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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.

Sattva, Rajas and Tamas

The states of sattva, rajas, and tamas come from me, but I am not in them. These three gunas deceive the world: people fail to look beyond them to me, supreme and imperishable. The three gunas make up my divine maya, difficult to overcome. But they cross over this maya who take refuge in me. Others are deluded by maya; performing evil deeds, they have no devotion to me. Having lost all discrimination, they follow the way of their lower nature. — Bhagavad Gita 7:12-15

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...

Atomic Theory

Sage Kanad, 600 BC, is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. These Indian ideas about atom and atomic physics could have been transmitted to the West during the contacts created between India and West by the invasion of Alexander.

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. Glimpses Glimpses through the lens on Hindu thought, culture, contribution, events and its global presence.

Basic Tenets

These are the basic tenets or the pillars upon which the entire superstructure of what is called Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) is built — like a huge multi-storied skyscraper.

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 Transmigration, evolution through rebirth back to Godhead. 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 / bhagavan The Supreme Brahman although One and Inconceivable, in order to interact with the physical universe which is projection of Itself, Brahman takes on a personal aspect known as Isvara. Trimurti The Trinity (literally indicating three forms or trinity), is the representation of the three projections of the Supreme Reality, each with a specific cosmic function. These manifestations are that of Brahma (serving the cosmic function of creation), Vishnu (serving the cosmic function of renewal and preservation), and Shiva (serving the cosmic function of dissolution or destruction that precedes re-creation). 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.

guru Spiritual Preceptor — Sanatana Dharma is a living, experiential religion and therefore the centrality of the spiritual preceptor (guru) is absolute. dhyâna The focusing of attention on a particular spiritual idea in continuous meditation. sadhana The spiritual effort and the means of self-realization, is the practice that leads to enlightenment or spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom. satsanga The practice of being in the presence of the wise, in whose company it is easier to learn and practice. 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. mantra Syllables, inaudible or vocalized, that are repeated during meditation. prâna Life energy that permeates the atmosphere, enters the human being through the breath, and can be directed by thought. srishti The universal becoming.

Principal Doctrines

purusharthas The Four Ends 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 The four successive stages of life. The Vedas divide our lives into four different stages — they are brahmacarya (being a student), grihasta (being a householder), vanaprastha (forest dweller) and sannyasa (stage of renunciation). varnashrama dharma Social duty. Varna dharma defines the individual's obligations and responsibilities within the nation, society, community, class, occupational subgroup and family. Yama and Niyama 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. Kinds of Dharma Illustrates the different aspects of dharma] in the day-to-day practice of morality and ethics, such as the svadharma (dharma of an individual), parivarika-dharma (family-dharma), samaja-dharma (society-dharma), rashtra-dharma (national dharma), manava-dharma (the dharma of mankind), yuga dharma (dharma applicable for an era), apad dharma (exceptional/abnormal situational dharma) and rita (universal dharma). The 36 Tattvas The Ancient Scriptures of India analyze the Process of Universal Emanation into thirty-six main stages or phases. panchakosha The five sheaths of consciousness that encase the overall human system. They are annamaya kosha (the physical tissues or the cellular structure), the pranamaya kosha (the ‘energy sheath’), the manomaya kosha (mental sheath), vijnanamaya kosha (the sheath of higher intellect), and the anandamaya kosha (the body of ‘Cosmic Consciousness’). samskāra Patterned or conditioned behaviors; subconscious tendencies; worldly life. A series of Sacraments, Sacrifices and Rituals that serve as rites of passage and mark the various stages of the Human life and to signify entry to a particular Ashrama. Some traditions mention ten rites of passage, or up to sixteen — or occasionally even more — only four are currently popular, namely: 1. jatakarma (birth ceremonies plus others in childhood), 2. upanayana (initiation — the sacred-thread ceremony), 3. vivaha (marriage), 4. antyeshti (funeral and rites for the dead). artha panchaka There are the five categories of spiritual knowledge which one needs to study, reflect upon, realize and practice in order to progress spiritually. These are para-svarupam (The nature of the Godhead), sva-svarupam (The nature of the Self), purushartha svarupam (The nature of life’s goal), upaya svarupam (The means to attain that goal), and virodhi svarupam (The obstacles on the spiritual path). 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. arishadvarga the Six Passions of the Mind — the negative characteristics which prevent man from realizing the Reality that is his True Being such as kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada or ahankara and matsarya. shad-sampat The six virtues, which bring about mental control and discipline.

panchaklesha The “five hindrances” to spiritual growth: avidya (ignorance), asmita (egoism), abhinivesha (clinging to life), raga (cravings), dwesha (aversions); also considered the “five roots” of all problems of human existence; the motivating factors which drive humans to act in such ways as to produce and perpetuate Karma. samashrayanam The acharya initiates a person, irrespective of caste, creed or sex, as his sishya. It is a commitment from the disciple that he or she will live as per the wishes of the acharya. Thus the person gets the link to the parampara. mumukshutva Intense desire for liberation. Stands for a burning desire to realize the Self within, which is the Self within us all. The Three Gunas Every individual exhibits three gunas in varying proportions. The three gunas or phases of matter are: sattva-guna, rajo-guna and tamo-guna. sadhana saptaka The seventh-fold practice or qualities of mind and body we should practice to further us in our path of yoga. adhyatma prasara The Evolution of Life and Consciousness towards its Goal. It is a process that takes place over many lifetimes, not just one. atma anubhavam Self-Realization which is the result of the practice of abstract meditation on the Brahman (Formless Absolute). bhagavat anubhavam God-Realization which is the development of knowledge of, experience of, surrender to, and consequent service to the Supreme Being. samadhi State of enlightenment of super-consciousness. The union of the individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness. Law of Karma The doctrine of karma is actually the law of harmony and equilibrium. It adjusts wisely, intelligently and equitably each effect to its cause. But, it is also the law of opportunity, which allows an individual to change his past for a better future. Unity of Existence Hindu sages have declared that the cosmic energy is a manifestation of the Brahman (Universal Spirit). The entire universe is a play between Brahman, or the cosmic consciousness, and the cosmic energy. Brahman has become all things and beings of the world. Thus we are all interconnected in subtle ways. Death and Lokas When a person dies, his gross sukshma sharira (physical body) is left behind and the soul with the subtle body (consisting of the mind, intellect, sense organs, motor organs and vital energies) goes to a different plane of existence. Such a plane of existence is called loka in Sanskrit. Religious Discipline Hindus believe that wisdom is not an exclusive possession of any particular race or religion. Hindu Dharma allows an individual to select a religious discipline in accordance with one's own religious yearning and spiritual competence. Hindu Dharma recommends the guidance of a guru (spiritually awakened master) for attaining perfection in life. Harmony of Religions Hindu sages declare that there is no one religion that teaches an exclusive road to salvation. All genuine spiritual paths are valid and all great religions are like the branches of a tree — the tree of religion. This doctrine lays foundation for the Hindu ideal of universal harmony.

Virtues

adhyayana study of the Scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata and Ramayana. danam This term has a twofold reference; one is the giving of charity to the needy as well as doing social works for the benefit of society as a whole, and the other reference is to the gift of fearlessness to all creatures — abhaya pradanam (not being the cause of fear to any living being). satya Practice of Truth and harmony in thought, speech and action at all times; one should speak only that which is true and agreeable and beneficial to others, one should not needlessly say things that are hurtful even though they may be the truth. The practice of Truth includes in it such virtues as straightforwardness, frankness, absence of deviousness and malice etc. ahimsa The cultivation of an attitude of non-injury to any being in word, deed, or thought. kshama Forgiveness and forbearance which come from loving kindness and compassion to all beings which is based on the awareness of the presence of the jiva in all beings. damah Self restraint; one should impose restrictions on one’s desires and behavior and should avoid excesses and cultivate self- discipline. asteya Not taking anything which is not given shauca Purity of both the body by regularly bathing and maintaining hygiene, and mental purity through practice of virtue and compassion. shanti The cultivation of personal and environmental peace and contentment. tapas or tapah, the common meaning of this term is self-discipline which refers to simple living and constant mindfulness of God as well as purposive meditation as well as control of the body, mind and speech. yajña Worship of God through the rituals that are prescribed in the Vedas and the agamas. gurusevanam Respecting and honouring elders and parents and caring for them.

arjavam Straightforwardness, integrity and honesty. daya Implies love for all creatures, such love being the very fulfilment of life. There is indeed no greater happiness than that derived by loving others. Daya is the backbone of all qualities. mangala Auspicious air about happiness that is characterised by dignity and purity. One must be cheerful all the time and not keep growling at people on the slightest pretext. This itself is extremely helpful, to radiate happiness wherever we go and exude auspiciousness. It is better than making lavish gifts and throwing money about. vinaya Humility (a key personal characteristic required in many spiritual disciplines). 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. vivarana Cultivating a keenness for perceiving distinctions ie. between the true and the false. smarana A constant mindfulness and contemplation of the spiritual truths. dharana Retentiveness and recollection of lessons learnt. indriya nigraha Control of the senses.

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".

Schools of Saiva Six most notable Saiva schools are Saiva Siddhanta, Pashupata Saiva, Kashmir Saiva, Vira Saiva, Siddha Siddhanta and Siva Advaita. 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.

Scriptures

sūtras

sūtras metaphorically refers to an aphorism (or line, rule, formula), or large a collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual — is a distinct type of literary composition, based on short aphoristic statements, generally using various technical terms. Sūtras form a school of Vedic study, related to and somewhat later than the Upanishads.

sastra

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.

Agama

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

Purāṇas

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.

Bhagavad Gītā

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.

Ramayana

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.

Mahābhārata

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.

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.

vedāṅga

The Vedanga ("member of the Veda") are six auxiliary disciplines for the understanding and tradition of the Vedas.

Deities

Brahma Brahma is the creative aspect of the Trinity, the first god to have been separated from Iswara. Know more about Brahma, his significance in Hindu pantheon and his numerous attributes. Vishnu Vishnu is the preserver and maintainer of the worlds. A minor god of Vedic pantheon, Vishnu assumed great importance during the post Vedic period. know about his attributes, his incarnations and his various aspects Siva Siva is the destroying and evolving aspect of the universe. He is the most powerful, popular and dynamic god of Hinduism with roots definitely outside the pale of Hinduism. Know the aspects, manifestations and greatness of Ganesha Ganesha is the first among the gods, the leader of the gods and the Siva Ganas. He is remover of all obstacles and impediments, who is worshipped invariably by devout Hindus, before starting any venture or offering worship to other gods. Lakshmi She is the goddess of wealth and consort of Mahavishnu. She was born from the milky ocean when the gods and demons churned it in search of immortality. She is referred in the Vedas both as Sri and Lakshmi. Sri means agricultural wealth… Saraswathi She is the goddess of learning, who is extolled in the Vedas as the sacred river with seven sisters, who helps the gods by destroying their foes. The early Vedic Aryans worshipped not the Ganges, but the Saraswathi river… Parvathi Parvathi is the consort of Siva. She got the name because she is the daughter of the mountains (parvathas) and also because she as Prakriti occupies one half (parva) of the universe while the other half is occupied by Siva in his aspect as Iswara or Purusha

Hanuman Hanuman is one of the most popular gods of Hinduism today. A devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman is worshipped and admired by children and adults alike for his devotion, strength and courage and for his commitment to the path of righteousness and divine centered life… Skanda Kumaraswami, also known as Skanda is the elder son of Siva and Parvathi. Unlike Ganesha, he is of beautiful form, intelligent and knowledgeable and uses a peacock as his vehicle. According to the legends, he was created by Siva and Parvathi to slay a demon by the name Tarakasura… Ashtadikpalas The dikpalas are eight in number. As their collective name suggests, they rule the eight quarters or the eight zones of the universe. Ashta means eight, dik means quarters or directions and palas means rulers. According to Hinduism each quarter is assigned to a particular divinity. Navagrahas Just as many ancient civilizations had their own versions of astronomy, Hindus had their own version of astronomy since ancient times. Hindu astronomy was characterized by the presence of nine planetary influences and their respective positions in space. The nine planets are collectively called navagrahas. Surya Surya is the blazing sun. He is one of the Adityas, god among gods, the light that is most excellent, golden colored, who rides the skies in his golden chariot, drawn by seven bay horses, who are described in the hymns as the daughters of heaven. Indra Indra is the lord of the heavens. He is the most popular and powerful of the vedic deities. He is described as the god of the blue sky.

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 Sankaracharya (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 rishi (sages) of the ancient India. Madhvacharya (Kannada:ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರು) The chief proponent of Tattvavāda (True Philosophy), popularly known as dvaita-advaita 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. Saptarshis 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.

Sciences

vedanga 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. Ganita is the term used in Sanskrit for mathematics; is derived from the root ‘gana’, which means to count or to enumerate.

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

Yogas

The Sanskrit word yoga stems from the verbal root yuj meaning "to yoke" or "to unite." Thus, in a spiritual context, yoga stands for "training" or "unitive discipline." The Sanskrit literature contains numerous compound terms ending in -yoga. These stand for various yogic approaches or features of the path. The following is a descriptive list of forty such terms. Not all of these form full-fledged branches or types of Yoga, but they represent at least emphases in diverse contexts. All of them are instructive insofar as they demonstrate the vast scope of Hindu Yoga.

Abhâva-Yoga The unitive discipline of nonbeing, meaning the higher yogic practice of immersion into the Self without objective support such as mantras; a concept found in the Purânas; cf. Bhâva-Yoga Adhyâtma-Yoga The unitive discipline of the inner self; sometimes said to be the Yoga characteristic of the Upanishads Agni-Yoga The unitive discipline of fire, causing the awakening of the serpent power (kundalinî-shakti) through the joint action of mind (manas) and life force (prâna) Ashtânga-Yoga The unitive discipline of the eight limbs, i.e., Râja-Yoga or Pâtanjala-Yoga Asparsha-Yoga The unitive discipline of "noncontact," which is the nondualist Yoga propounded by Gaudapâda in his Mândûkya-Kârikâ; cf. Sparsha-Yoga Bhakti-Yoga The unitive discipline of love/devotion, as expounded, for instance, in the Bhagavad-Gîtâ, the Bhâgavata-Purâna, and numerous other scriptures of Shaivism and Vaishnavism Buddhi-Yoga The unitive discipline of the higher mind, first mentioned in the Bhagavad-Gîtâ Dhyâna-Yoga The unitive discipline of meditation Ghatastha-Yoga The unitive discipline of the "pot" (ghata), meaning the body; a synonym for Hatha-Yoga mentioned in the Gheranda-Samhitâ Guru-Yoga The unitive discipline relative to one's teacher Hatha-Yoga The unitive discipline of the force (meaning the serpent power or kundalinî-shakti); or forceful unitive discipline Hiranyagarbha-Yoga The unitive discipline of Hiranyagarbha ("Golden Germ"), who is considered the original founder of the Yoga tradition Japa-Yoga The unitive discipline of mantra recitation Jnâna-Yoga The unitive discipline of discriminating wisdom, which is the approach of the Upanishads Karma-Yoga The unitive discipline of self-transcending action, as first explicitly taught in the Bhagavad-Gîtâ Kaula-Yoga The unitive discipline of the Kaula school, a Tantric Yoga Kriyâ-Yoga The unitive discipline of ritual; also the combined practice of asceticism (tapas), study (svâdhyâya), and worship of the Lord (îshvara-pranidhâna) mentioned in the Yoga-Sûtra of Patanjali Kundalinî-Yoga The unitive discipline of the serpent power (kundalinî-shakti), which is fundamental to the Tantric tradition, including Hatha-Yoga Lambikâ-Yoga The unitive discipline of the "hanger," meaning the uvula, which is deliberately stimulated in this yogic approach to increase the flow of "nectar" (amrita) whose external aspect is saliva Laya-Yoga The unitive discipline of absorption or dissolution of the elements prior to their natural dissolution at death Mahâ-Yoga The great unitive discipline, a concept found in the Yoga-Shikhâ-Upanishad where it refers to the combined practice of Mantra-Yoga, Laya-Yoga, Hatha-Yoga, and Râja-Yoga

Mantra-Yoga The unitive discipline of numinous sounds that help protect the mind, which has been a part of the Yoga tradition ever since Vedic times Nâda-Yoga The unitive discipline of the inner sound, a practice closely associated with original Hatha-Yoga Pancadashânga-Yoga The unitive discipline of the fifteen limbs (pancadasha-anga): (1) moral discipline (yama), (2) restraint (niyama), (3) renunciation (tyâga), (4) silence (mauna), (5) right place (desha), (6) right time (kâla), (7) posture (âsana), (8) root lock (mûla-bandha), (9) bodily equilibrium (deha-samya), (10) stability of vision (dhrik-sthiti), (11) control of the life force (prâna-samrodha), (12) sensory inhibition (pratyâhâra), (13) concentration (dhâranâ), (14) meditation upon the Self (âtma-dhyâna), and (15) ecstasy (samâdhi) Pâshupata-Yoga The unitive discipline of the Pâshupata sect, as expounded in some of the Purânas Pâtanjala-Yoga The unitive discipline of Patanjali, better known as Râja-Yoga or Yoga-Darshana Pûrna-Yoga The unitive discipline of wholeness or integration, which is the name of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga Râja-Yoga The royal unitive discipline, also called Pâtanjala-Yoga, Ashtânga-Yoga, or Râja-Yoga Samâdhi-Yoga The unitive discipline of ecstasy Sâmkhya-Yoga The unitive discipline of insight, which is the name of certain liberation teachings and schools referred to in the Mahâbhârata Samnyâsa-Yoga The unitive discipline of renunciation, which is contrasted against Karma-Yoga in the Bhagavad-Gîtâ Samputa-Yoga The unitive discipline of sexual congress (maithunâ) in Tantra-Yoga Samrambha-Yoga The unitive discipline of hatred, as mentioned in the Vishnu-Purâna, which illustrates the profound yogic principle that one becomes what one constantly contemplates (even if charged with negative emotions) Saptânga-Yoga The unitive discipline of the seven limbs (sapta-anga), also known as Sapta-Sâdhana in the Gheranda-Samhitâ: (1) six purificatory practices (shat-karma), (2) posture (âsana), (3) seal (mudrâ), (4) sensory inhibition (pratyâhâra), (5) breath control (prânâyâma), (6) meditation (dhyâna), and (7) ecstasy (samâdhi) Shadanga-Yoga The unitive discipline of the six limbs (shad-anga), as expounded in the Maitrâyanîya-Upanishad: (1) breath control (prânâyâma), (2) sensory inhibition (pratyâhâra), (3) meditation (dhyâna), (4) concentration (dhâranâ), (5) examination (tarka), and (6) ecstasy (samâdhi) Siddha-Yoga The unitive discipline of the adepts, a concept found in some of the Tantras Sparsha-Yoga The unitive discipline of contact; a Vedantic Yoga mentioned in the Shiva-Purâna, which combines mantra recitation with breath control; cf. Asparsha-Yoga Tantra-Yoga The unitive discipline of the Tantras, a kundalinî-based Yoga Târaka-Yoga The unitive discipline of the "deliverer" (târaka); a medieval Yoga based on light phenomena Yantra-Yoga The unitive discipline of focusing the mind upon geometric representations (yantra) of the cosmos.

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. Vijaya Dashami (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. 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. Lakshmi Puja Lakshmi Puja is performed to propitiate Goddess Lakshmi and to thank her for the bestowal of her blessings on the humans.

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. 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. Gayatri Japa Day The Gayatri Japa Day is one such very holy and glorious day intended to remind all of the greatest and most glorious of all Mantras, the sacred Gayatri Mantra. Thaipusam Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai. Makara Shankranti or Pongal SALUTATIONS and adorations to the Supreme Lord, the primordial power that divided the year into the four seasons. Salutations to Surya, the Sun-God, who on this great day embarks on his northward journey. Gita Jayanti THE GITA Jayanti, or the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita, is celebrated throughout India by all the admirers and lovers of this most sacred scripture on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the bright half of the month of Margaseersha (December-January), according to the Hindu almanac. Kartigai Deepam ON THE full moon day of the month of Kartigai (November-December) which falls on the ascension of the Kritigai star, the Hindus celebrate the Kartigai Deepam. Chaitra Purnima The Hindu scriptures prescribe elaborate worship of the Chitra Guptas on this day.

System of Knowledge

Avasthas The most comprehensive study of the Science of Consciousness. It expounds the various levels of consciousness, states of consciousness, the nature of consciousness at each level, the nature of Truth at each level of consciousness and methods to attain those levels. Shariras The vehicle of consciousness with which one passes from life to life. Yoga Sutras The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Lokas The various planes of existence. Vyuhas Stages of Emanation of the Universe.

Sankhya The Principles of the Universe. Vedic Time System In the Vedic Time System, kala (Time) is not a linear, single-directional movement, like an arrow speeding from past to future. The idea of Time itself was quite advanced in Hindu Heritage. 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. Hindu Cosmology Hindu Cosmology 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. Panchanga The Hindu Almanac provides vital information about astrological factors, planets and stars — aspects of our subtle environment which are unseen but strongly felt. It is far more complex than the simple Gregorian calendar normally used in the West and far more useful.

Sacred Symbols

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. swastika An ancient solar sign considered to invoke auspiciousness. dipa Lamp — symbol of light. padma Lotus – symbol of purity/transcendence. Growing out of the mud, it is beautiful, and though resting on water, it does not touch it. trishul Trident – the symbol of Shiva; often carried by Saiva sannyasis (renunciates). nataraj The dance of Shiva — represents the constant biodance of life — creation, maintenance and transformation and indicates the perfect balance between life and death. prasada literally means "mercy," and refers to anything that has been sanctified through offering to God (e.g. flowers). It specifically refers to food offered to God.

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. Devatas The Gods. Dasavatharam The prime ten avathara (incarnations) of Shri Maha Vishnu. Sriman Narayana out of compassion and to save HIS bhakthas from asuras have incarnated in this material world time and again.

Culture & Tradition

India is renowned for its rich Cultural Heritage. Various Artforms like Music, Dance, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture & other Allied Arts have thrived in this country for Centuries now & needless to say, have reached high amounts of Sophistication. The role of Art as an integral part of life was recognized by Indians very early. The ancient scholars have divided, identified & natured as many as 14 techniques or lesson forms and 64 art forms.

sanskriti The word for culture and heritage is Sanskriti, "refinement". Namaskar When Hindus meet others they greet them with "Namaskar" or "Namaste". natya Classical Indian dance comprises three aspects, Nritta, Nritya and Natya. Eight Indian dance styles: 1. Bharatanatyam (Tamil Classical Dance), 2. Odissi (Orissa Classical dance), 3. Kuchipudi (Telugu Classical dance), 4. Manipuri (Manipur Classical Dance), 5. Mohiniaattam (Kerala Classical Dance, 6. Sattriya (Asamese Classical Dance), 7. Kathakali (Malayalam Classical Dance) and 8. Kathak (North Indian Classical Dance). sangeet Music chatuh shashti kala Sixty-four arts — a classical curriculum of sacred sciences, studies, arts and skills of cultured living listed in various Hindu shastras. yagna 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. saṃskāraṃ The Samskāra are a series of Sacraments, Sacrifices and Rituals that serve as rites of passage and mark the various stages of the Human life and to signify entry to a particular Ashrama. vivaham Marriage. An elaborate and joyous ceremony performed in presence of God and Gods, in which the homa fire is central.

Holy Festivals In the Vedic/Hindu tradition, there are many festivals that are observed throughout the year. There are major festivals and numerous minor ones, as well as those that are celebrated on a local or regional basis, which are celebrated differently according to the location, or even named differently. tilak Hindus apply distinctive marks on their forehead. puja Hindu worship (puja) involves images of God/Goddesses (murtis), prayers and chanting of mantras and use of diagrams of the universe known as yantras. surya namaskar Sun Salutation — is one of the most popular and well-known practices of hatha yoga today. It has sprung forth out of one of the oldest forms of worship known to man — the adoration and homage paid to that core of our natural existence that is the sun. asanas postures. seva service. Great Hindu Sages Great Hindu Sages Great Indians Biographies of great men and women from Bharat (India). Manu Smriti (मनुस्मृति) The Manu Smriti translated Codes of Manu is regarded as an important work of Hindu law and ancient Indian society.

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.

puja The ceremonial act of showing reverence to a God or Goddess through invocation, prayer, song, and ritual. An essential aspect of Puja is communion with the Divine. tirthayatra A pilgrimage to sacred sites involving the performance of pujas and other religious activities. 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. Aarties Aarties.

Sanskrit Terms

Guru Purnima The day, also known as Vyasa Purnima is observed by devotees who offer pujas (worship) to their beloved Gurus. . The festival is usually celebrated as an occasion for initiation of new disciples by their Gurus. On the purnima (day of full moon) in the month of Aashadh in the Hindu Calendar is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima by many Hindus. On this day devotees offer worship (puja) to their guru. According to tradition this was the day when Vyasadeva, author of the Mahabharata and the Puranas was born. All religious teachers (gurus) are revered on this day by remembering their life and teachings. advaita advaita (Sanskrit: "non dual; not twofold") — non-duality or monism. The philosophical doctrine that Ultimate Reality consists of a one principal substance. Opposite of dvaita, "dualism". Advaita is the primary philosophical stance of the Vedic Upanishads, and of Hinduism, interpreted differently by the many rishis, gurus, panditas and philosophers. See: dvaita-advaita,Vedanta. shad darshana shad darshana (Sanskrit: "Six views or insights; six philosophies.") Among the hundreds of Hindu darshanas known through history are six classical philosophical systems: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta. Each was tersely formulated in sutra form by its "founder," and elaborated in extensive commentaries by other writers. They are understood as varied attempts at describing Truth and the path to it. Elements of each form part of the Hindu fabric today. Shri Vallabhacharya Vallabhacharya (Sanskrit: ) "Beloved." Vaishnava saint (ca 1475-1530) whose panentheistic Shuddha Advaita (pure nondualism) philosophy became the essential teaching of the nonascetic Vaishnava sect that bears his name. He composed 17 works, most importantly commentaries on the Vedanta and Mimamsa Sutras and the Bhagavata Purana. The stories of his 84 disciples are often repeated on festive occasions by followers. The sect is strongest in Gujarat. See: Vedanta. naraka naraka (Sanskrit: "abode of darkness", literally "pertaining to man.") — an unhappy, mentally and emotionally congested, distressful area of consciousness in the lower worlds. Naraka is a state of mind that can be experienced on the physical plane or in the sub-astral plane after death of the sthula-sharira (physical body). It is accompanied by the tormented emotions of hatred, remorse, resentment, fear, jealousy and self-condemnation. Naraka is a congested, distressful area where demonic beings and young souls may sojourn until they resolve the darksome karmas they have created. Here beings suffer the consequences of their own misdeeds in previous lives. However, in the Hindu view, the hellish experience is not permanent, but a temporary condition of one's own making. See: asura, loka. vairāgya vairāgya or vairaagya (Sanskrit: वैराग्य, "dispassion; detachment; or renunciation") — desire and ability to give up all transitory enjoyments. In particular renunciation from the pains and pleasures in the material world. Vairāgya is a compound word joining vai meaning "to dry, be dried" + rāga meaning "color, passion, feeling, emotion, interest" (and a range of other usages). This sense of "drying up of the passions" gives vairāgya a general meaning of ascetic disinterest in things that would cause attachment in most people. It is a "dis-passionate" stance on life. An ascetic who has subdued all passions and desires is called a vairāgika. punya punya (Sanskrit: "is what elevates") is the opposite to papa — is virtue or moral merit. Papa and punya generally go together as negative and positive “credits.” One reaps the reward of these negative or positive credits in life. The more punya one cultivates the higher one rises in life, whereas papa will cause one to find a lower position on life. Punya leads to happiness, papa leads to suffering. saptarshis saptarshis (Sanskrit: सप्तर्षि; saptarṣi; "seven sages") from sapta, "seven" + rishi, "sage" — are the seven rishis or the 'prajapatis', the mind born sons of Brahma who are extolled at many places in the Vedas and Hindu literature. They are Atri, Gautama, Bharadwaja, Vasishta, Viswamitra, Jamadagni and Kashyap. The Mahabharata presents them as Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya andVasishta. They are regarded in the Vedas as the patriarchs of the Vedic Tradition. The seven rishis are also said to mark the time and the duration of events in our septenary life cycle. bhajana bhajana (Sanskrit) Spiritual song. Individual or group singing of devotional songs, hymns and chants. See: kirtana. pralaya pralaya (Sanskrit: ";") — A period of obscuration or repose - planetary, cosmic or universal - the opposite of manvantara. Ganita Ganita (Sanskrit: for mathematics; is derived from the root ‘gana’, which means to count or to enumerate.) Īśvara Īśvara, Ishvara or Eashwara (Sanskrit: "the Supreme Ruler; the Personal God") — is Brahman associated with Maya but has it under His control unlike the jiva who is Maya's slave. He has a lovely form, auspicious attributes and infinite power to create, sustain and destroy. He dwells in the heart of every being, controlling it from within. He responds positively to true devotion and sincere prayer. When God is thought of as the supreme all-powerful person (rather than as the infinite principle called Brahman), he is called Īśvara or Bhagavān. Aham Brahmasmi Aham Brahmasmi (Sanskrit: "I am Brahman") — is one of the great Vedic Dicta or Mahavakya. Famous phrase often repeated in the Upanishads. In this ecstatic statement of enlightenment, "I" does not refer to the individuality or outer nature, but to the essence of the Self which is ever identical to Brahman, the Supreme Being as Satchidananda. vidya vidya: (Sanskrit) "Knowledge, learning, science." The power of understanding gained through study and meditation. Contrasted with avidya, ignorance. advaita advaita (Sanskrit: "non dual; not twofold") — non-duality or monism. The philosophical doctrine that Ultimate Reality consists of a one principal substance. Opposite of dvaita, "dualism". Advaita is the primary philosophical stance of the Vedic Upanishads, and of Hinduism, interpreted differently by the many rishis, gurus, panditas and philosophers. See: dvaita-advaita,Vedanta. Ayurveda Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term, made up of the words "ayus" and "veda." "Ayus" means life and "Veda" means knowledge or science. The term "ayurveda" thus means 'the knowledge of life' or 'the science of life'. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" comprises the mind, body, senses and the soul. Ayurveda can be defined as a system, which uses the inherent principles of nature, to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. siddha siddha (Tamil: சித்தா, "one who is accomplished") — refers to perfected masters who according to Hindus have transcended the ahańkāra (ego or I-maker), have subdued their minds to be subservient to their Awareness, and have transformed their bodies composed mainly of dense Rajo-tama gunas into a different kind of bodies dominated by sattva. This is usually accomplished only by persistent meditation over many lifetimes. rishi rishi (Sanskrit: "seer; one who sees") — is a word that simply means a sage or a divine seer in general. the great sages of ancient India who, in deep states of meditation (communion with the cosmos), and through spiritual experimentation, discovered the underlying, fundamental truths of the Universe, and whose teachings formed the basis for the spiritual culture of the ancient Vedic civilization. In more specific usage the rishis are divine beings distinct from devas (Gods), asuras (demons) and men who “heard” the Vedic hymns and passed them on down to mankind. Tat Tvam Asi Tat Tvam Asi (Sanskrit: तत् त्वम् असि or तत्त्वमसि, "Thou art that," "That thou art," or "You are that") — is one of the Mahāvākyas (Grand Pronouncements). pralaya pralaya (Sanskrit: ";") — A period of obscuration or repose - planetary, cosmic or universal - the opposite of manvantara. samhita samhita (Sanskrit: "Collection.") 1) Any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses. 2) The hymn collection of each of the four Vedas. 3) A common alternate term for Vaishnava Agamas. kali yuga kali yuga (Sanskrit: कलियुग, "age of Kali"; "age of vice") — is one of the four stages of development that the world goes through as part of the cycle of Yugas, the others being satya-yuga, treta-yuga and dwapara-yuga. The human civilization degenerates spiritually throughout the Kali Yuga — it is mostly referred to as the Dark Age, mainly because people are the furthest possible from Divinity. During the Kali Yuga righteousness has diminished by three-quarters, and the age is one of devolution, culminating in the destruction of the world prior to a new creation and another Krita Yuga in an endless cycle of time. Saurya Manvantara Saurya Manvantara or Saurya Pralaya (Sanskrit: ";") from surya (sun) + pralaya (dissolution) — manvantara manifestation. The dissolution, or manifestation, of the solar system; frequently termed a mahapralaya or mahamanvantara. manas manas (Sanskrit: मनस्, "mind") from the root man, "to think" or "mind" — is the recording faculty; receives impressions gathered by the sense from the outside world. It is bound to the senses and yields vijnana (information) rather than jnana (wisdom) or vidya (understanding). That faculty which coordinates sensory impressions before they are presented to the consciousness. Relates to the mind; that which distinguishes man from the animals. One of the inner instruments that receive information from the external world with the help of the senses and present it to the higher faculty of buddhi (intellect). manas is one of the four parts of the antahkarana ("inner conscience" or "the manifest mind") and the other three parts are buddhi (the intellect), chitta (the memory) and ahankara (the ego). panchakosha panchakosa (Sanskrit: पञ्च कोश; "five sheaths") from root pancha, "five" + kosha, "body" — is the “five bodies,” or discernible “aspects” of man, arranged successively from the grosser to the increasingly more subtle. There is annamaya-kosha, the kosha of matter, the physical vehicle. There is the pranamaya-kosha, the kosha of prana, the "vital" vehicle. There is manomaya-kosha, the kosha of manas, the mental vehicle. There is the vijnanamaya-kosha, the kosha of vijnana, the vehicle of Higher Reason. There is the anandamaya-kosha, the kosha of anand (joy or Cosmic Consciousness). And when that vehicle is well developed there is that self-realization which involves ultimate experience of Unity with All. Kundalini Kundalini (Sanskrit: "a coiled female serpent") from kundala, "coil of a rope" meaning either coiled up or coiling like a snake — is the divine cosmic energy. It is a term in yoga, referring to a reservoir of psychic energy at the base of the spine. Kundalini is curled up in the back part of the root chakra in three and one-half turns. This force or energy is symbolized as a coiled and sleeping serpent lying dormant in the lowest nerve centre at the base of the spinal column, the Muladhara-chakra. This latent energy has to be aroused and made to ascend the main spinal channel, the Susumna piercing the chakras right up to the Sahasrara, the thousand-petalled lotus in the head. Then the Yogi is in union with the Brahman (Supreme Universal Soul). adhyatma adhyatma (Sanskrit: "Spiritual; Self") — the inner, spiritual Self or Spirit. See: atman. yuga yuga (Sanskrit: युग, "age or cycle; aeon; world era;") — an age of the world, of which there are four — satya-yuga or krita yuga (Golden Age), treta-yuga (Silver age), dwapara-yuga (Bronze Age), and kali-yuga (Iron Age) — which proceed in succession during the manvantara cycle. Each Yuga is preceded by a period called in the Puranas Sandhya, "twilight, or transition period", and is followed by another period of like duration called Sandhyansa, "portion of twilight". Each is equal to one-tenth of the Yuga. The group of four Yugas is first computed by the divine years, or " years of the Gods" — each such year being equal to 360 years of mortal men. The cycles are said to repeat like the seasons, waxing and waning within a greater time — cycle of the creation and destruction of the universe. Like Summer, Spring, Winter and Autumn, each yuga involves stages or gradual changes which the earth and the consciousness of mankind goes through as a whole. (see: yuga dharma) vijñåna vijñåna or viññāṇa (Sanskrit: विज्ञान, "transcendental knowledge"; "realized spiritual understanding"; "pure knowledge") the prefix vi added to a noun tends to diminish or invert the meaning of a word — if jñåna is spiritual knowledge, vijñåna is practical or profane knowledge. Sometimes vijñåna and jñåna are used together in the sense of knowledge and wisdom. avatara avatara (Sanskrit: avataranam means "the decent of Supreme Being on earth for the ascent of man"), means ‘descent’, and usually implies a deliberate descent of the Divine into the mortal realms to reveal the Absolute Truth to humanity and remind them of their true divine nature. This voluntary ‘descent’ into the world out of boundless compassion for all creatures is called avatara and has 4 basic purposes; 1. Protection of the righteous; 2. Elimination of the wicked; 3. Re-establishment of Dharma (righteousness) and 4. Bestowing of Grace.

History

History of Bharat India's history essentially includes all of the Indian subcontinent, including the more recent nations of Pakistan founded in 1947 after the partition of India, and Bangladesh founded in 1971. Hindu Timeline Human civilizations in India are some of the earliest ever. Dwaraka Dwaraka is one of the holiest city in ancient India and one of the 4 main "dhams" along with Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram. Dwaraka was a city-state extending upto Bet Dwaraka (Sankhodhara) in the north and Okhamadhi in the south. Ayodhya Ayodhya is an ancient city, is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus and is the birth Place of Lord Rama. Archeological Findings Latest archeological findings on India. History of Mathematics in India In India a decimal system was already in place during the Harappan period, as indicated by an analysis of Harappan weights and measures.

Vedic History of Afghanistan The Kandhar city in Afghanistan is the current mispronunciation of the Sanskrit term “Gandhar” which was the capital of a flourishing ancient Hindu kingdom. Gandhari (wife of King Dhritarastra) belonged to the region. The Indus-Sarasvati Civilization The largest civilization in the ancient world developed in the Indus Valley of India over 5,000 years ago. History of Ganit Ganita (Mathematics) has been considered a very important subject since ancient times. We find very elaborate proof of this in Veda (which were compiled around 6000 BC). Ancient Indian Cities The history of ancient cities and civilizations in India is of the ages or eras in the evolution of Indian history generally, commencing from pre-historic era to the modern India. Kingdoms of Ancient India The historical context of the Ancient Kingdoms of Bharat. Taj Mahal Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the world, this magnificent seven storied temple mansion comprises of majestic garden, interior water well, 400 to 500 rooms, 22 apartments, archaded verendahs, terraces, multi stored towers, guest rooms, stables, music house, drum chamber, cowsheds, and guard rooms.

Contemporary Issues

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. Common Misconceptions about Hinduism General social, philosophical and religious misconceptions about Hinduism. Academic Hinduphobia Indian studies in the West (especially the US and the UK) are overwhelmingly hostile to their object of study. An unbroken straight line can be drawn, from this burgeoning British hostility towards Hindus over a hundred years ago to the constant fabrications of British journalists and editors in the print media and television about India today. 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

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. Darwin's Theory Darwin's Theory of Evolution Debunked 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.

Society

Temples Temples in India were regarded as sacred places or vital links that can connect finite man to infinite God. The temples are built on the principles of vastushastra. The vastushastras describe temple as a symbolic, miniature representation of the cosmos. Pilgrimages Pilgrimages. Organizations Organizations, Foundations, Groups and Councils. Communities Communities.

Customs and Practices Customs & Practices. Study Centers Study Centers, Institutions and Universities.

Resources

Articles Articles and stories on contemporary events, issues, events, inspiration, news and periodicals relating to Hindus and India. Books An abundance of both contemporary and ancient books on Hinduism. eBooks Links to online version and downloadable version of both contemporary and ancient books on Hinduism. Online Videos Videos relating to Hinduism, yoga, history, biographies, documentaries and contemporary issues. Audios Streaming audio contents.

Links Important links to websites on Hinduism and India. Downloads Files and resources that can be downloaded online. Glossary of Hindu Terms Glossary of Hindu Terms