Introduction to

Hindu / Sanatan Dharma

The search for Truth is called the Sanatana Dharma, or the Eternal Pat
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
Dharma: Dharma is the natural and rightful order and foundation of
Focuses on personally experiencing the Truth within.
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
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
central significance of God.

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 declared
links
The
Rig Veda has
the Ultimate Reality (God) as:
Ekam 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.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

Hindu Scriptures
Sruti
(Revealed)

Smriti
(Remembered)

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
Prajnanam Brahma:Consciousness is
Brahman
Aham Brahma Asmi:I Am Brahman
Tat Tram Asi:That Thou Art
Ayam Atma Brahma:This Self is Brahman

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.
http://www.dlshq.org/download/vedbegin.pdf for more info.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

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, selfexistent, 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:

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

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.

BRAHMA -CREATOR

ALL POWERFUL MOTHER GAYATRI

VISHNU - PROTECTOR

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

SHIVA - DISSOLVER

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..

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

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
Hindu
San
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immortal and is part
ofSwayamsevak
Brahman,
Supreme God.

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?

Atman

Physical
Human Body

Personality
Individuality
Spirituality
Divinity

just as
Electricity

Type of Appliance

Type of Application

Electricity

Refrigerator

Cold

Electricity

Oven

Heat

Electricity

Television

Audio & Video

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Opposing
Functions

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Hindu Concept of the Universe

Brahman (Infinite, Undivided and Changeless)

Cosmic
Cosmic Ignorance
Consciousness
(Maya)
(Heavenly
Father)

Time
Space
Duality

Sattva

Cosmic
CosmicEnergy
Energy
Divine
DivineMother
Mother
(Shakti)
(Shakti)

Rajas

Tamas

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)
Treta yuga (silver age)
Dvapara yuga (copper age)
Kali yuga (iron age)
Pralaya (cosmic deluge )
New Creation
Duration of One Cycle

4,000,000 years
3,600,000 years
2,400,000 years
1,200,000 years
4000,000 years
400,000 years
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 nonkilling. 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 reestablishment of
righteousness, I am
born form age to
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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

Three Debts:

Debt to God
Debt to Sages and Saints
Debt to ones parents and ancestors

Four Stages:

Human Life

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
Univers
e
Nation
Dependen
t
(Independen
t)
Individual

Truth
Communit
y
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,
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words and deeds. Hindu Swayamsevak San

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
Hindu Swayamsevak
San Light, deserving
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tolerance and understanding.

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

Sikh Gurudwara

Jain Temple

Buddhist Pagoda

Four major religions of the world have originated from

India: Hinduism,Jainism,
Sikhism
and Buddhism.
Hindu Swayamsevak
Sangh

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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
areFounder.
the oldest texts available to
No Human

No known beginning
humans

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

Hindu Swayamsevak San

Sanskrit: Source of
numerous languages

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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 subcontinent.
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
Hindu Swayamsevak
San and social protection 36
the same legal
as

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
theSwayamsevak
varna of every
Hindu
Sanperson.
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Additional Resources
Idiots Guide To Hinduism
By Linda Johnsen
On The Internet:
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basics
http://www.atributetohinduism.com/
http://www.dlshq.org/download/vedbegin.pdf
http://www.dlshq.org/download/download.htm
http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/ans_00.html
http://www.hindubooks.org/bansi_pandit/hindu_dharma /
This is a presentation by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS).
For more information, email at hindudharma@gmail.com
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