Pandit Sharma heads Jamaican Delegation to World Hindu Conference in Trinidad & Tobago in 2000, seen seated with Shankara Acharya.
History
The name of Hinduism is SANATANA DHARMA or The Eternal Faith with no beginning or end. The founders of Hinduism believed that ever since the dawn of human civilization, when human beings started to ponder over the question "who am I ? How and where have we come from? Where do we go? What is the meaning and purpose of our life on earth and beyond? How was the universe created and how is it regulated?" Sanatana Dharma began.
It is the oldest monotheistic and monotheistic religion in the world which was evolved almost a thousand years before Abraham preached it in Middle East.It is, therefore no surprise that Hinduism has incorporated almost every religious thought, belief and practice that ever was, and ever will be, into its philosophy and beliefs. It ridicules no belief or practice; there arc no derogatory words for others to be found in Hindu scriptures such as heathen, pagan, wicked, idolater etc.
NATURE AND EVOLUTION OF HINDUISM
Hinduism is a natural theology. Enlightened sages made empirical observations of nature and its phenomena; then they attained mystic insight, through the gifts of perception and intuition, into each observation and experience of nature; the mystic experience was later analyzed logically and intelligently, before discussing them with other enlightened persons. Over the centuries, they developed a wealth of knowledge that pointed towards a single regulatory centre for the entire universe. This centre is called BRAHMAN- the Absolute without form or attributes, by the Hindus.
Thus Hindu philosophy and religion was evolved over centuries through the cumulative knowledge of a number of anonymous sages. Therefore, Hinduism has no prophet.
Hinduism is monistic (God is the Absolute Truth; Universe is the relative Truth), animistic (soul is present in all forms of life, plants, animals and humans) and phantheistic (God is in everything and everything is divine) and believes in the existence of consciousness in inanimate objects; consciousness and awareness in plants; consciousness, awareness, instinct and varying levels of intelligence in animals; consciousness, awareness, instinct, intelligence and super-consciousness in humans.
How old is Hinduism?
European and Indian scholars agree that the present form of Hinduism began at least 4,500 years ago.
SCRIPTURES
Vedas are the primary Hindu scriptures which were formulated over 4,500 years ago, passed on through oral traditions, and written down over 3,000 years ago. There are four Vedas; Rig Veda; Yajur Veda; Sama Veda; and Atharva Veda. These are regarded as intuitive and mystic realizations of divine knowledge, which can not be altered. In fact, all the scientific discoveries thus far have confirmed the Vedic principles and beliefs.
BELIEFS
CONCEPT OF DEITY.
BRAHMAN is the ABSOLUTE DIETY of Hinduism. Nirguna (without attributes) and Nirakar (without any conceivable form).
However, most individuals find it impossible to realize an abstract Deity. They thus realized a personified and transcendental form of Brahman. This form is called Ishwara, Bhagwan and by many other names. In many ways, Christian God is synonymous to Ishwara.
CONCEPT OF DEVATAS (gods) and DEVIS (goddesses), Sages realized that most of us find it impossible to holistically and fully comprehend Ishwara God. All we comprehend is just an aspect of God. In fact, most human beings recognize God as the Creator, the Preserver of life and universe, and the dissolutor of life (death). Hinduism has thus created a Triad of Devatas (deities), each representing one of the three major roles of God, but having no status independent of God.
TRIAD OF DEVATAS:
1. Bramha - personifying the Creator aspect of God
2. Vishnu- personifying the Preserver aspect of God
3. Shiva - personifying the Dissolutor aspect of God (cyclic dissolution of everything in universe and universe itself, for recreation).
TRIAD OF DEVIS
The Cosmic Energy or divinity of God is recognized as female, hence the divinity of every Devat is recognized as Devi and their relationship is regarded as husband and wife. A devata is divine but he can not perform his divine role unless he has divinity that is his wife. Hence, the Triad of Devis is:
1. Saraswati Devi : wife of Bramha and devi of knowledge, art, music, dance etc.
2. Lakshmi Devi : wife of Vishnu and devi of holistic prosperity
3. Devi Durga, Kali and many other names: wife of Shiva and Devi who destroys all evil.
OTHER DEVATAS AND DEVIS
Hindus have personified various inanimate manifestations and conceptual aspects of God. Inanimate Devatas are Sun, Moon, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, River Ganga etc.
Most offer prayers to God through the devatas and devis and in the process, a devi or devata transcends into Godhead.
GOD-INCARNATES.
Hindus believe that from time to time, God manifests on earth. There have been many, in different forms. In Human form, there have been three with one more to come:
1. Lord Rama -Prehistoric days
2. Lord Krishna- over 3,500 years ago
3. Lord Buddha -563 before Common Era (BCE)
4. Lord Kaliki, to come.
CREATION OF UNIVERSE
Universe was created by the Creative Will of Brahman who is Purusha (causal, psychial principle) and Prakriti (the underlying matrix of universe). The Creative Will or Lila of God converted cosmic energy into matter and the universe evolved from the matter over billions of years. Components of universe (matter) are constantly being reconverted into energy and vice-versa. (Only a few decades ago, scientists have confirmed the inter-conversion of energy into matter).
Evolution of Universe. Components of universe- solar system, inanimate objects and animate beings evolved from the cosmic matter by a process of evolution. Every matter has three virtues- Satwik or Pure, Rajsik or active, and Tamsik or inertia. Matter with Satwik virtue is the God; Rajsik virtues evolved animate beings and Tamsik virtues evolved inanimate objects.
Within animate beings, those with Satwik virtues evolved as humans, those with Rajsik virtues became animals, and Tamsik virtues produced plants. Again, the human beings, the animals, the plants and the inanimate objects continue to evolve according to the three virtues.
Sage Kapil (Ca 800 BCE) has provided principles of evolution, for which Darwin provided evidence almost 3,000 years later.
The present Big Bang and Void theories of creation of universe have their origins in Hinduism.
CONCEPT OF SOUL
Soul is a spark from Brahman, hence divine, imperishable, unborn, eternal and primeval.
DOCTRINE OF MAYA (cosmic illusion)
Brahman is the Absolute Truth That can transcend time and space: Universe is a relative truth which can not transcend time and space. Hence the cosmic illusion of God.
DOCTRINE OF KARMA (law of causality or deeds)
We are the architects of our own lives, now and hereafter. Karma are those acts which single or collectively determine the state of our present and next lives. There are three types of Karmas:
1. prarabdha karma, which determine the parentage. place and time of birth and death.
2. Samchita karma, which can be modified by one's own actions for this and next lives.
3. Agami karma, which can be reaped only in this life
4. Dharmic (righteousness) life is recommended for modifying the Karma.
DOCTRINE OF DHARMA
Dharant Dharma or Dharma sustains the world is the guiding principle. Performance of righteous spiritual, religious, social, professional and environmental duties with dedication, selflessness and without expectations of results. Six main obstacles for performing dharm are: Kama (desire), krodh (anger), lobha (greed), moha (infatuation), mada (vanity and ego) and matsaraya (envy).
DOCTRINE OF REINCARNATION
Everything in the universe is cyclic. A soul has to go through repeated births and deaths until it is purified for liberation.
DOCTRINE OF TRANSMIGRATION.
Depending upon one's karmas. An animal's soul may be reborn as a human soul or vice versa.
DOCTRINE OF MOKSHA
A soul which has gained perfection will attain moksha or liberation within one's life or after death. Such souls may kerge with Brahman, or live in baikunth (heaven) as a family of God, as a friend of God, as a servant of God or in the city of God.
After death, a soul may remain in astral form for a few days or more, enjoy pleasures or suffer pains, and then is reborn.
TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES
The beliefs of the Hindus, based upon the natural principles enunciated in Vedas, as described earlier, are re-enforced by certain basic teachings. Some of these are:
1. Universe is a cyclic phenomenon; it is created, preserved for a while and then dissolved. Every component in the universe (our lives) are also cyclic in nature.
2. Universe is made of atomic and sub-atomic particles, held together by invisible forces
3. Every thing is in a pair of opposites, which are in constant communication with each other.
4. Faith alone is not enough for spirituality; God must be realized mystically by realizing self.
5. There are two types of knowledge; paravidya or higher knowledge attained intuitively and mystically; and vidya or lower knowledge, attained by intelligence and five sense organs. One must develop both types of knowledge. It must be remembered that every mystic experience must be analyzed intelligently an logically, keeping in mind that every mystic experience can not be expressed or explained by our limited intelligence and language, even in sanskrit.
6. Relationship between God and a devotee must be personal and direct, regardless of how it started.
7. One must completely surrender one's entire being to God
Dharmic or Ethical Codes.
All ethical codes must cover both thoughts and practices, and must be performed at all times.
1. The YAMA or abstentions
2. Practice Ahimsa (non-violence)
3. Practice Satyam (truthfullness)
4. Practice Bramhcharya (mastery over sexual and lustful desires)
5. Practice Aparigraha (do not covet)
6. Practice Asteya (honesty, non-stealing)
2. The NIYAMA or observances
1. Saucha (purification of mind and body)
2. Santosha (contentment)
3. Swadhaya (attaining spiritual knowledge)
4. Tapas (austerity, mental, vocal, physical, material)
5. Paridhan (surrendering of one's soul to God)
3. The YAJNA or oblations
1. Rishi Yajana (acquiring knowledge)
2. Deva Yajna (worship of God)
3. Pitri Yajna (reverence of departed souls through noble deeds)
4. Nri Yajna (fulfillment of social and professional suites)
5. Bhuta Yajna (duties to environment; feeding a plant and an animal)
4. The SAMSKARA or purifactory rites
There are 52 samskara in Hinduism, starting from one's marriage, through conception, birth, education of child, to death. However, some or all of the following fifteen are followed by most.
1. Garbba lambhanani. - Prayer for the conception of a great soul
2. Pumsavanam -Blessing the unborn, three months after conception
3. Simantonnayanam - Blessing the unborn on the during the seventh month of conception.
4. Jatakarma - Welcoming and blessing the six-day or twelve-day old baby
5. Namakarna - Naming the baby
6. Anna prasana - Feeding cereals for the first time
7. Mundan - Shaving off the head during first or third year of birth
8. Vidya arambha - Initiating of learning.
9. Upanayana - Initiation of formal education! studentship with a thread ceremony
10. Samvartana - Graduation
11. Vivah - Marriage
12. Vanparastha - Retirement to seclusion of forests after discharging social and family duties
13. Sanyasa - Detachment from world
14. Antyeshti kriya - Cremation to be performed by son or a male member
15. Sharadha- Devotional services for the departed soul.
5. THE ASHRAMAS or stages of life
Hinduism has divided one's life into four stages, after childhood. For each stage, there are specific duties and goals.
1 .Brambcharya or celibacy; 6 to 18years of studentship
2. Girhasta or married and family life; professional and social duties
3. Vanaparastha. Seclusion to forests for spiritual elevation
4. Sanyasa. Life detached from world
6. VIVAH or marriage
7. DEATH AND FUNERAL
The soul never dies but the body does. The soul discards the body when it becomes unsuitable for the elevated soul in one's life. In order to emphasize the separation of body and soul, Hindus cremate the dead body and immerse the ashes in a flowing water body.
VI WORSHIP
Puja or prayers are performed mainly at home where every Hindu is expected to have a room or space dedicated for the purpose. One may also go to temple, particularly for congregational services.
There are two types of Pujas: Vahiranga or external, which leads into Antaranga or internal or meditative.
VAHIRANGA involves Japa (repetition of syllables) à Prarthna (prayers) à Kalpa (rituals) à Dana (charity) à 3 Dharma (acts of righteousness) àANTARANGA involves à Dharna (concentration of mind) à Dhyana (meditation) à Samadhi à Nididhyasam (Reflection on the Self).
YOGA (means yoke) is a set of disciplines, physical and mental for getting full benefits of Vahiranga and Antaranga forms of worships. It is creation and maintenance of harmony with cosmos. Yoga was developed in Indus Valley, over 5500 years ago. Its codes were written around 250 Before Common Era (B.C.E.). Yoga requires patience for seven successive steps: aspiration à reflection à attention à purification à detachment discrimination (between time & space, real & illusion etc) à transcendence from unreal to real.
Types of Yogas are: janana yoga or path of knowledge; Raj yoga or the path of Higher knowledge (mystic realization of Sell); bhakti yoga or devotional yoga; karma yoga or the path of improving on one's karniic records; hath yoga or path for healthy body and mind (physical exercises); kundalini yoga or path for invoking cosmic powers.
Ways of Performing Puja
It involves recitation of mantras (syllables and verses) and rituals. All mantras are for improvement of one's soul, community and environment.
Pandit Sharma conducts Divali (Lakshmi) Pooja at Temple
Symbols, Syllables and Icons.
In iconography and use of symbols, syllables, colours, geometric configurations of designs, colour, symbols and syllables (art of yantra), Hinduism is by far the richest religion. Since every spiritual concept has been personified, it is iconographed with superhuman figure, associated with animals, plants and other natural objects. The posture of every part of the body, every one of the four or six arms, two or more heads etc., colour and accompanying flower, plant or animal have specific mystic and philosophical significance. Thus what may look like a figure of a devi to a Westerner is an icon full of deep philosophy, a book of deep philosophy abstracted in a figure, for a Hindu.
However, the sign pronounced as AUM and or Swastika have deep spiritual significance for a Hindu. At every prayer, these signs are a must.
VII FESTIVALS AND PLIGR1MAGE
Festivals:
Birthdays: of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna and Lord Buddha (God-incarnates)
Shivaratri: (wedding of Lord Shiva; mythological; philosophically to God for destroying the evils of the society)
Dussehra: Victory of Lord Rama over the demon King Ravana; Good over Evil
Diwali or Deepavali: Festival of lights; homes and workplaces decorated with oil lamp; return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile; thanks giving for the summer crop; prayer for holistic prosperity through Lakshmi Devi.
Holi or Phagwa: Festival of colours; coloured water thrown on each other, faces smeared with coloured powders and flakes; street singing and dancing by all; thanksgiving for winter crop.
Pilgrimage to holy places. Every 12 years, Kumbh mela (fair) at Prayag on the Ganga River attracts over 20 million people.
VIII FAMILY & SOCIETY
Family Structure: Very strong. Marriage of Devatas and Devis has introduced spirituality in marriage. Divorce allowed but is less than 1 %. No common law relationship.
Position of Women: Highest of any society. She is the queen of home, divinity of her husband, and revered next to God, ahead of her husband.
Hinduism and Other Religions: Hinduism does not believe in conversion because all religions lead to God.
Idol Worship: Hinduism considers idol worship as the worship of a conceptually confined God; all non- pantheistic and non-animistic religions worship a confined God.
Reverence of Animals: Hindus have reverence for all forms of life. Much more for certain animals and plants such as cows. A cow is not worshipped.
Hinduism and Environment: It is the only religion, along with Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, which guides and is compatible with science and technology and environmental issues. As a daily oblation, Hinduism recommends feeding of an animal and plan and reverence for all animate beings an inanimate objects.