Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA

Bauddhik Vibhag

bauddhik yojana
tarun gana
first quarter
(jan-mar 2014)
Table of Contents
Weekend Topic
All weeks Geet
All weeks Amrit vachan

All weeks Subhashita

Hinduism- Religion/Way of Life Slides 1,2,3
What is Hinduism? Who is Hindu Slides
4,5,6,7
JAN
Sankranti Utsav
Efforts to Define Hinduism Slides 8,9,10
Is Hinduism more than Hindus Slides
11,12,13
Concept of GOD Slides 14.15,16
FEB
Concept of GOD Slides 17,18,19
Topic from Monthly Baudhik Tele
Conference
Other Concepts -Slides 20,21,22,23
Other Concepts Slides 24,25,26
MAR
Other Concepts Slides 27,28,29
Topic from Monthly Baudhik Tele
Conference

Format
Abhyas and learn
Read out loud before prarthana
on sampata / during boudhik
Lead and Follow before
prarthana on sampata / during
boudhik
Discussion
Baudhik and Discussion
Baudhik and Discussion

Baudhik and Discussion

Baudhik and Discussion

Baudhik and Discussion

Baudhik and Discussion
Baudhik and Discussion

AMRUT VACHAN
The greatest human ideal is the great cause of bringing together the thoughts of
Europe and Asia; the great soul of India will topple our world.
Romain Rolland
Vedanta teaches that consciousness is singular, all happenings are played out in
one universal consciousness and there is no multiplicity of selves.
Erwin Schrdinger
In the great teaching of the Vedas, there is no touch of sectarianism. It is of all
ages, climes and nationalities and is the royal road for the attainment of the
Great Knowledge.
Henry David Thoreau

GEET
,

, lok
... {}
,
,
,
... {}
,
,

,
... {}
,
,
,
... {}
,
,

Nirmal paavan bhaavanaa, sabhi ke

such ki kaamanaa
Gauravamay samaras janajivan, yahi
lok aaraadhanaa
Chale nirantar saadhanaa (2)
Jahaan ashikshaa andhakaar hai,
vahaan gnyaan kaa deep jalaaye
Sneh bharee anupam shailee se,
sanskaar kee jyot jagaayen
Sabhee ko lekar saath challenge,
durbal kaa kar thaamanaa
Chale nirantar saadhanaa (2)
Jahaan vyaadhiyon aur abhaavon, mein
maanavataa tadap rahee
Ghor vikaaron abhishaapon se, dekho
jagatee jhulasa rahee
Ek ek aansu ko ponchhe, saaree peedaa
laanghanaa
Chale nirantar saadhanaa (2)
Jahaan vishamataa bhed abhee hai,
nayee chetanaa bharanee hai
Nyaayapurna maryaadaa dhaaren,
vikaas rachanaa karnee hai
Svabhimaan se khade sabhee hon, kare
na koi yaachanaa
Chale nirantar saadhanaa (2)
Nar sevaa naaraayan sevaa, hai apanaa
kartavya mahaan
Apanee bhakti apanee shakti, ye
karnaa jan jan kaa kaam
Apne tap se pragatayenge, maa
bhaarat kamalaasanaa
Chale nirantar saadhanaa (2)

,
... {}
Audio Link http://www.vijayavipanchi.org/ViewFile.aspx?FileID=321

GEET

calo BhaI calo Shakha me calo

thoDI der ab tum sab kAma Bulo calo
Bhai calo sang sang calo
Aja ke dina zarA hanso aura Kelo ||
rAma kRuShNa ke vAris ham
garva se kahate hindu ham
BhagvA dhvaj hai pujya param
vandan use karo sang sang calo ||
jIjA kA mAtRutv hame
Saurya lakShmI kA hai tan me
mausI jI ki Aan hame
Age baDho aur sang sang calo ||
ChoTe ChoTe bachche ham
kAma baDA karenge ham
dharma kI rakShA karenge ham
kahenge vande mAtaram ||
SHAKA me hai REAL FUN
kabaDDi Kho Kho me ramtA man
karo yogA Bulo gam
kadama milaO aur sang sang calo ||

REAL FUN

Audio http://www.geetganga.org/chalo-bhai-chalo-shakha-mai-chalo

SUBHASHITA
Recommended format (at the time of sankhya during ending of the shakha):
Vakta says once, everyone repeats twice
Vakta reads the meaning
Vakta says once, everyone repeats once

||
UtsaahO balavaan Arya nastyutsahaat param balam
sOtsahasya cha lOkeshu na kinchidapi durlabham
Meaning:
A person with enthusiasm is a powerful person. There is nothing as powerful as enthusiasm. nothing
is impossible ('durlabhah' literally means unachievable) to an enthusiastic person. This subhashit says
"If there is a will, there is a way." Nothing is impossible; one must push it till the end

||
Vishaadapyamrutam grAhyam baalaadapi subhashitam
Amitraadapi sad vruttam amEdhyaadapi kanchanam
nectar is acceptable even if it is found in poison. learn about good thought (subhashita) even from
children accept good qualities even from enemy and accept gold even if it is found in a dirty place.

This Quarters Theme

The theme of Hinduism will be done for two quarters. In the current quarter, we
will looking at the basics Who is Hindu? What is Hinduism? Look at
definitions of Hinduism, and some concepts that are common to people calling
themselves as Hindus. In the second quarter, we will look into some details of
scripture, maha vakyas, and comparison with western religions. Purpose of the
material provided here is a guideline for bauddhik and discussion in the shakha,
not an effort to provide one more definition of Hinduism.

Hindu Dharma
An Overview
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

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Slide 2

Hindu Dharma Overview

Hindu Used by Persians, denoted geography
and community of people living in that area
Religion Unified set of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things
leading to social bond amongst people -- Sociologist Emile Durkheim

Hinduism commonly used term to indicate religious aspect , in

manner

similar to semitic (abrahmic) religions

Hindu Dharma mainly used by awakened Hindus, some academics

since concepts espoused by Hindus goes beyond religion (See definition above).
Alternatively it is also defined as a way of life

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Slide 3

Most important aspect of defining it as a religion is that , its

adherents enjoy rights and protections provided by various
governments across the world.
This kind of protection is not available for way of life
Implications
Marriages for example are recognized on basis of religious tenets will not recognize Hindu
marriages unless Hindu is recognized as religion (happened in Trinidad, there was no option
for civil marriage)
Construction of religious places such temples would be restricted without such protections
Any special protections that is available under law for other religions would be denied if it
defined as way of life
Any interfaith programs are open to any group that identifies as religious group, Hindus
might not be invited if it is defined as way of life

Discuss : What would be best option to identify ourselves ? Sanatana dharma, vedic
religion, Hinduism. Are there any other benefits of defining Hinduism as religion ? , Should
it be religion and more ?

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Slide 4

What is Hinduism ?
Depends on who you ask
Hinduism is not just a faith. It is the union of reason and intuition that cannot be
defined, but is only to be experienced. - Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
Hinduism is a collective term applied to the many philosophical and religious
traditions native to India
An unstable mixture of the primitive and the sophisticated - Troy Wilson Organ,
Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Ohio

Hinduism as a faith is vague, amorphous, many sided, all things to all men. It is
hardly possible to define it, or indeed to say definitely whether it is a religion or
not, in the usual sense of the word, in its present form, and even in the past, it
embraces many beliefs and practices, from the highest to the lowest, often opposed
to or contradicting each other. Jawaharlal Nehru in Discovery of India
Some Hindus argue that what others call Hinduism is actually Sanatana Dharma,
Vedic Religion

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Slide 5

What is Hinduism
Depends on who you ask contd
If I were asked to define the Hindu creed, I should simply say: Search after
truth through non-violent means. A man may not believe in God and still call
himself a Hindu. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit after truth Hinduism is the
religion of truth. Truth is God. Denial of God we have known. Denial of truth we
have not known.
Mahatma Gandhi
Most of the efforts to define Hinduism either by Hindus or others have used western
frame work Founder, Book, fixed beliefs and practices. As we will see it is very
difficult to put a framework that can get even two Hindus agree to it

DISCUSS: Highlighted words in the previous definitions.

We will look into couple of different attempts to define Hinduism

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Slide 6

Who is a Hindu/Are you a Hindu

(Sample ,there are many)
Asindhu Sindhu Paryanta yashya Bharat Bhoomika,
Pitribhu Punya Bhuschaiva Sa vai Hindu Riti Smritah
There is a vast land between river Sindhu and Hind Mahasagar called Bharat and those
who accept that this is their fatherland or / and a holy land, land of pilgrimage are all
Hindu. - Veer Savarkar

Hindu means a person believing in, following or respecting the eternal values of life,
ethical and spiritual, which have sprung up in Bhratkhand [India] and includes
any person calling himself a Hindu.
Vishwa Hindu Parishat

Perhaps the only non-Hindus are those who say, "I am not a Hindu;
Francis X. Clooney, S.J Jesuit Roman Catholic priest and scholar in the teachings of Hinduism

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Slide 7

What Makes One a Hindu?

Those who follow the way of life (Belief and practices) that originated
in the land of Indus are Hindus.
In the Mahbhrata the great King Yudhishthira was asked, What
makes a brahminbirth, learning or conduct? He replied,
It is conduct that makes a brahmin. Similarly, the modern
Hindu may well state that it is conduct, based upon deep,
practical understanding of dharma, karma and reincarnation,
that makes a Hindu.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/whitehindu/2013/03/why-i-am-a-hindu/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/whitehindu/2013/01/what-makes-me-a-hindu/

Lets explore possible ideas

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Slide 8

Efforts to Define Hinduism

Supreme Court of India
1. Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence as the highest authority in religious and
philosophic matters and acceptance with reverence of Vedas by Hindu thinkers and philosophers as
the sole foundation of Hindu philosophy.
2. Spirit of tolerance and willingness to understand and appreciate the opponents point of view based
on the realization that truth was many-sided.
3. Acceptance of great world rhythm, vast period of creation,

maintenance and dissolution

follow each other in endless succession, by all six systems of Hindu philosophy.
4. Acceptance by all systems of Hindu philosophy the belief in rebirth and pre-existence.
5. Recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are many.
6. Realization of the truth that Gods to be worshipped may be large, yet there being
Hindus who do not believe in the worshipping of idols.
7. Unlike other religions or religious creeds Hindu religion not being tied-down to any

definite set of philosophic concepts, as such.

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Slide 9

Efforts to Define Hinduism

Nine belief of Hindus (Hinduism Today)
1. Hindus believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the worlds most ancient scripture.
2. Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being.
3. Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation,
preservation and dissolution.
4. Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect
5. Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until
moksha,is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this destiny.
6. Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship,
rituals and sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion with these devas and Gods.
7. Hindus believe that a spiritually awakened master, or satguru,

is essential to know the

Transcendent Absolute
8. Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered , and therefore practice
AHIMSA, noninjury.
9. Hindus believe that no
others.

particular religion teaches the only way

to salvation above all

Compare this with the definition of Supreme court and discuss in the group

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Slide 10

Common (Most?)Practices of Hindus (Hinduism Today+)

1. WORSHIP, UPSAN: Hindus are taught daily worship in the family shrine roomrituals,
disciplines, chants, yogas and religious study..
2. HOLY DAYS, UTSAVA: Hindus are taught to participate in Hindu festivals and holy days in the home
and temple.
3. VIRTUOUS LIVING, DHARMA: Hindus are taught to live a life of duty and good conduct. They
learn to be selfless by thinking of others first, being respectful of parents, elders and swms, following
divine law
4. PILGRIMAGE, TEERTHAYTR: Hindus are taught the value of pilgrimage and are taken at least
once a year for darshana of holy persons, temples and places, near or far.
5. RITES OF PASSAGE, SAMSKRA: Hindus are taught to observe the many sacraments which mark
and sanctify their passages through life, such as the rites of birth, name-giving, head shaving,
first feeding, ear-piercing, first learning, coming of age, marriage and death.
6. Ishta Devata
Personal choice to decide on which god to worship is again unique to Hindu Dharma
7. Devi Puja
Worship of the supreme power as a Women is a unique feature of Hinduism

Discuss

if these are common characteristics of Hindus. Seek input from the group and add if any.
http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/interreligious/cd37-08.html

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Slide 11

Hinduism is sum total of beliefs of Hindus

There are two types of religions, those in which the doctrines and practices come first and then a
community coalesces around them; and those in which the community comes first and the doctrines and
practices are an expression of the togetherness of the community. If the first type of religion is described
as associational and the latter communitarian, then Hinduism is a communitarian religion.
Implication for definition: One must define who is a Hindu (i.e. member of the community)
before defining Hinduism.
There are two ways in which one may define a Hindu on account of Hinduism's close association with
India: from the point of view of those inside it and from the point of view of those outside it. This dualism
implies a double-definition of who is a Hindu.
Implication for definition: A person who is an Indian citizen is presumably a Hindu unless
one denies being one; a person who is not an Indian citizen is presumably a non-Hindu, unless
one asserts that one is a Hindu, for while Hinduism may not seek converts, it tends not to
reject them, either
Since in its original location one must deny being a Hindu in order not to be considered one, Hinduism
is non-exclusive - others exclude themselves from it.
Implication for definition: Others may exclude themselves from the Hindus but Hindus do
not exclude the religious ideas of those people. This means that from the Hindu point of view,
"Hinduism" is identical with the Indic Religious Tradition, although from the point of view of
the followers of the other Indic religious traditions, such as those of Buddhism, Jainism and
Sikhism this may not be so, should they choose to exclude themselves

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Slide 12

While in the case of Indic religions (Jain, Baudhdha, Sikh), Hindus identify with both the religious
communities as well as their religious ideas, even if they exclude themselves; in the case of nonIndic religions (Muslims, Christians, etc.) they are unwilling to identify with such communities if
these communities exclude themselves from the Hindus, but Hindus remain hospitable to the
religious ideas of these communities.

Implication for definition: The Hinduism will always be more than just the sum of the
religious ideas of the "Hindus".
Just as Hindus do not exclude others, others exclude themselves, Hindus do not exclude what has
happened in their past, or the past of others, whatever it might be.
Implication for definition: Hindus believe in a cumulative as well as an inclusive tradition
of religion.
Hinduism may now be defined as the religion of the Hindus.
Implication for definition: 1. Hinduism is the sum total of beliefs and practices of those
who identify themselves as Hindus, which is what they are because of this non-exclusive
and cumulative attitude displayed by the Hindus. 2. Because Hindus also welcome the
religious ideas and experiences of others it will always be more than itself.

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Slide 13

The sum total of these beliefs and practices held in mutual tolerance and acceptance need not have
any common thread running through them, except this attitude of mutual acceptance.
Implication for definition: Some broad similarities may be discernible but although these
may be descriptive of Hinduism, they can never be definitional of Hinduism.

Thus Hindus can be identified but Hinduism cannot be defined, except as the religion of the
Hindus. And being a Hindu requires no definition other than self-assertion, by implication if one is
an Indian citizen and by articulation if one is not.
Implication for definition: Hinduism is a threshold, not an enclosure. Hinduism will
always be more than itself.

Points in the last 3 slides taken from discussion group hosted by Prof Aravind
Sharma.
Discuss the arguments in the previous section about defining hinduism

While defining Hinduism is difficult, we will explore

some broad commonalities of Hindu beliefs and
practices

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Slide 14

Hindu Concept of God

Brahman and the English word God do not mean the same
Hindu view of the Ultimate Reality is expressed in the following verse of the Rig
Veda:

Ekam sat vipraha, bahudha vadanti.

(Rig Veda 1.164.46)
Truth is one, wise call It by various names.
Truth here means the Ultimate Reality, called Brahman in the Upanishads.
Note the words wise and various names.

In Hinduism, Brahman is both immanent (personal) and transcendent

(impersonal)

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Slide 15

Hindu Concept of God, contd

Brahman , the Cosmic Absolute
(beyond description)

Immanent

(personal aspect,
can be prayed, and
worshipped, but not
realized)

Male Aspect

Ishvara or God (note capital G)

worshipped by many names
and forms known as deities
or gods (note small g)

Transcendent

(impersonal aspect,
can be realized, but
not worshipped

Female Aspect

Divine Mother, worshipped

by many names and forms
known as deities or goddesses
(note small g)

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Slide 16

Hindu Concept of God

Brahman and the English word God do not mean the same
Hindu view of the Ultimate Reality is expressed in the following verse of the Rig
Veda:

Ekam sat vipraha, bahudha vadanti.

(Rig Veda 1.164.46)
Truth is one, wise call It by various names.
Truth here means the Ultimate Reality, called Brahman in the Upanishads.
Note the words wise and various names.

In Hinduism, Brahman is both immanent (personal) and transcendent

(impersonal)
Hindus have several words for god (similar to eskimos having many words for
snow)
OM, Bhagavan, Isha, Purusha, Sat, Tat, Eka, Paramatma, Devi, Mata and many more

Ishta Devata Divinity as one desires

Each individual has the right, therefore, to conceive of and worship God according to his or her
unique position and psychology
Refer : Chapter 11 Idiots Guide to Hinduism

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Slide 17

Hindu Concept of God

The Nasadiya Sukta states that the Supreme Being is both the Unmanifest and the Manifest, Existence as
well as Non-existence, the Supreme Indeterminable
Purusha-Sukta proclaims that all this Universe is God as the Supreme Person the Purusha with thousands
of heads, thousands of eyes, thousands of limbs in His Cosmic Body. He envelops the whole cosmos and
transcends it to infinity

Narayana-Sukta exclaims that whatever is anywhere, visible or invisible, all this is pervaded by Narayana
within and without
Hiranyagarbha-Sukta of the Rig-Veda declares that God manifested Himself in the beginning as the
Creator of the Universe, encompassing all things, including everything within Himself
Isavasya Upanishad says that the whole Universe is pervaded by Isvara or God, who is both within and
without it. He is the moving and the unmoving, He is far and near, He is within all these and without all
these
Kena Upanishad says that the Supreme Reality is beyond the perception of the senses and the mind
because the senses and the mind can visualise and conceive only the objects, while Reality is the Supreme
Subject, the very precondition of all sensation, thinking, understanding, etc. No one can behold God
because He is the beholder of all things.
Kathopanishad has it that God is the Root of this Tree of world existence
Prasna Upanishad says that God is the Supreme Prajapati or Creator, in whom are blended both the matter
and energy of the Universe. God is symbolised in Pranava, or Omkara
Mundaka Upanishad gives the image of the Supreme Being as the One Ocean into which all the rivers of
individual existence enter and with which they become one, as their final goal

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Slide 18

Hindu Concept of God

Mandukya Upanishad regards the Supreme Being as the Turiya, or the Transcendent Consciousness,
beyond the stales of waking, dreaming and deep sleep
Taittiriya Upanishad regards the Reality as the Atman, or the Self, beyond the physical, vital, mental,
intellectual and causal aspects(sheaths) of the personality.
Aitareya Upanishad states that the Supreme Atman has manifested itself as the objective Universe from the
one side and the subjective individuals on the other side
Chhandogya Upanishad says that all this Universe is Brahman Manifest in all its states of manifestation
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad we are told that the Supreme Being is Pure Consciousness, in which subjects
and objects merge together in a state of Universality
According to the Sakta tradition, God is the Divine Universal Mother of all things,
According to the Bhakti tradition, God is the Supreme Object of Love

According to Saiva tradition, God is Pati, the Lord who controls the individuals known as Pasu, with His
Power known as Pasa
According to the Nyaya and Vaiseshika schools, God is the instrumental cause of creation, like a potter
fashioning a pot of clay, but not the material cause of creation
The Samkhya school holds that there are only two Primary Principles, Purusha and Prakriti, and creation is
only a manifestation or evolution of the constituents of Prakriti due to the action of Purusha's
consciousness
Yoga school of Patanjali accepts God's existence as a Special Purusha free from all afflictions
For more http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/disc/disc_14.html

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Hindu Concept of God

DISCUSSION Points
Discuss the Implications of freedom to choose God
Does One in Many Forms confuse / Liberate a hindu, or a non hindu
Having choice of worship (including not to) is good or bad
Having numerous definitions (see previous two slides) causes confusion.
Isnt it a matter of pride that our rishis were able to come up with so many
possibilities/constructions of the GOD concept? Discuss

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Slide 20

Hindu Concept of the Individual

Just as a man living in a house is called a householder,

Atman (meaning God within) living in a human body
is called an individual. When this human house
becomes old and irreparable, Atman leaves the house
and we say that the individual has died.

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Slide 21

Hindu Concept of the Individual, contd.

Atman is uncreated, immortal and divine.
Although Atman is generally translated as soul or
spirit, Atman and soul do not mean the same.
Atman has two states of existence, liberated and
bound.
In the human body, Atman is deluded by cosmic
ignorance, called Maya in Sanskrit.
There are various viewpoints regarding relationship
of the liberated Atman with Brahman.
In Hindu view, an individual is not born a sinner, but
commits sin under the influence of Maya. Thus, the
purpose of Hindu religious life is to transcend Maya.

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Slide 22

Divinity of the Atman: Each human being, regardless of

religion, geographic region, gender, color or creed is in reality

Atman clothed in a physical body. Since Atman is inherently
pure and divine, every human being is potentially divine. In
Hindu view, a man is not born a sinner, but becomes a victim of
ignorance under the influence of cosmic ignorance, called Maya.
Just as darkness quickly disappears upon the appearance of
light, an individuals delusion vanishes when he gains selfknowledge.

Unity of Existence: Science has revealed that what we call

matter is essentially energy. Hindu sages tell us that the cosmic

energy is manifestation of the Universal Spirit (Brahman).
Brahman has become all things and beings in the world. Thus,
we are all interconnected in subtle ways. All is One and One is
in all, declare the sages.

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Slide 23

Practical Significance:

Encourages universal brotherhood

Reverence for all forms of life
Respect for our environment.
DISCUSS: Other impacts of these concepts in our daily life.

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Slide 24

The Law of Karma

Hindus believe that God, who is all-loving and merciful, does
not punish or reward anyone. He molds our destinies based
upon our own thoughts and deeds. Every action of a person, in
though, word, or deed, brings results, either good or bad,
depending upon the moral quality of the action, in accordance
with the adage, As you sow, so shall you reap. Moral
consequences of all actions are conserved by the Nature.

Practical Significance: Eliminates fear of God and

hell; enhances self-confidence and strengthens the
concepts of righteousness and fairness.
More at http://www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/basics/karmareincarnation

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Slide 25

Doctrine of Incarnation
Hindus believe that God incarnates Himself on earth
to uphold righteousness, whenever there is a decline
in virtue. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita,
Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and
predominance of unrighteousness, I (God) embody
Myself. For the protection of the good and for the
destruction of the evil-doers and for the re-establishment of righteousness, I am born form age to age.
(BG 4.6-4.7)
Practical Significance: Encourages righteousness and
fosters hope for the mankind.

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Slide 26

Freedom of Thought
Let noble thoughts come to us
from all sides
Hindus believe that wisdom is not an exclusive possession of
any particular race or religion. Hinduism, therefore,
provides everyone with absolute freedom of thought in
religious matters. One is free to approach God in his or her
own way, without conforming to any dogma or blind faith.
An open mind is all that is needed to study Hinduism.
Hindus place the greatest value on experiencing truth
personally.

Practical Significance: Eliminates blind faith and

dogma. Encourages reason and logic for mutual
understanding. Hinduism is a God-loving religion
and not God-fearing one.

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Slide 27

The Law of Dharma

Yato-bhyudayanihsreyasa-siddhih sa dharmah - That which leads to
the attainment of Abhyudaya (prosperity in this world)
The thought of dharma generates deep confidence in the Hindu
mind in cosmic justice. This is reflected in the often-quoted
maxims: The righteous side will have the victory.
Satyameva Jayate, Na-anrutam - Truth only prevails, not
falsehood. Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah - Dharma protects if it
is protected.

Dharma is the law that maintains the cosmic order as

well as the individual and social order. Dharma
sustains human life in harmony with nature. When
we follow dharma, we are in conformity with the law
that sustains the universe.

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Slide 28

The Law of Dharma

Dont do to others what you dont want done to you.
Effect of Dharma is felt in all aspects of life
Morality
Ethics
Individual Resp.

Dharma

Social Resp.
Laws of the Land

Profession
Ahimsa (non-injury)

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Slide 29

Reincarnation - Purnarjanma

samsara, a chain of births and deaths linked by

reincarnation
All individuals accumulate karma over the course of a
lifetime
Unfulfilled desires are primarily responsible for our
rebirth
Gives us the opportunity to gradually evolve spiritually
Ultimate goal is moksha, or freedom from samsara

Discuss the implications of belief in reincarnation.

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Slide 30

Some of the slides in the presentation have been

incorporated based on the book The HINDU
MIND by Bansi Pandit

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