Project #1

Comm 2150-400
Sarah Newbry

Hindu Religious Ceremony

Overview
I attended a cultural Hindu service that included chants, prayers,
mediation and songs. The children separate from the adults and go on to
practice Hindi language and participate in songs and other learning. The
adults continue worship and then prepare for a group meal.
Religion
Hinduism is a religion or lifestyle often said to be the oldest organized
religion. Today it is the third largest religion in the world. One report suggests
over 950 million followers. There are several accepted names for this group,
Sanatana Dharma, Vaidika Dharma or most commonly Hindu. The origins of
the names have undefined sources.
The start of Hinduism is a source of some debate. Currently there are
two theories that most followers recognize. One theory is the classical theory
that blends the beliefs of a group invading from the north (Russia) bringing
their religious beliefs with them and subsequently having those beliefs
merge with the inhabitants of India around 4000 to 2200 BCE. (Robinson,
2015)

The other theory is called the emerging theory that questions if an

invasion from the Aryan north ever happened. This theory believes that
internal strife within the Indu people living in India around 3500 to 1800 BCE
and a dark age time for the people resulted in what has become Hinduism.
This theory seems to be resonating more with religious historians to date.
Religious texts are primarily found in The Vedas which is broken up into
different Vedas that contain hymns, incantations and rituals from ancient
India. (Robinson, 2015) These are thought to be the oldest religious texts still
preserved today. Their inception dating between 600 BCE to 300 BCE. Many
other sacred texts are used and revered.
With no central leadership or even theology there are vast amounts of
traditions and teachings that differ from those professing Hindu faith. This
becomes part of their belief system-tolerance for others points of view. The
structure of Hinduism is thousands of different religious groups that have
evolved in India since 1500 BCE. (Robinson, 2015) The basic belief structure
is one Supreme God (gender is determined by the follower) and hundreds of
supporting Gods that each have a specific role to play in life. There are gods
of wealth, peace and health.
Some common beliefs are reincarnation or transmigration of the soul
and karma (your actions will either lead you to better things or worse
depending on what you have done). Also telling the truth, non-violence, not
stealing, compassion and sympathy for all living creatures, tolerance,

patience, love, pleasant personality, well-mannered, giving, control of senses

(notably taste and sexual desires), and sin free (a different approach to sin
that the common Christian form). (Rath, 2009)
This is a basic bookish overview of a complex and intricate religion. It
is one thing to read about something and it feels almost another to
participate in it. It would stretch my imagination to know how it would be to
go through life from this point of view. This may be the case for most
newcomers to a religion. When you are raised within a lifestyle it often
doesnt seem foreign or complicated.
Religious or Cultural Function
A family I have come to know from India and were kind enough to tell
me about a function at their Hindu temple. It was a combination of religion
and culture. Since it is in American and many of the children were born stateside, the cultural aspects, while extremely close to the religion, were
stressed. Hindi language is very unfamiliar to me and a little hard to follow.
Everyone was kind and many people spoke English. I knew a little of how I
should behave; taking off my shoes before entering, wearing nice and
modest (most of the arm covered and no knees showing) clothing and not
touching the statues. The temple is lovely and the women worshiping there
were mainly dressed in bright pretty saris. I was concerned I would make
others uncomfortable because I probably very obviously wasnt a typical
participant and perhaps they want a little sanctuary from white America.

However, I felt welcomed and although I seemed to garner a little extra

attention, it was all kind.
Value Theory
Hinduism fits within the value theory of collectivism. Often fellow
believers live within close proximity of one another. Their lives are linked
religiously and in their everyday activities. Within the value orientations
delineated by Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck there is a range of values. The value
of relationships between humans has 3 realms. (Nakayama, 2013) Group
oriented relationships fit this Hindu experience.
Analysis
My observations from attending one of their services was that the
group was quite cohesive and displayed a high level of familiarity with each
other. In coming to know the family that has introduced me more to Indian
culture, I have witnessed a great amount of extended family support.
Multigenerational

living

along

with

neighbors

of

the

same

cultural

background are a way of life for them. The religious service was a blend of
ages and the children are being taught to respect their elders but to also be
comfortable with them. The uniformity in their chants and mantras enhances
their devotion and loyalty to each other and to their belief system.
Reflection
Im typically nervous to go among a new group of people. So that
personal issue paired with a language barrier had me pretty concerned. I did

know some people before going so I felt some comfort knowing they would
offer reassurance. My anxiety was alleviated with the pleasant and focused
people and rituals. While I am sure I didnt go unnoticed, everyone I came in
contact with were kind and helpful. I have known a Hindu family for a while
now but have never attended any of their cultural or religious events. It was
nice to see them in their element, feeling so at ease and surrounded by
loving friends. I would say in my experience followers of Hinduism are devout
and sincere in wanting to live life to the best of their beliefs. I can go forward
with the understanding that while this may be painting with a broad brush,
followers of this faith are interested in peace and being treated with gentle
respect. I understand more of the habits and expectations of my friends and
probably Hindus in general.

References
Nakayama, J. N. (2013). Intercultural Communication in Context (Sixth Edition ed.).
New York: Mc-Graw Hill Company.
Rath, C. (2009). http://www.religioustolerance.org/rath01b.htm. Retrieved from
ReligiousTolerance.org.
Robinson, B. (2015). http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm. Retrieved
from ReligiousTolerance.org.