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| | Principles
and Practice of Hindu Religion | |
Chapter
- I : An Introduction and Overview
of Hinduism | The
Principles of Hindu Faith - an
Overview of Chapters II to VII A
Basic Study -
for the Youth and for Beginners in Hindu Religious Studies |
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| | Lesson
- 11 : | The
Practice of Hinduism as in Vedas and Agamas The
Spiritual Discipline for Practice of the Faith | |
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The
Philosophical teachings of Hinduism, like any scientific theory, are of no use
to the common man unless it is applied for their daily practice. It has survived
the test of time for many thousand years and still remains popular due to the
sound principles on which its practice is based. It gives different rules of ethics
and conducts for various categories of people. The Dharma Sasthras and
Smrithis teach us of normal conduct in performing our work. Dharma,
Artha, Kama and Moksha are the four Purusharthas that govern out activity.
Dharma is the proper rules of one's duty, which literally means "that
which holds" the universe and its beings. They are classified as Samanya
Dharma or the general and universal rules and Visesha Dharma or specific
personal rules for each individual. They give peace, joy, strength and tranquillity.
Artha and Kama are the materialistic desire and passion, that also
govern our actions. Unless one seeks the material benefits and pleasures within
the scope of Dharma, it will cause grief with greed and lust. Moksha is
the relief from pain and suffering and ultimate liberation that is the main reason
for all our actions. | |
As
rituals became popular and were being considered as the sole path for the eternal
bliss, the soundness of its philosophy and ethics of practice were reestablished
by the sages. The four Yogas give us the spiritual discipline of our conduct.
Karma Yoga is the correct path of performing work without greed or desire
and the action performed without looking for the fruits of benefit or loss. Raja
Yoga is the discipline of control of our body and mind. It teaches concentration,
meditation, breathing and physical exercise and a state of equanimity of the mind
as a natural reaction to all activities. Bhakthi Yoga is the spiritual
discipline of absolute devotion and love of God. It teaches prayers and surrender
to God at all times. It teaches to see and feel God in all people and all actions.
Jnana Yoga is the path of obtaining Spiritual knowledge through action,
study, meditation and devotion. | |
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| | | | | Om!
Sahanãvavatu Sahanau Bhunaktu Sahavêryam Karavãvah: |
Thejasvinaa
Vadhêthamastu Mã Vidvishã Vahaih: || Om!
Shãnthih: Shãnthih: Shãnthihih: Om! | May
He, the Supreme Lord, protect us both,
The
teacher and the student. May He nourish us both. May
our study be thorough and fruitful. May we not hate each other. Om
! Peace, Peace, Peace. | |
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| Lessons:
- 1
, 2 , 3 , 4
, 5 , 6 , 7
, 8 , 9 , 10
,
11 , 12 , 13
, 14 , 15 , 16
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