Hinduism
What is Hinduism?
a diverse and ancient religion with a complex history, originating in the Indian subcontinent and encompassing a vast array of beliefs, practices, and traditions
What is dharma and how does it relate to the environment?
Dharma the universal truth, natural law, or the right way of living that sustains and guides the world.
Protecting the environment is seen as a crucial aspect of fulfilling one's dharma, as it involves maintaining the natural order and upholding the well-being of all living things. It deeply relates to environmentalism through its emphasis on duty, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all beings
Why are most Hindus either vegetarians or give up eating meat/fast on a certain day or days of the week?
Hindus follow a karma-based system where killing of other life is considered wrong or harmful. For Hindus that are non-vegetarian, they give up meat on certain days or only eat meat once a week in order to respect certain deities or to take a break from eating meat.
Which river is considered sacred in Hinduism and is personified as a goddess?
Ganges River. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges purifies the soul and removes sins. Ganga is worshipped as a goddess of forgiveness, as people believe her waters can wash away sins.
What is the name of a social movement in India that has been fighting against the construction of large dams on the Narmada River, particularly the Sardar Sarovar Dam?
Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), translates to “Save Narmada Movement.” The movement's primary goals are to protect the environment, safeguard the livelihoods of people displaced by the dam projects, and advocate for sustainable water and energy management.
What do Bindis symbolize?
Bindis are considered to be the sixth chakra, ajna, in Kundalini Yoga. The bindi is associated with the worship of God as the feminine divine. It is also indicative of the conceptual "third eye of spiritual wisdom," that Shiva is depicted as having
What are the five Pancha Mahabhutas (elements)?
Space (Akasha), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), and Earth (Prithvi)
The human nose is associated with earth, the tongue with water, the eyes with fire, the skin with air, and the ears with space. This bond between our senses and the elements is the foundation of our human relationship with the natural world.
Why do Hindus eat on banana leaves?
Banana leaves are considered sacred, representing growth, fertility, unity and help our health in many ways. They are meant for single use and are biodegradable and environment-friendly.
What is an animal that Hindus pray to and often regard as a symbol of nurturing and abundance?
Cows and their male counterparts, often referred to as Nandi. Hindus hold cows in high regard and consider them sacred due to their role as providers and symbols of the earth's generosity. Nandi is often depicted as a large, powerful bull, symbolizing Shiva's strength, loyalty, and devotion.
What was a nonviolent, grassroots protest movement in India during the 1970s aimed at protecting forests from commercial logging?
Chipko Movement. The movement, originating in Uttarakhand, gained momentum through the practice of tree hugging, where villagers physically clung to trees to prevent them from being felled. The movement was rooted in the need to protect local livelihoods and ecosystems from the negative impacts of commercial logging, such as landslides, floods, and water scarcity.
What does the chanting Aum/Om symbolize?
The chanting of Om is sacred and powerful. They belief that the vibrations of Om help the person chanting to align their mind, body, and spirit with the vibration of the universe.
Why do most hindus belive that earth is considered our mother?
Most Hindus believe the Earth is considered our mother because the earth gives life, food, and shelter to all living beings, just like a mother cares for her children. In Hinduism, the Earth is seen as Devi, a goddess, and is honored with gratitude, respect, and protection for sustaining all forms of life.
Why do Hindus eat with their hands?
The practice of eating with one’s hands, specifically your fingers, originated within Ayurvedic teachings, where it is believed that our bodies are in sync with the five elements of nature and each finger is an extension of one of these five elements.
What is the sacred fig tree that many Hindus worship that is said to have its roots above and its branches below, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth?
Ashvattha tree or Peepal tree. The Ashvattha tree is considered a symbol of the Tree of Eternal Life in Hindu mythology. These elements of the tree are believed to represent different aspects of time: the roots as the past, the trunk as the present, and the branches as the future.
What is a forest conservation movement in Southern India, similar to the Chipko Movement, that began in 1983 in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka?
The Appiko Movement, inspired by the Chipko movement, involved villagers, primarily women and children, hugging trees to prevent deforestation in the Kalase forest. The main goal of the Appiko Movement was to save the Kalase forest from deforestation, protecting both the trees and the local ecosystem.
How many languages is the Bhagavad Gita written in?
75-80 languages
How does the Hindu concept of Dharma influence the way individuals are expected to care for the environment?
In relation to the environment, Dharma teaches that humans have a responsibility to treat all of creation including plants, animals, rivers, mountains, and the earth itself with respect and care. Since everything is seen as interconnected and sacred, protecting the environment is considered part of fulfilling one's Dharma.
Why do most Hindus touch the floor before getting out of bed?
It shows a gesture of respect and gratitude to Mother Earth, as well as a way to ask for forgiveness for trampling on her
What is the concept of using all the five elements (earth, fire, water, air, and space) in our rituals and poojas called?
Pancha Mahabhuta. This translates to “five great elements” or “five material elements,”
Earth (Prithvi): Represents stability, strength, and material existence.
Water (Jal): Associated with emotions, flow, and the nurturing aspect of life.
Fire (Agni): Represents transformation, energy, and the digestive process.
Air (Vayu): Symbolizes movement, breath, and the breath of life.
Space (Akash): Represents emptiness, vastness, and the potential for creation.
What is a Hindu organization or group actively involved in protecting nature, promoting environmentalism, and addressing climate change?
Bhumi Project, established by the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, Bhumi recognizes the potential for Hindu teachings to contribute to addressing climate change, particularly through initiatives like the Green Temples Guide, which promotes sustainable practices in Hindu pilgrimage sites.
What are the three types of karma?
● Kriyaman karma - These are actions performed in the current life that may produce results in the same or subsequent life. Some forms of current karma are also known as agami karma.
● Prarabdha karma - This is karma whose effects have already begun. It takes longer to manifest, but occurs at some point in an individual’s present lifetime.
● Sanchita karma - This is accumulation of all past karma, and the results of this usually occur in a future lifetime.
Difference between Rigveda and Atharva Veda?
In the Rigveda, hymns glorify the Earth as a mother, rivers as goddesses, and the sky as a protective father
Atharva Veda prescribes guidelines for protecting and preserving natural resources like water and soil.
Why do Hindus cremate their dead?
Hindus cremate their dead primarily to facilitate the soul's release and its journey into reincarnation. Cremation, also known as "mukhagni," returns the physical body to its five elemental origins (earth, air, water, fire, space).
What is the concept that describes the idea of seeing the divine in all living beings and nature?
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, translates to “The world is one family.” The philosophy suggests that divinity is not confined to specific individuals, religions, or cultures but is present in all aspects of life. This perspective encourages empathy, compassion, and respect for all beings.
What is another Hindu organization or group actively involved in protecting nature, promoting environmentalism, and addressing climate change?
Devrai Foundation, this non-profit organization works with local communities to increase the number of forests by creating "devrais" (man-made forests), emphasizing the importance of sacred groves for conservation.