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Transcript
Religion: Hinduism Founder: None Place of Origination: In India around 1500 B.C.E. or earlier. Text: Vedas, Upanishads Bhagavad Gita Location in the world: India Beliefs: Perhaps the most well-known Hindu saying about religion is: "Truth is one; sages call it by different names." Contrast this with other religons which have a specific creed and belief system. Hindus see different paths and beliefs as all inclusive. 1. Reincarnation-The soul migrates from one body to another at the time of death. 2. Three main gods of Hinduism: Brahma-The creator of the universe, Vishnu-The preserver of the universe, Shiva-The destroyer of the universe. 3. Cows are viewed as the source of food (dairy products) and a symbol of life. 4. Brahman: Ultimate reality. 5. Atman: Soul or self. 6. Karma: “Deeds” that are done in this life affecting the next. Bad karma can be cleansed by participating in acts of devotion such as putting others first, pilgrimages to sacred sites, etc. Holidays and Festivals (meaning behind them) 1. Diwali, meaning "row of lights" is a Hindu festival of lights lasting five days. For many Hindus, Diwali is also New Year's Eve. Diwali is held on the final day of the Vikram calendar, a type of Hindu calendar followed by North Indians. 2. Mahashivaratri is the Great Festival of Shiva. It is held on the 14th day of the dark half of the lunar month of Phalguna. Temples dedicated to Shiva are filled with devotees offering prayers. The Shiva linga at the temple or in one's home is bathed with milk, honey and water, and offerings are made to Shiva in the form of Bilva leaves, fruits, and other specially prepared foods. Offering Bilva leaves to Shiva on Mahashivaratri is considered especially favorable. Hindus sing hymns and chant mantras. Some sit around a sacred fire and toss offerings of grain into the flames while chanting to Shiva. After fasting and meditating throughout the day, a vigil is held all night with continued prayers and meditation. Shiva linga Bilva leaves Two legends of Mahashivaratri Legend One: The popular legend of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, in which the gods inadvertantly unearthed a poison that threatened to destroy the world. Shiva saved the day by drinking the poison, which accounts for his blue throat in some Hindu art. It is said that Shiva was strong enough to handle the poison, but he had to stay awake all night as part of his healing. The other gods helped get him through the night by entertaining him with dances and other distractions. This is commemorated on Mahashivaratri, when Shiva's followers keep him company through the night. Legend Two: Another legend tells the story of a hunter who climbed a Bilva tree to escape a hungry lion. The lion sat down beneath the tree and waited for the hunter to fall. As he waited in the tree all night, the hunter plucked leaves from the Bilva tree to stay awake. The leaves, which are sacred to Shiva, fell on a Shiva linga that happened to be at the base of the tree. Shiva was pleased by the offering, inadvertant though it was, and saved the hunter. This event is commemorated on Mahashivaratri by staying up all night and offering Bilva leaves.