Running head: PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

Presentation on Religion: Hinduism

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PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

Presentation on Religion: Hinduism

Hinduism is considered to be the prevailing religion of the Indian territory. The religion
consists of a number of diverse traditions. As a matter of fact, Hinduism is not an orderly formed
religion, therefore it does not have a sole and methodical approach to teaching the core values or
a plain set of rules to follow like the Ten Commandments. However, the general connection
among all the religion variations is a Supreme Being and the adherence to particular concepts
including Truth, dharma, and karma (Knott, 2000, p. 37).

Figure 1. Main symbols of Hinduism: Om and rosary (Yoga and meditation).

There are several fundamental beliefs, which are shared among Hindus. Firstly, there is
the belief that truth is eternal. According to Vedas, which are sacred scriptures, the truth is one,
despite the fact that the wise express it is a variety of ways. Secondly, Hindus believe in
Brahman as the one true God, who is shapeless, spaceless, all-inclusive, complex and everlasting
(Knott, 2000, p. 31). Moreover, it is believed that Brahman is not an abstract concept, as it is a
real entity, which encompasses everything in the universe (Michaels, 2004, p. 188). Thirdly, the

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

sacred scriptures Vedas are considered to be the ultimate authority. These scriptures are believed
to be without beginning and without the end. In fact, Hindus beliefs say that when everything
else is destroyed, the Vedas remain. Fourthly, everyone has to strive to achieve dharma
(Michaels, 2004, pp. 15-16). This is aright conduct, moral law, duty and righteousness. Dharma
is the life ritualized according to norms and rules, which eventually depend less on an inner
participation than on proper behavior arisen from the Veda (Michaels, 2004, p. 16). It is closely
connected with karma, meaning the law of cause and effect, by which each person creates their
own destiny by the thoughts, words, desires and needs. Fifthly, individuals souls are believed to
be immortal. The soul is named Atman. Souls are neither composed, nor abolished (Knott, 2000,
p. 45). Finally, moksha is the major objective of the soul. Moksha is liberation, it means that the
soul has to release from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara) (Flood, 1996, p. 75). It
happens when the soul unites with Brahman due to realizing its true nature.
There are two different types of sacred writings in Hindu scriptures. These are Shruti
(heard) and Smriti (memorized) texts. Shruti literature consists of two parts, encompassing Vedas
and Upanishads. There are four Vedas: The Rig Veda (Royal Knowledge), The Sama Veda
(Knowledge of Chants, The Yajur Veda (Knowledge of Sacrificial Rituals) and Atharva Veda
(Knowledge of Incarnations) (Knott, 2000, pp. 57-58). The Vedas include hymns and paeans,
charms, and practices from ancient India. Moreover, Vedas are considered to be the most ancient
extensive texts in an Indo-European language.

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

Figure 2. Vedas (Decode Hindu mythology).

There are 108 (this number of considered to be sacred in Hinduism) extant Upanishadas.
These are the sequel of the Vedic philosophy. They demonstrate how the soul can become
connected with the ultimate truth with the help of speculation and meditation, and Karma
dogmas (Knott, 2000, pp. 112-113). On the other hand, the most important Smriti literature
includes three texts. The first one is Bhagavad-Gita. It contains some of the most significant
scriptural edifications concerning the nature of God and of life.

Figure 3. The page from Bhagavad-Gita (Bhagavad-Gita).

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

The second is Mahabharata, which on the one hand, demonstrates the fight for power
between two families and on the other hand depicts a number of episodes that create our life. The
third one is the Ramayana. This one is the most popular of Hindu epics. It demonstrates the royal
couple of Ayodha (Ram and Suta) and the host of other characters and their exploits (Michaels,
20004, p. 58).
The exact beginning of Hinduism is improbable to define, since the religion developed as
the periods and the culture influenced the religious thoughts and ideas. However, according to
historians, Hinduism origins may be traced back to 5, 000 or even more years. It was believed
that the fundamental Hinduism doctrines were brought by the Aryans who penetrated the Indus
Valley Civilization. However, now it is considered to be the myth (Michels, 2004, p. 58). The
major figures in Hinduism form a triad. These are three persons placed as one God. These are
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is an originator and creator, who invariably create new
realities. Vishnu is the one who preserves and looks after the newly generated realities. He is also
known as Krishna the Preserver. Shiva is a exterminator of realities (Flood, 1996, p. 113).

Figure 4. Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma (Brahma Vishnu Maheswara together).

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

The religious beliefs of Hinduism might be demonstrated in the form of meditation, yoga,
and prayer (japa mala). There are several major types of meditation, which emerged from
Vedanta - a meditative tradition within Hinduism. These are transcendental meditation, kundalini
yoga meditation, Bhakti Yoga meditation, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. Another
form is meditation is Bhakti Yoga (Flood, 1996, pp. 94-96). The main objective of meditation
(dhyana) is to become deliberately aware of ones own mind in order to understand oneself.
Meditation is the observation of the inner and outer movement of thoughts that are coming and
going out of the mind, with silence (mauman), stability (dhiram), and detachment (vairagayam).
According to Hindu theories of creation, all the beings and worlds emanated from Brahman
though meditation only. The Hinduism meditation is practiced in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
However, this practice of meditation is spreading around the globe, and a lot of people in various
countries, including the US and countries of Eastern Europe, are becoming more and more
interested in the practice. Meditation is practiced in different forms according to different
Hinduism schools (Flood, 1996, p. 75). In fact, the meditation is practiced by the person alone, as
it requires a lot of concentration. Nevertheless, the practitioner may apply to meditation guider,
who will explain the basics of meditation, major points of concentration and the process of the
very meditation itself. Bhakti Yoga is a form of a mantra meditation singing and it is conducted
in groups. Transcendental meditation is deeply rooted on Hinduism principles and beliefs.
However, if the person wants to learn transcendental meditation, he/she has to study under a
proficient teacher who has achieved the knowledge from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (Yogani,
2005, p. 33).

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

Figure 5. Transcendental meditation (Panda, 2009).

Meditation is considered to be the path to God. This is one of the ways to attain moksha.
It is a specific form of mantra meditation. In Hindu philosophy, the mind is observed as a
container, which filled with thoughts and ideas from the global basin of thought forms (Yogani,
2005, p. 37). According to Hinduism, the human mind has the constructive power of God. The
human being is the sum of all past life and current life ideas and wishes. There are special
delitescent conceptions and blocks (samskaras), which affect ones life and they will flollow the
person in the next life. Thus, mediation helps to work with these samskaras. The practice is
formed with the help of Upanishades. It follows a Vedantic view of consciousness and cosmic
evolution. According to Vedanta, liberation can be achieved only though spiritual knowledge,
which obviously requires meditation Moreover, this knowledge is not a customary or concurrent
knowledge. It is straight insight into ones own spirit of pure consciousness (Yogani, 2005, pp.
37-41).

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

Figure 6. Meditation unites with the God and the world around you (Meditation).
The Hinduism has been chosen due to the fact that is one of the oldest and the most
mystical religions around the globe. Hinduism is not a religion at first place, it is a very deep and
serious philosophy. Moreover, it can be considered to be a celebration of human being. In
addition, it can be viewed as the culture and a way of life. It is obviously the oldest wisdom
know to humanity. Its sacred texts are ageless and ever-actual and valid. Futhermore, this
religion can be very individual. Being an ideal Hindu literally means the moral and virtuous way
of life while implementing the two fundamental doctrines of Karma. The first one is the
performing of ones duties, while the second one implies Dharma in order to gain soul salvation.
Each person can choose the best way to attain this liberation, as there is no single way to the
God. Meditation is a very interesting practice, as it involves the work with ones own mind and
body. It allows to learn more about oneself. Moreover, it helps to fight with unconscious blocks
and latent statements, which are typically interfering and preventing from the achievement of
global objectives. Meditation can be performed though repetition of mantras, chanting,
meditation on sacred writings and teachings, work with the body (Hatha-Yoga), and breathing

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

(pranayama). All of these help better understand oneself and concentrate on the calming of ones
mind. Transcendental meditation is very intriguing. It is very mystical, as it is a form of mantra
meditation. Mantras can be selected from the special list. It is a serious work with ones worries,
blocks and fears. The mantra has to be repeated during some particular time and the person might
lose the mantra, while being involved in ones reminiscences or thoughts. One should not force
oneself back to mantra, only allow the mantra to return and continue the meditative practice. This
meditation helps to relax and brings the feeling of proximity and unity with the whole universe. I
had no possibility to try this type of meditation, but I would love to try it in order to calm all
routine thoughts, constant internal dialogue and feel the unity with the whole world.

References
Bhagavat-Gita. Retrieved 13 march 2014, from:
http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/group/krishnaconsciousness/forum/topics/astrology
Brahma Vishy Maheswara together. Retrieved 12 March 2014, from:
http://www.teluguone.com/devotional/content/brahma-vishnu-maheswara-together--6255047.html
Decode Hindu mythology. Retrieved 13 march 2014, from:
http://decodehindumythology.blogspot.com/p/sacred-texts.html
Flood, G. (1996). An introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Knott, K. (2000). Hinduism: A very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Meditation. Retrieved 13 march 2014, from:
http://www.meditatebeherenow.com/category/meditation-tips/
Michaels, A. (2004). Hinduism: Past and present. New Jearsey, NJ: Princeton University Press.
Panda, L. (2009). Participants sit in meditation camp. Retrieved 13 March 2014, from:
http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/fitness/transcendental-meditation-cutsstress-boosts-mental-health-among-breast-cancer-patients/article34525.ece

PRESENTATION ON RELIGION: HINDUISM

Yoga and Meditation. Retrieved 13 March 2014, from : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zoehelene/yoga-gift-guide_b_4208494.html
Yogani (2005). Deep meditation pathway to personal freedom. London: AYP Publishing.

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