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The Origins
Introduction
The Nature of Religion
Hinduism and The Indus Valley Civilization
Models of Religion
The Origins of Hinduism
The Term Hinduism
The Importance of Sanskrit to Hinduism
Vedas: the Sacred Writings of Hinduism
The Religious Order: Sampradaya
Philosophy
Spiritual Qualification and Ownership: Adhikara
What is Dharma?
Yoga and the Yogi
Fasting: Upavasana
Voluntary Service: Seva
Hindu Caste: Varnashrama Dharma
Action: Karma, Punya and Papa
Liberation:Moksha/Nirvana
Hindu Astrology
Non Harming: Ahimsa
God in Hinduism
What is a Guru?
Hindu Architecture: Vaastu Shastra
Time and Hinduism
Time In Hinduism: The Yuga
The Hindu Calendar: Panchanga
Choosing the Moment: Muhurta
The Making of the Hindu Calendar |
Ceremonies
Hindu Festivals: Utsavas
A Ladies' Vow: Karwa Chauth
Installing a Sacred Image: Murti Sthapana/Prana Pratishta
Ways of Worship: Puja and Archana
The Fire Ritual: Havan/Homa
Sacred Bathing: Abhishekam
Initiation: Diksha
The Satya Narayana Puja
Sacred Images
Do Hindus Worship Idols?
Nine Planets: Nava Grahas
The Sacred Image: Shri Murti
Special Murtis: Balaji and Jagannatha
Shiva Lingam
Practice
Mantras
Sacred Songs: Bhajana/Kirtana
The Meaning of Sounds: the Reciting of OM, Chanting Shanti, Blowing a Conch and Ringing Bells
Gayatri Mantra
Hindu Samskaras
Spiritual Practice: Sadhana
Chanting: Japa |
Sacred Objects
Sacred Objects: Trees, Lotuses, Cows...
What is the Meaning of a Swastika
The Offerings of Food and Lamps (aarati)
Rituals, Lamps, Holy Ash, Pradakshina, Kalasha, Coconuts and Prayer Rooms
Feet in Hinduism
Namaste and Bowing as Signs of Respect
Why do Hindus Wear Marks on the Forehead?
Divine Blessings: Prasada
A Sacred Plant: Tulasi
God's Feet: Shathari
Religious Marks: Tilaka/Tika
Sacred Designs: The Yantra
Miscellanea
Hinduism and Science
A Note about Western Perceptions of India
Divine Sages: Rishis
The Ancient System of Education: Guru Kula |
The installments that you see on this page are the beginning of what will eventually be a published book. I am making these installments available on this site now because people regularly come with questions about Hinduism. Instead of delaying until the published book is available, I am making much of the material available immediately. Please comment via e-mail and tell me what you think, or if you have questions that are not answered on this page, please also let me know. You can send your comments or questions to: shuka@sanskrit.org
Ganga Flows West:
The Essentials of Modern Hinduism
By
Shukavak N. Dasa
This book will provide you with an easy to read and simple explanation of the most important points of Hinduism. |
