Hinduism
Highlights for Early Childhood Teachers

When did Hinduism begin?  The earliest evidence of Hinduism dates to approximately 3000 BC

Where did it originate? India

Where is Hinduism primarily practiced today?  India and Nepal have the largest number of Hindus

How many Hindus are there worldwide?  Over 900 million (third largest religion)

How many Hindus are there in the United States?  766,000

What are the important writings of Hinduism?  The Vedas, or books of knowledge, are the oldest writings of the Hindu tradition.  The Bhagavad-Gita is a revered book of Hindu scripture.  Through the voice of Krishna people are instructed on how to overcome evil and lead loving and dutiful lives.  Other important books are Mahabharata, (stories of Lord Krishna’s time) and Ramayana (the story of Lord Rama).  These sacred books teach morals, ethics and cultural life. 

Where do people worship?  People worship individually or within families at a shrine in their homes.  This type of worship is known as puja.  Hindu families light candles or oil lamps, or burn incense in honor of deities represented by statues or pictures.  At the midday meal an offering of food may be placed at the shrine.  Hindus also worship individually at temples or outdoor shrines where they may pray and offer flowers or sweets to the deities.

Who are the major deities or prophets in this religion?
“Hindus believe in one ultimate Supreme Being who has unlimited forms” (Breuilly, O’Brien, & Palmer, 1997).  The millions of gods and goddesses of Hinduism are all aspects or faces of one God, Brahman, the World-Soul.
Major deities: God assumes three forms of Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the preserver (Krishna or Rama are two of his ten incarnations);and Shiva, the destroyer of old life, making way for the new.  Most Gods have a consort, or female counterpart, such as Rama and Sita, or Krishna and Radha.  The Gods and Goddesses are portrayed in human form so that people can relate to them better. 

What are some of the important beliefs and values of Hinduism?

• Four things people want are pleasure, worldly success, community, and unity with God or enlightenment.
• Four paths to fulfillment or ways of knowing God are through: knowledge, love, work, and psychophysical exercises.  These are different types of yoga.  Hindus believe it is possible to overcome imperfections and distractions and to develop infinite awareness and infinite bliss. 

• Law of karma—Each decision is a free act, but it has consequences.  Karma, or your deeds you perform in this life, should be done without expecting a reward.  Positive choices will be rewarded with good fortune in the next reincarnation.  
• All creatures, animal and human, have souls
• The soul is reincarnated or born again into a new body, following death. Ultimately, one’s goal as a human being is to become so enlightened as to be liberated from the cycle of birth and death and become one with God.

What are some important traditions and practices?

• Dharma: Living a virtuous life.  Practicing non-violence, truthfulness, patience, modest dress, perform actions for excellence rather than reward
• Tirthayatra: Regularly visit holy places, people, and temples
• Utsava: Celebrate holy days and festivals
• Samskaras: Participate in ceremonies that signify one’s transition through the stages of life
• Brahma:  Serving God
• Namaskar or Namaste: A greeting that shows respect for another person.  Join hands with palms together.  This symbolizes that when two people meet, the self is actually meeting itself.  The words, Namaskar or Namaste, said with humility, mean “I bow to God in you.”  It is a sign of love and respect for that person’s uniqueness. 

The practice of meditation and yoga (physical and spiritual practice) are very important to Hindus. 

What are some important holidays, holy days, or festivals?
The most important Hindu festival is Diwali, a festival of lights.  People light candles and decorate their homes to celebrate good overcoming evil and light triumphing over darkness.   This festival takes place in the fall. 
 Mahasivratri is a festival of Shiva, which takes place in the winter.  Families may fast during the day or may eat only uncooked foods. 
Holi is a festival of grain harvest in India.  Stories are read or told and there is a bonfire and dancing.  There are many other festivals, depending on the parts of the world where Hinduism is practiced.  Other important holidays are Lord Ganesh’s birthday and Lord Krishna’s birthday. 

Are there any dietary restrictions?  In India, the cow is considered sacred and is worshipped by Hindus.  Because the cow provides so many food products, Hindus never kill or eat the meat of a cow, but do consume milk, yogurt, butter and cheese.  Many Hindus eat no meat and do not believe in hunting and killing. Adults and older children fast during holidays.

Are their practices or beliefs that might not coincide with early childhood or public school functions and routines? 
The restriction on eating meat, especially beef. Hindu holiday celebrations may not occur at the same time as traditional public school holidays, because celebrations are based on a different calendar.

A few children’s books on Hinduism:
Ganeri, A. (2003). Hindu festivals throughout the year. North Mankato, Minnesota: Smart Apple Media. 

Gilmore, R. (1994). Lights for Gita. Gardiner, Maine: Tilbury House.

Vishaka (1996).  Bhagavad-gita for children: Our most dear friend.  Badger, CA: Torchlight Publishers.