Introduction to Hinduism: Beliefs, Symbols and Rituals

• Hinduism has origins over 4000 years ago and has no founder.
• The name Hinduism is derived from the Indus River.
• Hinduism is monotheistic

Symbols

• Aum is the main symbol.
• Swastika is an ancient symbol of prosperity, where the bent sides represent Vishnu.
• A Tilak is made of powder that can be worn by men or women.
• A Bindi is a jewel worn between the eyebrows or forehead that indicates marital status.
• A Mandir is a Hindu building for communal worship, where a deity is adorned with a statue within.

Scriptures

• The Vedas mainly contain hymns.
• The Upanishads form the backbone.
• The Mahabharata explores Dharma, morality, and the struggle of good and evil.
• The Ramayana explores duty, morality, and the struggle between good and evil.

Rituals

• Hindus bathe before praying and begin/end prayers with the sound "OHM".
• Puja involves thanking a deity by making offerings and can be performed at home with a tray.

Groups in Hinduism

• Vaishnavism involves worshipping Vishnu.
• Shaivism involves worshipping Shiva.

Stages of Life

• Stage 1: Student (Age 1-25) involves formal education, learning rules and rituals, showing respect to elders, and preparing for social, religious, and family life.
• Stage 2: Householder (Age 26-50) involves marriage, family, providing for the family, caring for family members, and practicing social and religious traditions.
• Stage 3: Forest Dweller (Age 51-75) involves retirement and transmitting household duties to a spouse or child.
• Stage 4: Ascetic (Age 75 & up) involves total devotion to god, wandering, meditation, attaining moksha, and preparing the soul for death.

Rites of Passage

• Samskara is a rite of passage marking stages of life and meant to purify the soul.

Birth and Naming Rituals

• When a baby is born the father places honey on the child's tongue and whispers the name of God.
• Around the eleventh day, parents hold a naming ceremony where an astrologer determines the child's astrology sign.

Babies First Outing

• The first time the baby is brought outside to see the sun and moon.

First Feeding Ritual

• When teething begins, the family gives the child their first grains along with objects (bangle/jewel, book, pen, container of soil) where the child chooses objects reflecting talents.

Child's First Haircut

• Occurs between 1-3 years old and is believed to remove impurities.

Ear Piercing:

• At around 3-5 years old for acupuncture benefits.

Sacred Thread

• This is for boys only from the upper 3 caste systems.
• Represents initiation and rebirth into the faith.
• It is worn for a lifetime, replaced at intervals, and the old one is only removed when a new one is placed.

Karma

• Decides a person's identity.
• Hindus believe that the current life results from acts done in a previous life, and current actions determine future lives.

Dharma

• In order to have good karma, a person has to fulfill their Dharma (Duty).
• Hindus believe that the soul passes through successive lives, and the next incarnation depends on how the previous life was lived.