|
A to Z in Indian
Religion
|
|
A
|
is
for Aum, the three-syllabled mantra that represents the Sacred
Mystery in sound and vibration. |
|
B
|
is
for Bhakti. Deep devotion and love for the Divine which softens
even hearts of stone. |
|
C
|
is
for Culture, the beauty of Hindu music, fine arts, drama, dance,
literature and architecture. |
|
D
|
is
for Dharma, which id righteousness, cosmic order and duty leading
us on the right path |
|
E
|
is
for Earth, our lovely blue planet, which we treat as sacred,
protecting all its wonderful creatures. |
|
F
|
is
for Family, the precious cornerstone of Hindu life, culture,
service and tradition. |
|
G
|
is
for guru, our enlightened master who, knowing Truth himself, can
guide us there. |
|
H
|
is
for hatha yoga, healthful physical science for vitality,
energy-balancing and meditation. |
|
I
|
is
for India, Bharata, mother-land to one-sixth of humanity, Holy
Land for Hindus everywhere. |
|
J
|
is
for japa, repetitive, prayerful mantras which quiet emotion and
empower the mind. |
|
K
|
is
for karma, the law of cause and effect by which we determine our
experience and destiny. |
|
L
|
is
for lotus, the heart’s inner shrine, where God dwells, ever
perfect. |
|
M
|
is
for mauna, not talking, the inner-silence known when words,
thoughts and actions are stilled. |
|
N
|
is
for non attachment, the art of living the simple life, without
too many needs or desires. |
|
O
|
is
for open mindedness, the Hindu’s tolerant freedom of
thought, inquiry and belief. |
|
P
|
is
for puja, mystic worship of the Divine in our home shrine and
holy temples and places. |
|
Q
|
is
for quest, seeking to know, “ Who am I? Where did I come
from? Where am I going?” |
|
R
|
is
for reincarnation, our immortal soul’s journey from birth
to rebirth. We do not fear death. |
|
S
|
is
for samskaras, sacraments sanctifying life’s passages:
name-giving, marriage, death and more. |
|
T
|
is
for tilaka, forehead marks worn in honor of our unique and varied
lineages. |
|
U
|
is
for Utsava, our many home and temple festivals, full of bhakti,
fun feasting, and family sharing. |
|
V
|
is
for Vedas, our oldest and holiest book, the word of God recorded
in 100,000 Sanskrit verses. |
|
W
|
is
for wealth ( artha ) , one of life’s four goals, along with
love, dharma and enlightenment. |
|
X
|
is
for xerophily, the ability of certain plants and animals to
thrive in India’s hot, arid plains. |
|
Y
|
is
for yoga, union of the soul with God which brings release from
worldly bondage. |
|
Z
|
is
for zeal, the fervor with which we perform service, go on
pilgrimage and greet our holy religious leaders. |
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