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• Cardinal Values
• Contemporary
  • Absence of Dharma
  • Common Myths About Hinduism
  • Darwin's Theory of Evolution
  • Dharma and Religion
  • Vedic and Abrahamic Thoughts
• Core Concepts
  • Ātman
  • Brahman
  • Dharma
  • Ishvara
  • Karma
  • Maya
  • Moksha
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  • Vaisheshika
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  • Yoga
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  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Rama Navami
• Great Hindu Sages
  • 63 Nayanmars
  • Ādi Śaṅkaracharya
  • Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
  • Paramahansa Yogananda
  • Shri Sathya Sai Baba
• History
  • Ancient Global Vedic Presence
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• Overview
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  • FAQs - Hinduism
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  • Hindu Glossary
  • Hinduism at a Glance
  • Pearls Of Wisdom
  • Veda
  • Wiki On Veda
• Principal Doctrines
  • Antahkarana
  • Arishadvargas
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  • Vedic Mathematics

This wiki site Veda is dedicated to understanding Sanatana Dharma (eternal way of life), prominently known as Hinduism, the oldest living religion on earth. It covers information related to Hindu (Vedic) concepts, teachings, philosophy, scriptures and everything that we can think of related to the Hindu Dharma.

The Vedic Tradition

The Vedic tradition of knowledge, based on the extensive Vedic literature, is the oldest tradition of knowledge in the world. Though it has been long preserved in India, this traditional wisdom has been almost lost in recent centuries—due in part to repeated foreign invasions. The Vedic tradition includes detailed information on a wide range of topics—from astronomy to music, architecture to health care, administration to economy. But it is all based on the knowledge of consciousness—including technologies of consciousness, and evolution to the highest state of consciousness (enlightenment).

Do you know?

From the invention of the decimal system in mathematics to the noble philosophy of ahimsã, Hindus have contributed their share in all fields of knowledge and learning. Over five thousand years ago, when Europeans were only nomadic forest dwellers, ancient Hindus had established a civilization, known as the Harappan culture, in the Indus Valley, the northwestern region of India. When much of the world was still sunk in sleep, people of the Harappan culture were conducting trade workshops in weaving, bead-making, pottery, dying of fabrics, and metallurgy. read more...

Overview

Veda The Vedic tradition of knowledge, based on the extensive Vedic literature, is the oldest tradition of knowledge in the world. Hinduism at a Glance If you're new to this faith, here's where to begin. In this simple introduction to a complex religion, get your basic questions on Hinduism answered and explained in brief. Hinduism Overview of Hindusim. Sanatana Dharma Sanatana Dharma is is the original name of what is now popularly called Hinduism. Sanatana Dharma is the world's most ancient culture and the socio, spiritual, and religious tradition of almost one billion of the earth's inhabitants.

FAQs - Hinduism Covers the frequently asked questions on Hindu Dharma. Sanskrit Sanskrit is considered to be the oldest language in human history. Sanskrit is the progenitor and inspiration for virtually every language spoken in India. Sanskrit has a tradition going back at least 5,000 years and is the language in which every ancient Hindu text, devotional or otherwise, is written in. Do you know? Little bits of information on amazing facts related to Hindus and India. Pearls of Wisdom A selection of quotes relating to various aspects of Hinduism on Vedas, Dharma, Athma, Ayurveda and others.

Core Concepts

Dharma Is the universal odering principal and the code for leading one's life that encompasses all aspects of our lives. Karma The divine Law of Action that lays forth the results of free-willed actions, which leave their imprint on the Self, called as atman. Samsara The Cycle of Rebirth. The atman's transmigration through a cycle of birth and death, until it attains moksha, is governed by karma. Brahman The Ultimate Reality that is unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent which is the Divine Ground of all matter, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond in this Universe. Atman The Individual Conciousness or the non-material Self, which is distinct from both the manas (mind) and the stula sarira (gross physical body). This real self is beyond the temporary designations we normally ascribe to ourselves, in terms of race, gender, species and nationality. Īshvara / Bhagavān Personal God.

Maya Unreal or deceptive image of the creation and the illusion of a limited, purely physical and mental reality in which our everyday consciousness has become entangled, a veiling of the true, unitary Self, also known as Brahman. Sâdhana The spiritual effort and the means of self-realization, is the practice that leads to enlightenment or spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Yoga The Path of Self-Realization. Liberation of every Atman through a variety of paths, such as bhakti (devotion), karma (action) and Jñana (knowledge). Mukti / Moksha Liberation from this material existence and Samsara (cycle of birth and death), to join, reach or develop a relationship with the Brahman (Universal Spirit), is known as moksha, which is the ultimate goal of Hindus.

Schools of Thought

Shad-Darsana The six Darsanas or ways of seeing things, usually called the six systems or six different schools of thought. The six schools of philosophy are the six instruments of true teaching or the six demonstrations of Truth. Each school has developed, systematised and correlated the various parts of the Vedas in its own way. Each system has its Sutrakara, i.e., the one great Rishi who systematised the doctrines of the school and put them in short aphorisms or Sutras. Vedanta All forms of Vedanta are drawn primarily from the Upanishads, a set of philosophical and instructive Vedic scriptures, which deal mainly with forms of meditation. Yoga Darsana Is among the Shad-Darsana or the six schools of Indian philosophy. The Aim of Yoga is the attainment of Moksha or Salvation. To attain this state of ultimate bliss, Yoga describes an eight-fold path called "Ashtaanga Yoga".

Nyaya "System, rule; logic." A system of logical realism, known for its systems of logic and epistemology and concerned with the means of acquiring right knowledge. Its tools of enquiry and rules for argumentation were adopted by all schools of Hinduism. Tantras Tantras are divided along sectarian lines and reflect the religious beliefs and practices of medieval India. They deal with four different subjects: philosophy, yoga or concentration techniques, ritual (including the making of icons and the building of temples), and the conduct of religious worship and social practice.

Sages

Shri Veda Vyasa (वेद व्‍यास) The name of Veda Vyasa is one of the most celebrated names among the great sages of India. He is the author of Mahabharata and the puranas. He is also the author of the Vedanta Sutras (Brahma Sutras). Maharshi Valmiki Claims the distinction of being the author of the epic Ramayana. He is also the author of Yoga Vasistha, a text that elaborates on a range of philosophical issues. Adi Shankaracharya (आदि शङ्कर) The first Hindu philosopher who consolidated the principles of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy in his writings. Maharishi Patanjali Patanjali was a great sage that lived thousands of years ago. The Yoga Sutras he wrote seem to have transcended time remaining one of the most influential spiritual writings in Yoga. Also the author of a commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi, known as Mahabhasya. Rishi Vishwamitra Considered to be one of the most revered rishis (sages) of the ancient India.

Madhvacharya (Kannada:ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು) The chief proponent of Tattvavāda (True Philosophy), popularly known as Dvaita or dualistic school of Hindu thought. He wrote several commentaries on the Vedas, Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Vallabhacarya Develop the doctrine called Suddhadvaita which, literally meaning "pure advaita". Rāmānuja (रामानुज) A Tamil theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete, Ramanuja was a leading expounder of expounder of Viśiṣṭādvaita (one of the classical interpretations of the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy), in his writings. Nayanmars Refer to the 63 devotees (and 9 general devotees) of Lord Shiva. Alvars Vaishnava Saints. Tradition reckons 12 Alvars. They come from all walks of life and all strata of society and include in their ranks one woman.

Scriptures

Scriptures The overview of Hindu Scriptures. Vedas The Vedas are the oldest extant Hindu texts. The ideas expressed in the Vedas were traditionally handed down orally from father to son and from teacher to disciple. Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita is known as the Song Celestial. It is the most important sacred text in the Hindu tradition. It is Brahma-vidya, the knowledge of existence, as well as Yoga-shastra, scripture on the science of the Self. Upanishads The Upanishads are epic hymns of self-knowledge and world-knowledge and God-knowledge. There is no book in the whole world that is so thrilling, soul-stirring and inspiring as the Upanishad. The philosophy taught by the Upanishads has been the source of solace for many, both in the East and the West. The human intellect has not been able to conceive of anything more noble and sublime in the history of the world than the teachings of the Upanishads. Vedāṅgas The Vedanga ("member of the Veda") are six auxiliary disciplines for the understanding and tradition of the Vedas.

Purãna (पुराण) The aim of the Puranas is to impress on the minds of the masses the teachings of the Vedas and to generate in them devotion to God, through concrete examples, stories, legends, lives of saints, kings and great men, allegories and chronicles of great historical events. Mahãbhãrata It is an historical epic about the great kingdom of Bharatavarsa, or the region of India. It contains 110,000 couplets making it the longest poem and greatest epic in world literature. Rãmãyana The Rãmãyana has been a perennial source of spiritual, cultural and artistic inspiration, not only to the people of India but also to the people all over the world. It has helped to mold the Hindu character and has inspired millions of people with the deepest of love and devotion. Ãgamas The Ãgamas are theological treatises and practical manuals of divine worship. The Agamas include the Tantras, Mantras and Yantras. These are treatises explaining the external worship of God, in idols, temples, etc Sūtra (सूत्र) Sūtra refers to an aphorism or a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a book or text. 'Sutras' form a school of Vedic study, related to and somewhat later than the Upanishads.

Cardinal Virtues

Satya Truthfulness of thought, truthfulness of speech, and truthfulness in deed. Prema Divine Love. Ahimsa Non-harming in terms of our speech & actions to be sure that they will not hurt another. Kshama Patience, forbearance and pardon. Shauca Purity. Shanti Peace. Santosha Contentment.

Tapas Austerity. Svadhyaya Study. Ishvarapranidhana Surrender. Sraddha Unwavering faith in the sacred scriptures or sastras and in the moral codes they contain as well as in the Atman and the Guru. Viveka Discrimination between what is real (the immortal Atman, or true self), and unreal (the changing universe). Vairagya Detachment — dispassion for all pleasures here and in hereafter, uncoloredness. Mumukshuthwam The longing for Moksha or Liberation.

Sciences

Vedangas There are texts which form part of vedic literature to explain the linguistic meanigs of Veda- they are called Vedangas. They are six in number — Siksha (rules to govern the language or phonetics), Vyakaranam (grammar), Chandhas (meter), Niruktam (context or conclusive meaning), Jyotisham and Kalpam (rituals). Kaala Vyavahara Hindu Metrics of Time. Ganit Mathematics

Ayurveda the Science of Life Jyotisha the Science of Astronomy Vastu Shastra the Science of Space and Architecture The Chakras 14 mystical forces that govern awareness

Arts

Symbols Symbols Dance Dance Music Music

Sculpture Sculpture Poetry Poetry

Culture & Tradition

Devatas The Gods. Dasavatharam The prime ten incarnations of Shri Maha Vishnu. Great Hindu Sages Great Hindu Sages Great Indians Great Indians Holy Festivals Holy Festivals

OM, AUM The most sacred single syllable in the entire literature of Hinduism is OM. This word is constantly on the lips of devout Hindus from the cradle to the grave. It stands for Brahman, both as personal and impersonal God. Yajna A yajna is a fire ceremony. The tradition of yajna is well known in India, as it is the most ancient of Vedic rituals, which Indians have carried on till the present day. Pilgrimages & Temples Pilgrimages & Temples Rudrakshas Rudrakshas beads have been worn by Hindu Sadhus (holymen) and Gurus since the last 5000 years. Hindus believe that rudraksha beads will bless the wearer with with health, wealth, intelligence, luck, divinity, power, prosperity, happiness, spirituality and anything else you desire in life. It has the power and ability to bless the wearer/worshipper with almost everything he/she desires. Manu Smriti (मनुस्मृति) The Manu Smriti translated Codes of Manu is regarded as an important work of Hindu law and ancient Indian society. Sapta Rishis The seers are mysterious beings related to the origin of both man and knowledge. Often represented as 'human' sages, they nevertheless are conceived as eternal powers, symbolizing the primordial energies responsible for all manifest creation. They are 'seers' by virtue of being able to see the divine law which governs all creation, and indeed sustains it.

History

Vedic Period Vedic Period Ancient Global Vedic Presence Ancient Global Vedic Presence

Kingdoms Kingdoms

Principal Doctrines

Purusharthas Goals of Human Life — four efforts which man must make in order to fulfill his individual existence: (i) artha (wealth), (ii) kama (love), (iii) dharma (duty), and (iv) moksha (liberation). Ashramas Four successive stages (ashramas) of life. Varna Vyavasthā Nil. Yamas and Niyamas Code of Conduct — the yamas and niyamas have been preserved through the centuries as the foundation, the first and second stage, of the eight-staged practice of yoga. Yet, they are fundamental to all beings, expected aims of everyone in society, and assumed to be fully intact for anyone seeking life's highest aim in the pursuit called yoga. Types of Dharma Illustrates the different aspects of Dharma in the day-to-day practice of morality and ethics, such as the dharma of an individual, family-dharma, society-dharma, national dharma and the dharma of mankind. Tattvas The 36 Tattvas — the Ancient Scriptures of India analyse the Process of Universal Emanation into thirty-six main stages or phases.

Antahkarana Four Inner Sheaths of the Mind — internal organ of perception that form parts of the mind. The Mind constitute the antahkarana, which is fourfold – namely, manas, buddhi, ahankara, and chitta. Arishadvargas the Six Passions of the Mind — the negative characteristics which prevent man from realizing the Reality that is his True Being such as Kaama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada or Ahankaara and Matsarya. Shad-Sampat The six virtues, which bring about mental control and discipline. Mumukshutva Intense desire for liberation. Gunas Every individual exhibits three Gunas in varying proportions.

Transcendental Knowledge

Kala Chakra Cyclic nature of time. Chatur Yugas The four Yugas. Srishti and Pralaya Creation of the Universe — the cosmos follows one cycle within a framework of cycles. It may have been created and reach an end, but it represents only one turn in the perpetual "wheel of time", which revolves infinitely through successive cycles of creation and destruction. Within this cycle of creation and destruction of the universe, the soul (atman) also undergoes its own version of cycle called samsara, the cycle of rebirth in which individual souls are repeatedly reincarnated. Hindu Cosmology Cyclic Nature of Time — postulates a qualitative, “circular” time that cyclically affects our universe and everything in it. upholds the idea that creation is timeless, having no beginning in time. Each creation is preceded by dissolution and each dissolution is followed by creation. The whole cosmos exists in two states - the unmanifested or undifferentiated state and the manifested or differentiated state. This has been going on eternally. There are many universes - all follow the same rhythm, creation and dissolution. Self-Realization The Philosophy of Salvation.

Sankhya The Principles of the Universe. Triloka The universe has three Lokas.

Contemporary

Dharma and Religion Our failure to be conscious of this difference has resulted in the creation of several crucial problems that we, as humans, have faced in this century and continue to face even today. Vedic and Abrahamic Thought There are two major thought systems or worldview in this world: Vedic and Abrahamic. Hindutva Represents the resistance movement against the cultural, religious and economic domination of India by Western powers. Adharmic Doctrines Absence of Dharma from the Consciousness of the Western Mind Darwin's Theory Darwin's Theory of Evolution Debunked Common Myths about Hinduism Common Myths about Hinduism

Colonial-Marxist Historiography History books in India still largely teach the British view of India from the colonial era and have not changed much since the independence of the country over fifty years ago. The Myth of the Aryan Invasion Theory Today, this theory is being challenged more and more by new discoveries, both archaeological and linguistic. Christianism Covert methods which the Christian missionaries employ to harangue and/or hoodwink the unsuspecting Hindus. Islamism Indicates the state of Muslims who takes pride in the purity of its Arab, Persian or Turkish descent and do not refer to Indian Muslims in the general context. Macaulayism The creation of new history of India that was fabricated to ensure that present and future generations of mentally colonized people would believe in the inherent inferiority of their own traditional knowledge and in the superiority of the colonizers' 'modern' knowledge.

Hindu Terms

Âsana Postures used to stimulate flow of life-force through the body and to aid meditation. Asuras Asura. Ahimsâ The doctrine of non-violence toward sentient beings. Âkâsha The ether; primordial substance that pervades the entire universe; the substratum of both mind and matter. All thoughts, feelings, or actions are recorded within it. Avatara An appearance of Supreme Being in this world. Bhagwan The Supreme Lord, one who possesses all opulence in full. Bhakta a devotee. Chakras Chakras… Darshan To be in the presence of God or SatGuru. Dhyâna The focusing of attention on a particular spiritual idea in continuous meditation. Guru Spiritual Teacher. Guna A cosmic force or quality. Hindu cosmology maintains that the universe is composed of three such qualities: satvic, meaning pure or truthful; rajasic, meaning rich or royal; and tomasic meaning rancid or decaying. Îshvara Personal manifestation of the supreme; the cosmic self; cosmic consciousness. Jiva eternal individual soul. Kundalinî Kundalani… Mantra Syllables, inaudible or vocalized, that are repeated during meditation. Mandala Images used to meditate upon. Namaskar Namashkar underlying meaning as practised in hinduism. Prajnâ Prajna… Paramahamsa Topmost class of spiritually realized devotees, a supremely swanlike devotee. Paramatma the Supersoul. Parampara an unbroken disciplic succession through which pure spiritual knowledge is transmitted. Prakrti nature, can refer to both the spiritual (para) or material (apara) nature. Pralaya Dissolution of cosmos (pralaya in hinduism) — how it occurs. Prâna Life energy that permeates the atmosphere, enters the human being through the breath, and can be directed by thought. Prânâyâma Yogic exercises for the regulation of the breath flow. Sadhanas Spiritual disciplines. Practical means for the attainment of a spiritual goal. Satcitananda eternity, knowledge and bliss. Sadhu a saintly person. Samadhi State of enlightenment of superconsciousness. The union of the individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness. Satsanga Satsangs.. Shraddha Absolute Faith in God — necessity on the path of spirituality Siddhi Meaning of siddhi — how can we acquire a siddhi as in Spirituality Tapas Tapas… Vaasna Truth behind sensuous feelings inherent in every being — kama. Vidyâ Vidya…

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri (Shiva Ratri) Celebrated on the new moon night in the month of Phalguna, this Hindu festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rama Navami This nine-day Hindu festival, celebrated in the bright fortnight in the month of Chaitra, commemorates the birth of Shri Rama who was born to annihilate the demon King Ravana. Krishna Janmashtami This Hindu festival, which falls during the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra, is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Krishna to annihilate Kansa. It is marked by fasts, prayers and the enactment of incidents from Krishna's childhood. Ganesha-Chaturthi (Ganesha Utsava) Celebrated essentially in Maharashtra, this festival celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god who is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Dassera Victory of Shri Rama over Ravana. Navaratri This nine-day festival of the Hindus is celebrated in almost all parts of India in the month of Ashvina, and is marked by fasting and praying to different aspects of Devi. Diwali This is one of the oldest Hindu festivals occurring in the month of Kartik, which commemorates the return of Rama to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. It also marks the beginning of the New Year and is celebrated with the lighting of lamps. Ekadashi Hindu Vaishnavas observe Ekadashi (alternatively called 'Gyaars') by fasting on that day.

Saraswati Puja The worship of Hindu goddess of learning, is observed on the Basant Panchami day annually. Durga Puja This nine-day festival of the Hindus is celebrated in the month of Ashvina in Bengal. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura after a long battle, signifying the victory of good over evil. Laxmi puja Laxmi Puja is performed to propitiate Goddess Lakshmi and to thank her for the bestowal of her blessings on the humans. Guru Purnima The day, also known as “Vyasa Purnima” is observed by devotees who offer pujas (worship) to their beloved Gurus. Hanuman Jayanti It is celebrated largely in North India to commemorate the birth of the monkey god, Hanuman, during Chaitra. It marks a symbolic acceptance of the human race's peaceful co-existence with nature and the worship of an animal. Kumbh Mela Pilgrimage every 12 years to four cities in India. Holi This colorful festival of the Hindus, celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna, heralds the advent of spring. Raksā Bandhana Renewing bonds between brothers and sisters. Thaipusam Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai.

Worship

AUM ॐ Known as the ‘pranava mantra,’ the source of all mantras. Gāyatrī Mantra The Gayatri Mantra is the universal prayer enshrined in the Vedas, the most ancient Scriptures of Man and the most powerful of Sanskrit mantras. It is believed that chanting it can bring happiness in life and rescue the chanter from adversity. Guru Mantra Guru Mantra. Shanti Mantra The Mantra of Peace. Bija Mantra The concept of mantra as mystical sounds was carried to its logical conclusion in ‘seed’ (Sanskrit bija) mantras that have no precise meaning but instead are thought to carry within their sounds connections to various spiritual principles and currents. Vidya Mantra Vidya Mantra. Hare Krishna Mantra Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. 108 Names 108 Names Of Deities.

Prarthana Prarthana in other words means prayer or worship. Bhajan Hindu Devotional Music. Mantra Sacred words or syllables used repeatedly in religious and ceremonial rituals. Japa It involves repetition of a mantra over and over again, in cycles of auspicious numbers (in multiples of three), the most popular being 108. Shabda Sound. Aarties Aarties.

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