Introduction to Hindu / Sanatan Dharma

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Introduction toHindu / Sanatan Dharma
The search for Truth is called the Sanatana
Dharma, or the Eternal Path. Practiced by people
on the otherside of Sindhu river, so Hindu
Dharma.

• Hinduism has been enriched by the contributions
  by many sages.
• Hinduism is as old as the world itself. Vedas
  form the basis.
• A Way of life that TRANSCENDS Religion
• Believes in Truth is one. Paths are many.
• Worlds 3rd largest with 1 billion followers.
• Let Noble Thoughts Come From ALL Directions
• Focuses on personally experiencing the Truth
  within.

Dharma Dharma is the natural and rightful order
and foundation of everyone and everything. It is
both why things are as they are and the path to
the realization of why things are as they are. It
is a way-of-life.
Religion is a way to understand or practice on
how to realize God. Religion is concerned with
all of the relations existing between God and
human beings, and between humans themselves
because of the central significance of God.
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Contents of the presentation

• What are the Hindu scriptures?
• What is the concept of God?
• Hindu concept of Individual and Universe
• What are the basic principles of Hindu Dharma?
• Three Debts of Human Life
• Four Stages of Hindu Religious Life
• Four Ends of Human Life
• Who is a Hindu?.
• Code of Conduct
• Additional Topics
• References and links

The Rig Veda has declared the Ultimate Reality
(God) asEkam sat, vipraha bahudha vadanti.
(Rig Veda 1.164.46) "Truth (God) is one, the
wise call it by various names"
http//www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf for
more info.
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Hindu Scriptures
Smriti (Remembered)
Sruti (Revealed)
Vedas are the eternal truths revealed by God to
the great ancient Rishis. These eternal truths
never change.
Scriptures that change with time and space and
summery of Smriti in understandable format for
common mind

• Vedas (Four)
• Rig (21 shakas)
• Sama (109 shakas)
• Yajur (1000 shakas)
• Atharva (50 shakas)
• Hymns, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads

• Dharma Shastras (Law Codes)
• Ex Manu Smriti
• Epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata)
• Puranas (Mythology) There are many each
  tradition has its own. Ex Shiva Purana and
  Bhagavat Purana
• Agamas and Tantras (sectarian scriptures)
• Darshanas (Manuals of Philosophy)
• Each school has its own literature. Ex Yoga
  Sutras of Sage Patanjali.

Prajnanam BrahmaConsciousness is Brahman Aham
Brahma AsmiI Am Brahman Tat Tram AsiThat
Thou Art Ayam Atma BrahmaThis Self is Brahman
http//www.dlshq.org/download/vedbegin.pdf for
more info.
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Concept of God (Brahman)
In Hindu scriptures, the Cosmic Absolute/Absolute
Reality is defined as Transcendent (impersonal)
and Immanent (personal). In the transcendent
aspect, the Supreme Reality is called Nirguna
Brahman, that is Brahman, without attributes. "
Brahman is He whom speech cannot express, and
from whom the mind is unable to reach Him, comes
away baffled" states the Taittiriya
Upanishad. Nirguna Brahman is not an object of
prayer, but of meditation and knowledge. It
cannot be described, and It is absolute
existence, absolute knowledge, and absolute bliss
(sat-chit-ananda). It is unborn, self-existent,
all-pervading, and the essence of all things and
beings in the universe. It is immeasurable,
unapproachable, beyond conception, beyond birth,
beyond reasoning, and beyond thought". God cannot
be defined in terms of any specific
manifestation, nor indeed in terms of their sum
total. He is beyond all possibility of
definition. The Bhagavad Gita, the best-known
scripture of India, states this point clearly
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Concept of God, contd
Brahman , the Cosmic Absolute (beyond
description)
Immanent (personal aspect, can be prayed, and
worshipped, but not realized)
Transcendent (impersonal aspect, can be realized,
but not worshipped
We will focus on Immanent aspect of Brahman for
now
Male Aspect Ishvara or God (note capital
G) worshipped by many names and forms known as
deities or gods (note small g)
Female Aspect Divine Mother, worshipped by many
names and forms known as deities or
goddesses (note small g)
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Concept of God (Bramhan)
In its Immanent (personal) aspect, the Supreme
Reality, is called Saguna Bramhan. He is the
personal God, the creator, the preserver, and the
controller of the universe. In Hinduism, the
immanent (personal) aspect of Bramhan is
worshipped in both male and female forms. In the
male form, He is worshipped as Brahma, Vishnu
and Shiva. Brahma is the creative aspect, Vishnu
is the protecting, sustaining aspect and Siva is
the transforming, dissolving aspect. In the
female form, as Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi.
ALL POWERFUL MOTHER GAYATRI
BRAHMA -CREATOR
VISHNU - PROTECTOR
SHIVA - DISSOLVER
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Concept of God (Bramhan)
However, on the personal level, its up to
individuals to create a form/view of the same
Supreme Bharman to pray. Hindu accepts only one
God, the Supreme. Because of this flexibility in
giving a shape or form, it appears as if there
are many Hindu Gods/Goddesses to a non-Hindu.
Hindus see divinity in all living creatures. 
Animal deities therefore, occupy an important
place in Hindu dharma.  Animals, for example, are
very common as form of transport for various Gods
and Goddesses. This is dues to the concept of
Atman and Brahman being the same. We will discuss
that in later slides..
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Hindu Concept of the Individual
Just as a man living in a house is called a
householder, Atman (meaning God within) living
in a human body is called an individual. When
this human house becomes old and irreparable,
Atman leaves the house and we say that the
individual has died. But Atman is immortal and
is part of Brahman, Supreme God. Atman is divine
so all the beings are divine.
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Hindu Concept of the Individual, contd.

• Atman is uncreated, immortal and divine.
• Although Atman is generally translated as soul or
  spirit, Atman and soul do not mean the same.
• Atman and Brahman is same. So individual can
  reach the state of divinity. Aham Brahmasmi I
  am God.
• In the human body, Atman is deluded by cosmic
  ignorance, called Maya in Sanskrit.
• In Hindu view, WE ARE CHILDREN OF IMMORTALITY and
  may commit sin under the influence of Maya.
  Thus, the purpose of Hindu religious life is to
  transcend Maya.

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Hindu Concept of the Individual, contd
Why are individuals different form each other?


Physical Human Body
Personality Individuality Spirituality Divinity



Atman
just as
Electricity Type of Appliance
Type of Application
Electricity Refrigerator
Cold
Opposing Functions
Electricity Oven
Heat
Electricity Television
Audio Video
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Hindu Concept of the Universe
Brahman (Infinite, Undivided and Changeless)
Cosmic Energy Divine Mother (Shakti)
Cosmic Consciousness (Heavenly Father)
Cosmic Ignorance (Maya)
Time Space Duality
Rajas
Tamas
Sattva
Appearance of Brahman as things and beings of the
world The Infinite, Undivided and Changeless
appears as finite, divided, and changing
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Hindu Concept of the Universe
Hindus believe that the universe is without a
beginning (anadi beginning-less) or an end
(ananta end-less).  Rather the universe is
projected in cycles. Each cycle is divided into
four yugas (ages of the world). Satya yuga
(golden age) 4,000,000 years Treta yuga (silver
age) 3,600,000 years Dvapara yuga (copper
age) 2,400,000 years Kali yuga (iron
age) 1,200,000 years Pralaya (cosmic deluge
) 4000,000 years New Creation 400,000
years Duration of One Cycle 12,000,000
years Total duration of the four yugas is called
a kalpa.  At the end of kalyuga the universe is
dissolved by pralaya (cosmic deluge ) and another
cycle begins. Each cycle of creation lasts one
kalpa, that is 12,000,000 human years ( or 12,000
Brahma years).
Hindus believe that there is almost a universe
hidden in each Atman and that can be explored
looking inward with the help of Yoga and
Meditation.
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10 AVATARS (INCARNATIONS)
Lord Vishnu's preserving, protecting powers have
been manifested to the world in a variety of
forms, called Avatars, in which one or more of
his divine attributes were embodied in the shape
of a human being or an animal or a human-animal
combined form, possessing great and sometimes
supernatural powers.that are innumerable.
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Basic principles of Hindu Dharma

• Divinity of the Atman
• Unity of Existence
• Ahimsa
• Harmony of Religions
• Law of Karma
• Doctrine of Incarnation
• Freedom of Thought
• Law of Dharma

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Divinity of the Atman

• Each human being, regardless of religion,
  geographic region, gender, color or creed is in
  reality Atman clothed in a physical body. Since
  Atman is inherently pure and divine, every human
  being is potentially divine. In Hindu view, a
  man is not born a sinner, but becomes a victim of
  ignorance under the influence of cosmic
  ignorance, called Maya. Just as darkness quickly
  disappears upon the appearance of light, an
  individuals delusion vanishes when he gains
  self-knowledge.
• Practical Significance Eliminates fear of God,
  encourages freedom of thought, and removes
  psychological barrier to human growth. No fear of
  eternal hell.

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Unity of Existence

• Science has revealed that what we call matter is
  essentially energy. Hindu sages tell us that the
  cosmic energy is manifestation of the Universal
  Spirit (Brahman). Brahman has become all things
  and beings in the world. Thus, we are all
  interconnected in subtle ways. All is One and
  One is in all, declare the sages.
• Practical Significance
• Encourages universal brotherhood, reverence for
  all forms of life, and respect for our
  environment. Hindu scriptures address earth as
  Mother Earth.

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Ahimsa

• Ahimsa means non-violence, non-injury, or
  non-killing. Hinduism teaches that al forms of
  life are manifestations of Brahman. We must,
  therefore, not be indifferent to the sufferings
  of others.
• Practical Significance Creates mutual love
  between humans and other forms of life, and
  protects our environment. Ahimsa provides basis
  for Hindu notion of morality. That mode of
  living which is based upon a total harmlessness
  towards all creatures or (in the case of
  necessity) upon minimum of such harm, is the
  highest morality. (Mahabharata Shantiparva
  262.5-6).

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Harmony of Religions

• Hinduism believes that there is no one religion
  that teaches an exclusive way to salvation. All
  genuine spiritual paths are valid and all great
  religions are equally true. In whatever way
  humans love Me (God), in the same way they find
  My love. Various are the ways for humans, but in
  the end they all come to Me. (Bhagavad Gita
  4.11)
• Practical Significance This doctrine lays
  foundation for universal harmony. The attitude
  of religious tolerance is one of Hinduisms
  greatest gifts to mankind.

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The Law of Karma

• Hindus believe that God, who is all-loving and
  merciful, does not punish or reward anyone. He
  molds our destinies based upon our own thoughts
  and deeds. Every action of a person, in though,
  word, or deed, brings results, either good or
  bad, depending upon the moral quality of the
  action, in accordance with the adage, As you
  sow, so shall you reap. Moral consequences of
  all actions are conserved by the Nature.
• Practical Significance Eliminates fear of God
  and hell enhances self-confidence and
  strengthens the concepts of righteousness and
  fairness.

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Doctrine of Incarnation

• Hindus believe that God incarnates Himself on
  earth to uphold righteousness, whenever there is
  a decline in virtue. Lord Krishna says in the
  Bhagavad Gita, Whenever there is a decline in
  righteousness and predominance of
  unrighteousness, I (God) embody Myself.

• For the protection of the good and for the
  destruction of the evil-doers and for the
  re-establishment of righteousness, I am born form
  age to age. (BG 4.6-4.7)

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Freedom of Thought

• Hindus believe that wisdom is not an exclusive
  possession of any particular race or religion.
  Hinduism, therefore, provides everyone with
  absolute freedom of thought in religious matters.
  One is free to approach God in his or her own
  way, without conforming to any dogma or blind
  faith. An open mind is all that is needed to
  study Hinduism. Hindus place the greatest value
  on experiencing truth personally.
• Practical Significance Eliminates blind faith
  and dogma. Encourages reason and logic for
  mutual understanding. Hinduism is a God-loving
  religion and not God-fearing one.

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The Law of Dharma

• The thought of dharma generates deep confidence
  in the Hindu mind in cosmic justice. This is
  reflected in the often-quoted maxims The
  righteous side will have the victory. Truth
  only prevails, not falsehood. Dharma kills if
  it is killed dharma protects if it is
  protected. The entire world rests on dharma.
• Dharma is the law that maintains the cosmic order
  as well as the individual and social order.
  Dharma sustains human life in harmony with
  nature. When we follow dharma, we are in
  conformity with the law that sustains the
  universe.

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The Law of Dharma Dont do to others what you
dont want done to you.
Morality
Ethics
Individual Resp.
Dharma
Social Resp.
Laws of the Land
Profession
Ahimsa (non-violence)
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3 Debts, 4 Stages, and 4 Ends of Human Life

• Three Debts
• Debt to God
• Debt to Sages and Saints
• Debt to ones parents and ancestors
• Four Stages
• Brahmacharya (Studentship)
• Grhastha (Householder)
• Vanaprastha (Retirement)
• Sannyasa (Renunciation)
• Four Ends
• Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha

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Progress of Human thought Towards Dharma
Humanity
Universe
Nation
Dependent
(Independent) Individual
Truth
Community
Family
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Who Is Hindu? 9 Point Test
Hindus believe many diverse things, but there are
a few bedrock concepts on which most Hindus
concur. The following nine beliefs, though not
exhaustive, offer a simple summary of Hindu
spirituality.1) I believe in the divinity of
the Vedas, the worlds most ancient scripture,
and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed.
These primordial hymns are Gods word and the
bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion
which has neither beginning nor end.2) I
believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who
is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator
and Unmanifest Reality.3) I believe that the
universe undergoes endless cycles of creation,
preservation and dissolution.4) I believe in
karma, the law of cause and effect by which each
individual creates his own destiny by his
thoughts, words and deeds.
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Who Is Hindu? 9 Point Test
5) I believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving
through many births until all karmas have been
resolved, and moksha, spiritual knowledge and
liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is
attained. Not a single soul will be eternally
deprived of this destiny.6) I believe that
divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that
temple worship, rituals, sacraments as well as
personal devotionals create a communion with
these devas and Gods.7) I believe that a
spiritually awakened master, or satguru, is
essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as
are personal discipline, good conduct,
purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry and
meditation.8) I believe that all life is
sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore
practice ahimsa, noninjury.9) I believe that
no particular religion teaches the only way to
salvation above all others, but that all genuine
religious paths are facets of Gods Pure Love and
Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.
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Code of Conduct DO NOTs
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Code of Conduct DO NOTs
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Code of Conduct DO NOTs
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Code of Conduct DOs
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Code of Conduct DOs
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Code of Conduct DOs
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Hindu Temple
Jain Temple
Sikh Gurudwara
Buddhist Pagoda

• Four major religions of the world have originated
  from India Hinduism,Jainism, Sikhism and
  Buddhism.

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Some Facts

• Probably the first written language with complete
  grammer is Sanskrit. 5000 years.
• Oldest civilization to exist on the earth today.
• The science of Yoga and Meditation was developed
  in the Himalayas
• Birthplace of 4 major religions Hinduism,
  Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism
• Worlds first University in Takshila in 700 BC
• Vedas are the oldest texts available to humans

Sanskrit Source of numerous languages

• No Human Founder.
• No known beginning
• No One Scripture of authority
• One Supreme God/ Ultimate Reality
• Emphasis on personal experience
• All Paths deserve equal respect
• Whole world is one family
• Let every one be happy, healthy and peaceful

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Sacred Cow Why?
Everything is sacred for Hindus. Cows, Like in
all societies of all times, have been considered
to be wealth. Cows provide milk which helps
sustain life, life of adults and children alike.
The by-products of the milk, yoghurt, buttermilk,
butter etc were an integral part of their daily
diet. Their dung was a useful, year around fuel
supply. By pulling carts and ploughs, they were
partners in technology that helped develop new
frontiers in the Indian sub-continent.   Their
usefulness meant they were valued as highly as
any gold, gem or sometimes even kin. By giving
it a very special place in our society, that of a
pseudo mother, we made sure it was respected at
all times. By giving it the same divine status
as parents, the ancients made sure the humble cow
had the same legal and social protection as
humans ! All this to protect our wealth !! 
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Caste System
Vedas speak of nobility of entire humanity
(krinvanto vishvam aryam), and do not sanction
any caste system or birth-based caste system.
Mantra, numbered 10-13-1 in Rig Veda, addresses
the entire humanity as divine children
(shrunvantu vishve amrutsya putraha). Innumerable
mantras in Vedas emphasise oneness, universal
brotherhood, harmony, happiness, affection, unity
and commonality of entire humanity. Veda Mantra
numbered 5-60-5 in Rig Veda declares, All men
are brothers no one is big, no one is small. All
are equal. Mantra numbered 16.15 in Yajur Veda
reiterates that all men are brothers no one is
superior or inferior. Hindu scriptures speak
only about varna which means to select (ones
profession, etc.) and which is not caste or
birth-based. As per shloka numbered IV (13) of
the Bhagavad Gita, depending upon a persons guna
(aptitude) and karma (actions), there are four
varnas. As per this shloka, a persons varna is
determined by his guna and karma, and not by his
birth. Chapter XIV of the Bhagavad Gita specifies
three gunas viz. satva (purity), rajas (passion
and attachment) and tamas (ignorance). These
three gunas are present in every human in
different proportions, and determine the varna of
every person.
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Additional Resources
Idiots Guide To Hinduism By Linda Johnsen On The
Internet http//www.himalayanacademy.com/basics h
ttp//www.atributetohinduism.com/ http//www.dlshq
.org/download/vedbegin.pdf http//www.dlshq.org/do
wnload/download.htm http//www.swami-krishnananda
.org/ans_00.html http//www.hindubooks.org/bansi_p
andit/hindu_dharma/ This is a presentation by
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS). For more
information, email at hindudharma_at_gmail.com