Hindu Practices Content Flashcards
Why do Hindus worship?
- sacred scriptures instruct them to
- believe that worship will bring them closer to Brahman
- believe that it will help their atman achieve Moksha
- worship to show their gratitude, praise or commitment to Brahman/deities
Quote about Hindu worship?
‘The are two ways of contemplation of Brahman: in sound and in silence’ (Upanishad 6)
What do sacred texts say about where the best place is to worship?
They say it doesn’t matter where you worship, it’s about the puja itself
What is a shrine?
A sacred space in the home, in a temple, or outdoors used for worshipping
Benefits of worshipping at home:
- shrine can be dedicated to their favourite deity as Brahman can be hard to understand
- can worship at any time
- shows dedication because they are using a part of their home for Brahman
Why are Mandirs highly decorative and elaborate?
The time, effort, money put into construction of a mandir is seen as a form of worship
What is darshan?
-Involves looking at an image of a deity which allows time and space to contemplate life
-Closely linked with meditation (frees the mind from maya and receives meaning for life)
-often involves gestures of devotion like kissing the feet of the deity - symbolises seeing the truth of the world and the atman being brought closer to Moksha
What is havan?
A fire sacrifice to the deity Agni
A fire is lit on a fire pit and offerings are made to it (symbolises the world)
The fire cleanses wrong doing and drives away negative energy to allow focus on God
What is the Arati ceremony?
Main ceremony that happens in the Mandir
A candle is lit in front of a murti (infuses the candle with the deity’s love and devotion)
Prayers are sung whilst the candle is passed around so that everyone can receive the love
Burning flames symbolise sacrifice
What is japa/mantra?
Japa is a way of changing mantras
A string of beads is used to count the Chants
Forces the mind to forget everything and focus on Brahman
Intended to foster intimacy with the divine power
Mantra = a short chant that is repeated (usually a short scripture quote)
What are gurus?
Holy people who have reached enlightenment and spend their life teaching others how to find self-realisation
What four qualities must a guru have?
- they must know about Brahman
- they must have overcome all human desires
- they must be honest, sincere, and trustworthy
- they must be well-versed in scripture
Quote about gurus
‘The Pearl is found in the oyster. The diver brings it up. No one else has the power to do so’ (Guru Kabir)
What is a sadhu?
A Hindu teacher or wandering man
A well known feature of the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage- lead pilgrims into the water
What is a sannayasin?
Someone who has reached the end of their life and has given up all possessions + contact with family
- carry only a begging bowl, stick and prayer beads
- treated with respect due to being the image of simplicity
What is a swami?
A Hindu man especially well-known for his teaching of scripture
- they are ascetics and belong to a religious order (a group)
Who is Amma?
The most-well known female Guru
- traditionally most gurus are male
Who is Sathya Sai Baba?
A guru who some considered to be an avatar of Shiva.
He taught Hindus the way to Moksha for over 50 years
Reasons for going on a pilgrimage?
Learn about the faith
Gain help/guidance
Feel closer to God/deities
Show commitment (Bhakti yoga)
What is circumambulation?
Walking around a holy site, often whilst chanting or praying
What happens in a pilgrimage?
- many Hindus give to charity
- celibacy (a sign of commitment to God)
- penance (doing something to make up for something/rid yourself of bad karma)
What is yoga?
A spiritual pathway a person follows through life. The way in which a person chooses to live + connect with Brahman
What is Jnana yoga?
Path of knowledge
- dedicates life to studying scriptures + prayer
- stricter path
- encourages people to separate themselves from the world
- aims to achieve knowledge of God
Quote about Jnana yoga?
‘Nothing is so sublime and pure as spiritual knowledge’ (Bhagavad Gita)
