lotus (Padma) in right lower hand He is sometimes shown standing Upright with Laksmi on a lotus. He is also shown reclined on the Sesha Naaga/Ananta naaga, with Lakshmi and the sesha naaga resting on the Ksheer Saagar (Ocean of milk), Here Brahma is shown sitting on the lotus which came out of Vishnu s Navel. Another way this divinity is represented is while flying the Garuda. Vishnu : The name itself means the All pervading one, so he literally means everything that exists, this is nothing but one of the attribute of Brahman. Vishnu in technical sense is nothing but the space that exists, so he is the one who manifests space in the void or is the space itself. One, who supports, preserves, sustains and governs the universe and originates and develops all elements within. Vishvarupa which is beyond the ordinary limits of human perception or imagination. Blue Skin: He is shown with a blue skin, the reason is simple, he is the representation of Ether, so he has to be blue, the color of sky -- water-filled clouds --. Page 7
8 Kaustubha Mani: He is the owner of the most precious of material possessions anyone can have, this is just another way to say that human life is not only about spirituality but also about materialism, or the dualism of being the everything and still having material possession. Kaustubham is the most shiny jewell and was known to cause greed in everyone except Vishnu. It is also where Lakshmi(Consort of Vishnu) resides. Srivatsa mark: This mark is present on the chest, where Laksmi resides, venerating the goddess. Means Endless knot. Crown: This is just to reinforce that he is The Lord. Earrings: He is shown wearing two earrings. This represents the extreme opposites, like knowledge and ignorance, pleasure and pain. He is the source of everything, the good and bad etc. Panchajanya (Conch): This is the conch, which is the source of creation. Panchajanya represents the five basic elements of universe, (air, water, space, fire, earth), thus reinforcing itself to be the source of origin. It can also be said that this conch is used to sustain the universe by creating vibration of life. It symbolizes continuous creation like the conch s spirals. Or scientifically speaking The Vishnu (Space) has created the vibration of creation (symbolizing the self created universe). Sudarshana Chakra: This weapon is a Chakra (spinning disk-like super weapon with 108 serrated edges discus) which symbolizes Purity of mind. Su-Darshan means good/superior vision. This chakra has been used many a time by Vishnu to destroy the demons, The Chakra as such cannot destroy, in fact its name suggests that it was used to destroy only the ego or bad element of the entities and provide a Superior vision to him towards Spirituality. Represents also keeper-owner of the celestial bodies and heavens that is in continuous motion. Collectively means the one which is mobile= dynamic equilibrium and motion/change. Ultimate weapon to eliminate the enemy of law, order and preservation Kaumodaki Mace: This represents destructive nature of the god. It symbolizes the destruction of egos and negative traits or even the destruction of universe itself. Padma Lotus: The lotus represents Awakening consciousness and in hands of Vishnu it means that to awaken our consciousness we have to understand Vishnu or Vishnu is the source of individual awakening. Page 8
9 Vishnu reclined on the Shesha naaga. Shesha Naaga is a representation of time. Shesha means remaining; shesha naga refers to the time remaining after each creation cycle, which is always Infinity. The other name of shesha naga is Ananta naga which means endless, thus saying that after each cycle what is left is endless time. Vishnu (Space) reclined on Time is a perfect way to show the relation between space and time. Space lying on the bed of time is a perfect analogy to our universe. This whole setup is shown on the Ksheer sagar, or the ocean of milk, this could be a possible analogy to Milky way as in Mayan civilization and also represent the Chaos outside universe (I know there is no outside universe, this is the chaos before universe is created). This picture shows that universe (space and time) is created or lies in the ocean of Chaos, and out of space and consciousness (Vishnu) the Material creator (Brahma on the lotus from the navel of Vishnu) has come into existence. Brahma here is not actually the God as such but the personification of creation process. Vishnu is not the creator but Brahma is, but Brahma came out of Vishnu, this is a very subtle way of explaining the creation of Universe. Initially came the space and time, and then came the material existence. Vishnu is shown flying the Garuda. It is said that when Garuda flaps his wings a chanting sound of Vedas is created, this in essence means that Garuda itself is the personification of knowledge. Also Garuda is a strong enemy of snakes bringing him in a position against the Shesha naaga, in a way saying that knowledge is superior to time(illusion) or ignorance. Vishnu being on both of them shows his mastery over knowledge and his control on time. Matsya (fish) ---saves Sage Manu from floods and recovers the Vedas from demons. Kurma (tortoise) ---sustains the earth on his back. Varaha (boar) ---brings the earth back from the bottom of the ocean where it was dragged down by a demon, known as Hiranyaksha; Varaha kills the demon. Narasimha (man-lion) ---kills the demon King Hiranyakashipu, who was planning to kill his own son, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Vamana (dwarf) ---the first human incarnation of the Lord, kills the demon King Mahabhali, who had deprived the gods of their possessions. Parasurama (the warrior with an axe) ---saves Brahmins from the tyranny of the arrogant Kshatriyas. Rama---kills Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Sri Krishna---the most popular incarnation; Krishna's contributions throughout his life include the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Page 9
10 Buddha---Hindus consider Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and accept his teachings, but do not directly worship him. Some believe Balarama is also part of Lord Vishnu Kalkin (a man on a white horse) ---this incarnation is yet to come and will mark the end of all evil in the world. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Page 10
Terms. Yuga: a Hindu philosophy that refers to an 'era' within a cycle of four ages: the Satya Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga
DEITIES Terms Brahman: the concept of the Godhead found in Hinduism. Brahman is the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality which is the Divine Ground of all matter, energy, time, space,
More informationJnana, Dharma and Bhakti. The Hindu Way of Life and Three Paths to Moksha
Jnana, Dharma and Bhakti The Hindu Way of Life and Three Paths to Moksha Hindu way of life u Three paths to moksha: 1. The path of knowledge (jnana-marga, jnana yoga) 2. The path of action (karma-marga,
More informationThe Importance Of Right Conduct In Hinduism
The Importance Of Right Conduct In Hinduism Hinduism has no one main founder like the Buddha or Jesus or the Prophet Muhammad or Guru Nanak. One result of this is that there are many forms of Hinduism
More informationHindu Culture and Rituals Lect#8 to 12. Upasna Kanda, Janana Kanda, Why Temple and Idols, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva.
Hindu Culture and Rituals Lect#8 to 12 Upasna Kanda, Janana Kanda, Why Temple and Idols, Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva. Lect#8 Jnana Kanda When and how is the quest for Ultimate/True Knowledge begin? cannot
More informationABOUT LORD SHIVA Lord Shiva
ABOUT LORD SHIVA Lord Shiva represents the aspect of the Supreme Being (Brahman of the Upanishads) that continuously dissolves to recreate in the cyclic process of creation, preservation, dissolution,
More informationHindu. Hinduism Sacred Images Narrative Traditions
Hindu Hinduism Sacred Images Narrative Traditions We have already learned that the stories of Hinduism came from the Vedic Texts. In the course of the first Millennium BCE the Vedas were succeeded by the
More informationKey questions: Hinduism
Key questions: Hinduism! Where did Hinduism originate?! Who founded Hinduism?! Hinduism is considered a major world religion. Why?! What is the goal or ultimate reality according to Hinduism? Basics of
More informationWho Hindus Worship. Trideva
Who Hindus Worship Many Hindus understand God to be Brahman or the Absolute -- an ever-present, all-powerful presence beyond form and comprehension. Brahman has no attributes, whether physical characteristics
More informationIs a drop of water the same thing as the entire ocean? 8/14/2013
THE BASICS Hinduism World s oldest religion World's third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam Largely influenced later religions: Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Nearly 1 billion followers 13% of
More informationHT3M- 2.3 Hindu Concept of God (b) Vishnu
HT3M- 2.3 Hindu Concept of God (b) Vishnu Vishnu The name Vishnu means to settle, to enter into, and to pervade To sum up we will refer to the name meaning, the All-Pervading One Vishnu Physical Characteristics
More informationThursday, February 23, 17
Thursday, February 23, 17 World Religions: Hinduism Objec+ve: Complete Warm-Up, discuss Do-Now, complete outline notes on Hinduism Do Now: What two major powers have controlled India? What is a Raj? What
More informationChapter 7 Indian Civilization Hinduism and Buddhism
Chapter 7 Indian Civilization Hinduism and Buddhism Early India 2500 to 1500 B.C.E The first known Indigenous people of the Indus valley were known as the Dasas, or Pre-Aryan. They built complex cities
More informationBasic Hindu Beliefs & the. Caste System
Basic Hindu Beliefs & the Caste System (Social Structure) Caste System Strict social structure where the caste you are born into is the one you stay in the whole of your life; you do not mix with anyone
More informationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nn5uqe3c9w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nn5uqe3c9w Indo-Aryan Migration: Waves of migration into the Indus Valley from people from Eastern Europe & Central Asia. Indus valley people were made up of local, dark
More informationHINDU. Sacred Images. p Hindu Art
HINDU Sacred Images p. 17-36 Hindu Art REVIEW from last week EARLY Indus Valley civilizations-- Harappa and Mohenjo Daro. Images were mostly animals and female figure. Both were connected to the early
More informationM A H A S H I V A R A T R I
M A H A S H I V A R A T R I Magha, Chaturthi (Krishna paksha) By Malini Bisen Hinduism as a faith and way of life. It is many sided, bound by a common search for truth and has a large pantheon of gods
More informationHinduism 4: Vedantic Hinduism
Eastern Religions Hinduism 4: Vedantic Hinduism 1. Trimurti and Brahma 2. Vishnu 3. The Avatars 4. More Vedantic Philosophy 5. Shiva Note: Gold and White 1 trimurti and brahma The 3 Faces of God Trimurti
More informationEarly Indian culture
The Art of India Early Indian culture Indus River Valley earliest village, (Mehgarh) 6,000 BCE Harappan culture (c 3500-1750 BCE) (at height 2,500 1,900 BCE) -writing and counting Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa
More informationWhat Makes Something Hindu?
Hinduism Richard G. Howe, Ph.D. based on Corduan, Winfried. Neighboring Faiths: A Christian Introduction to World Religions. 2 nd ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2012. What Makes Something Hindu? 1 In
More informationTwin valley presbytery April 20, 2018
Twin valley presbytery April 20, 2018 Hinduism: The Name: The English name Hinduism is derived from the name Indus River. People who lived around this river were called Indus, when Persians invaded the
More informationHINDU GODS AND GODDESSES 1. BRAHMA
HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES 1. BRAHMA The first deity of the Hindu trinity, Lord Brahma is considered to be the god of Creation, including the cosmos and all of its beings. Brahma also symbolizes the mind
More informationT his article is downloaded from
In one of my previous post, I gave the reasons behind dance worship in Hinduism. In this post, we will explore the dancing related theories of lord shiva and also why lord shiva is considered to be as
More informationHinduism and the goddess Lakshmi
Post-visit Activity: Enrichment Reading Hinduism and the goddess Lakshmi Hinduism is considered to be one the major world religions. It originated on the Indian subcontinent and is comprised of several
More informationThe Arrival of the Gods
Chapter One The Arrival of the Gods The sages said: 1. Sūta, you have spoken rightly of the creation of the first man, the expansion of the cosmos, and the order of world-epochs. 2. You say that celibate
More informationOrigins. Indus River Valley. When? About 4000 years ago Where?
Origins When? About 4000 years ago Where? What modern day countries make up where the Indus River Valley civilization once thrived? Indus River Valley Origins How? Who? It is widely believed that there
More informationOm Namaḥ Śivaya. Śiva means auspiciousness
MAHA ŚIVA RATRI Om Namaḥ Śivaya Śiva means auspiciousness MAHA ŚIVA RATRI From Hindu Festivals and Celebrations by Smt. Anasuya Sastry Maha Shiva Ratri is celebrated on the 14 th day of the waning moon
More informationBrahman, Atman, and Moksha: The Supreme Spirit, the True Self, and Liberation
Brahman, Atman, and Moksha: The Supreme Spirit, the True Self, and Liberation Brahman-the Supreme Spirit Many people think of God as being up there in heaven. We are down here in our world and God is elsewhere.
More informationIndus Valley- one of the early contributors to Hinduism. Found fire pits and animal bones which showed that this civilization had animal sacrifices
Indus Valley- one of the early contributors to Hinduism. Found fire pits and animal bones which showed that this civilization had animal sacrifices Parvati- A mother goddess representing female energy
More informationCambridge Assessment International Education Cambridge Ordinary Level. Published
Cambridge Assessment International Education Cambridge Ordinary Level HINDUISM 20/0 Paper Hindu Gods and Festivals MARK SCHEME Maximum Mark: 60 Published This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers
More informationIntroduction to Hinduism. There is only one God, but endless are his aspects and endless are his names!
Introduction to Hinduism There is only one God, but endless are his aspects and endless are his names! The vast majority of Hindus live in India and Nepal Goal of Hinduism Moksha: release or liberation
More informationGlories of Bhagavad Gita from Padma Purana By Shyamagopika dd on Fri, :17.
Glories of Bhagavad Gita from Padma Purana By Shyamagopika dd on Fri, 2009-11-27 16:17. "I Myself have manifested in the Form of Bhagavadgita. Please understand that the first five chapters are My five
More informationEarly Hinduism. Main trinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer) o Vishnu:
Early Hinduism Early Hinduism 1200 BC the composition of the first book of the Vedas (Rig Veda) c. 700-500 BC - Main composition of the first book of the Vedas (Rig Veda) Collection of hymns mainly addressed
More informationOrigin. Hinduism is an ethnic religion that evolved on the Indian subcontinent beginning about 3,500 years ago.
Hinduism Origin Hinduism is an ethnic religion that evolved on the Indian subcontinent beginning about 3,500 years ago. Distribution/Diffusion Hinduism (shown above in hot pink) has approximately 806 million
More informationI. Introduction to Hinduism. Unit 3 SG 5
I. Introduction to Hinduism Unit 3 SG 5 A. The Indian Subcontinent 1. The vast majority of Hindus live in India and Nepal 2. Hinduism is an ethnic religion. B. Beliefs Common to Religions in India 1.
More informationThe Historical Basis of Hinduism
Hinduism The Historical Basis of Hinduism Hinduism is not founded by one particular person Because it is not confined to one person s beliefs, it absorbed ideas and practices that suited the social and
More informationNo one seems to have made an effort to recognise
26 Sathya Sai Speaks Volume -38 3 Experience The All-Pervading Divine Consciousness The Lord of Kailasa has manifested his Divine form with the crescent moon adorning his head, the cool water of the Ganga
More informationBC Religio ig ns n of S outh h A sia
Religions of South Asia 2500 250 BC Hinduism gave birth to Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism Christianity Jesus Christ, son of God the Bible Islam Muhammadlast prophet to talk to Allah t he Quran Do you think
More informationExperience The All-Pervading Divine Consciousness
Experience The All-Pervading Divine Consciousness The Lord of Kailasa has manifested his Divine form with the crescent moon adorning his head, the cool water of the Ganga flowing between the matted locks,
More informationIn the Beginning. Creation Myths Hinduism Buddhism
In the Beginning Creation Myths Hinduism Buddhism In the second millennium BCE (2000 BCE) Indus valley cities disappeared. A series of invasions by Aryan people who introduced Sancrit, (the language of
More informationSHIVA RATRI FESTIVAL February 2014 Huntsville, Alabama To children with love and blessings, Tilak B. Shrestha, Ph.D.
SHIVA RATRI FESTIVAL February 2014 Huntsville, Alabama To children with love and blessings, Tilak B. Shrestha, Ph.D. Om Namah Shivaya! Explaining Shiva Ratri to America born Nepali
More informationBrahma: The Hindu God who Created the World
Brahma: The Hindu God who Created the World By Mark Cartwright, Ancient History Encyclopedia on 09.06.17 Word Count 980 Level MAX Brahma statue in Thailand. Image from Flickr. Brahma is the Hindu creator
More information43 DURGA FEW. Durga brings the fire of the Gods to earth, and washes away all negativity, which flows like blood.
43 DURGA FEW Durga brings the fire of the Gods to earth, and washes away all negativity, which flows like blood. Who is Durga? Durga is the Hindu warrior Goddess who was created by the Gods in order to
More informationNavratri - The 9 Divine Nights
Navratri - The 9 Divine Nights Origin of Durga - The Mythology Devi is the great goddess of the Hindus,the consort of Shiva and she is worshiped in various forms corresponding to her two aspects:
More informationSignificance of Mahasivarathri
Significance of Mahasivarathri (Transcription of the Video Message given by Dr. Narendranath Reddy on the auspicious occasion of Mahasivarathri 2018) With love, reverence and gratitude I offer my humble
More informationTeam Quiz - Hinduism End of Topic Quiz
Team Quiz - Hinduism End of Topic Quiz Pit your wits again your classmates Team Name: Round 1 - Picture Round Score for Round 1: /10 Round 2 - General Knowledge Score for Round 2: /10 Round 3 - Top Five
More informationLucky Items. Venugopala (Fluting Krishna with His Cow) Dancing Saraswati with Peacock and Floral Aureole
Lucky Items Venugopala (Fluting Krishna with His Cow) Dancing Saraswati with Peacock and Floral Aureole Radha Krishna Lord Ganesha Playing the Flute Lord Krishna Vanquishes Kaliya Four-Armed Seated Ganesha
More informationLESSONS ON MANAGEMENT FROM THE BHAGAVAD GITA Ms. Megha Nair Pillai 1. Keywords: Bhagavad Gita, Management, Mythology, Knowledge
LESSONS ON MANAGEMENT FROM THE BHAGAVAD GITA Ms. Megha Nair Pillai 1 Abstract: Mythology defined as the study of myths has the most profound effect on the lives of Indians in the name of tradition and
More informationReligions of South Asia. Hinduism Sikhism Buddhism Jainism
Religions of South Asia Hinduism Sikhism Buddhism Jainism Hinduism Historical Origins: Hinduism is one of the world s oldest religions and originated in India in about 1500 BC. Scholars believe that it
More informationEnergy Healing Cleanse Workbook
Energy Healing Cleanse Workbook Detox your mind, body and spirit AN ONLINE COURSE with Deborah King Dear Course Taker, As a master energy healer, I practice the techniques of energy healing to keep me
More informationThe powers of the mind are like rays of light dissipated; when they are concentrated they illumine. Swami Vivekananda. Introduction to Yoga
100 The powers of the mind are like rays of light dissipated; when they are concentrated they illumine. Swami Vivekananda Introduction to Yoga Beginning with the history of Yoga, detailed through the existing
More informationStories about the divine couple
Stories about the divine couple deepam India.com (3) Stories from the Puranas Retold Written : Nalini Sahay Edited : Deepak Sahay Cover Design : Nalini Sahay Artists : Shijo Jacob Folk and Tribal Artists
More informationlifted one foot which is bent. His lovely bracelets are set in motion
@ " # $&%' )(*# $&%' +-, $.%/ 01# 32 45 6 45 6 $ %'7 $ 8 0$ 7 #
More informationLORD RAMA (THE PERFECT MAN) DATE: SATURDAY, 8 TH APRIL 2017
LORD RAMA (THE PERFECT MAN) DATE: SATURDAY, 8 TH APRIL 2017 CONTENT INTRODUCTION LORD RAMA THE PERFECT MAN SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMNAVAMI. SWAMI S MESSAGE LORD RAMA (THE PERFECT MAN) Rama Avatar is the seventh
More informationIntroduction to Hinduism
Introduction to Hinduism Scriptures Hundreds of scriptures oldest scriptures: the four Vedas all scriptures divided into two broad categories: shruti and smriti Most popular scripture: Bhagavad Gita What
More informationWhat is Hinduism?: world's oldest religion o igi g na n t a ed e d in n Ind n i d a reincarnation (rebirth) Karma
What is Hinduism?: Hinduism is the world's oldest religion, with a billion followers, which makes it the world's third largest religion. Hinduism is a conglomeration of religious, philosophical, and cultural
More informationHINDUISM By Dr. Michael R. Lanier
HINDUISM By Dr. Michael R. Lanier GENERAL Hinduism has a philosophy to explain life, a law to direct life, a high road to truth through contemplation and mystical experience, and a popular road of worship
More informationBy Yogi Khem Jokhoo. Krishna of Gita and Krishna of Devaki
Revelations Of God Shiva, Krishna And The Gita By Yogi Khem Jokhoo In the path of devotion, it is generally believed that the sermonizer of the Gita is Lord Krishna, an incarnation of God. An essenceful
More informationOM SHANTI RAJYOG-THE HOLY SCIENCE OF SUPREME FATHER GOD SHIVA TO ACHIEVE ANGELIC STAGE
OM SHANTI RAJYOG-THE HOLY SCIENCE OF SUPREME FATHER GOD SHIVA TO ACHIEVE ANGELIC STAGE Introduction: Today by seeing the present world s scenario the complete human race looking up to India & its ancient
More informationGods & Spirits. Kenneth Feldmeier Office hours: Tuesday before class
Gods & Spirits Kenneth Feldmeier feldmekj@lavc.edu Office hours: Tuesday before class Recap: Where have we been, where do we go? The plan; this week we are going to discuss different ideas about gods and
More informationNewsletter Archives. Vishnu - the Cosmic Protector
Newsletter Archives www.dollsofindia.com Vishnu - the Cosmic Protector Copyright 2004, DollsOfIndia Shaantaa-kaaram bhujh-gasheinam padma-naabham suresham Vishva-aadhaaram gagan-sadrisham meghvaran shubh-aangam
More informationCover: The Ganesha sculpture carved on gray granite is approximately 1000 years old. The iconographic features of Ganesha date the statue back to the
Cover: The Ganesha sculpture carved on gray granite is approximately 1000 years old. The iconographic features of Ganesha date the statue back to the late Kalyani Chalukya period. Ganesha is the elephant-headed
More informationLook Learn Understand & Respect. One Importance of family Through family that children Children at home learn stories and practices
Hinduism About the topic In this topic pupils will learn about their Hindu sisters and brothers, how they live as a family and how they worship Where this topic fits in This topic will be taught discretely
More informationSiva: the Great God of the Hindus
1 Siva: the Great God of the Hindus Om. A-sa-to ma sad gam-ma-ya. Ta-ma-so-ma jyo-tir gam-ma-ya. Mri-tyor ma a-mri-tam ga-ma-ya. Avir avir ma e-dhi. Rudra yat te dak-shi-nam mu-kham. Tena mam pahi nityam.
More informationHINDUISM THE RELIGION OF INDIA
HINDUISM THE RELIGION OF INDIA Hinduism is the world s third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. An estimated 950 million people are Hindus (14% of the world s population). Hinduism is the world
More informationSanatana Dharma. Lesson 10: Yajña: The Fire Ritual Festival: Maha Shiva Ratri. Review of Lesson 9: The Four Varṇas
Sanatana Dharma Lesson 10: Yajña: The Fire Ritual Festival: Maha Shiva Ratri Review of Lesson 9: The Four Varṇas Śānti Mantras ॐ सह न ववत स ह न भ नक त सह व र य करव वह त जस ववन वध तमवत म ववद ववष वह ॐ श
More informationChapter 15. Learning About World Religions: Hinduism
Chapter 15 Learning About World Religions: Hinduism Chapter 15 Learning About World Religions: Hinduism What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism? 15.1 Introduction In this chapter, you will learn about
More informationReligion in Ancient India
Religion in Ancient India Hinduism The Aryans Aryans Invaders from Central Asia Raja king / ruler of Aryan village Sanskrit स स क त व क writing system of the Aryans The Vedas Vedas most important Sanskrit
More informationHinduism: A Christian Perspective
Hinduism: A Christian Perspective Rick Rood gives us an understanding of this major world religion which is becoming more a part of the American scene with the growth of a Hindu immigrant population. Taking
More informationHINDUISM. A few preliminaries
HINDUISM A few preliminaries What is Hinduism? If you ask google what is Hinduism? you will get over 3,820,000 results... Hinduism is not a single, unified, monolithic religion... it is more like a family
More informationBASICS OF SANATANA DHARMA
BASICS OF SANATANA DHARMA YUGAS Satya Yuga (also known as Krita Yuga "Golden Age"): The first and best Yuga. It was the age of truth and perfection. Humans were gigantic, powerfully built, handsome, honest,
More informationThe Highest Science is in the Bhagavad-Gita
The Highest Science is in the Bhagavad-Gita I exist within everything, and I am therefore the essence of the atomic constituents of material elements. By attaching his mind to Me in this form, the yogī
More informationVedanta Center of Atlanta. Br. Shankara. What Patanjali Means by Power and Freedom July 22, 2018
Vedanta Center of Atlanta Br. Shankara What Patanjali Means by Power and Freedom July 22, 2018 GOOD MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS Center will be closed during August: there will be no classes and no Sunday talks.
More informationThe Hindu Heritage An Overview. Bansi Pandit
The Hindu Heritage An Overview by Bansi Pandit Topics of Discussion Part I Introduction Scriptures Hindu View of God Hindu View of the Individual Hindu View of the World Major Doctrines Part II Caste System
More informationTHE LIGHT OF THE CONSCIOUSNESS. The Nature of Energy and Perception
THE LIGHT OF THE CONSCIOUSNESS The Nature of Energy and Perception Preceded by mind are phenomena, led by mind, formed by mind. If with mind polluted one speaks or acts, then pain follows, as a wheel follows
More informationThe Nine Goddess worshipped during Navaratri
The Nine Goddess worshipped during Navaratri Nine Goddesses of Navratri are collectively known as Navdurga and are mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya and Durga Saptashati. The Nine Goddesses worshipped on
More informationIn this chapter, you will learn about the origins and beliefs of Hinduism. Hinduism is the most influential set of religious beliefs in modern India.
1. Introduction This statue represents Rama, who is a role model as both a man and a ruler, in the way to live by the rules of dharma. In this chapter, you will learn about the origins and beliefs of Hinduism.
More informationEkam Evadvitiyam Brahma, Mahavakya
Ekam Evadvitiyam Brahma, Mahavakya By Tantra Siddha Maha Yogi Shastrishree Paramahamsa Dr.Rupnathji Ekam Evadvitiyam Brahma is a Mahavakya, meaning that there is one absolute reality, without any secondary
More informationEvangelism: Defending the Faith
Four Stages of Life are correlated with the Four Purposes of Life or ashramas 1. Brahmacarin pursuing sacred knowledge the stage of being a student, when a young person lives in the home of the guru and
More informationHinduism. By: Joe Othman, Jacob Zak, Gabe Dattilo, Ben Johnson
Hinduism By: Joe Othman, Jacob Zak, Gabe Dattilo, Ben Johnson Sacred Texts: Rig Veda There are four Vedas, Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas known to be the first of Indian writing going as far back
More informationPatanjali: To know the Mind, focus on the Heart
Patanjali: To know the Mind, focus on the Heart ( By practicing Samyama on the heart, knowledge of the mind is acquired ) Samyama is a particular practice of focus and absorption 1 Obstacles: The Knots
More informationToday. Next Wednesday. Wk09 Wednesday, May 23. BG 12-17, Perrett, Facts, Values and the BG. Matilal, Caste, Karmā and the Gītā.
Wk09 Wednesday, May 23 Today BG 12-17, Perrett, Facts, Values and the BG. Matilal, Caste, Karmā and the Gītā. BG 18 Wrap up: BG, course Next Wednesday 1 BG Brief Outline Nature of ātman Arjuna s despondency
More informationBuddha discovered Three Universal Truths and Four Noble Truths, which he then taught to the people for the next 45 years.
How did Buddhism begin? About 2500 years ago, a prince named Siddhartha Gautama began to question his sheltered, luxurious life in the palace. He left the palace and saw four sights: a sick man, an old
More informationSai Spiritual Education. Newsletter
Sai Spiritual Education Newsletter Issue 1 January - March 2007 SSE Activities Classes From 10.15-12pm Soar Valley College Ages 4 to 16 Years Weekly Assembly Monthly Bhajans Monthly Library Study Circles
More informationThe Sacred Ganga (River Ganges)
Vedic Yagya Center P.O. Box 500271 Austin, TX - 78750 Tel: 888 835 7788 Fax: (512)-788-5694 www.vedicyagyacenter.com yagnya@vydic.org The Sacred Ganga (River Ganges) Part I. Ganga origin: GANGA MATA Vedas
More informationAs I Enter. Think about it: Agenda: What you know about Hinduism and Buddhism. Notes on Hinduism and Buddhism
As I Enter Think about it: What you know about Hinduism and Buddhism Agenda: Notes on Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism Hinduism Statistically, there are over 900 million Hindus in the world (1 in 7 people)
More informationSamantabhadra Prayer. Homage to the ever-youthful exalted Manjushri!
Samantabhadra Prayer Homage to the ever-youthful exalted Manjushri! With purity of body, speech, and mind, I bow to all the heroic Buddhas of the past, present, and future without exception in every world
More informationOrigins of Hinduism. Indian Society Divides
SECTION 2 Origins of Hinduism What You Will Learn Main Ideas 1. Indian society divided into distinct groups under the Aryans. 2. The Aryans practiced a religion known as Brahmanism. 3. Hinduism developed
More informationHindu Myth, Image, and Pilgrimage. Literature and Arts C-18 Harvard University, Fall Term Diana L. Eck
Hindu Myth, Image, and Pilgrimage Literature and Arts C-18 Harvard University, Fall Term 1999 Diana L. Eck [This course fulfills either the Literature and Arts C Core Requirement or the Foreign Cultures
More informationĪSVARA & RELIGIOUS DISCIPLINE PŪRNA VIDYĀ VEDIC HERITAGE TEACHING PROGRAMME
ĪSVARA & RELIGIOUS DISCIPLINE PŪRNA VIDYĀ VEDIC HERITAGE TEACHING PROGRAMME THREE FORMS OF THE LORD & IṢTA DEVATĀS Review Who is Īśvara? Where is Īśvara? Is Īśvara male or female? How does the Vedic tradition
More informationCHAPTER 6: APNEE KATHA (SELF NARRATIVE, SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH) CHAUPAVEE
CHAPTER 6: APNEE KATHA (SELF NARRATIVE, SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH) CHAUPAVEE Now I am going to narrate my own story; I got to know the technique through hard meditation. Where lies the snow covered Hem Kunt
More informationPrabhu Premi Sangh Newsletter
Straight From September the Heart 2012 2 2 Following the Footsteps Institute Prabhu Premi Sangh Newsletter 3 Thought of the Volume Month 5, Issue 4 3 Reflections from Pujya Swamiji s Diary... Inside this
More informationHindu. Beginnings: second century BCE to second century CE. Chapter 2
Hindu Beginnings: second century BCE to second century CE Chapter 2 While sacred scriptures of Hinduism date back to the middle of the first Millennium BCE, Hindu architecture and art are relatively late.
More informationSanātana Dharma Sanskrit phrase "the eternal law"
1. Notebook Entry: Hinduism 2. How do we identify a belief system EQ: How does Hinduism fit our model of a belief system? code of ethics, place of origin, texts, impact, spread, divine being, founder,
More informationVaräha-II Cave-Temple
52 Mämallapuram Varäha-II Cave-Temple The path by the Ga ë a Ratha leads, on the left, to a cave-temple which has been carved out of solid rock in the area behind the Penance Panel. This cave-temple, excavated
More informationSri Lalitaa Saharanaama: An Overview
Sri Lalitaa Saharanaama: An Overview Dr. M.G. Prasad (www.taranga.us) Introduction: The worship of Universal Mother (referred as Devi or Shakti or Ishwari), as the Supreme Being is well known in Vedic
More informationHINDUISM. By: Alex Chartrand, Sona Bavaria, Tvisha Baxi
HINDUISM By: Alex Chartrand, Sona Bavaria, Tvisha Baxi ORIGINS OF HINDUISM: INDO-EUROPEAN SOURCES Brahmanism and Vedism Developed in India among Indo-European speaking peoples The original two religions
More informationEast-West Invocation
East-West Invocation In the name of the unconditional love of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit and the Miracle Mother, Amen. (Insert personal prayer here) Lordʼs Prayer Our Father-Mother God who is
More informationGods And Goddesses Card Deck: Mantras, Blessings, And Meditations (Mandala Wisdom Decks) PDF
Gods And Goddesses Card Deck: Mantras, Blessings, And Meditations (Mandala Wisdom Decks) PDF Mandala Publishing presents an exotic collection of Gods and Goddesses artwork in this fabulous new card deck.
More informationSpirituality in India
Spirituality in India Hinduism One of the oldest major religions. Polytheism: belief in many gods. Hindus do not eat beef. Fourth largest world religion. (Christianity 1, Islam 2, Buddhism 3) Hindu Facts
More information