GCSE Revision Guide

AQA Religious Studies A

Hinduism: Beliefs,
teachings and
practices
Section One: Beliefs and
teachings
Ideas about the nature of God and existence
 Brahman: different Hindu understandings of brahman;
ultimate reality as divine consciousness (nirguna) and
manifestation of God in form (saguna); spiritual worlds.
 Different understandings of the three features of the
divine:
• everywhere, as non-personal (brahman)
• within the heart
• beyond, as a personal loving God
• Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 391.
 How the divine presents:
• the Tri-murti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
• male and female deities, including Ganesha,
Lakshmi, Hanuman, Saraswati
• the concept of avatara, including Krishna, Rama.
 Matter (prakriti); the three qualities (tri-guna); illusion
(maya); cosmology (Rig Veda 10.129.6-7); the cycle of
four ages; many worlds and their diverse inhabitants.

Beliefs about the nature of human life

 The concept of atman, as individual, eternal inner self,
distinct from material mind and body.
 Cycle of birth and death: samsara; moral action and
reaction: the law of karma; types of liberation: moksha.
 Individual free will and responses to suffering; knowledge
and ignorance.
 Personal virtues including ahimsa, respect, empathy,
mind/sense control, humility, love.
 The four aims of human life: dharma, artha, kama,
moksha.
 The meaning of dharma; sanatana dharma; varnashrama
dharma.
 Brahman
Hinduism is the religion and way of life of Ancient India, which has been passed down through
the generations by revelation, oral tradition and written scripture. Its names come from the
valley of the River Indus where is started thousands of years ago.

What do Hindus mean by Brahman?

‘In truth Brahman is all.’ Mundaka Upanishad 2.2

‘He moves, and he moves not. He is far and he is near. He is within all, and his is outside all.’
Isa Upanishad 1.5

Brahman is the Hindu name for God or Supreme Being. Nirguna Brahman is God/the Supreme
Being as a spiritual presence only. Saguna Brahman is God/the Supreme Being shown in form.
The Om or Aum is the sound and symbol of Brahman.

Three aspects of the Divine There are three main aspects of

• Existing everywhere, as a non-personal Brahman.
God, called Brahman. These are expressed in
• Being within the Heart of everyone, called the Trimurti
antaryami, meaning ‘the God within’ and are:
• As a personal God or Lord, called • Brahma, the Creator.
Bhagavan and approached through many • Vishnu, the Preserver.
different deities, living in the spiritual worlds • Shiva, the Destroyer.
called Vaikuntha.
The Trimurti - Brahma
‘Brahma was […] the creator of all, the Guardian of the Universe […] From him comes all life
and mind [...] space and light, air and fire and water, and this Earth that holds us all […] From
him comes the moon [..] the rain and all herbs that grow upon earth [..] oceans and
mountains; and all rivers…’ Mundaka Upanishad 1 and 2

Brahma faces north, south, east and west because he is responsible

for all of the created world.

The special meaning of the four objects:

Vedas: The earliest Hindu scriptures. This shows he is guided by the

Vedas – some Hindus believe he was responsible for their origin.
The spoon: Represents a sacrificial ladle used in worship. Brahma is
responsible for offerings during worship.
Mala: A string of beads that are used during meditation.
The water pot: Represents the water of life, which was responsible for
the beginning of creation.

Brahma is seen as the least important of the Trimurti as a punishment for poor behaviour.
Some Hindus think he is worshipped less because as creator, his work is done.

Stories from Hindu tradition

1. Brahma created a female deity called Shatarupa and fell in love with her. Shiva through
this obsession was wrong so punished him by making him no longer worshipped as other
gods.
2. Brahma was too busy listening to the music of Saraswati to pay attention to a high-priest
who wanted him to lead a fire sacrifice so the high-priest punished him.
The Trimurti - Vishnu
‘Whenever there appears on earth decline of Righteousness, uprising of Unrighteousness, I
send Myself to birth. For protection of the good, the wicked put to flight, I come into being age
by age establishing the Right.’ Bhagavad Gita 4.7-8

The Sanskrit word Vishnu means ‘one who enters everywhere’.

He is mainly worshipped through his incarnations or avatars, especially
Rama and Krishna.

Vishnu is special in four ways

• He represents the soul of the entire universe
• He gave birth to Brahma who created the universe
• He enters the heart of every living being to become ‘the lord within’
• He is worshipped through avatars

Vishnu is believed to step in to restore moral order, prevent suffering and

disaster, and show kindness and generosity to his devotees.

Stories from Hindu tradition

1. Disguised as a dwarf, Vishnu tricked the demon world-ruler, Bali, into giving him everything
he could cover in three strides. Vishnu covered the earth and skies in two strides. The third
strides was to rest his foot on Bali’s head, acknowledging Vishnu’s supremacy as God.
2. Prahlada was a devotee of Vishnu but the son of a demon king who thought he was the
greatest. His father repeatedly tried to kill him, but Vishnu saved him every time and
remained devoted to Vishnu. He was rewarded with eternal bliss in heaven.

The Trimurti - Shiva

‘He is Rudra, he alone is the ONE who governs the worlds with his powers. He watches over all
being and rules over their creations and their destruction.’ Svetasvatara Upanishad 3

Shiva is the most complex of Hindu gods. He is thought to be in charge of destruction and
recreating afterwards. His symbol is the linga, or male sex organ, which shows his ability to
recreate.

Other symbols:

Animal hides: sign of an ascetic, as well as his mastery over the tiger,
which represents lust.
Trident: represents the three deities of the Trimurti
Serpents: represents Shiva’s creative powers after destruction
Third eye: represents spiritual knowledge and power, is able to destroy
evil
Ash: sign of an ascetic
Blue body: from when he drank poison to save the world
River Ganges: flows from Shiva’s head, representing everlasting time.
Earrings: different symbols show that Shiva is both male and female.
Nandi the bull: symbolises courage and shows Shiva’s calm and gentle
aspects.
Vaishnavism and Shaivism
Vaishnavism is a tradition that focuses on the worship of Vishnu. Vaishnava worship is based on
scriptures, and focuses on bhakti (personal devotion) through saying mantras and repetitive
prayers known as japa. Vaishnavas believe that Vishnu is within them as the antaryami, and
their aim in life is to serve Vishnu. Vaishnavas believe that the atman is separate from the
Supreme Being.

Shaivism is a tradition that focuses on the worship of Shiva. Shaivas focus on Shiva’s dancing
form, Nataraja. Shaivas are often ascetics who are trying to gain liberation from the cycle of
samsara. They practice astanga yoga, and some even smoke marijuana as an aid to
meditation. They believe that the atman and Brahman are one and therefore there is only one
reality.

Both groups use stories to claim that their deity is superior:

Stories from Hindu tradition

1. Shiva is a flaming post extending into eternity. Both Brahma and Vishnu try to find the end
but cannot. Therefore, Shiva is the eternal God, more powerful than Vishnu or Brahma. He is a
never-ending pillar of light.
2. Bhrigu insulted each of the gods of the trimurti to discover which was most important and
influence only by goodness. Both Shiva and Brahma were furious, but Vishnu apologised for
hurting Bhrigu. Vaishnavas claim that Vishnu is more filled with goodness and superior to the
other members of the trimurti.

The deities
‘Then Vidagdha, the son of Sakala, asked him [Yajnavalkya]. ‘How many gods are there,
Yajnavalkya?’
Yajnavalkya decided it through this [group of Mantras known as] Nivid, [saying], ‘As many as
are indicated in the Nivid of the Visvadevas, three hundred and three, and three thousand
and three’.
‘Very well’, said Sakalya, ‘how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?’
‘Thirty-three’. ‘
Very well’, said the other, ‘how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?’
‘Six’.
‘Very well’, said Sakalya, ‘how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?’ ‘Three’. ‘Very well’, said
the other, ‘how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?’
‘Two’.
‘Very well’, said Sakalya, ‘how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?’
‘One and a half’.
‘Very well’, said the other, ‘how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?’
‘One’.
‘Very well’, said Sakalya, ‘which are those three hundred and three and three thousand and
three?’
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 391

Hindus can be seen as both polytheists and monotheists at the same time. They usually favour
one particular god or goddess, and offer sacrifices to whichever one seems right on that
occasion.
The three main female deities
Saraswati: The consort of Brahma and goddess of learning.
Her son is Manu. He is thought of as the father of mankind
and another of the Laws of Manu, which is the book of moral
laws in Hindu scriptures. The Vedas, the oldest Hindu holy text,
are also thought to be Saraswati’s children so she is often
referred to as Veda-Mata, mother of the Vedas.

Lakshmi: The consort of Vishnu, often referred to as Sri, a

word meaning beauty, prosperity and wealth. She is
especially worshipped during the festival of Diwali when she
is prayed to for a prosperous new year. Her marriage to
Vishnu is considered the prefect union.

Shakti: Also known as Parvati, Durga and Kali.

Parvati - known to be caring for others and both patient and
wise. The balance of female and male is often represented in
Hinduism by images of Shiva and Parvati as halves of one
person.
Durga - a warrior goddess who symbolises the 'hidden strength'
of women, and divine opposition to evil
Kali: a fierce and wild goddess. She is associated with death
and destruction- particularly of demons, whose blood she
caught on her tongue.

Hanuman and Ganesha are animal gods who are believed to be born from Shiva and Parvati.
Hanuman is known for strength and devotion to duty, and is the patron of wrestlers, sportsmen
and soldiers. Ganesha is the god of good luck and removers of obstacles.

The avatars
Hindus believe that the god Vishnu has shown himself in many different forms at special times
and for special reasons. There are 10 avatars. The most important are the seventh, Rama, and
the eighth Krishna.
Matsya, the fish that kills Damanaka to save the Vedas and saves mankind.
Kurma, the turtle that helps the Devas and Asuras churn the ocean for the nectar of
immortality.
Varaha, the boar that rescues the Earth and kills Hiranyaksha.
Narasimha, the half-lion half human, who defeats the demon Hiranyakashapu -nara(man),
simha (lion).
Vamana, the dwarf that grows into a giant to save the world from King Bali.
Parashurama, "Rama of the battle axe," a sage who appeared in the Treta Yuga. He killed
Kartavirya Arjuna's army and clan and then killed all the ksatriyas 21 times.
Rama, Sri Ramachandra, the prince and king of Ayodhya who killed Demon King Raavan.
Balarama, The elder brother of Krishna and considered the eighth avatar of Vishnu in puranic
texts. In some modern interpretations, however, Krishna is considered the eighth avatar and
the Buddha the ninth.
Krishna, the ninth Avatar of Vishnu and associated with the Dwapara Yuga.
Kalki, the tenth avatar of Vishnu and said to be the harbinger of the end of Kali Yuga. This is
the only avatar of Vishnu that is yet to manifest itself.
Cosmology
‘Well verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this
creation?
The Gods are later than this world’s production. Who knows then whence it first came into
being?
He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it,
Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not’
Rig Veda 10.129.6-7

Hindu ideas about the world and how it works

• Time is cyclical
• The material world is repeatedly created
• The universe is one of many bubbles floating in space
• There are three tiers of our universe: the heavenly planets; the earthly realm; the lower
worlds
• There is not a single account of creation; instead, there are many interrelated stories.
• There are two realities: spirit (purusa) and matter (prakriti)

The cycle of four ages

• Hindus believe that time is separated into four long

periods of time called yugas totalling 4,320,000 years.
These are broken down into gold (1,728,000yrs), silver
(1,296,000yrs) copper (864,000yrs) and iron (432,000yrs).
This current age, leaving 427,000yrs.
• Each age gets shorter and is believed to be more
corrupt.
• At the end of this age, Vishnu will appear as Kalki (the
10th avatar) riding a white horse. He will kill the remaining
evil and start a new birth of a golden age, and the
cycle will start again.

The universe
• The universe is clusters pf bubbles floating in space created from Vishnu’s breath.
• In each universe, there is an upper realm of heavenly planets, an earthly realm, and a
lower world full of less pleasant beings.
• Every form of creation has a place within these universes.
• In each cycle of life, humans may move into a different realm.

Matter
• Hindus believe the world is made up of spirit, purusa, and matter, prakriti, but different
Hindus will interpret their relationship differently.
• When a soul reaches enlightenment, the world ceases to have matter/substance and it is
shown to be an illusion, or maya
• Matter is believed to go through three stages: creation, maintenance and destruction.
• In human life these are seen as passion (red), goodness (yellow) and ignorance (blue),
and explain how humans behave.
Atman
‘Atman, the spirit of vision, is never born and never dies. Before him there was nothing, and
his is one for evermore. Never-born and eternal, beyond time gone or to come he does not
die when the bodies dies’
Katha Upanishad 2.18

The word atman is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘real self’ or inner self’. Hindus believe that the
atman is the real and eternal ‘self’. All living beings in this world have an atman inside of
them.

Stories from Hindu tradition

After the universe was created, atman was created. Atman travelled through the universe
and come to planet Earth; there, atman helped to bring alive new beings. As these beings
were part of Earth, their bodies died but their atman remained.

All Hindus believe that the real self, the atman, is eternal and made of spirit, Brahman. Some
believe that the atman is the same as Brahman, because Brahman is all-powerful and able
to be everywhere at the same time. Others believe that the atman contains only part of
Brahman, because it if was exactly the same as Brahman then he would not be supreme.

Stories from Hindu tradition

To explain Brahman and the atman to his son, Svetaketu, his father asked him to put a lump
of salt in water overnight. In the morning, Svetaketu could not find the salt as it had
dissolved. The water all tasted salty but could not be seen. His father said, ‘In the same way,
O my son, you cannot see the Atman, but in truth is here. Brahman, or the spirit of the whole
universe, is like an invisible and subtle essence.
Chandogya Upanishad 6.12

Samsara, karma and moksha

Hindus believe that the atman moves through a series of steps which begins in plants and
animals and goes onto humans. When a man or woman dies their soul is re-housed in
another person. This continual cycle of birth and death is called samsara.

It is the belief that when your body dies, your soul (atman) moves onto another being. The
soul in everything is the same – there is no difference between the soul in a plant or animal
and a human. The transferring of the atman into a new body is called transmigration and the
taking on of a new body is called reincarnation.

The type of person your soul moves on to depends on how you have lived. Karma means
action. Good karma in your last life means good karma in this life. Bad karma in your last life
means bad karma in this life.

The end of the birth and death cycle (samsara)

is known as moksha. It is what every Hindu
hopes to achieve as the soul breaks out of the
cycle or rebirth and joins with Brahman.

This can only happen when the soul becomes

completely pure and is not affected by
anything that happens on earth.
Then the soul can go back to being part of
Brahman where it began.
Dharma
‘There is the path of joy, and there is the path of pleasure. Both attract the soul. Who follows
the first comes to good; who follows the pleasure reaches not the End.
The two paths lie in front of man. Pondering on them, the wise man chooses the path of joy;
the fool takes the path of pleasure.’
Katha Upanishad 2.1-2

Hindus believe life involves a series of duties (dharma). Dharma isn’t the same for everyone as
it depends on your family background and your job. It includes lots of things like worshipping
God, doing your job properly, not hurting people or living animals, being honest etc. It is up to
every human to do their dharma as well as they possibly can. For Hindus, this is the first aim in
life.

Purusharthas= Objectives of a human

According to Hinduism, the meaning (purpose/goals) of human life is four-fold:

1. Dharma: To act virtuously and righteously

2. Artha: To gain prosperity
3. Kama: To gain enjoyment
4. Moksha: To reach enlightenment

All of these are needed in appropriate balance in order to reach moksha. To focus on any of
them and neglect the others will hinder reaching moksha

Stories from Hindu tradition

A Hindu holy man was walking through a city and gave different blessings to different
people. Explaining his blessings to his disciples, he said that because the Crown Prince has
led a life of luxury and thoughtlessness, he will suffer in the next life so it is better that he
never dies. The student was performing a holy task so it was better that he die now whilst
pure, before he could sin. The butcher lives a hellish life, with no chance of escape if he dies
so it doesn’t matter if he lives or dies and the worshipper will serve God no matter what so it
doesn’t matter if they live or die.

Suffering
‘Be friendly and compassionate released from ego selfishness, patient, hate not being, the
same in pain and happiness’
Bhagavad Gita 12.13

Hindus think that suffering is partly due to the bad karma in people’s previous lives. They also
believe that suffering comes from ‘moral evil’, the bad that humans causes. Hindus try to
break free from suffering by reaching moksha. They believe inner peace is achieved by
changing yourself, rather than your material surroundings.

Hindus believe that it is part of their dharma to relieve the suffering of others.
Sanatana dharma
Many Hindus prefer to call their religion sanatana dharma, which is a Sanskrit phrase meaning
‘eternal truth’ and refers to the duties that link the eternal soul to God according to ancient
scriptures.

This means that sanatana dharma is timeless and the duty of all people everywhere.

Sanatana is the idea or prefect way of life that all Hindus try to follow. It consists of the
following:
• Always considering what is right and what is wrong about any action
• Remembering God in your heart and mind
• Learning more about God and dharma from holy scriptures
• Trying to reach moksha
• Offering worship to God, either in the temple or at home
• Feeding animals and birds, and caring for plants and trees
• Showing respect for elders and caring for the needy

BAPS Swaminarayan Santha

The BAPS Swaminarayan Santha is based at
Neasden Temple in London. Its members
follow the Shikshapatri, a book of rules on
moral conduct. For example, they should:
• Live according to dharma
• Never commit murder
• Never eat meat, or drink alcohol
• Be honest in all business dealings
• Respect all other deities

Members of the BAPS spend their lives doing

charitable work, and trying to make the world
a better place for all.

Can you answer these?

1. Explain the different ways in which Hindus think of the divine.
2. Explain Hindu beliefs about the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Refer to Hindu teaching
in your answer.
3. Explain different ways in which a Hindu might fulfil his/her dharma.
4. How could a Hindu parent teach their child to follow sanatana dharma? Refer to Hindu
teaching in your answer.
5. Explain two examples of female deities connected with the trimurti.
6. Explain why the avatars of Vishnu are important in Hinduism.
7. Explain what Hindus believe about the atman. Refer to Hindu teaching in your answer.
8. Explain how beliefs about the tri-guna link to Hindu ideas about matter.
9. Explain the difference between Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
10. Explain the difference between nirguna and saguna Brahman.
Section Two: Practices
Worship and festivals
 Places of worship and their importance: home; temple;
outdoors (such as shrines); the space of the heart
 Different forms of worship/meditation and their
significance: havan, puja, arati, darshan, bhajan/kirtan,
japa/mantra; key differences in worship in Shaivism and
Vaishnavism and different Hindu views about the
importance of worship.
 Focuses of worship and representations of the divine and
their importance:
• one God (personal or non-personal)
• the many deities, guru and other elders
• holy land, hills and rivers
• sacred plants and animals
• the murti as a representation of God.
 Sacred festivals and their importance for Hindus in Great
Britain today, including the origins and meaning of:
• Diwali
• Holi.
Lifestyle
 The four paths towards yoga (union with the divine), their
differences and their importance:
• action (karma yoga)
• knowledge (jnana yoga)
• meditation (astanga yoga)
• devotion (bhakti yoga).
 Pilgrimage:
• the role of pilgrimage
• practices and purposes
• sacred sites, including Varanasi
• Kumbh Mela.
 The work and significance of:
• Hindu environmental projects including ‘cow
protection’ and their significance.
• Charities that promote well-being, social inclusion
and women’s rights.
Why Hindus worship
‘When a man knows God, he is free: his sorrows have an end , and birth and death are no
more. When in inner union he is beyond the world of body, the the... World of the spirit, is
found... Where... Man... Is one with the ONE’
Svetasvatara Upanishad 1

‘With upright body, head and neck, lead the mind and its powers into thy heart; and the OM
of Brahman will then be thy boat with which to cross the rivers of fear’
Svetasvatara Upanishad 2

‘There are two ways of contemplation of Brahman: in sound and in silence.’

Maitri Upansishad 6.22

Some Hindu thinkers teach that atman, or the soul, is always one with Brahman. While some
Hindus think that the atman and Brahman always remain separate.

Hindu thinkers debate whether the atman achieves moksha by a person's own efforts, or by
the grace, through Brahman or another deity.

Stories from Hindu tradition

A king in South India failed to welcome a wise man so was turned into an elephant called
Gajendra as punishment.
When Gajendra was bathing in the lake, a crocodile attacked him. Gajendra remembered
a prayer to Vishnu and recited them. Vishnu came and saved him on his giant eagle,
Garuda, and took him straight back to vaikuntha, the spiritual realms.

This story could show that souls are saved by God’s grace, or could show that through
devotion and worship Hindus can achieve moksha.

Where Hindus worship

Hindu holy books teach about ways of finding and worshipping God. The Upanishads
recommend performing yoga and meditation. The Bhagavad Gita describes a path of
knowledge, following through reading holy books, and a path of action, followed through
exercise that focus the mind and heart on God.

All these types of worship can be performed at home, at a shrine or in any sacred space
outdoors. Hindus generally agree that the way a person worships is not as important as the
love and devotion in their heart when they worship.

Every village and town in India has at least one temple or mandir. The appearance of a
temple is intended to create a kind of heaven on Earth, where worshippers can be still and
find the e truth within themselves, that is , worship in the space of the heart. A highly
decorated temple is thought to drive off evil forces.

Inside the temple you would expect to find a murti (image of a deity) and a shrine
dedicated to that deity. You would also find side rooms for preparing offerings, and a
special room at the entrance for the guardian or vehicle of the deity.
How Hindus worship
Bhakti means loving devotion to God. It is one of the four paths of yoga and uses the
emotions to reach union with God.

‘A leaf or flower, water, fruit, a devotee in love may bring; I cherish from that earnest soul the
love that makes the offering’
Bhagavad Gita 9.26

‘Bear Me in mind, with love to me, revere Me, sacrifice, I promise you will come to Me for you
are dear to Me’.
Bhagavad Gita 18.65

Puja means ‘giving respect and honour’ Hindu worship, be it in the temple, a shrine at home,
in the open air is called puja. Prayers are said in front of the chosen deity, represented by the
murti, worshippers make offerings of flowers, fruit, rice and money.

The main ceremony of worship is called arati. During puja, an arati lamp and arati tray will
usually be used. An arati tray will usually have representations of the four elements: earth,
fire, air and water. The lamp is always lit and passed round the deity with prayers and songs.
Then the flame is handed round on a tray so that worshippers can pass their hands over the
flame, and touch their eyes to receive the blessing of the deity.

Hindus will often touch or kiss the steps of a shrine or the feet of a deity, or offer a greeting as
a sign of respect and honour. This is known as darshan. They will sign hymns, known as bhajan
or kirtan and chant mantras. Japa is one way of chanting mantras, using a string of beads to
focus the mind.

Havan is a fire sacrifice that is performed on special occasions to the god Agni. It is a symbol
of the rituals of animal sacrifice in ancient Hindu scriptures and is often used in Hindu
marriages.

Personal deities
Bhagavan means a personal lord that Hindus worship to make the Supreme Being easier to
access and understand. They choose personal deities based on natural affection or
connections to their daily life.

Family murtis at home shrines are treated with great respect. They are washed, have their
clothes changed and are offered food as a sign of care. Photographs of loved ones who
have died are also put in the shrine. A bell is rung to tell the deity when worshippers are
ready.

Home shrines are the cleanest rooms in the house. Hindus worship at dawn – the sound of
God, OM, should be the first thing spoken each day.

The Swastika
The swastika is an ancient Hindu symbol of the sun and
prosperity. Today its crooked branches symbolises that the
human mind is unable to understand the truths about
Brahman. It also points in every direction, to show that God is
present in every place, form and life.
Sacred festivals- Diwali and Holi
Hindu festivals are considered an important part of belief. By remembering and celebrating
festivals Hindus are able to make connections with the divine, as well as many other
benefits.

Festivals are generally considered to fall into four main categories, though many cover
more than one aspect:

•Celebrating a key event in the life of a deity

•Celebrating the birth, life and achievements of a Hindu saint
•Seasonal celebrations of life and nature
•Joyful celebrations of family relationships and the cycle of human life.

Details about Diwali Holi Similarity (S) or

the festival Difference (D)
Length of time it 5 days 2 days D
lasts
Time of year it September/ October February/March D
happens
What type of Celebrates a key event Celebrates a key event S
festival is it? in the life of a deity in the life of a deity
Who is The goddess Lakshmi – The victory of Prahlad D
remembered to bring prosperity, or and Vishnu over the
and why? the story of Rama and demon Holika. It also
Sita – to mark the remembers the story of
victory of light over Krishna and the
darkness, and good milkmaids.
over evil.
It is also the start of the
Hindu New Year.
How is it Houses are spring- Fires are lit to remember D/S
celebrated? cleaned and the story of Prahlad
decorated to welcome being protected by
Lakshmi, lights are lit to Vishnu.
light the path to the People wear old clothes
home. Gifts and new and throw coloured
clothes are bought and paint to remember the
exchanged. fun that Krishna and the
Lamps and fireworks are milkmaids have.
lit to show the victory of Everyone can join in
good over evil. and normal standards
of behaviour are
forgotten.
The four paths of yoga
‘With upright body, head and neck, lead the mind and its powers into thy heart; and the
OM of Brahman will then be thy boat with which to cross the rivers of fear.
And when the body is in silent steadiness, breath rhythmically through the nostrils with a
peaceful ebbing and flowing of breath. The chariot of the mind is drawn by wild horses,
and those wild horses have to be tamed’
Svetasvatara Upanishad 2

There are four ways, or paths, of practicing Yoga: Karma yoga, jnana yoga, astanga yoga
and bhakti yoga. Hinduism acknowledges that there are many different paths that people
can take to build a relationship with God, and whichever path they choose is acceptable.

Karma Yoga Bhakti yoga

• This is the path of unselfish action by • Bhakti is loving devotion, so Hindus
doing the daily work and particularly who choose this path choose to
the duties of your stage in life and express their beliefs through a loving
caste, without the desire for reward relationship with a personal deity.
or selfish gain. • Yogis following this path will sing and
• Talent and fulfilling your own chant God’s name.
potential for the good of society is • The yogi is surrendering to their chosen
considered to be the path of karma deity and feels the experience of
yoga. complete peace and love of God. By
doing this they get refuge from God
• Gandhi, who worked tirelessly and and believe it will lead them to
selflessly in campaigns for Indian moksha.
independence and the upliftment of
the untouchables, was seen as the
ideal karma yogi

Jnana Yoga Astanga Yoga

• Jnana is the path of knowledge and • This is also known as ‘royal yoga’ and
understanding. is regarded by many Hindus as the
• This is achieved through deep highest form of yoga as it is fulfillment
meditation and an experience of of all of the other three ways.
oneness with the supreme spirit, • This is a form of self-control over both
Brahman. the senses and the mind.
• Raja yoga involves deep
• Yogis following this path focus on the contemplation of Brahman.
limitations of this temporary life and • When success is achieved, the yogi’s
so instead focus on what is eternal. personality is transformed and they
• They believe that through this are freed from anger, greed, envy
understanding and knowledge, they and sadness
will gain true wisdom, knowledge and
happiness.
Teachers- gurus, sadhus and sannyasins
‘The pearl is found in the oyster, and the oyster is in the sea. The diver brings it up. No one else
has the power to do this.’
Guru Kabir

‘The guru is the skilful helmsman, divine grace the favourable wind; if with such means man
does not strive to cross the ocean of life and death, he is indeed lost.’
Guru Chaitanya

A guru is a wise teacher of religion and spirituality. There is evidence in the Upanishad that
wise men are able to reveal the truths about Brahman and that the pupils of religious
teachers may expect to spend many years studying.

A guru is expected to possess four qualities. He must:

• Be well versed in the scriptures
• Know about Brahman
• Have overcome all human desires
• Be honest, sincere and trustworthy.

Guru are thought to have knowledge that no ordinary human can understand. The guru
passes on this knowledge by darshan or a ‘gracious glance’ as the disciple sits at the guru’s
feet.

A sadhu is a wandering holy man. They are often seen at Kumbh Mela, leading the
procession of pilgrims into the water.

A sannyasin is a religious hermit who has reached the last stage of life. They give up all
possessions and contact with family, and own only a begging bowl, stick and prayer beads.
They are highly respected as an example of austerity, meditation and prayer.

A swami is a ‘master of the senses’. They are know for being highly knowledgeable about
the Hindu scriptures and belong to a religious order.

Mata Amritanandamyi (known as Amma) is a

holy teacher who travels the world showing
love by hugging people.

Sathya Sai Baba was a popular modern guru

who had 15 million followers worldwide. He had
an ashram in India where thousands of Hindus
would wait daily in the hope of seeing him.
Pilgrimage
Hindu holy places are believed to be where heaven and earth meet and so it is easier to pass
from one world to the other at these sites.

Hindus go on pilgrimage for the following reasons:

1. To make amends for something they have done wrong.
2. To strengthen their faith and become closer to God.
3. To show how committed they are to their religion or a particular deity.
4. To make a spiritual journey on behalf of someone unable to do it for themselves.
5. To ask for help or healing
6. To find out about a holy place.
7. Because members of their family have always gone on a particular place on pilgrimage
8. To say thank you for something good that has happened.
9. Pilgrimage is part of their dharma or religious duty.
10. Because pilgrimage is open to everyone and there are no division of age, class or
gender.

Pilgrims do some of the following on pilgrimage:

 Make offerings to God
 Circumambulator the temple
 Say prayers
 Chant mantras
 Spend time in the presence of the deity
 Leave ashes of a loved one
 Wash in holy water
 Collect samples of water/earth etc.
 Buy and wear special clothes
 Shave heads
 Walk barefoot
 Remain celibate
 Focus on God

Hindus go to the following places on pilgrimage:

Varanasi is the point where two holy rivers meet, the Ganges and the Yumana rivers. It is
considered the ‘City of Lord Shiva’ It’s where many Hindus go to reflect on the temporal
nature of this life and the ultimate goal of Moksha. Varanasi is considered, ‘the Gateway to
Moksha’, and death in the city is believed to bring immediate salvation. The city is famous for
its ghats, where the deceased are cremated at the edge of the river.

Kumbh Mela is the site of the world’s largest pilgrimage. It takes place in four different sites,
every three years, with a large festival at Prayaga every twelve years. This is a very holy river
crossing, where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet the mythical river Saraswati.
The festival remembers the spilling of the nectar of immortality during a battle between gods
and demons. Therefore, bathing in the water here brings purification.

If pilgrims bathe in the Ganges on the day of the new moon, they are believed to be
released from the cycle of samsara. Pilgrims make offerings of garlands of marigolds by
dropping them in the river for Mother Ganges. They also offer water by scooping it from the
river and letting it fall back through their fingers. Traditionally, naked sadhus smeared in ashes
and wearing marigold garlands, lead the procession into the river.

As well as the festivities, the Kumbh Mela is about devotion and passion. Hindus do not forget
their duty to pray and receive special blessings.
The environment
If God is present in everything Hindus believe they should everything respect. This is covered
by the key teaching of ahimsa – non-violence. Hindus believe that they should ‘tread
carefully on the earth’ meaning they should not use the world’s resources more than needed.
When Neasden Temple was built, 2,300 tress were planted in Devon to compensate for the
wood used.

The Divine Goddess

Within Hinduism the most common term for ‘goddess’ is ‘Devi’, but this same power is also
commonly referred to as Shakti and Durga, among other names. Shakti is seen as the
female creative power alongside Brahman which is seen to have brought the universe into
being.
The earth provides all the nourishment and medicine needed to sustain creation. For this
reason, many Hindus see the earth as the Goddess Devi, the mother of us all.

Most Hindus are vegetarians because:

• Killing animals for meat causes them to suffer
• Their breath which is used for uttering Holy scriptures, should not be linked to the killing of
animals.
• Animals are part of the life cycle and should not be harmed.

Hymn from the Devi Mahatmya

Praise to the Divine Mother, the sustaining power of the universe.
Praise to the Divine Mother, who is terrible, eternal and happiness itself
We bow to the Divine Mother,
who is wealth and success and who takes us through difficulties.
We bow again and again to the Goddess who is in the consciousness of all beings, who is in
the intelligence of all beings.
We bow again and again to the Goddess who is in the form of peace and faith,
We bow again and again to the Goddess who is in the form of loveliness and good fortune.
Again and again, praise to the Goddess who is in all beings in the form of compassion and
contentment.
Again and again, praise to the Goddess who is in all beings in the form mother.
Praises to the Mother, pervading the entire world.

“Even as the radiance of the sun shines everywhere in space, so does the glory of God rule
over all his creation. In the unfolding of this own nature he makes all things blossom into the
ONE, the only God who rules the universe.”
Svetasvatara Upanishad 5

“He is the creator of all, ever living in the mystery of his creation. He is beyond beginning and
end, and in his glory all things are.”
Svetasvatara Upanishad 5

“All this universe is in truth Brahman. He is the beginning and end and life of all.”
Chandogya Upanishad 3.14

“Without beginning, midst or end, Thy might is endless and Thine arms are infinite, Thine eyes
are sun and moon, Thy flaming mouth with burning radiance sets the world alight. Between
the earth and sky on every side by Thee alone this space is occupied.”
Bhagavad Gita 11.19-20
Cow protection
Cows are held to be sacred by Hindus for these reasons:
• Lord Krishna was a cowherd so many want to follow his example
• Cows give us enough nutrition for a complete diet.
• The cow looks after us better when alive than when died.
• The Vedas forbids the killing of cows.
• The bull is the animal on which Shiva rides and is a source of power.

Hindus look after cows that are old. In India, there are retirement homes for cows that are
old called goshallas, and charities to care for them.

The Bhaktivedanta Manor Cow Protection Project

In the UK, there is a Hindu centre for cow protection that is run by the Hare Krishna
movement in the fields around their temple. It is called the Bhaktivedanta Manor Cow
Protection project. It stops cows being slaughtered unnecessarily, has a dairy farm and
visitor centre, and acts as a goshala shelter for cows.

Tree conservation
The Chipko movement was inspired by
women who hugged tress in the 1700s to try
and stop them being cut down for fuel.

In 1974, a group of peasant women in India

hugged trees to protest about them being
cut down. The movement spread
throughout India and meant that the
government considered the needs of forest
dwelling people when it made plans to cut
down trees for profit. In 1987, the Chipko
Movement won the Right Livelihood Award.

The Vrindavan Forest is important to

Hindus as they believe that Lord Krishna
(the avatar of Vishnu) lived in the forest in
northern India. This means that it is a
place of pilgrimage for devotees of
Vishnu and Krishna.

Industrial development in India meant

that the forest was under threat in the
1980s. The Vrindavan Forest Project aims
to protect and restore the forest.
Charities – promoting wellbeing, social justice
and inclusion
‘One may amass with hundreds of hands but one should also distribute it with thousands of
hands’
Atharava Veda 3.24-5

‘The gift derived from Good seeks no returning grace, but gives because ‘it must be done’ to
worthy ones and time and place’
Bhagavad Gita 17.20-22

Dana is the duty to give to others. This applies to hospitality and kindness, as well as money.
Each person has a fourfold dharma, or duty, towards family, society, the world and all living
things. Dana includes selfless service (sewa) to those is need.

In modern times, dana is often taken on by charities such as Sewa International, as well as
smaller acts in the local community and family. Caring for the poor is an important part of
Hindu dharma. One of the commonest forms of giving is sharing food with others, known as
anna dana.

It is part of a Hindu’s religious duty to offer food and hospitality to any unexpected guest. To
refuse hospitality to those who come to you door is an unpardonable act. Some Hindus even
arrange special meals for the needy, or donate to charity in memory of loved ones.

Stories from Hindu tradition

1. King Rantideva was known for his generosity. When the country was suffering a famine, he
shared the suffering by fasting for 48 days. He was about to break his fast, but on hearing
the cries of hungry and thirsty people, gave his own water and food to them.
2. A King that was generous and did good works had a cart-driver who did not care about
wealth. He asked the cart-driver for the secret to his peace, in return for lots of gifts. The
cart-driver said that he did not want the gifts as the universe is supported by the Supreme
Being. This means that without having that spiritual knowledge, giving gifts can never bring
inner peace.

Sewa International works to improve the status of women in India. One of its goals is to
organise women workers for full employment. A festival was held on International Women’s
Day in 2016 to honour women who had done exemplary work. The presence of over 1200
from different areas and social castes in India illustrated the progress that the charity had
made.

Can you answer these?

1. Explain how Hindu charities have tried to protect the natural world.
2. Explain why Hindus go on pilgrimage.
3. Explain the different types of Hindu teachers.
4. Explain the different ways that Hindus worship.
5. Explain where Hindus worship.
6. Explain how worship benefits Hindus.
7. Describe the different types of yoga.
8. Explain how Hindus promote social justice.
9. How do Hindus celebrate festivals?
10. Why are personal deities important to many Hindus?
Key words
Ahimsa
Non-harming; guiding principle of Hinduism (with truthfulness and non-indulgence).

Atman
Immortal self, distinct from mind, body and personality.

Avatar
Incarnation of the divine; incarnated for the purpose of protecting the good, destroying the
wicked, and restoring the dharma.

Bhagavad Gita
Hindu holy book in which Krishna – avatar of Vishnu – discusses dharma.

Brahma
One of Trimurti (with Vishnu and Shiva); seen as the creator.

Brahman
Ultimate reality, all-pervading Pure Consciousness, the Divine.

Cosmology
Stories about the origins of the universe; Hinduism has many – including Purusha (a being from
whom the world and all life was created).

Cow protection
The cow is a sacred animal so protected in India; seen as a gift to humans from God, as we
get many benefits from them without killing them.

Cycle of four ages

‘Age’ is Yuga; currently we are in the Kali Yuga, which is the final (and most corrupt) of the
four ages. The Cycle repeats itself endlessly.

Dharma
The ethical and moral foundations of Hinduism; God’s divine law; has three guiding principles
– non-harming, truthfulness, and non-indulgence.

Diwali
Festival of lights.

Environment projects
Projects to protect/conserve/repair environment; ‘Mother Earth’ gives to us, so we should
show respect for Mother Earth.

Four aims of life

Four goals that humans should pursue in life; dharma (ethical living), artha (seeking material
prosperity), kama (seeking pleasure), and moksha (seeking liberation).
Free will
The way we choose to respond to whatever we experience; the choices we make.

Ganesha
Elephant-headed deity symbolising wisdom and success.

Guru
Teacher of Hinduism; these people usually have followers, since Hinduism recommends a
person find themselves a guru for a better chance of spiritual development and
enlightenment.

Hanuman
Monkey king; devotee of Rama.

Holi
Festival of colours, celebrating victory of good over evil; story of Rama and Sita.

Karma
Actions; these can be positive (punya) or negative (papa); accumulation of karma leads to
rebirth; all actions are a consequence of free will.

Krishna
Avatar of Vishnu; appeared on earth to restore the dharma.

Kumbh Mela
Twelve-yearly gathering of Hindus at the meeting point of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

Lakshmi
Deity of wealth, fortune and prosperity; wife/consort of Vishnu.

Many worlds
Multiverse; Hindu concept of many worlds and universes, with many diverse inhabitants; Tri-
Loka is the belief that there are three levels of world – heavens, atmosphere, earth, or physical,
astral and causal.

Maya
Illusion; the concept that what humans perceive to be real is actually an illusion, preventing
each person from realising their true self.

Moksha
Liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). A jivanmukti is a person who has achieved
moksha before death; sages and gurus are able to teach others because of this.

Murti
Consecrated statue of a diety; three kinds in temples – immovable (central murti with highest
status), moveable (murti found in side shrines) and festival murti. Home shrines may or may not
have murti. Made to precise, scriptural design.

Nirguna
Brahman without qualities; transcendent and beyond human understanding.

Personal virtues
Qualities a Hindu should develop in themselves; linked to the three guiding principles; include
ahimsa (non-harming), respect, empathy, self-control, humility and love.
Pilgrimage
Journey to a sacred place; examples include Varanasi, Ganges, Mount Kailash.

Prakriti
Matter/physical material; all matter is made up of three qualities (Tri-guna) – darkness, activity
and goodness.

Puja
Act of worship; there are many forms – bhajan (hymn singing), havan (fire ceremony),
meditation (one-pointedness of mind), darshan (consuming sanctified food),
circumambulation (walking around the deities), japa/mantra (reciting verses), arti (taking
blessing).

Rama
Avatar of Vishnu; subject of the holy scripture – The Ramayana – with his consort, Sita.

Saguna
Brahman with qualities; also called Ishwara (all-knowing, all-powerful, all-pervasive, source of
the whole universe).

Samsara
Cycle of birth and death which binds the atman to this physical, illusory existence.

Sanatana dharma
Eternal dharma; Hinduism.

Saraswati
Deity of music, arts, knowledge, wisdom and learning; wife/consort of Brahma.

Shaivism
Branch of Hinduism which looks to Shiva as the supreme manifestation of Brahman.

Shiva
One of the Trimurti (with Brahma and Vishnu); seen as destroyer, bringing cycles of creation to
an end; pure goodness, embodying peace and compassion.

Shrine
Sacred space which is home to a murti and/or images of deities, plus aids to worship – found
in home or in work place, and – in India – at roadsides.

Social inclusion
Projects to make society more equal.

Temple
Mandir; place of worship for Hindus.

Three features of the divine

Everywhere, as non-personal; within the heart; beyond, as a personal loving God.

Tri-guna
Three qualities of all matter – darkness, activity and goodness.

Trimurti
Godhead in Hinduism; comprises Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Vaishnavism
Branch of Hinduism which looks to Vishnu as the supreme manifestation of Brahman.

Varanasi
Holiest city for Hindus; focus of pilgrimage (to bathe in river, distribute ashes, etc).

Varnashrama dharma
Dharma for specific stages in life; the idea that each stage (student, householder, etc)
and each varna (social grouping) has particular duties to fulfil.

Vishnu
One of the Trimurti (with Brahma and Vishnu); seen as sustainer; incarnated as an avatar
12 times.

Yoga
Four paths/practices which help a person unite with the inner divinity; karma yoga
(through actions), jnana yoga (through study of scripture), raja yoga (through
meditation), and bhakti yoga (through devotion to worship).