Hinduism Basic Hinduism Hinduism is called Sanatana Dharma by Hindus. Hinduism has no single founder or prophet.

t. There are many Sages or Rishis. Hinduism has no single authority or overseeing organization. There are many Sampradayas or branches, each with their own systems. Hindus have no single set of laws or commandments in the Christian sense, only guidelines in which to live by and attain divine happiness. These guidelines serve as an outline on how to attain unification with God. God is both Immanent (inside us) and Transcendent (everywhere, even beyond the material plane) Basic Beliefs We believe there are countless valid paths to God, including those of non-Hindus. (Like a map with a destination marked. It is the same destination for everyone involved but each car may take a different path. Some will take the highway, some will take side streets, others will take the scenic route and some may take the longer way but all of them will end up in the same place as long as they have the map.) We do not believe in a one true path or a chosen people. There is but One Truth known by many names. We have no ultimate evil or supreme devil like Satan or Lucifer as outlined in the Islamic and Christian faiths. God is Supreme; all souls are subject to Gods doing. We have no concepts of eternal damnation.

 We believe in reincarnation. We believe in a Eternal Soul which inhabits several bodies both human & otherwise- over many lifetimes, until It has attained moksha or liberation. (A person will buy several cars over their lifetime, will do so because the previous car is worn and broken down. Even though he may be driving a different vehicle, he still remains as the constant in the vehicle.) We believe in the Universal Cause and Effect known as Karma. Our actions; whether good or bad, will beget reward or discipline. Based on our karmas; God will decide what kind of form we will have next, what kind of life we shall live, what lessons we still need to learn and what challenges we will need to face. One must suffer and encounter adversity in order to grow in maturity and understanding. Our will and reactions to the consequences resulting from past karmas and current actions can dissolve or lesson the negative karma for future lives. This is why some souls are more mature and spiritually adept than others. We must show reverence towards the journey and respect and accept the person at the current state or level in which they are at during this lifetime Dharma Defined Dharma is roughly translated in English as Religion, which is not an entirely accurate translation. Dharma is living appropriately or appropriate living. Duty, Obligation, Service, Practice, Beliefs and Faith are all synonyms for Dharma. Divinity/Godhead We believe in and worship only one God. We believe God can and has taken many formsanimal and human.

 The formless aspect of God is called Brahman. This aspect is found everywhere and in all things, just waiting to be discovered. Each devotee chooses the aspect of God in which he or she identifies with most, based on personal experiences, personality and what the devotee feels is the most auspicious qualities that he or she would like to have. (God is like a finely cut diamond with many smooth sides. On each side is a name and/or aspect of God. When the devotee only looks at the one smooth side through a microscope, that name or aspect of God is all he or she can see; however when he or she backs up and takes away the microscope, the devotee can begin to see the interconnectedness of the Divine. They then realize that all these forms and names are actually part of the same God or finely cut diamond. God is not far away, living in a remote heaven; he is inside each and every soul. This includes all living things whether it ia a plant, insect, animal or a human being. We do not worship statues or images of God as God in and of themselves; we only see them as a casing in which the presence of God is invoked so that we may commune with God on a personal level and receive His Divine Blessings. The imagery on the statues also serve as symbols that convey meanings, stories, lessons and open the mind and subconscious to the Divine Universal Truths. God can be worshiped in the context of Divine Father, Divine Mother, Divine Friend, Divine Child, Divine Teacher and many other ways. Holy Scriptures

 We have many scriptures or books that are held sacred and close to our hearts. Not all Hindus will use the same set of scriptures or books. All Hindus recognize the four Vedas as Divine Knowledge and Words. They are the most sacred of all the other scriptures. The Vedas are Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas. The word Veda is translated as knowledge. These books contain the knowledge on how to live, achieve happiness, heal and perform worship and rituals. There are many other texts that may be used in conjunction with the Vedas and they are; the Upanishads (aka. Vedanta the essence of the Vedas), Bhagavad Gita, Epics like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Agamas and other works by enlightened Masters, Rishis, Saints and Sages. Practices and Duties We practice tolerance and understanding. We practice Ahimsa or non-injury which means that we do not purposely harm another with malicious intent by thought, word or deed. We practice Satya or truthfulness which means we must refrain from lying and betraying promises. We practice Asteya or non-stealing which means that we must not con, cheat or thieve from others. We must never fail on our debts as well. One of our duties is Daana or giving. We must give liberally and generously to those who have little or none. Donate Food, Clothes, Money, Goods and Blood to those who could use it. We must practice Ishwara-Pujana or worship which means we must give daily reverence and offerings to God. Glorify,

meditate, praise and sing to God every day. Dedicate your services in Gods name. We practice Japa or recitation which is the act of reciting the sound, name or qualities of God; keeping him on the mind, in our thoughts, on our lips, in ones kind words and as the center of our actions. One of our duties is that of Seva or Service to mankind. We must perform services and volunteer as an act of devotion. Clean, cook food, teach, provide help or services and assist others without and expectation of reward, acknowledgement or recognition in return. We practice many Yogas which are paths outlining the way in which we can receive Moksha or liberation. The most common yogas are Bhakti which is the way to liberation using devotion, Jnana which is the way to liberation through knowledge and study, Karma Yoga which is the way to liberation through action. The methods are outlined in the Sage Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga which is the eight step method to liberation.