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Table of Content

Shlokas, Mantras.............................................................................................4Ganesha Shlokam.....................................................................................................4Saraswathi Shlokam................................................................................................4Krishna Shlokam.......................................................................................................4Rama Shlokam...........................................................................................................5Shiva Shlokam...........................................................................................................5Guru Shlokam.............................................................................................................5Maha-Mrityumjaya Shlokam.................................................................................6Lamp Shlokam (This sloka is to be recited while lighting lamp)...........6Prabhata shlokam (Morning Prayer)..................................................................6Shanti Mantras...........................................................................................................7

Bhajans............................................................................................................8Mukund Madhav........................................................................................................8Jai Devi Durga............................................................................................................8Shiv Har Shankar.....................................................................................................8Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh............................................................................................8Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.............................................................................9Om Jai Jagdish Hare...............................................................................................10

Geet...............................................................................................................11Chandan hai is desh ki maati.............................................................................11Galat mat kadam utaavo.....................................................................................11

Subhaashitam................................................................................................12

Yoga..............................................................................................................13Soorya Namaskar...................................................................................................13

Hinduism, that is Sanathan Dharma.............................................................14

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Introduction and welcome message of HHC

Dear Campers and Parents,

Welcome to Hindu Heritage Camp! During this unique camp, you will be introduced to a whole new world—a world where Hinduism is not a religion, but more of a way of life; where learning is not on command, but an experience; where fun is not an option, but will become a necessity; and where a smile upon your faces is not a sign to us, but a satisfaction.

So what exactly is Hindu Heritage Camp? Hinduism, as you might know, is our religion. But here, at shakha (balagokulam), we want to teach you how it’s also a way of life. Hinduism is just how we do things, not what we are controlled by. Hinduism tells us what’s right and what’s wrong and gives us a path to base our lives upon. In other words, don’t think of Hinduism as a religion, but more of an idea that we all share. The next word, Heritage, basically means tradition. Here, you will learn about the traditions and culture of Bharat, and why they’re important to know. The last word, camp, means only one thing to us, shikshaks, fun! Our job during your camp is not only to make sure you learn something about Hinduism, but also to make sure you have fun! Those three words put together form the name of this place: Hindu Heritage Camp. Don’t set your boundaries here, Hindu Heritage Camp is not only about these three words—it’s about everything you want to make it about, revolving again on that way of life, Hinduism.

You might have noticed the two italicized words above, but do not know the meaning to. The first one is shakha, which is a place we gather every Sunday for an hour or two to play games, say slokas, hold discussions, tell stories, do arts and crafts and much more! The other word is shikshaks. We are the Shikshaks, a camp counselor, a teacher, and of course, a friend! We’re here for you, and to make sure that you get the most out of this camp.

Each and every camp is planned differently, with many various activities. However, we won’t reveal those to you just yet, as they’ll remain a surprise. So, from us here, we would just like to wish all of the campers a happy camp experience, and to the parents, we hope your child enjoys this camp just as much as we do conducting it.

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Shlokas, Mantras

Ganesha Shlokam

Shuklambara Dharam VishnumShashivarnam Chatur BhujamPrasanna Vadanam DhyayetSarva Vignopa Santaye

Lord Vigneshwara, who wears a white garment, who is all pervading, who has a bright complexion (like a full moon), who has four hands (representing all power), who has an ever-smiling face, upon that deity I meditate, for the removal of all obstacles.

Saraswathi Shlokam

Saraswathi NamastubhyamVarade KamarupiniVidyarambam KarishyamiSiddhir Bhavatu Me Sada

O Goddess Saraswathi; salutations to you, the giver of boons, the one who fulfills desires. I shall begin my studies. May there always be accomplishment for me.

Krishna Shlokam

Vasudeva sutam devam Kamsa-Chanoora mardanamDevaki parama-anandam Krishnam vande Jagatgurum

I do vandana (glorification) of Lord Krishna, the resplendent son of Vasudev, who killed the great tormentors like Kamsa and Chanoora, who is a source of greatest joy to Devaki, and who is indeed a world teacher.

Rama Shlokam

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Ramaya Rama BhadrayaRamachandraya VedhaseRaghu Nathaya NathayaSitayah Pataye Namaha

To Rama, Ramabhadra, Raghunatha(These are different names of Lord Rama), the Lord, the Consort of Seetha, our salutations to him.

Shiva Shlokam

Karpoora-gauram karuna-avataramSamsara-saaram Bhujagendra-haaramSadaa-vasantam Hridaya-aravindeBhavam Bhavanee-sahitam Namami

I salute to that Ishwara along with Bhavani (Shiva and parvati) who is as white as Karpur(camphor), an incarnation of compassion, the essence of this world, who wears a bhujagendra(snake or serpent) around his neck and is ever present in the lotus abode of our hearts.

Guru Shlokam

Gurur Brahma Gurur VishnuGurur Devo MaheshvarahGuru Shakshat Param BrahmaTasmai Sri Gurave Namah

Know The Guru To Be Brahma Himself. He Is Vishnu. He Is Also Shiva. Know Him To Be The Supreme Brahman, And Offer Thy Adoration Unto That Peerless Guru.

Maha-Mrityumjaya Shlokam

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim PushtivardhanamUrva-rukamiva Bhandhanaat

We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Shiva), Who is fragrant and

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Mrityor-mukshiya ma amritatOm Shanthi Shanthi Shanthihi

Who nourishes all beings; may He liberate me from death, for the sake of Immortality, even as the cucmber is severed from its bondage of the vine. Om Peace, Peace, Peace

  Lamp Shlokam (This sloka is to be recited while lighting lamp)

Subham Karoti KalyanamArogyam Dhana SampadahShatru Buddhi VinashayaDipa Jyotir Namostute

I salute the One who is the lamplight that brings auspiciousness; prosperity, good health, abundance of wealth, and the destruction of the intellect’s enemy.

Brief explanationThis prayer is chanted before lighting the lamplight. Light is considered a symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and abundance in many cultures. Light brings with it brightness, but how does it destroy the intellect’s enemy? The intellect’s enemy is ignorance, which is likened to darkness. Light removes the darkness and makes it possible to see things clearly.

Prabhata shlokam (Morning Prayer)

Karagre Vasate LakshmiKara Mule SaraswathiKara Madhye Tu GovindahPrabate Kara Darshanam

On the tip of your fingers is Goddess Lakshmi; on the base of your fingers is Goddess Sarasvati; in the middle of your fingers is Lord Govinda. In this manner, look at your palm

Brief ExplanationThis is a Morning Prayer called “karadarshana”. One begins the day with this prayer. ‘kara” means the palm of the hand and it stands for the five karmendriyas, or the organs of action. While looking at the palm, one invokes the Lord in the form of various deities, thus sanctifying all the actions that will be done during the day. By acknowledging the Lord as the giver of the capacity to perform actions and as the giver of the fruits of those actions, one sanctifies the actions. Thus, one prays in the morning to reinforce the attitude that all actions are performed as a service to the Lord.

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Shanti Mantras

Om Sahana Vavatu Sahanau BhunaktuSahaveeryam KaravavahaiTejas Vinavati Tamastuma vidhwishavahaiOm Shanti Shanti Shantihi

May He protect both of us. May He nourish both of us. May we both acquire the capacity (to study and understand the scriptures). May our study be brilliant. May we not argue with each other. Om peace, peace, peace.

Asato Ma SadgamayaTamaso Ma Jyotir gamayaMrityorma Amritam gamayaOm Shanti Shanti Shantihi

Lead me (by giving knowledge) from the unreal to the real; from darkness (of ignorance) to the light (of knowledge); from death (sense of limitation) to immortality (limitless liberation)

Sarve Bhavantu SukhinahaSarve Santu NiramayahSarve Bhadrani PashyantuMaa Kaschid Dhuka Bhag Bhavet

May all be happy. May all enjoy health and freedom from disease. May all enjoy prosperity. May none suffer.

Brief explanationThese are prayers for the prosperity and welfare of humanity. To achieve anything in life, one has to make an effort and await the results. In addition, many unknown factors and laws influence the outcome of that effort. By praying to the Lord, one acknowledges these laws as the natural order inseparable from the Lord, and one acknowledges the Lord as the giver of all results of actions.

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Bhajans

Mukund Madhav

Mukund madhav govind bolKeshav madhav hari hari bol......Ram ram bol...... Ram ram bol.....

Krishna krishna bol.... Krishna krishna bol....

Shiv shiv bol..... Shiv shiv bol.....Mukund madhav govind bol

Jai Devi Durga

Jai devi durga gauri shankri parvati

Bhuvan mohini lalit kalavatiJai devi…………

Kamal kamini harinarayani bhagavati

Vedmata vidyadayani bhartiHanswahini veenapani saraswati

Jai devi………….

Shiv Har Shankar...

Shiv har shankar gourishaaOm shiv har shankar gourishaa

Vande gangaa dharanesha

Gouri pate jaya har, har, har har...2

Chandramouli jaya har, har, har har...2

Shiv har sharkar gourishaaOm shiv har shankar gourishaa

Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh...

Jai ganesh jai ganesh jai ganesh deva

Matha jaki parvati, pitha maha deva

Jai ganesh jai ganesh jai ganesh pahimam

Jai ganesh jai ganesh jai ganesh rakshamam

Jai ganesh jai ganesh jai ganesh

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Vande gangaa dharanesha pahimamJai ganesh jai ganesh jai ganesh

rakshamam

Jai ganesh pahimam, jai ganesh rakshamam

Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram

Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, Patita-Pavan Seetaram, Raghupati …Seetaram, Seetaram, Bhaja Pyare Tu Seetaram, Raghupati …

Ram-Krishna Hai Tere Nam, Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan, Raghupati …

Deena-Dayaloo Raja Ram, Patita-Pavan Seetaram, Raghupati …Jaya Raghunandana Jaya Siyaram, Janaki-Vallabha Seetaram,

Raghupati…Jaya Yadunandana Jaya Ghanashyam, Rukmini-Vallabha

Radheshyam,Raghupati …Jaya Madhusoodana Jaya Gopal, Jaya Muralidhara Jaya

Nandalal,Raghupati …Jaya Damodara Krishna Murare, Devaki Nanadana Sarvaa

Dhaar,Raghupati …Jaya Govinda Jaya Gopal, Keshava Madhava Deena Dayal,

Raghupati…Radhakrishna Jaya Kunjabihari, Muralidhara Govardhana

Dhari,Raghupati …Dasharatha Nandana Avadhakishore, Yashumathi Sutha Jaya

Makhana Chor, Raghupati …Kaushalya ke Pyare Ram, Yashumati Sutha Jaya Nava Ghanashyam,

Raghupati …Vrindavana Mathura me Shyam, Avadhpuri me Seetaram,

Raghupati…

Aarati

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Om Jai Jagdish Hare

OM JAI JAGDISH HARE, PRABHU JAI JAGDISH HAREBHAKT JANO KE SANKAT KSHAN MEN DOOR KAREOM JAI JAGDISH HARE….

JO DHAVE PHAL PAVE, DUKH BINSE MAN KASUKH SAMPATI GHAR AAVE, KASHT MITE TAN KAOM JAI JAGDISH HARE….

MAT PITA TUM MERE,SHARAN GAHU MAIN KISKITUM BIN AUR NA DOOJA,AAS KARUN MAIN JISKIOM JAI JAGDISH HARE........

TUM PURAN PARMATAM,TUM ANTARYAMIPAAR BRAHM PARMESHWAR,TUM SABKE SWAMIOM JAI JAGDISH HARE.........

TUM HO EK AGOCHAR,SAB KE PRANPATIKIS BIDHI MILUOO DYAAMAY,MAI TUM KO MAIN KUMTIOM JAI JAGDISH HARE..........

DEENBANDU DUKHHARTA TUM THAKUR MEREAPNE HAATH UTHAO, DWAAR PADA TEREOM JAI JAGDISH HARE..............

VISHAY VIKAAR MITAO, PAAP HRAO DEVASHRADHA BHAKTEE BADHAO, SANTAN KEE SEVAOM JAI JAGDISH HARE………….

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Geet

Chandan hai is desh ki maati

Chandan hai is desh ki maati, tapo bhoomi har graam haihar baalaa devi ki pratimaa, bacchaa bacchaa raam hai ||

har shareer mandir saa paavan, har maanav upkaari hai

jahaan simh ban gaye khiloune, gaay jahaan maa pyaari hai

jahaan savera shankh bajaata, lori gaati shyaam hai

har baalaa devi ki pratimaa, bacchaa bacchaa raam hai ||

jahaan karm se bhaagya badaltaa shram nishtaa kalyaani

haityaag aur tap ki gaathaaye, gaati

kavi ki vaani haijnaan jahaan kaa gangaa jal saa,

nirmal hai aviraam haihar baalaa devi ki pratimaa, bacchaa bacchaa raam hai ||

jis ke sainik samar bhoomi me, gaayaa karate gitaa hai

jhaan khet me hal ke niche, khelaa karati sita hai

jeevan kaa aadarsh jahaan par, parameshwar kaa dhaam haihar baalaa devi ki pratimaa, bacchaa bacchaa raam hai ||

Galat mat kadam utaavo

Galat mat kadam utaavosoch kar chalo, vichaar kar chalo

raah ki museebatonko paar kar chalo ||

hampe jimmedaariyaa he desh ki badiham na badale apni chaal ab ghadi

ghadiaag le chalo, chiraag le chalo

mastiyon ke rang bhare faag le chalo ||

manzil ke muzaafir tuje kyaa raah ki fikar

chattan par tufaan ki jonkonko kyaa asar

ye kaun aarahaa andhera chaarahaaye kaun mazilompe manzile utaa rahaa

||

mil ke chalo ek saath, ab nahi rukobad ke chalo ek saath, ab nahi thako

saaj karegaa, avaaz karegaahamaari veerataa pe jahaan naaz

karegaa ||

Subhaashitam

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Quotes from Hindu texts…

“Maatru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Aachaarya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava”(Be the one to treat Mother as your God, Father as your god, Teacher as your God, and Guest as your God)

“udaara charitanaam tu, Vasudhaiva kutumbakam”(For noble-minded ones, entire universe is family)

“Dharmao Rakshati Rakshitah”(Dharma will protect those who protect Dharma)

“Ekam Sat Vipraah Bahudhaa Vadanti”(Truth is one and the Sages call it by different names)

“Paritraanaaya sadhunaam, Vinaashaaya cha dushkrutaamDharma samsthapanaarthaaya Sambhavaami yuge yuge”(to protect the noble, to destroy the evil, and to establish Dharma, I come to this world time to time—shri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita)

Jeevane yaavadaadaanma, syaat pradaanam tatodhikam”(In life, what we give must be more than what we take)

“Sanghe Shaktih Kalau Yuge”(Strength is in Unity in Kali Yug, i.e. present age)

“Swayameva mrigendratha”(We achieve through our own efforts)

“Karmanyeva adhikaraste maa phaleshu kadaachana”(Our responsibility is in our actions, not to worry about their results.)

“Udhyamenahisidhyanti karyaani na manorathaihi”(Effort alone creates results, not day-dreaming.)

“Na jaatu kaamaha kaamaanaam upabhogena shaamyati”(By fulfilling those desires in us, those desires don't go away)

“Uthishta jagratha praapyavaraan nibodhata”(Arise! Awake! Stop not till the goal is reached!)

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Yoga

Soorya Namaskar

For thousands of years, human beings have been worshipping the Sun. For the rishis of the Vedic era in Bharat, the sun was worshipped in all its splendor as Soorya. Soorya Namaskar, which literally means salutations to the earth, is a combination of few Yogasana postures. This is a well balanced set of movements that will stretch all the muscles in the body and keep the body and mind healthy. There are 13 mantras which are different names of the Sun God. We should chant a mantra before each Soorya Namaskar.

The Mantra Offering Salutations to:AUM Mitraaya Namah The friend of allAUM Ravaye Namah The shining oneAUM Sooryaaya Namah The one who induces activityAUM Bhaanave Namah The one who illuminatesAUM Khagaaya Namah The one who moves quickly in the skyAUM Pooshne Namah The giver of strengthAUM Hiranyagarbhaaya Namah The bright center of all energyAUM Mareechaye Namah The lord of the dawnAUM Aadityaaya Namah The son of AditiAUM Savitre Namah The benevolent motherAUM Arkaaya Namah The one who is fit to be praisedAUM Bhaaskaraaya Namah The one who leads to enlightenmentAUM Shrisavitrusooryanaaraayanaaya Namah The Soorya (Sun)

Positions

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Hinduism, that is Sanathan Dharma

Introduction

Hinduism is the oldest religion of the world with a history of at least six thousand years. Unlike some of the well-known religions of the world, it does not have a single founder, a single Book, a single Church or even a single way of life. It is based on the spiritual realizations of a galaxy of saints and seers and this tradition flows continuously like a river; hence its name Sanathana Dharma.

Hinduism is like a noble mother who lovingly cares for all of her children, including those who may deny her. An atheist, an agnostic, even a blasphemer, has a place in it as much as a staunch believer. In case they, in course of time, repent and relent they are accepted back as the prodigal sons.

Strangely enough, 'Hinduism' is not its original name! In fact its adherents never gave it any particular name and simply called it Sanathana Dharma which means 'The eternal law that supports and sustains those who practice it'. Actually, the origin of the words 'Hindu' and 'Hinduism' is geographical. The land of the river Sindhu (Indus) and the people inhabiting it came to be known as 'Hindu' among the ancient Persians, in whose language, the 'S' of Sanskrit became 'H'. And this name has somehow stuck.

The number of scriptures in Hinduism are numerous. These are the Vedas, Ithihasas, Puranas, Smrithis, Darshanas and Agamas.

The most important scripture is the Veda with its fourfold division, viz., Rig-Veda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.The Rig-Veda is primarily a book of prayers. The Yajurveda is a work of liturgical practices. The Samaveda comprises hymns, taken mostly from the Rig-Veda and set to music, to be sung at appropriate places in a Vedic sacrifice. The Atharvaveda is like an appendix supplying additional information on all aspects of the Veda. Each Veda is again divided into four sections: Samhita (collection of mantras), Brahmana (liturgical instructions, generally in prose), Aranyaka (symbolical contemplation of Vedic rituals, to be practiced in forests by the forest-recluses) and Upanishad (metaphysical reflections).

Among the Itihasas Ramayana and Mahabharata are most important. The puranas are popular works with a mixture of ancient fables and didactic material aimed at educating the masses in our religion and culture.

Among the Smrtis or secondary scriptures, special mention must be made of the Bhagavad-Gita, popularly known as the Gita. It is a part of the great epic, the Mahabharata, and is in the form of a dialogue between Arjuna, the pandava

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hero and Krishna, considered as an incarnation of God. The Gita contains wonderful ideas of ethics, religion and philosophy rolled into one integrated unit and can easily be declared as the Book for all the Hindus of the modern age.

The dharmasastra literature which is voluminous, deals with many aspects of the personal, the social and the legal life of the Hindus. Some of the books of this category are considered as an authority even today by the law-courts while deciding certain types of cases concerning the Hindus.

The Darshanas are six in number: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Poorva Mimamsa and Vedanta. Vedanta has three important divisions and these are: Adwaita of Shankara, Vishishtadwaita of Ramanuja and Dwaita of Madhwacharya.

The Agamas, a special class of literature, highly technical in nature, are the guiding lights for the construction and consecration of temples and images, as also the various ritualistic practices connected with them.

Concept of God and the Mode of Hindu Worship: God is the only one without a second; his nature is satchitananda that is existence-consciousness-bliss. The creation is his vestibule. He is both with attributes and without.

The Hindus worship many Gods because the human nature is varied and each one approaches god in his unique way; these gods are like our pass words to the same supreme god who is one and the same. Some of these are Siva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganapathi and Surya.

The deighty worship has its origin in the following way: Since man can not jump into a milk ocean and drink he uses a ladle for this purpose and similarly an idol provides the portal to god. These idols are made of stone, wood, clay and metal. Kissing a stone or hanging a golden cross around the neck can also be construed as idol worship.

Temple worship has its origin in the following way: God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient and when man propitiates him in a collective worship it is a temple. This provides group awareness. The temple structure, idols and the rituals are organized according to agamas.

Some times He incarnates himself as an Avatar in this world to redeem it from wickedness. Rama and Krishna are two of these Avatars.

Two more aspects of Hindu religious practices need mention here: celebration of festivals and visiting the places of pilgrimage.

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Festivals are occasions for exercising greater self-control through fasting, keeping vigil and special worship of God. They are also occasions of joy- once the religious vows are over-feasting and family/social reunions take place.

Visiting places of pilgrimage--especially the places surcharged with the spiritual power by the association of great saints-will help in the recharging as it were, of one's spiritual aspirations.

It should be noted that visiting places of worship, observing religious festivals and going on a pilgrimage are common to almost all the religions of the world.

It will not be out of place to mention here that the Hindu religious works which advocate rituals or pilgrimage are also bold enough to declare that the best worship is the worship of the Supreme Self within and the best pilgrimage is resorting to the God in one's own heart!

Paths to realize God

According to Hinduism man is essentially an Atman which is uncreated and eternal. It is beyond birth, growth, decay and death which are only the states pertaining to the body. Since he is potentially divine the purpose of human life is to manifest this Divinity. Hinduism suggests four important paths for God realization catering to the different aptitudes and these are: Jnana yoga for intellectually oriented, Bhakti yoga for emotional people, Raja yoga for Mystic people and Karma yoga for workaholics.

Hindu society

Hindus believe that life has four values (Purusharthas) to be pursued: these are: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desires) and moksa (liberation).

Hinduism permits the acquisition of wealth and the enjoyment of the legitimate pleasures of life. But they should always have the sanction of dharma, the greatest good of the greatest number. Since the enjoyment of the pleasures of the flesh can never give satiation or ultimate satisfaction, the human being -if he has been trained properly in the true values of life-will gradually develop spiritual aspirations and strive for moksha, freedom from transmigratory existence.

For the successful implementation of these values, the ashrama scheme of life gives it a concrete shape and the varna system offers it an organizational structure to work it out. The four ashramas (or stages) are: brahmacharya (studentship), grihastha (state of a householder), vanaprastha (life of a forest recluse) and sanyasa (monastic life).

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The varna system consisting of Brahmans, Kshattrias, Vaisyas and Sudras was based on the inborn abilities and aptitudes. As the society grew in size and complexity and became subject to foreign invasions, the varnas crystallized and it became far more difficult to move between them. In modern India every citizen is equal under law and the caste system is far less prevalent.

Actually Hinduism is a comprehensive system that incorporates in itself all aspects of human life: philosophy, religion, ethics, all facets of culture including the various arts, sciences and literature.

If life has to flow smoothly, it must have a smooth way to course through. And, Hinduism has provided this through the principle of samanya-dharmas (ethical values common to all) and the institution of samskaras (sacraments). The samanya-dharmas train a person to tune his life to be in harmony with the society whereas the samskaras prepare him to refine his own life.

The samanya-dharmas are: ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (speaking the truth and keeping up . one's word), asteya (non-stealing), daya (compassion), titiksha (forbearance), vinaya (humility), indriyanigraha (restraining. the senses, self-control), santi (keeping the mind at peace), sauca (purity of body), tapas (austerity) and bhakti (devotion to God).

The sarmskaras, which exercise a subtle purifying and refining effect on the psychic personality, are sixteen. However, only five are in vogue even today and may, therefore, be considered as important. They are: jatakarma (birth rituals), namakarana (naming), annaprasana (starting solid food to the baby), upanayana (Gayatri upadesha), vivaha (Marriage) and antyeshti (funeral ceremony).

Hindu culture

Hindu society developed a large number of Arts, crafts and sciences the enumeration of which rises sometimes to 64! These arts, crafts and sciences help the human beings not only to beautify or refine their physique but also sharpen their intellects and add to their external comforts. A few of them may be listed here: vocal and instrumental music, dance and drama, making of flower-garlands, coloring of cloth, decorating one's body, decoration of the house, water-sports, hair-dressing, culinary arts, preparation of musical instruments, hand-writing, drawing and painting, wood-work, metal filigree work, making of ornaments of gold and precious stones, gardening, various types of physical exercises and feats and so on.

Apart from these there were several other fields in which great progress had been made by the ancient and medieval Hindus. Some of them were: medicine and surgery, veterinary sciences, military sciences including the building of

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warships, chemical sciences including alchemy, astronomy and astrology, mining and metallurgy, and many others.

Conclusion

Hinduism appears to many as a jigsaw puzzle. But, if one knows where to put the pieces, not only is the puzzle easily solved, but also gives rise to a beautiful picture.

Hinduism is a religion because it accepts the existence of God and posits him as the final goal or our life. It places before us many paths that suit persons of different temperaments, but leading to the same beatific experience of that God. It gives the moral and ethical disciplines that help a human being to purify himself and become fit for the pursuit of God.It provides enough scope and opportunity for its adherents to get emotional satisfaction through its rituals and festivals.

Following the maxim that the same cap cannot fit everybody, it gives different modes and methods of sadhanas or spiritual disciplines to aspirants of different temperaments.

Hinduism is a philosophy because it has given, through a rational analysis and in a convincing manner, a knowledge about the ultimate truths behind man and the universe, as also the final goal and the path.

Hinduism is a culture because it encourages all aspects of culture like music, dancing, drawing, sculpturing, and other arts but as reflecting the glory of the divine and also as aids to spiritual evolution, if the right attitude is adopted.

Hinduism is ancient and modern, ancient in its eternal value-system, but modern in that it is always open to new ideas and ever ready to replenish its treasure-house of knowledge, wisdom and virtues.

Hinduism has survived the vicissitudes of history and onslaughts of time, exactly because of the various factors mentioned above. The least that such a religion deserves is a sympathetic study of its tenets that will go a long way in understanding it.

Name Phone Number Email Address

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http://www.balagokulam.org http://www.hssus.org

Email: balagokulam@hssworld.org

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