QUESTION: Why Do Hindus Worship Many Gods?

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "QUESTION: Why Do Hindus Worship Many Gods?"

Transcription

1 QUESTION: Why Do Hindus Worship Many Gods? Human beings through history have formulated many different names and forms for the Divine or Eternal. Just as we have many names and forms for other things, whether it is foods, or types of art, so too, in religion a similar great diversity has been created. Hindus worship all qualities of the divine as gods and goddesses. Having many names for something is not necessarily a sign of ignorance of its real nature. On the contrary, it may indicate an intimate knowledge of it. For example, Eskimos have forty-eight different names for snow in their language because they know snow intimately in its different variations, not because they are ignorant of the fact that all snow is only one. The many different deities of Hinduism reflect such a close realization of the Divine on various levels.. Page 1 of 7

2 THE HAPPY GARDENER: POWER OF POSITIVE ATTITUDE This is a story narrated by the great guru Sri Ramakrishna. Narada was passing one day by the side of a garden, and the gardener asked the sage Narada: "Master, where are you going?". The great sage said, "I am going to Vaikuntha, the Lord's Heaven, to have His Darshan". "Oh! You are going to have Darshan of the Lord! Please ask Him when I shall attain liberation." He was a gardener planting various fruit trees. Narada said, "I shall certainly ask the Lord, and when I come back, I shall let you know what His answer is". So, Narada proceeded further and on the way, he met a farmer. The farmer put the same question: "Lord, O great sage, master, where are you going?". The sage said, "I am going to Vaikuntha, the Lord's abode". And the farmer also made a request similar to the gardener's: "Please ask the Lord when I shall attain liberation". Narada gave the same reply as before: "Yes. I shall come back to you with the Lord's answer". So, after several days or so Narada returned from Vaikuntha and he met this farmer. Immediately, the farmer asked very eagerly. "Did you meet the Lord?" "Yes, I met the Lord" replied Narada. "Did you ask Him about my liberation?" "Yes, I asked." "Did He give you the reply?" "Yes, He gave the reply." "What was the reply?" "You will take another fifty years to attain liberation." The farmer was very sorry to hear this. "I have been chanting God's Name, I have been doing prayer, I have been meditating, I have been practising Yoga, day and night I am absorbed in God's thought. Still I have to wait for fifty years! What a wretched thing!" He cursed himself. Page 2 of 7

3 Narada passed on and met the gardener. The gardener asked, "What is the reply from the Lord?" "You will take as many thousands of years to reach God as there are leaves in this tree." And Narada pointed to a nearby tree. The gardener's joy knew no bounds. He was so happy. He jumped in happiness. "So, after all, I am fit!" His way of thinking was quite different from that of the farmer's. The farmer cried because he had to wait for fifty years more, and this gardener was in joy, in ecstasy, was bursting with the love of God, because he got the reply from the great Master, the Supreme Being, that he was after all fit to gain salvation even if that salvation was to come after as many thousands of years as there were leaves in the nearby tree. The story goes that his ecstasy of joy was such that it burnt all his sins in an instant, and he had divine vision at that very moment, whereas that poor farmer with fifty years' sorrows had no experience of the kind. Page 3 of 7

4 MAHABHARATA 1: Mahabharata is a literary and spiritual treasure of India. It is the longest epic poem in the world, originally written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. It was composed by Sage Vyasa several thousand years ago Mahabharata is a parable for the human race and carries universal messages that help us in many situations in our lives. It contains the great spiritual text, the Bhagavad Gita, that help us realize God in everything, and progress spiritually. Remember that many stories in the epic may sound strange in this era don t take these stories literally; the lessons they teach are universal. The stories help us understand our Dharma duty and right action, in a given situation many times, this is not so easy! The Gita has many paths to God through action, meditation, and study. Mahabharata means the story of the descendants of Bharata. The main thread of the epic starts with king Shantanu. Shantanu lived in Hastinapur and was known for his valor and wisdom. One day he went out hunting to a nearby forest. Reaching the bank of the river Ganges (Ganga), he was startled to see an beautiful damsel appearing out of the water and then walking on its surface. Her grace and divine beauty struck Shantanu at the very first sight and he was completely spellbound. When the king inquired who she was, the maiden curtly asked, "Why are you asking me that?" King Shantanu admitted "Having been captivated by your loveliness, I, Shantanu, king of Hastinapur, want to marry you." "I can accept your proposal provided that you are ready to abide by my two conditions" argued the maiden. "What are they?" anxiously asked the king. "Firstly, you will never ask anything about my personal life, like who I am or where do I come from? Secondly, you will never stop me from doing anything or ask the reason of anything I do." Shantanu was totally gripped by the maiden's beauty, now known as Ganga, and immediately accepted her conditions. They instantly entered into a love marriage (Gandharva vivah) and returned home. Page 4 of 7

5 Things went on quite smoothly for sometime and then queen Ganga gave birth to a lovely boy. As soon as king Shantanu heard this good news, he was overjoyed and rushed to the palace to congratulate the queen. But he was astonished to see that the queen took the newborn into her arms, went to the river, and drowned him. The king was shocked and felt miserable, yet he could not ask the queen about her action. He was bound by his pledge, not to question or interfere with her actions. Hardly had Shantanu recovered from the shock of the death of his first son at the hands of the queen when she became expectant again. The king felt happy and thought that the queen would not repeat her dreadful action again. But the queen again took the newborn into her arms, and drowned him in the river. After seeing the ghastly action of the queen, the king was in immense grief again, but his pledge barred him to say anything. This continued on until queen Ganga bore the eighth child and marched to the river as before. Shantanu lost his patience and as soon as the queen was about to drown the newborn, Shantanu stopped her. "I have lost seven children like this and am left with no heir. I can no longer stand to see my flesh and blood decimated before my eyes." Queen Ganga turned around and said, "Oh King, you have violated your pledge. I will not stay with you any longer. However before leaving you, I will open the secret that led to the death of your seven children. Once it so happened that the saint Vashishtha got offended with eight gods known as Vasus. He cursed them to be born as human beings on the earth and undergo the mental torture of being a human. Hearing this, seven of the Vasus implored the saint to be excused but the eighth one, who was the most mischievous, kept standing rudely. " Vashishtha was appeased and modified his curse, "Seven of you will die and come back to heaven as soon as you are born, but the eighth one will have to live on the earth for a long period and face the tribulations as a human." Ganga continued, "Upon the request from the Vasus, I assume the human form and marry you. My job is now over and I must now go back to my heavenly abode. I am taking your eighth child with me and will bring him back to you after he is grown up." Page 5 of 7

6 After saying this, Ganga flew away into the sky along with the newborn. King Shantanu returned to his palace with a broken heart. Many years later, when Shantanu was taking a stroll on the bank of the river Ganges (Ganga), Goddess Ganga emerged out of the river with a young boy. Ganga spoke, "Oh King! Here is your eighth son, Devavrata. I have brought him up in order that he may be able to cope with what is to befall on him in his life on this earth." The king happily brought the prince to the palace and celebrated his arrival by declaring him the crown prince of his kingdom. Deva Vrata grew up brave and just. King Shantanu was getting old and announced his retirement. He was lonely and always missed Ganga. It was one day while he was taking a stroll on the bank of the river Ganges; he was attracted towards a charming maiden, Satyavati, the daughter of the chief of the fishermen tribe. Satyavathi had a divine son who was named Vyaasa. Immediately after birth, Vyaasa grew up quickly through his divine powers and left for the forest. Vyasa, however, promised his mother Satyavati that he will come back whenever he was called for. Vyaasa, later known as Veda Vyaasa, had mastery of the Vedas. It is said that Vyaasa dictated the entire epic at a stretch while Lord Ganesha acted as the scribe. In addition, Vyaasa played a central role in his story appearing and disappearing on the scene whenever his mother or her family members sought his help. He had rare magical qualities to resolve their problems. Shantanu, went to her father, the chief fisherman, and requested permission to marry his daughter. The chief fisherman placed the condition that the son born of Satyavati must be the successor of the throne and not Devavrata. Shantanu was shocked to hear the condition because he wanted his son, Devavrata to be his successor. When Devavrata discovered the cause of his father's unhappiness, he went to Satyavati's father to persuade him to allow Shantanu to marry Satyavati. In return he promised to give up his right to the throne for Satyavati's son. The chief fisherman thought for a while and showed his further concern by saying, "What about your children? They may not honor your promise?" Page 6 of 7

7 Hearing this, Devavrata took the solemn promise that he will never marry in his life and remain as a brahmachari. From then on he was known as Bheeshma, the one of the firm promise. Bheeshma brought Satyavati on his chariot to the palace and presented her to his father. Shantanu blessed Bheeshma with the power to choose his day of death. (To be Contd.) Characters introduced: Shantanu Ganga, Satyavati Devavrata = Bheeshma Vyaasa Ganesha Lessons learned: Devavrata pays for his sins not in this life but in a different life? Page 7 of 7

MAHABHARATA Part 1 (Bhishma s Vow)

MAHABHARATA Part 1 (Bhishma s Vow) MAHABHARATA Part 1 (Bhishma s Vow) 1 Once there was a sage named Veda Vyasa. He was not an ordinary sage! In fact, he was one of the greatest saints of all time! He was the great grandson of Rishi Vasistha,

More information

MAHABHARATA Part 5 (Hidimbasura and Bakasura Vadha)

MAHABHARATA Part 5 (Hidimbasura and Bakasura Vadha) MAHABHARATA Part 5 (Hidimbasura and Bakasura Vadha) 1 The Pandavas demonstrated their superiority over the Kauravas in every aspect, both in strength and intelligence at the show. Karna had made his grand

More information

Bhagavad Gita AUTHORSHIP AND ORIGIN

Bhagavad Gita AUTHORSHIP AND ORIGIN Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient text that became an important work of Hindu tradition in terms of both literature and philosophy. The earliest translations of this work from Sanskrit into

More information

Religions of South Asia. Hinduism Sikhism Buddhism Jainism

Religions 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 information

INTRODUCTION TO BHAGAVAD GĪTĀ PŪRNA VIDYĀ VEDIC HERITAGE TEACHING PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION TO BHAGAVAD GĪTĀ PŪRNA VIDYĀ VEDIC HERITAGE TEACHING PROGRAMME INTRODUCTION TO BHAGAVAD GĪTĀ PŪRNA VIDYĀ VEDIC HERITAGE TEACHING PROGRAMME Invocation Om Let Him protect us both May He bless us with the bliss of knowledge Let us exert together May what we study be

More information

Spirituality in India

Spirituality 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

Chapter 7 - Lesson 2 "The Origins of Hinduism" p

Chapter 7 - Lesson 2 The Origins of Hinduism p Chapter 7 - Lesson 2 "The Origins of Hinduism" p.226-231 MAIN IDEAS Culture: A group of nomadic people moved into India and took over what was left of Harappan civilization. Government: Under Aryan rule,

More information

Click to read caption

Click to read caption 3. Hinduism and Buddhism Ancient India gave birth to two major world religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Both had common roots in the Vedas, a collection of religious hymns, poems, and prayers composed in

More information

CHAPTER THREE. Pandavas in

CHAPTER THREE. Pandavas in CHAPTER THREE Pandavas in MAHABHARATA CHANDRA VAMSA The first king of the race of the Moon was PURURAVAS His great grandson l KING YAYATI His sons l l l KING PURU KING YADU One of his descendants His descendants

More information

Universal Message Of The Bhagavad Gita: An Exposition Of The Gita In The Light Of Modern Thought And Modern Needs, Vol. 1 By Swami Ranganathanananda

Universal Message Of The Bhagavad Gita: An Exposition Of The Gita In The Light Of Modern Thought And Modern Needs, Vol. 1 By Swami Ranganathanananda Universal Message Of The Bhagavad Gita: An Exposition Of The Gita In The Light Of Modern Thought And Modern Needs, Vol. 1 By Swami Ranganathanananda READ ONLINE If searched for the ebook Universal Message

More information

PAVITROPANA EKADASHI

PAVITROPANA EKADASHI PAVITROPANA EKADASHI Shri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "Oh Madhusudana, Oh killer of the Madhu demon, please be merciful to me and describe to me the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the

More information

In many movies, we observe that the protagonist or the hero gets

In many movies, we observe that the protagonist or the hero gets 9 Dronacharya In many movies, we observe that the protagonist or the hero gets introduced and his background is revealed. Simultaneously, the movie depicts the background of other characters. At some point

More information

HINDUISM THE RELIGION OF INDIA

HINDUISM 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 information

World Religions. Section 3 - Hinduism and Buddhism. Welcome, Rob Reiter. My Account Feedback and Support Sign Out. Choose Another Program

World Religions. Section 3 - Hinduism and Buddhism. Welcome, Rob Reiter. My Account Feedback and Support Sign Out. Choose Another Program Welcome, Rob Reiter My Account Feedback and Support Sign Out Choose Another Program Home Select a Lesson Program Resources My Classes 3 - World Religions This is what your students see when they are signed

More information

MOTHER. Maathru Devo Bhava Pitru Devo Bhava Acharya Devo Bhava Athidhi Devo Bhava

MOTHER. Maathru Devo Bhava Pitru Devo Bhava Acharya Devo Bhava Athidhi Devo Bhava MOTHER Maathru Devo Bhava Pitru Devo Bhava Acharya Devo Bhava Athidhi Devo Bhava -Taittiriya Upanishad Mother is like God, Father is like God, Acharya (teacher) is like God, and Athidhi (a Guest) is like

More information

NB#30 Chapter 24 India s History and Culture

NB#30 Chapter 24 India s History and Culture NB#30 Chapter 24 India s History and Culture History Background 1. During the time of Ancient India, hundreds of towns existed in the Indus River Valley History: The Aryan people 2. The Aryans moved into

More information

Journey Through the Old Testament

Journey Through the Old Testament Journey Through the Old Testament 2 Kings Lesson #69 Elisha the Prophet For Wednesday, January 18, 2017 -- 2 Kings 2-6 Elijah Appoints Elisha. Elisha was a farmer who lived with his parents at Abel-meholah

More information

I. Introduction to Hinduism. Unit 3 SG 5

I. 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 information

Origins. Indus River Valley. When? About 4000 years ago Where?

Origins. 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 information

Bhagavad Gita READ ONLINE

Bhagavad Gita READ ONLINE Bhagavad Gita READ ONLINE The Bhagavad Gita also referred to as Gita, is a 700--verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. This scripture contains a Big News on Bhagavad

More information

DOWNLOAD OR READ : THE MAHABHARATA OF KRISHNA DWAIPAYANA VYASA BOOK 6 BHISHMA PARVA PDF EBOOK EPUB MOBI

DOWNLOAD OR READ : THE MAHABHARATA OF KRISHNA DWAIPAYANA VYASA BOOK 6 BHISHMA PARVA PDF EBOOK EPUB MOBI DOWNLOAD OR READ : THE MAHABHARATA OF KRISHNA DWAIPAYANA VYASA BOOK 6 BHISHMA PARVA PDF EBOOK EPUB MOBI Page 1 Page 2 the mahabharata of krishna dwaipayana vyasa book 6 bhishma parva the mahabharata of

More information

BC Religio ig ns n of S outh h A sia

BC 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 information

Hinduism. AP World History Chapter 6ab

Hinduism. AP World History Chapter 6ab Hinduism AP World History Chapter 6ab Origins Originates in India from literature, traditions, and class system of Aryan invaders Developed gradually; took on a variety of forms and gods particular to

More information

Analysis of Yaksha Prasna: 123 Questions from a Tree Spirit

Analysis of Yaksha Prasna: 123 Questions from a Tree Spirit Analysis of Yaksha Prasna: 123 Questions from a Tree Spirit By London Swaminathan Post No 786 Dated 11/01/2014 (Part 1) This is (Yaksha Prasna) posted in Tamil as well. The world s longest epic Mahabharata

More information

General Learning Outcomes: I will

General Learning Outcomes: I will General Learning Outcomes: I will Hinduism Video As you watch the video, write down 2 things you learned about Islam in each box. HISTORY OF HINDUISM BELIEFS AND ACTIONS CYCLE OF REBIRTH WORSHIP PRACTICES

More information

AP World History Chapter 3. Classical Civilization India

AP World History Chapter 3. Classical Civilization India AP World History Chapter 3 Classical Civilization India Aryan Civilization Indo European people who migrated across Europe and Asia. No Archeological record of early Aryans. Priests called Vedas kept

More information

Shri Satyanarayan Katha AND Aarti

Shri Satyanarayan Katha AND Aarti Shri Satyanarayan Katha AND Aarti Worship of Lord Sri Satyanarayan (Sri Maha Vishnu) is an integral part of Sanatan Dharma. This auspicious Satyanarayan Katha narration comes from one of the 18 puranas,

More information

The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary For Modern Readers By Sri Swami Satchidananda;Swami Satchidananda READ ONLINE

The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary For Modern Readers By Sri Swami Satchidananda;Swami Satchidananda READ ONLINE The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita - A Commentary For Modern Readers By Sri Swami Satchidananda;Swami Satchidananda READ ONLINE If searching for a book The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita

More information

Key questions: Hinduism

Key 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 information

Team Quiz - Hinduism End of Topic Quiz

Team 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 information

Presentation Guide. Lesson: Learning About World Religions: Hinduism. Teachers' Curriculum Institute. All rights reserved.

Presentation Guide. Lesson: Learning About World Religions: Hinduism. Teachers' Curriculum Institute. All rights reserved. Presentation Guide Lesson: Slide 1 Learning About World Religions: Hinduism What are the origins and beliefs of Hinduism? Slide 2 Preview Slide 3 PREVIEW Turn to this section in your Interactive Student

More information

What Makes Something Hindu?

What 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 information

The Sacred Ganga (River Ganges)

The 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 information

Indus 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 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 information

The Historical Basis of Hinduism

The 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 information

Maharshi Valmiki. The story of Rama and Seethadevi is the 'Ramayana'.

Maharshi Valmiki. The story of Rama and Seethadevi is the 'Ramayana'. The story of Rama and Seethadevi is the 'Ramayana'. It is remarkable that Sri Rama himself listened to the story of the Ramayana' and was pleased. Lava and Kusha sang the story before Rama very sweetly;

More information

Is a drop of water the same thing as the entire ocean? 8/14/2013

Is 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 information

Vyasa is a central and revered figure in most Hindu traditions.

Vyasa is a central and revered figure in most Hindu traditions. MahaBharata-Sanskrit[Team Nanban][TPB] About Veda Vyasa: Vyasa is a central and revered figure in most Hindu traditions. He is also sometimes called Veda Vyasa, (the one who classified the Vedas in to

More information

Blanca Flor. Angel Vigil

Blanca Flor. Angel Vigil Blanca Flor Angel Vigil Characters The Narrator Juanito, a young man The Duende, a gnomelike, mischievous creature who lives in the forest Blanca Flor, a young woman Don 1 Ricardo, an evil man Don Ramon,

More information

6 Adam, Eve, Jinn, Iblish and Human

6 Adam, Eve, Jinn, Iblish and Human 6 Adam, Eve, Jinn, Iblish and Human Q [2:31] He taught Adam all the names then presented them to the angels, saying, "Give me the names of these, if you are right." If you re a follower of any other religion

More information

Hinduism - Then and Now

Hinduism - Then and Now By Swami Shantananda Puri Maharaj, Wednesday, 28 May 2014, Tiruvannamalai Hinduism - Then and Now The name for Hinduism as given since about 6000 years or so is Sanatana Dharma [eternal laws of virtues].

More information

Buddha discovered Three Universal Truths and Four Noble Truths, which he then taught to the people for the next 45 years.

Buddha 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 information

Sanātana Dharma Sanskrit phrase "the eternal law"

Sanātana 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 information

Becoming A Brilliant Star. Hinduism. Compiled by. William G. Huitt. Originally Developed Revised April Overview

Becoming A Brilliant Star. Hinduism. Compiled by. William G. Huitt. Originally Developed Revised April Overview Becoming A Brilliant Star Hinduism Compiled by William G. Huitt Originally Developed 2001 Revised April 2014 Overview Available at: http://www.science-religion.org/religion/hindu/brilstar/00-hindu-overview.pdf

More information

DIPAVALI THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

DIPAVALI THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS DIPAVALI THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS SWAMI KRISHNANANDA The Divine Life Society Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India Website: www.swami-krishnananda.org (Spoken on Dipavali in 1973) Various occasions which come

More information

Cambridge Assessment International Education Cambridge Ordinary Level. Published

Cambridge 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 information

Origins of Hinduism Buddhism, and Jainism

Origins of Hinduism Buddhism, and Jainism Origins of Hinduism Buddhism, and Jainism Nature of faith Religions build on the experiences of cultural groups. Hinduism is unique in that it doesn t trace its origins to the clarity of teachings of

More information

Vocabulary (Pgs )

Vocabulary (Pgs ) Vocabulary (Pgs 194-216) Himalayas Monsoons Sanskrit Raja Caste Guru Hinduism Brahman Reincarnation Dharma Karma Buddhism Nirvana Theocracy Dynasty Stupa Pilgrim First Civilizations The first Indian civilizations

More information

Essence of Indian Spiritual Thought (Sanathana Dharma)

Essence of Indian Spiritual Thought (Sanathana Dharma) Essence of Indian Spiritual Thought (Sanathana Dharma) The way of life envisaged for people of India by their sages and saints of yore (from time immemorial) is known as SANATHANA DHARMA. Sanathana in

More information

The Song Of God- Bhagavad- Gita By Aldous Huxley, Swami Prabhavananda

The Song Of God- Bhagavad- Gita By Aldous Huxley, Swami Prabhavananda The Song Of God- Bhagavad- Gita By Aldous Huxley, Swami Prabhavananda Uses the beauty of verse to express the highest truths of Vedanta. Includes an introduction to the Gita, and a study of non-violence

More information

Religion in Ancient India

Religion 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 information

1. Subcontinent - A large distinguishable part of a continent

1. Subcontinent - A large distinguishable part of a continent I. India A. Geography - Located in southern Asia, India is a triangular shaped subcontinent. 1. Subcontinent - A large distinguishable part of a continent 2. Due to the geographic diversity of India, over

More information

International Gita Society Jay: How about planets, such as the Sun, and the Moon and the stars? 34 CHAPTER 15 THE SUPREME PERSON

International Gita Society Jay: How about planets, such as the Sun, and the Moon and the stars? 34 CHAPTER 15 THE SUPREME PERSON 34 CHAPTER 15 THE SUPREME PERSON International Gita Society Jay: How about planets, such as the Sun, and the Moon and the stars? Jay: Grandma, I am confused by the difference between Supreme Spirit, Spirit,

More information

Overview of Hindu SRI

Overview of Hindu SRI Overview of Hindu SRI What is SRI? Special Religious Instruction (SRI) refers to religious instruction program to state government school students by authorized providers. SRI consists of weekly 30-minute

More information

Hinduism in the UK Religion Media Centre

Hinduism in the UK Religion Media Centre Hinduism in the UK Religion Media Centre Collaboration House, 77-79 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4LP info@religionmediacentre.org.uk Charity registration number: 1169562 Population There are 816,633 Hindus

More information

APWH. Physical Geo. & Climate: India 9/11/2014. Chapter 3 Notes

APWH. Physical Geo. & Climate: India 9/11/2014. Chapter 3 Notes APWH Chapter 3 Notes Physical Geo. & Climate: India Deccan Plateau & Hindu Kush Major bodies of water: Indus and Ganges, Indian Ocean, etc. Mountain Ranges: Himalayas, Ghats, etc. Desert: Thar Monsoons:

More information

Look Learn Understand & Respect. One Importance of family Through family that children Children at home learn stories and practices

Look 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 information

Purity of the Heart is True Spiritual Discipline Sathya Sai Baba. Dasara, Prasanthi Nilayam 9 October 2005

Purity of the Heart is True Spiritual Discipline Sathya Sai Baba. Dasara, Prasanthi Nilayam 9 October 2005 Purity of the Heart is True Spiritual Discipline Sathya Sai Baba Dasara, Prasanthi Nilayam 9 October 2005 Editor s note. This discourse does not appear in the Sathya Sai Speaks series. It is taken from

More information

Glories of Bhagavad Gita from Padma Purana By Shyamagopika dd on Fri, :17.

Glories 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 information

Chapter Test. History of Ancient India

Chapter Test. History of Ancient India Name Class Date MULTIPLE CHOICE Read each statement or question. On the lines below write the letter of the best answer. 1. Both Harappa and Mohenjo Daro were located near the a. city of Bodh Gaya. b.

More information

Hinduism The Rev. Roger Fritts February 10, 2013

Hinduism The Rev. Roger Fritts February 10, 2013 Hinduism The Rev. Roger Fritts February 10, 2013 My younger sister died in 2004. A rare cancer called liposarcoma caused her death. Today pharmaceutical companies are testing new drugs on liposarcoma patients.

More information

Sri Rama as an ideal husband

Sri Rama as an ideal husband Sri Rama as an ideal husband T.ABRAHAM, Lecturer in English, Sri.Y.N.College(A), Narsapur-534275, W.G.Dt. Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two epics which have so mingled with the collective conscience

More information

Activity: Buddhism Play

Activity: Buddhism Play Activity: Buddhism Play There are not many people in the world who do not want to be happy. In our lives at some stage we have all felt some level of pain and suffering. How can we ever be free from it?

More information

Origin. Hinduism is an ethnic religion that evolved on the Indian subcontinent beginning about 3,500 years ago.

Origin. 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 information

,ESSON -!). 'EOGRAPHY 'OVERNMENT #ULTURE SHARED 4!+)

,ESSON -!). 'EOGRAPHY 'OVERNMENT #ULTURE SHARED 4!+) Page 1 of 7 Page 2 of 7 Page 3 of 7 Page 4 of 7 Page 5 of 7 Page 6 of 7 Page 7 of 7 Page 1 of 6 Page 2 of 6 Page 3 of 6 Aryan Migrations into India, 1500 250 B.C. The Aryan Migrations In about A SI A River

More information

Thursday, February 23, 17

Thursday, 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 information

Predestination and Free Will are Partners

Predestination and Free Will are Partners Predestination and Free Will are Partners Author: Larry W. Wilson The Bible contains many apparent conflicts and some of these were discussed in the July, September, and October Wake Up Reports. This month

More information

Web Site. Ancient Voice. Eternal Voices from the Past

Web Site. Ancient Voice.     Eternal Voices from the Past Web Site Ancient Voice http://ancientvoice.net http://ancientvoice.wikidot.com Eternal Voices from the Past This website is a wiki site like Wikipedia, but contains much more features than a Wikipedia.

More information

Om Namo Bhagavate Dattatreyaya

Om Namo Bhagavate Dattatreyaya DATTATREYA JAYANTHI Om Namo Bhagavate Dattatreyaya DATTATREYA Jayanthi falls during December-January on the full moon day of the month of Margaseersha. His story is told as follows. Anusuyaisquotedasthemodelofchastity.ShewasthewifeofAtriMaharishi,agreatsage

More information

"Variations in and of the Story of the Silappathikaram (the Epic of the Anklet)"

Variations in and of the Story of the Silappathikaram (the Epic of the Anklet) An oral version of this paper was presented on 19 March 2016 at the "National Seminar on Folk Ballads" at the Institute of Asian Studies, Sholinganallur, Chennai "Variations in and of the Story of the

More information

World History (Survey) Chapter 1: People and Ideas on the Move, 3500 B.C. 259 B.C.

World History (Survey) Chapter 1: People and Ideas on the Move, 3500 B.C. 259 B.C. World History (Survey) Chapter 1: People and Ideas on the Move, 3500 B.C. 259 B.C. Section 1: Indo-European Migrations While some peoples built civilizations in the great river valleys, others lived on

More information

Chapter 18: The Achievement of the Gupta Empire. Learning Target: : I can explain why the Gupta Empire is known as the golden age.

Chapter 18: The Achievement of the Gupta Empire. Learning Target: : I can explain why the Gupta Empire is known as the golden age. Chapter 18: The Achievement of the Gupta Empire Learning Target: : I can explain why the Gupta Empire is known as the golden age. Introduction Under the Mauryan Empire, India was unified for the first

More information

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS Illustrated By Rene Bull H. J. Ford SCHEHERAZADE'S STORY

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS Illustrated By Rene Bull H. J. Ford SCHEHERAZADE'S STORY THE ARABIAN NIGHTS Illustrated By Rene Bull H. J. Ford SCHEHERAZADE'S STORY Preface The stories in the Fairy Books have generally been such as old women in country places tell to their grandchildren. Nobody

More information

MANIKANTAN The Legend of Swami Ayyappa

MANIKANTAN The Legend of Swami Ayyappa MANIKANTAN The Legend of Swami Ayyappa Ravi Shankar Gujjarappa BG Copyright indiatales 2006-07 (a project of Rukmini Hariharan Foundation) G5B, Block A, Himagiri Enclave, Kaggadasapura Bangalore-560093

More information

GCSE Religious Studies A: (World Religion(s)) Mark Scheme for June Unit B576: Hinduism 2 (Worship, Community and Family, Sacred Writings)

GCSE Religious Studies A: (World Religion(s)) Mark Scheme for June Unit B576: Hinduism 2 (Worship, Community and Family, Sacred Writings) GCSE Religious Studies A: (World Religion(s)) Unit B576: Hinduism 2 (Worship, Community and Family, Sacred Writings) General Certificate of Secondary Education Mark Scheme for June 2017 Oxford Cambridge

More information

MENTORING INSIGHTS FROM MAHABHARATA

MENTORING INSIGHTS FROM MAHABHARATA CHAPTER 4 MENTORING INSIGHTS FROM MAHABHARATA Mahabharata, the great epic of Indian mythology is composed by Vaidvyas in Sanskrit between the second century B.C. and the second century A.D. It is considered

More information

Gods & Spirits. Kenneth Feldmeier Office hours: Tuesday before class

Gods & 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 information

Phalashruti Benefits gained by the study of Bhagavad Gita - Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji

Phalashruti Benefits gained by the study of Bhagavad Gita - Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji Phalashruti Benefits gained by the study of Bhagavad Gita - Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji The children of Datta devotees address Sri Swamiji very lovingly and reverentially as Tataji. Determined

More information

Eisenkopf. The Crimson Fairy Book

Eisenkopf. The Crimson Fairy Book Eisenkopf Once upon a time there lived an old man who had only one son, whom he loved dearly; but they were very poor, and often had scarcely enough to eat. Then the old man fell ill, and things grew worse

More information

Chapter 18 The Achievements of the Gupta Empire. Why is the period during the Gupta Empire known as the golden age?

Chapter 18 The Achievements of the Gupta Empire. Why is the period during the Gupta Empire known as the golden age? Chapter 18 The Achievements of the Gupta Empire 18.1. Introduction Why is the period during the Gupta Empire known as the golden age? Richard T. Nowitz/Corbis In this Ajanta cave, richly colored paintings

More information

In this chapter, you will learn about the origins and beliefs of Hinduism. Hinduism is the most influential set of religious beliefs in modern India.

In 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 information

CONCLUSION. India is sometimes designated as a country of spirituality by many

CONCLUSION. India is sometimes designated as a country of spirituality by many 201 CONCLUSION India is sometimes designated as a country of spirituality by many oriental and occidental scholars. However India also is rich with a fair amount of secular literature which includes works

More information

DOWNLOAD OR READ : STORIES OF KRISHNA PDF EBOOK EPUB MOBI

DOWNLOAD OR READ : STORIES OF KRISHNA PDF EBOOK EPUB MOBI DOWNLOAD OR READ : STORIES OF KRISHNA PDF EBOOK EPUB MOBI Page 1 Page 2 stories of krishna stories of krishna pdf stories of krishna LORD KRISHNA His Lilas and Teachings By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA... ancient

More information

India is separated from the north by the Himalayan and Hindu Kush Mountains.

India is separated from the north by the Himalayan and Hindu Kush Mountains. Ancient India Geography Of India India is called a subcontinent. Subcontinent: a large landmass that is smaller than a continent India is separated from the north by the Himalayan and Hindu Kush Mountains.

More information

KING SANGARA S HORSE

KING SANGARA S HORSE KING SANGARA S HORSE A shadow-puppet play from Ancient India A Hindu tale arranged and rewritten by Reg Down - Copyright Reg Down All rights reserved. No part of this publication, in part or in whole may

More information

WANDERING THE HIMALAYAS with Swamini Vinayananda

WANDERING THE HIMALAYAS with Swamini Vinayananda WANDERING THE HIMALAYAS with Swamini Vinayananda Commencing from Delhi on 21st September 2019. Detailed Itinerary Day 01 21 st September : Delhi Arrive in Delhi any time day. We have a group meeting in

More information

DASHAVATAR - Rama Avatar - Part 1

DASHAVATAR - Rama Avatar - Part 1 DASHAVATAR - Rama Avatar - Part 1 Sri Rama is the 7 th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the central figure of epic Ramayana. Ramayana is the immortal tale of Lord Rama that teaches us the value of ideology,

More information

Missions in a Hindu context

Missions in a Hindu context Missions in a Hindu context Belief System in Hinduism SRUTI means What is heard or Revelation consisting of Four Vedas Rig-Veda: the Prayer book Sama-Veda: the Song book Yajur-Veda: the Ritual book Atharvana-Veda:

More information

The Importance Of Right Conduct In Hinduism

The 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 information

More About Jesus. More About Jesus Page 1 Lesson 13 - Introduction

More About Jesus. More About Jesus Page 1 Lesson 13 - Introduction More About Jesus Baptism? or Saying I Do to Your Friend! I graduated from college early in August-I got married on August 25 of the same year. Two weeks later my wife and I moved to Salt Lake City where

More information

Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism and Buddhism WHAT ARE THE MAIN BELIEFS OF HINDUISM & BUDDHISM? MS. JEREMIE Starter: Creation Myth Reflection Using your notes from the presentations, answer the following prompt: What similarities

More information

The emergence of South Asian Civilization. September 26, 2013

The emergence of South Asian Civilization. September 26, 2013 The emergence of South Asian Civilization. September 26, 2013 Review What was the relationship of Han China to Vietnam, and to Korea? Who were the Xiongnu? (What is a barbarian?) What was the Silk Road?

More information

Human Values Lesson 9

Human Values Lesson 9 Human Values Lesson 9 We have been learning that there are five basic human values essential for everyone. Those are Truth, Love, Peace, Right Action, and Non-Violence. Love is the basis for all the values.

More information

A unique flavor of love is the Guru-disciple relationship. If there is no love then there is neither Guru nor disciple. No one can come in between a

A unique flavor of love is the Guru-disciple relationship. If there is no love then there is neither Guru nor disciple. No one can come in between a Devotion A unique flavor of love is the Guru-disciple relationship. If there is no love then there is neither Guru nor disciple. No one can come in between a Guru and a disciple, nor is there any space

More information

Mythology of Sabarimala Ayyappan

Mythology of Sabarimala Ayyappan Mythology of Sabarimala Ayyappan The descendant of Pandiya dynasty discarded by Thirumalai Naicker, Diwan of Raja of Vijayanagar, who was then ruling the Pandya Kingdom, comprising Madurai, Thirunelveli,

More information

Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education

Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International General Certifi cate of Secondary Education SANSKRIT 0499/02 Paper 2 Literature and Epic Civilisation For examination from 2019 MARK SCHEME

More information

IDEOLOGY of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

IDEOLOGY of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission IDEOLOGY of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission The ideology of Ramakrishna Math and Mission consists of the eternal principles of Vedanta as lived and experienced by Sri Ramakrishna and expounded

More information

Review Questions 1. What were the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro like?

Review Questions 1. What were the cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro like? Focus Question: How have scholars learned about India s first two civilizations, the Indus and the Aryan? As you read this section in your textbook, complete the following chart to sequence important events

More information