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NewsLetter
Fundamentals of Hindu
LessOn
Lesson Lesson Lesson Less On Less On Lesson LeSSOn Lesson Lesson Lesson Lesson Lessor Lesson
Conte
1. An account of the histol
i. An Intro ii. The histo The prehistoric state of 3 The development of Hi 4 Origin of Hindu Faith 5. The scripts of Hinduis 6 Concept of one Supren 7 One God (The Suprem 8
The Principles of Wari 9. One Truth as perceive O. The observance of Hin
11. Applications of the kn 12. The Ithihasas and Pur 13. Manifestations of the S 14. Spiritual Discipline
ஷேத்திர(வ பூரி முன்னேஸ்
Author Kshethra Vinayaka Temp hot mail: kshethrawinayak:
Sri Sal August 2
 

ism for beginners
ontS ry of Hinduism through the Ages luction to the term Hinduism ry of Hinduism through the Ages Hinduism induism through the Ages
T (Sruthis, Smrithis, Agamas and Puranas). he Reality
e Reality) in many forms bus Systems of Hindu Philosophy d in diverse approach duism as in Vedas and Agamas owledge of Hindu philosophy in life
ES
upreme and forms of worship
யல்)விநாயகர் ஆலயம், வரம், சிலாபம், இலங்கை.
B.S. Sarma ,
ple,Sri Munneswaram, Chilaw,Sri Lanka.
1@yahoo.com: munnes WaTaIT|siyah00, COIT) nkar Publications
009 ஆகஸ்ட்

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Path tO Dharmaථිථිථිථි
ஷேத்திர(வயல்) ழரீ முன்னேஸ்வரம்,
August 2009 News Letter 20
written by: B
Kshethra Vinayaka Temple,Sri hot mail; kshethravinayakasayahc
Fundamentals of Hinduis
Lesson 1. An account of the history of
i. An Introduction to the term Hinduis In nomenclature the term Hinduism was initia 17th century to denote the religious, philosoph
The Rig Veda, an ancient religious script refer (the land of the seven rivers in northwestern S
In Persian language the Indus River is referrec Persian word Hindu (hendu), corresponding to
The term “Hindu was referred to those who li "Sindhu".
The Persian term (Middle Persian Hinduk, Ne Sultanate and appears in South Indian and Ka increasingly so during British rule.
In Arabic language, the term al-Hind (the Hin day India'.
ii. The history of Hinduism through th
Hinduism is the oldest religion of the world. I of the area of India, and other neighboring a world with approximately 940 million people. Hinduism is often stated to be the "oldest li several other primeval cultures which were it is supposed to have been practiced in the Ind Asia for over 6000 years. Hinduism is formed
 

P333333h:k newpå விநாயகள் ஆலயம், சிலாபம், இலங்கை.
செய்தி மடல் 2009 ஆகஸ்ட் i.S.Sarma,
i Munneswaram, Chilaw,Sri Lanka. O.com: munneSWaram(2yahoo.com
m for beginners
Hinduism through the Ages
S. lly introduced by the English scholars from the
lical, and cultural traditions native to India.
the land of the Indo-Aryansas Sapta Sindhu outh Asia, one of which being the Indus).
to as Hindu, first encountered in the Old Vedic Sanskrit Sindhu, the Indus River.
ved in the Indian subcontinent on or beyond the
w Persian Hindu) entered India with the Delhi shmiri texts from at least 1323 CE, and
d) also refers to "the land of the people of modern
e Ages
t is the belief of the varied factions of community reas. Hinduism is the third largest religion of the
ving major tradition". In these regions there are nfluenced by the Hindu religious faith. Hinduism Lian subcontinent, in the west Asia and Southeast of diverse traditions

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Western researchers of history pronounced that of "Aryan invaders" to the Indus valley i Hinduism was prevailing for over 7 to 10 thouse The farmers and wandering hunters of ancie followed many different faiths and diverse beli and mode of prayers. All these miscellaneous be
Lesson 2. The prehistoric state of Hinduism
There were varied forms of practices followed existence. The most primitive Hindu civilizatio Civilization." It was in existence during the ei order at that time worshipped many Deities. T down of religious rites and prayers in vast c similar groups of people existed in other part Southeast Asia. The members of some the civilians of the Dravidian communities wors buildings in congregations. At that period of tir by several tribes of farmers and hunters. Son
scholars. These tribes had dissimilar religious namely some rituals around fire.(homa) in the natural forces. These two varied types of faith over a long period of time evolving into the V practice.
Lesson 3 The development of Hinduism
Historians are unable to predict the precise date the periods of the various original scripts were v
The early Puranas refer to "Devas" and "Ast possibility that these narratives are based on mythologies Devas were considered as the good the dreadful characters. Devas and Asuras are Fire, as mentioned in Rig Veda. Even in these about the period of events or the name of the Wi These works were passed on as recitation, Ver periods, various Rishis arranged these Puranas arrangements of the historical dates of these ev efforts have been undertaken to sub-divide th order with clear landmarks. The commencement of Hindu religious pe approximately begins from 2500 BC or even ve This era is subdivided into the age of Manthra some researchers.

Hinduism originated from the cultural practices n 2500 BC. Hindu intellectuals proved that and years all over India and West Asia. nt India belonged to numerous groups. They efs with their own manners of religious rituals liefs assimilated with Hindu religion.
by many racial and ethnic groups that were in n that was in existence is termed “Indus Valley ra 2500 BC or may be even earlier. The social he members of the community followed a laid ongregations. At that period there were many s of ancient India and in regions of West and communities were called "Dravidians". The shiped to images and marker stones in tiny me there were battles, incursion and occupation ne of the tribes are termed "Aryans" by the faith and practice compared to the Dravidians e open air. Their main entity of prayers were is namely Dravidians and Aryans amalgamated /edic and Agamic structure of Hindu religious
through the Ages
is of the source of the faith of Hindu religion or written.
uras" repeatedly combating battles. There is a such historical events. In most of the Hindu i quality (Dharma) and Asuras (Adharma) were prayed when religious rituals are performed to mythologies (Puranas), minute data are given iter.
bally for quite a long era of time. During later in appropriate orders. Hence these records of sents are apparently indistinguishable. Recently he period into Some convenient chronological
riod is known as the Vedic Age, which ry much earlier, and runs up to 560 BC. s, age of Brahmanas and age of Upanishads by

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Then the age of Vedanga and Kalpa Suthraf BC.
Then the age of the Epics is during the rise of ( Following this is the age of Puranas, Agamas The age later Puranas is from 650 AD to 100 The Bhakthi movements begin from 1000 AD
Lesson 4: Origin of Hindu Faith
Hindu Religion is not based on any authority, (guru -teacher) or. Hinduism is based on the (books), religious spiritual literature scriptures philosophies for the followers, from which he him or her. Each person is permitted to learn, query, doubt. the teachings after their personal spiritual under The earliest known sets of scripts (books) of H are of “Divine origin” (Apaurus.eya). The va ("revealed") and Smriti ("remembered"), lay th include dharma, karma, ahimsa and reincarnatic They are supposed to be unalterable, and cons Eternal Truth. In the commencement of eac creates Himself as Brahma, and gives Him th Universe and the rest are created by Bral "AUM"(“OM”) and the knowledge of Vedas.
Lesson 5: The scripts of Hinduism (Sruthis,
The first collection of Indian philosophy that w comes from the Sanskrit vid, meaning knowledg exact date is controversial, it is possible that th were first written around 3,000 BC.
The primary authorities of Hinduism are k Rishis,(the sages or seers), as an intuition by di
Sage Veda Vyasa categorized in an orderly m Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. His discip educated the four Vedas to their disciples. La their student generations by guru-shishya teach
The knowledge of four Vedas was passec memorizing and reciting the verses for thous:

ollows the Maurian Empire from 560 BC to 200
Guptha Empire, from 200 BC to 300 AD. and Dharsanas from 300 AD to 650 AD. ) AD.
to18th Century.
single book or the words of any single prophet Eternal Truth. There are thousands of scripts to guide the devotees. There are numerous basic or she can select the appropriate one suitable to
, investigate reason out and finally acknowledge Standing. indu Religion are identified as "Vedas." They st body of Hindu Scriptures, divided into Sruti he foundation of Hindu beliefs, which primarily
D. idered as the utmost spiritual knowledge of the h era IKalpa), the Supreme God, Brahmam, e knowledge of Vedas as His own breath. The hma out of the sound of Pranava Manthra
Smrithis, Agamas and Puranas).
as written down was the Vedas. The word 'Veda' e - the Vedas are 'sacred knowledge'. Their e knowledge dates back 10,000 years BC, and
nown as Vedas. They were revealed to the rect revelations from the Divine.
anner the four Vedas, Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, oles Paila, Vaisampaya, Jaimini and Sumanta tter the concepts of Veda were passed down to ing - learning methodology of education.
l down from generations to generations by ands of years. The Rig Veda consists of 1028

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Suukthas collected as 21 Sakhas (sections) wit consists of 109 Sakhas, mainly consists of Hy Veda consists of 1000 Sakhas, and it is com Atharva Veda consists of 50 Sakhas with 59 man in his daily activities and materialistic life,
The Vedas are composed with numerous Parts. the Brahmanas, the explanatory treatises for u. forest books and the Upanishads, the portion interpretations of the manthras and rituals. The authority, importance and antiquity.
The Upanishads divulge some of the supreme essence of spiritual truth and philosophy of through the ages in search for spiritual enlight the names of 108 Upanishads. Out of which 12
It is accepted that the following ten mair Upanishads, Katha Upanishads, Prasna UI Upanishads, Taittiriya Upanishads, Aitarey Brihadaranyaka Upanishads are the most auth Kaushitaki Upanishads, Svetasvatara Upa Maitrayaniya Upanishads are also taken into a early authorities. These belong to the different
1. Rig Veda
i. Aitareya Upanishad ii. Kaushitaki Upanisł
2. Yajur Veda
Krishna Yajur Veda
i. Katha Upanishad
ii. Svetasvatara Upanishad iii. Maitrayaniya Upanishad iv. Mahanarayaniya Upanisha
v. TaittiriyaUpanishad
Sukla Yajur Veda
i. Isavasya Upanishad ii. Brihadara 3. Sama Veda i. Kena Upanishad ii. 4. Atharva Veda i. Mundaka Upanishad ii
Agamas are Divine in sourceand are consider Vedas, explain the worship of God in various n for construction of Temples and other places of
There are other texts which are explanatory tre explanatory limbs of the Vedic texts, rituals Chandas and Niruktha which deal with the l

th hymns in praise of the Divine. Yajur Veda, 'mns used in religious rituals and rites. Saama posed of Verses from Rig Veda set to music. 8 hymns, gives many rites and rituals to guide
to ward off evil and destroy enemies.
They have the Manthras (Hymns) for prayers, sing the manthras in rituals, the Aranyakas, the of knowledge. The Aranyakas are the mystical : Vedas and the Upanishads are the foremost in
truths ever revealed to human. They contain the the Vedas. This directs mankind all the way enment. The Muktika Upanishad gives a list of are exceptionally important.
Upanishads namely Isa Upanishads, Kena banishads, Mundaka Upanishads, Mandukya a Upanishads, Chandogya Upanishads and horitative and ancient. In addition to these the unishads, Mahanarayaniya Upanishads and account as they have been referred to by many Vedas as shown below:
nad
nyaka Upanishad , Chandogya Upanishad . Mandukya Upanishad iii. Prasna Upanishad
ed authoritative texts. These are independent of manifest forms.In addition these lay out the rules
worship.
:atises to guide us in proper path. Vedangas are and astrology. They are Siksha, Vyakarna, usage, pronunciation and grammar of the Vedic

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language; Jyothisha which deals with astror various rituals, laying out the area for homa (Y life. There are four Upa-Vedas on science : Ayurveda, Dhanur-Veda, Gandharva-Veda a Upangaa, texts by Various authors explainin practice of the Vedic philosophy and teaching law codes written based on the Vedic teaching through stories to practice the faith. When th groups in tiny areas, as cultivators, hunters anc felt the societal requirement for appeal to a forms of theology and philosophy.
The Agamas
The Agamas are theological treatises and pra Vedas these scriptures too, extolled as prima Mantras and Yantras. These are treatises exp temples etc. All the Agamas composed of the fi
1. Jnana or Knowledge 2. Yoga or Concentratio 3. Kriya or Esoteric Ritu 4. Charya or Exoteric W. They also give elaborate details about en meditation, philosophy of temple rituals, mantr building, image-making, domestic observances etc.The Agamas are divided into three section chief sects of Hinduism, are Vaishnavism, S dogmas on their respective Agamas. Each one of these group of people develope practices. Nearly all groups prayed for dive societies intermingled with each other thro varieties of worships coexisted.
Nearly all the primitive social groups and ther had various forms of worship of different Goc each one form of force or activity.
Lesson 6: Concept of one Supreme Reality
During the ancient period, every person of th different areas, who were worshipping the diff divine spiritual experience and true revelation c All of them acknowledged different variatio performed during worships.

nomy and astrology. Kalpa Suthras explain agna), ethics, customs and laws for the domestic and art of health, archery, music and politics nd Arthasasthra. Dharsanas are called the g various pathways of understanding and the S. The Smrithis or the Sasthras are the sacred s. Ithihasas and Puranas carry these teachings e human civilization began to Settle down as merchants, (ancient Neolithic age), inhabitants Supreme being which later evolved as various
ictical manuals of divine worship. Along with ary Sources. The Agamas include the Tantras, laining the external worship of God, in idols, ollowing items.
al
orship tology and cosmology, liberation, devotion, as, mystic diagrams, charms and spells, temple, Social rules, social obligations public festivals s: the Vaishnava, the Saiva, and the Sakta.The saivism and Saktism, base their doctrines and
d their own systems for worship and religious arse forms of natural forces. When wandering ugh journeys and conflicts, several different
civilizations developed later from these groups is..The different Gods, were worshiped, one for
e itinerant and agricultural groups of people in erent forms of “Gods” was permitted to get the of the Divine.
ns in the manner of faith and mode of rituals

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This resulted in accepting tolerance in variatio Reality.
Thus Hindus acknowledge in one supreme God the diverse outward appearance for the benefit o
Lesson 7One God (The Supreme Reality) in n
Advaitha philosophy of Vedas, shows that the He is evident with His veil of Maya as Sa appearances which are worshipped in the temp realize. Each one is permitted to worship to any Ithihasas and Puranas. All devotees are familiar with the fact that, all only Divine Force. The worship of a range off on to a form for rituals, worships or meditations "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudhah Vadhanthi" -- T true nature is far beyond understanding.
Lesson 8: The Principles of Various Systems
The basic principle of Hinduism is the belief characteristics, worshipped in any one of severa
i. They believe in nonviolence or Ahin ii. They believe in Divine duty or Dhar iii. They believe in activities without att iv. They believe in the needs for a devot V. They believe in the indestructibility
liberation of the Soul or Moksha.
The basic philosophies are given in the various are explanatory texts written by ancient sages fo The six philosophical treatises are: 1. Nyaya, the philosophy of logic, maintair manifestation Nyaya propounded by Rishi G 2. Vaisesika, philosophy of specialised logic, cause of the cosmic manifestation propound 3. Sankhya, philosophy of analytical study, m the cosmic manifestation propounded by Ris 4. Yoga, philosophy of mystic perfections, ma
of the cosmic manifestation propounded by 5. Purva (karma) mimamsa, philosophy of activities are the cause of the cosmic manife 6. Utara (brahma) mimamsa Vedantha)
categories: The impersonalists maintain th cause of the cosmic manifestation.

ns and beliefs in many paths to One Supreme
who is without form and has no attributes takes f the people to realize Him.
many forms
Absolute formless God as Nirguna Brahmam. aguna Brahmam, in the numerous outward bles and other places, for the common man to I of the appearances elucidated in the Agamas,
these diverse forms guide to the One and the orms by the devotees are merely to concentrate
ruth (The Supreme Reality) is One God in His
of Hindu Philosophy
in one Supreme Being who is without forms or l of His forms of manifestations.
S2.
2
achment or Karma yoga ion and surrender to God or Bhakthi
of the soul, cycle of rebirth and the ultimate
s Upanishads of the Vedas.The six Dharsanas Ir these Upanishads.
is that the atom is the cause of the cosmic Pautama. maintains that the combination of atoms is the ed by Rishi Kanada. laintains that the material nature is the cause of hi Kapila. intains that universal consciousness is the cause Rishi Patanjali.
actions and reactions, maintains that fruitive station propounded by Rishi Jaimini. propounded by Rishi Vyasa has two different at the impersonal Brahman effulgence is the

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Vaiseshika, Sankhya and Vedantha Dharsal faith, prayers and the philosophy. Nyaya, Yoga and Purva Mimamsa systems logic and pure rituals. They did not stress the in Sri Vyasa Maharishi founded the System ol Philosophy. In addition Maharishi wrote the Vedantha. According to the Philosophy Vedantha, Brahm lila(sporting) without undergoing any change a
Lesson 9: One Truth as perceived in diverse
Many gurus (Acharyas) provided comprehe philosophies y and practices of different beliefs Sankara explained the theory of Advaitha. absolute and formless. He appears as the Sa sanctimonious Worship of devotees. The Supre the same. All have taken different forms owing avidhya. Ramanuja explained the theory of Visishta-ad Narayana, a personal God with attributes. It is manifests in a diversified world. Madhva explained the theory of Dhvalitha Ac The individual souls do not attain equality w separate from His creations, who are real and di Meykandar explained the theory of Saiva S different from the above
Lesson 10 The observance of Hinduism as in
The Philosophical knowledge and teaching of I mankind for several thousands of years and application of the theoretical concepts in the di due to the sound principles on which its practic teach us of normal conduct in performing our w The Hindu way of life. The spiritual destination of a Hindu is to unite as moksha. A Hindu believes that till moksha is order that the person may work towards self-re:
Purusharthas Four aims in human life (purusharthas); Purusha is the human being and artha is 1 objectives of man.
1. Dharma (righteousness), the code for 2. Artha (material wealth), the pursuito 3. Kama (desire) determines the reincar
in the previous births.

has deal with theoretical aspect of the religious
explain the practice of the faith with analysis, nportance of a concept of prayers to God.
f Vedantha which is the most admired Vedic Dharma Sasthras based on the Philosophy of
am develops. Itself into the universe for Its own und without ceasingto be Itself.
approach
2nsive enlightening texts on the established
According to this speculation, the Brahmam is guna Brahmam in a variety of forms for the me Brahmam and all His creations are one and to the veil of Maya and due to our ignorance or
hvaitha. According to this thought Brahmam is not homogenous, has elements of plurality and
cording to this hypothesis it is strictly dualistic. fith God. According to this suggestion God is ependent on God.
iddhantha another philosophy that is slightly
Vedas and Agamas
Hinduism has continued to exist in the history of
still considered admired generally due to the aily practical life of common man and specially e is based.The Dharma Sasthras and Smrithis vork.
with the Almighty God. This process is known S attained, one will be repeatedly reincarnated in alization of the truth.
the objective. Hence Purusharthas means the
leading one's life.
f material gain by lawful means nation of an individual according to ones deeds

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4. Moksha (salvation) the release of the Every individual in a society is expect fulfillment in his life before departing establishes the fact that Hinduism doe hardship, but a life of balance, achiev
Dharma The word Dharma means that which upholds inherent and invisible, but responsible for all aspects and at all levels of creation. As far as that an individual undertakes in harmony with aspirations, actions that would ensure order ar in which he lives. Dharma is the appropriate rules and regulatio which holds" the universe and its beings. Til general and universal rules and Visesha Dharr They give peace, joy, strength and tranquility. Since this world is deluded, a human being m what dharma is and what adharma is. Hence h the injunctions contained there in. Dharma for perform actions that are in harmony with the d at the root of everything and upholds everyt dharma is bound to bring misery and suffering
Earlier dharmashastras (law books) provided g them to adhere to dharma. These law books w hence are no more relevant to the modern WO what is adharma, is to follow the religious Upanishads or any other Vedic scriptures
Artha
The word Artha means wealth. Hinduism reco overall happiness and well being of an individ many duties to uphold dharma and ensure the Hinduism correctly places material wealth as life. Hinduism advocates austerity, simplicity an Hinduism also emphasizes the need to observ believes that both spiritualism and materialism In earlier days Artha shastras (scriptures on W. the finer aspects of managing their wealth. compilation of many independent works, giv handled in ancient days.

soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth. ted to achieve these four objectives and seek
from here. The concept of Purusharthas clearly 's not advocate a life of self negation and ement and fulfillment.
; this entire creation. It is a Divine law that is existence. Dharma exists in all planes, in all human life is considered dharma consists of all
divine expectations and his own inner spiritual ld harmony with in him and in the environment
ons of one's duty, which literally means "that hey are classified as Samanya Dharma or the ma or specific personal rules for each individual.
ay not know what is right and what is wrong or he should rely upon the scriptures and adhere to a human being is to develop divine virtues and livine laws. Dharma is the first aim because it is hing. Any action performed without observing and delay ones salvation.
uidance to people in their daily lives and helped ere written for a particular time frame work and rld. The best way to know what dharma is and scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and the
gnizes the importance of material wealth for the lual. A house holder requires wealth, to perform welfare and progress of his family and society. the second most important objective in human
ld detachment, but does not glorify poverty. e dharma while amassing the wealth. Hinduism are important for the salvation of human beings. ealth) provided necessary guidance to people on Kautilya's Artha shastra, which is probably a ves us a glimpse of how money matters were

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Kama
The word Kama gives the meaning, desire and gita informs us that desire is an aspect of d movements and manifestations. The best way t perform desireless actions without seeking the all the actions to God. By this our actions woul Hinduism permits sexual freedom so long as it emphasize that the purpose of sex is procreatic the purpose of dharma is to ensure order in the Just as the dharmashastras were written for th kama shastras were composed in ancient day. have lost many of them because of the extrem the subject. Artha and Kama are the materialistic aspiratic one seeks the material benefits and pleasures with greed and lust.
Moksha
The word Moksha means absence of moha or c triple gunas. When a person overcomes these overcome by detachment, self control, surren dharma is at the center of human life, beyonc divine. In short Moksha is the relief from pain and s reason for all our actions. The individual soul (Atman) unites with Brahn to moksha.
1. Gathering spiritual expe 2. Real devotion to god 3. Serving selflessly for the The Hindu can choose one or all four of the fol
1. The path of knowledge - Jnana-Yoga
Spiritual knowledge-leading to the know (atman) and God (Brahman) 2. The path of meditation - Dhyana-yoga
The aim is to reach the real self within yo 3. The Path of Devotion - Bhakti-yoga
worshipping a particular god in full faith 4. The path of good works - Karma-yoga Performing all the duties correctly without the your life. Every person has his Swabhava (natu (natural function). We cannot change either ou nature cannot be forced into a change by our w

in particular sense, sexual desire. The Bhagavad elusion and one has to be wary of its various o deal with desires is to develop detachment and fruit of ones actions and making an offering of d not bind us to the cycle of births and deaths.
is not in conflict with dharma. Hindu scriptures on and perpetuation of family and society, while institution of family and society. he sake of dharma, and artha shastras for artha, S for providing guidance in matters of sex. We e secrecy and Social disapproval associated with
on and passion, that too govern our events. If not within the scope of Dharma, it will cause pain
lelusion. Delusion is caused by the actions of the gunas, he attains liberation. The gunas can be der to god and offering ones actions to God. If | moksha there is no human life, but only a life
uffering and ultimate liberation that is the main
han the universal soul. There are different ways
riences knowledge through yoga and meditation.
good of society. lowing paths to achieve Moksha;
ledge of the relationship between the soul
u and become one with Brahman
during the life in actions, words and deeds.
expectation of any sort of reward throughout iral being) fitting him for his Swadharma
r natural being or our natural function because hims and fancies.
10

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Lesson 11: Applications of the knowledge of F
The philosophy and ethics of practice of the Hinduism by the sages. The rituals are considere The four Yogas of Hinduism show the path to S Karma Yoga is the correct path of performing the actions carried out without looking for the re Raja Yoga is the discipline of the control of meditation, concentration and physical exercist natural reaction to all actions. Bhakthi Yoga is the spiritual discipline of su surrender to God at any time. Bhakthi Yoga c living beings and in all activities. Jnana Yoga is the path of obtaining Spiritual k and devotion. Vedas describe three personality characters nam The Sathvika Gunas are characteristics in de Dharma. The Rajasika Gunas are characteristics in de enjoyments directed by desire and ego, which ar The Thamasika Gunas are characteristics in appropriate Dharma.They are ambitious solely greediness and desire. The Yoga path of spiritual discipline promotes Guna and at the same time shows the technique without the proper Dharma. A devotee following the proper Dharma concep of peace and equanimity of mind and everlastin a person, determines the rebirth and ultimate libi
The Vedas illustrate the details of rituals and Mi The Agamas give the details of worship of the practice of the Hindu faith. The popular ones ar. Systems. The Nirguna Brahmam is without forms or att and comprehend for ordinary people due to thei this Universal Spirit easily understandable, The Saguna Brahmam, is God with many form God (Ishwara). Thus the average man or woma any one of the several forms
Lesson 12 The Ithihasas and Puranas
The Itihasas narrates the stories of absorbing
fundamentals of Hinduism are indelibly impres the Vedas are stressed deeply in the minds of th

Hindu philosophy in life
rituals are given in the respective scripts of d as one of the easy paths for the eternal bliss. piritual discipline of the behavior of mankind.
day to day duties without greed or desire and munerations of benefit or loss. Dur mind and body. It trains us the breathing, e and a state of equanimity of the mind as a
preme devotion and love of God. It trains to oaches the devotee to see and feel God in all
nowledge through activities, study, meditation
ely, Sathwika, Rajasika and Tamasika. votees in devotees who belief in the faith of
votees who enjoyed some amount of worldly e Artha and Kama.
devotees who have less knowledge of the by Artha and Kama which are enthusiasm,
the ways to follow the most superior Sathva ’s to suppress the detrimental Artha and Kama
ts and the accepted Karma experiences a sense g happiness.The Guna and effects of Karma of eration of that individual.
anthras for practice of Hinduism. Supreme Reality.There are several manners of e the Advaitha, Visishta-adhvaitha and Dvaitha
ributes and is Impersonal. It is hard to visualize r ignorance and limitations. Therefore, to make
S and attributes who is known as the One Great n is able to offer their prayers to the Divine in
interest and importance, by which most of the sed. The laws of Smritis and the principles of e common people, through the noble characters
11

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and courageous deeds of the distinguished hero the minds of the mass from these sublime storie
Ithihasas, (meaning "It happened thus") : explaining such incarnations of Vishnu as Mahabharatha.
The Puranas cover the intermediate period be in the form of parables and narratives, became religious and often sectarian significance, they life and comprise an astonishingly varied rel diverse topics including philosophy, ethics, le arts.They deals even with subjects like gramma and elephants.
The Puranas belong to the class of Suhrit-Samh Lakshana):
1. History
2. Cosmology
3. Secondary creation 4. Genealogy of kings 5. Manvantharas
The two great Hindu Epics, the Ramayana at According to recent evidences it is proved tha mythological. Iitihaasas, literally means that Ramayana are interwind in Hindu philosophy a Hindus into the present day.
Lesson 13 Manifestations of the Supreme an
Though different people worship different form that all rituals in many forms are for the same E and flows to the same Ocean, let all my praye These are some of the popular words studied God in many forms".
Bhakthi is an uncomplicated form of worship This form of worship is believed as the total ultimate objective of life.
The initial phase of devotional mode of worshi of worship the devotee prays for some worldly
After that the devotee is totally keen in his c Devata). The devotee sees the Divine(Him) al divine love. At the final stage the devotee does

es. The actual concepts of Hinduism are set into
S.
are chronological observations of early era Sri Rama in Ramayana and Sri Krishna in
tween the Vedic and the Classical epochs. Cast
the Scripture of the common. Apart from their furnish a picture of social, political and cultural pertory of folklore and information regarding gal institutions, popular festivals, and several ar, prosody, rhetoric, archery and care of horses
itas and they have five characteristics (Pancha
nd the Mahabharata, are the main mythology. at both are accounts of real events, not merely which happened.The epics Mahabharata and nd serve as parables and sources of devotion for
d forms of worship
as of the one and the same god, it will be clear Brahmam. "Like the rain water from the skyfalls rs in every direction reach the same almighty." and recited by every devotee to explain "One
in the p of worship observance of Hindu faith. surrender to the Divine superior which is the
p is called the "Apara Bhakthi".In this manner request as a personalized worship.
levotion and love to his personal God,( Ishta
ll over and completely surrenders to Him with not request anything in return as a favor.
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The highest stage of devotional mode of wor devotee may see God as his father, as his mot devotee perceives God in everything and every
Lesson 14 Spiritual Discipline
Karma Yoga, is the performance all actions wi benefit without expecting any favorable or unfa Carrying out an action with an aspiration for r cause of pain.
The Smrithis of Hinduism set up the common each one is specified certain obligations in acc aspiration, past actions and certain instinctive q Hinduism stipulates a number of rituals for diff certain Karmas and rituals as part of their d conducted for the departed souls. Many other rit

ship is called the "Para Bhakthi". Here the her, as a personal friend, as a master etc. The thing in God.
th devotion as an offering to God and not own vorable results from such action.
turn of any yield is imperfect as it will be the
conduct, ethics and customs for the devotees. ordance to their age, personality, qualification, ualities. rent circumstances.Every one needs to perform aily duty. Funeral rituals and annual rites are uals are conducted depending on the needs.
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