complete moral assignment

8/10/2019 Complete Moral Assignment

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INTRODUCTION

Hinduism is generally regarded as the world's oldest organized religion. It is currently

the worlds 3rd

largest religion. Hindu is universally accepted as word that refers to

the religion of India. It has approximately 905 million followers.

Hindus call their religion Sanatana Dharma , with a Persian origin, used to describe

people who lived on the other side of the Indus River / Sindu River.

Love, nonviolence, good conduct and the law of dharma define the Hindu path.

There are many sections within Hinduism, but they share a common sacred literature,

a history of religious thought and a world view that place spiritual matters above

earthly concerns. The elements of the faith are:

o Reincarnation

o Karma (deeds in this life that determine our place in the next)

o Meditation

o Yoga


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HISTORY/RACKGROUND/EVOLUTION OF HINDUISM

Origins of Hinduism

Hinduism is the product of the various peoples that have occupied the region of India

through time. Some have described it as more of a way of life than a religion.

Hindu philosophy

Hindu philosophy had six branches, evolving from about the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century,

Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Yoga, Vedanta, Nyaya and Mimamsa.

Symbol of Hinduism

Aum (Om) is the main symbol of Hinduism. It is the sound heard in deepest meditation and is

said to be the name most suited for God. The ism is Hinduism means (1) everything from

Atheism to Polytheism. (2) Different interpretations of the same scriptures led to differences in

belief.

Hindus have always had great respect for Mother Nature and its creatures and cow is especially

significant because it symbolizes gentleness.

The Three Major Movements That Influenced Hindu Thought

Upanishadic - Hindu scriptures that consist of the core teachings of Vedanta and it is

dated to the Early Middle Ages around the 3 rd to 8 th centuries AD.

Jaina - Practices Non-Violence and also gave rise to Buddhism Created the concept of

Puja [ Pu = Flower and ja = Offering ] .


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Buddhist - Influenced Moksha and Karma in Hinduism and is followed by philosophical

streams of thought.

Hindu Beliefs

Dharma , a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law", by its adherents. The Hindu concept of

god is hard for non-Hindus to understand. Hindu beliefs vary widely, with concepts of God

and/or gods ranging from

Panentheism (God is the whole)

Pantheism (God is not a distinct being but is synonymous with the universe)

Monotheism (the existence of one and only one god)

Polytheism (the belief of multiple deities)

Atheism (the rejection of belief in the existence of deities with Vishnu and Shiva being

the most popular deities)

Monistic (god as an impersonal and unknowable entity).


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Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma meaning 'the eternal path'. The belief is a

conglomerate of religious, philosophical and cultural ideas characterized by the belief in

reincarnation, the path to righteousness, and the desire to liberate from the cycle of births and

deaths.

Origin of Hinduism

1. The Indus Valley Civilization:

In 3000 and 2500 BCE, two ancient cities, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, were the

heart of this civilization, also referred to as the Harappa Culture.

Some of the buildings have been identified as worship houses, where archaeologists

discovered stone sculptures that may be early depictions of the Hindu goddesses

Parvati and Kali .

Other discoveries included charms against evil, thousands of flat seals and fire altars

that suggest religious activity such as animal sacrifice.

2. The Arrival Of The Aryans:

Around 1500 BCE, Aryans migrated into India from the northwest, destroying the

Indus Valley civilization. It flourished between 1500 and 500 BCE.

It was contained in a collection of hymns, ritual texts and philosophical works called

Vedas, and are considered Hinduisms earliest sacred writings.

The earliest Veda is Rig-Veda , which constitutes the earliest record of sacred

knowledge on Hinduism.


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Religious Divisions

Hinduism is divided into 4 major divisions:

Vaishnavism - devotees of Vishnu, Shaivism - devotees of Shiva, Shaktism - worships

Shakti, the Divine Mother and Smartism - accept and worship all major forms of God,

(Ganesha, Siva, Sakti, Vishnu, Surya and Skanda ).

The Four Stages of Life

Student discipline mind and body, gain knowledge, learn rules and rituals, show

respect towards elders.

Householder have a family, care for elders, practice social and religious traditions.

Forest Dweller retire and transmit household duties to wife or son, read and study,

participate in religious pilgrimages.

Ascetic give up worldly life, wander, mediate, and attain salvation.

Four Goals of Life

Dharma conduct ones duties with compassion, no je alousy, cruelty or greed, be

good and pure.

Artha earn an honest living, provide for family, acquire wealth and power.

Kama pursuing love and physical pleasures to balance life and to sanctify marriage.

Moksha leading the soul toward salvation through honest and moral actions.


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HINDU GODS AND HOLY BOOKS

Hindus associate these three cosmic tasks with the three deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva .

These three deities together form the Hindu Trinity.

1. LORD SHIVA

The Powerful God:

Shiva is the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu

Trinity. Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities.

The Destructive Force:

Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe, because of his

responsibility for death and destruction. Shiva dissolves in life in order to create, since death is

the medium for rebirth into a new life. The opposites of life and death and creation and

destruction both reside in his character.

Shiva is the god of the yogis, self-controlled and celibate, while at the same time a lover

of his spouse ( shakti ). Shiva represents the most essential goodness

Lord Shiva is conceived in his unborn, invisible form as the Shiva Lingam . The Lingam

represents the male creative energy of Shiva .

Shiva s forms:

1) Panchavaktra form with 5 heads, a combination of all Shiva energies

2) Aghora (resides in the cremation grounds)

3) Ishana (most often appears as the shivalingam )


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4) Tat Purusha (meditating)

5) Varna Deva (the eternal Shiva)

Figure 1: Shiva meditating

2. LORD VISHNU

Hindu God Vishnu is the preserver and protector of creation. Vishnu is the embodiment of mercy

and goodness that preserves the universe and maintains the cosmic order, dharma .

DEPICTION OF LORD VISHNU :

General illustration:

1) Four hands2) First hand is holding a disc/ vaijra 3) Second hand is holding a conch/ sankha

3) Third hand is holding a club4) Forth hand is holding a lotus5) Resting on top of serpents

Matsya : The Fish Incarnation, Kurma : The Turtle Incarnation, Varana : The Boar Incarnation,

Narasingha : The Lion Incarnation, Vamana : The Dwarf Incarnation, Parasurama, Ram, Krishna,

Buddha, Kalki.

From left to right:

Figure 2: Fish IncarnationFigure 3: Turtle IncarnationFigure 4: Lion Incarnation


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3. LORD BRAHM A

Lord Brahma is part of the Hindu trinity, known as the creator of the earth.

Variations of the God's name include the following:

Malay: Betara Berahma or Adi Berma

Tamil: Piraman

Thai: ( Phra Phrom ) or (Thada , from Dht )

ORIGIN

Brahma was born from a ( kamala ) lotus springing from Vishnu 's navel. Brahma generated a

female partner, generally acknowledged as Saraswati , out of his own substance. She is his

daughter as well as his wife. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of wisdom and learning.

Representations:

Brahma has red skin and wears white clothes.

He has four arms, each arms holding:

I. the Vedas ,

II. a scepter,

III. a komondul (a special type of water jug that is stilled used by Hindus duringworship),

IV. A bow or, variously, a string of beads or a spoon.

Brahma has four heads ( chatur mukha brahma ) facing the four quartem.

They represent:

I. the four Vedas ( Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva ),

II. the four yugas ( krita, treta, dwapara, kali ),

III. The four varnas ( brahmana, kshatriya, vaisya, sudra ).


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Lack in Brahma Worships:

Although Brahma is one of the Trinity, it is hard to find a temple dedicated to

Brahma . Brahma is to be found to exist more in scriptures than in homes and temples.

There are many stories behind the reason do not pray to Lord Brahma . Most of them

revolve around Brahma being cursed by other Gods as he could not overpower his

thoughts despite being one of the Trinity.

HINDU SCRIPTURES

Composed in Sanskrit and regarded as central to the Vedic and Hindu literally tradition

SHRUTI & SMRITI

Categories of texts that are used to establish the rule of law within the Hindu tradition.

Shruti - solely of divine origin and contains no specific concepts of law and preserved as

a whole, instead of verse by verse

Smriti - understanding and interpreting the oral tradition.

VEDAS

The Vedas form the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.

Categories of Vedas:

Rigveda - contain hymns to be recited, Yajusveda - contain formulas to be recited,

Samaveda - contain formulas to be sung, Atharvaveda - collection of spells and charms.


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Vedas has four parts:

Samhita - core part of Vedas; full of mantras.

Brahman - help in application/interpretation of samhita.

Ar anyaka & Upanishat - philosophical part; Upanishat cover a spectrum of analysis of

the God and relation to it for the soul; Upanishat are also basic of Vedantic Thought.

PURANAS

A vast medieval literature of tales in ancient time. Total number of Puranas is 36: 18

main Purans called Mahapuranas and the other 18 called Upapuranas .

18 puranas describe the glorious act of god, the elaboration of the geography of the world

and the lineages of kings are also mentioned.

BHA GAVAD GITA ( )

The Bhagavad Gita , known as Gita is a 700 verse Hindu scriptures. The teacher of the

Bhagavad Gita is Lord Krishna .

It consists of 18 chapters and is considered among the most important texts in the history

of literature and philosophy. This holy book mainly consists of Lord Krishna who was

his charioteer in the battlefield.

It explains the five basic concepts or "truths": Ishvara (The Supreme Controller), Jiva

(Living beings/the individualized soul), Prakrti (Nature/Matter), Dharma (Duty in

accordance with Divine law), Kaala (Time).


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ASPECT OF TEACHING / RELIGIOUS AND MORAL VALUES

General Principles

Dharma (Sanskrit) is the moral and social order or path of righteousness and living one's life

according to the codes of conduct as described by the Hindu scriptures.

Dharma : Four aspects of Bhagavat Purana :

a) austerity ( tap )

b) purity ( shauch )

c) compassion ( daya )d) truthfulness ( satya )

Adharma :

a) pride ( ahankar )

b) contact ( sangh )

c) Intoxication ( madya )

GOOD BAD

[Happiness, health, survival, pleasure,

peace, friendship, knowledge and truth

misery, sickness and injury, death,

infertility, pain, anger and enmity (a very

deep unfriendly feeling

Liberation from human life ( moksha ) Remain in the cycle of repeated dead

and reincarnation.*From ancient Hindu classification

Ethics

It is the soul of the complex moral and religious aspirations of a person.

Rita (Highest Good) - total harmonyof the cosmic or natural order

Anrita -Disorder, chaos


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Mahatma Gandhi re-emphasizes traditions shared in all the Indian faiths:

I. vegetarianism or harms reduction

II. active creation of truth through courage

III. rejection of cowardice and concern with pain

Brahmanical Hindu Ethics

1. Vedas / Collection of Hindu texts = Ultimate Authorit y of the religion. Veda means

wisdom, knowledge or vision. It is the original scriptures of Hindu teachings compiled by

Vyasa Krishna Dwaipayana in 1500 BC.

2. Each Veda consists of four parts :

Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (rituals), Aranyakas (theologies) and Upanishads

(philosophies).

Classical Hindu Ethics

Karma

Concept of reborn or reincarnated and live in another body.

Attempt to do good leads to moksha (high spiritual freedom).

Karma can be divided into three kinds

i. satvik karma = without attachment, selfless and for the benefit of others;

ii. rajasik karma = selfish where the focus is on gains for oneself;

iii. tamasik karma = undertaken without heed to consequences, and is supremely

selfish and savage.


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Upanishadic Ethics

Overcome problems relating to emotion, feeling, tendency and sentiment in striving for higher

calling which is self -centered.

Three virtues from the Brihadaranyaka-Upanishad , a Hindu religious text:

- Damnyata : self-restraint

Self-restraint is nothing but the withdrawal of the mind from its impetuous movement towards

objects outside.

- Datta : giving or self-sacrifice

Practice of charity should be carried out.

- Dayadhvam : compassion

Practice of mercy is important.

RELIGIOUS VALUES

Ten Yamas(Restraint)

1st Restraint - Ahimsa or Non Violence

The first restraint, Non injury ( ahimsa ) - not injuring or harming others by thought, word, or

deed.

1. Practice non injury, not harming others by thought, word or deed, even in your dreams.

2. Knowing that harm caused to others unfailingly returns to oneself

Mahatma Gandhi practices a non-violence way to win his country back from British Colonial.

His birthday in 2 October is celebrated worldwide as International Day of Non-Violence.


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2nd Restraint - Satya or Truthfulness

The second restraint, Truthfulness ( Satya ) - refraining from lying and betraying promises.

1. Do not engage in gossip, backbiting or bear false witness against another.

3rd Restraint - Asteya or Non-stealing

The third restraint, Nonstealing (asteya ) - neither stealing nor coveting nor entering into debt.

1. Do not use borrowed resources for unintended purposes or keep them past due.

4th Restraint - Brahmacharya or Sexual Purity (Celibacy)

The fourth restraint, Sexual Purity ( brahmacharya ) - divine conduct, controlling lust by

remaining celibate when single leading to faithfulness in marriage.

1. Be restrained with the opposite sex. Seek holy company, dress and speak modestly.

5th Restraint - Kshama or Patience

The fifth restraint, Patience ( kshama ) - restraining intolerance with people and impatience with

circumstances.

1. Exercise patience, restraining intolerance with people and impatience with circumstances.

2. Minimize stress by keeping worries at bay and remain poised in good times and bad.

6th Restraint - Dhriti or Steadfastness

The sixth restraint, Steadfastness ( dhriti ) - overcoming non-perseverance, fear, indecision,

inconstancy and changeableness.


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1. Achieve your goals with a prayer, purpose, plan and persistence and be firm in your

decisions.

7th Restraint - Daya or Compassion

The seventh restraint, Compassion ( daya ) - conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings

toward all beings.

1. Practice compassion, conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings.

2. Honor and assist those who are weak, impoverished, aged or in pain.

8th Restraint - Arjava or Honesty

The eighth restraint, Honesty ( arjava ) - straightforwardness, renouncing deception and

wrongdoing.

1. Maintain honesty, renouncing deception and wrongdoing.

2. Act honorably even in hard times. Be frank with yourself.

9th Restraint - Mitahara or Moderate Diet

The ninth restraint, Moderate Diet ( mitahara ) - neither eating too much nor consuming meat, fish,

fowl or eggs.

1. Moderate in appetite and enjoy fresh, wholesome vegetarian foods that vitalize the body.

2. Eat at regular times, only when hungry, at a moderate pace, never between meals, in a

disturbed atmosphere or when upset. Avoid junk food and drink in moderation.


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10th Restraint - Saucha or Purity

The tenth restraint, Purity ( saucha ) - avoiding impurity in body, mind and speech.

1. Maintain a clean, healthy body. Act virtuously. Worship devoutly.

2. Keep good company, never mixing with adulterers, thieves or other impure people.

MORAL VALUES

1. Respect for mother and mother earth

"This earth is my mother and I am the son of this earth" - Atharva Veda , 12-1-12

a. The concept of Mother Worship is deeply ingrained in the Hindu way of life and the

mother is considered as the first Guru of the child. (The first value that a child learns

from his or her family is respect for the mother .)

b. In Hindu tradition, everything good, blissful, protective and evil-destroying is

associated with a mother-image. Similarly the earth is treated as mother and is

respected.

2. Respect for father and ancestors

a. Hindus believe that bringing up children is a religious act- the Dharma of every

parent. Hindus consider the service of one's parents to be a pious and divine duty and

preventing any one from carrying that duty is considered to be a sinful act.

b. In Hindu families, respect for parents and elders is therefore strongly emphasized.


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FESTIVALS AND RITUALS

FESTIVAL

1. PONGAL FESTIVAL

Definition

Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over" or "spill over". Milk is boiled over the clay pot

on that day to symbolize material abundance for the household.

A traditional harvest festival intended to thank the Sun God Surya and farmstead

livestock that helped to create material abundance of people.

First Day (Bhogi/Indran)

Celebrated in honour of Lord Indra , the God of Clouds and Rains, for harvest.

Homes are cleaned and decorated with Kolam (a form of painting that is drawn using

colourful rice powder) and fresh harvest of rice, turmeric and sugarcane is brought in

from the field as preparation for the following day.

A special puja (farmers worship the sun and the earth by anointing their ploughs and

sickles with sandalwood paste) is performed on the first day of Pongal before the cutting

of paddy.

Another ritual is Bhogi Mantalu , where useless household articles are thrown into a fire

made of wood and cow-dung cakes to keep the people warm during the last lap of winter.


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Second Day ( Surya Pongal )

This is the first day of the Tamil month Thai and the celebration is dedicated to the Sun

God. The Sun God is offered boiled milk and jiggery and image of the Sun God is

sketched on a plank with kolam designs as a sign of gratitude.

New rice is collected and cooked in pots until they overflow. This overflowing of rice is

where the term Pongal comes from.

" Puja " (worship) of the Sun God starts after the auspicious moment of the birth of the

new month Thai. Prayers are rendered (offered) to the Sun God to seek his benedictions

(bestowed blessings).

Third Day ( M attu Pongal )

This days celebration is dedicated to the cattle as a form of thanks-giving to them.

(Cows and bulls have always held a special place in India as well as in Hinduism)

The cattle are bathed and their horns are painted and covered with shiny metal caps.

They are then fed with Pongal (a sweet dish) and taken to the village centers.

Devotees then pay their respect to cows by bending down, and touching their feet and

foreheads, followed by an aarthi (singing and dancing ) and offering the cattle

prasadam (an edible material substance that is first offered to a deity).

Fourth Day ( Kaanum Ponggal / Thiruvalluvar Day)

dedicated to the sun god, Surya as sun, the symbol of life on Earth. Surya are drawn on

that day and Surya is worshiped as soon as the auspicious month of Thai is underway

(having started and in progress).


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'Sakkarai pongal' (a sweet dish ) is first offered to Surya . Sugarcane in the pongal is a

symbolic of sweetness and happiness in life, while the sugarcane stalks and coconut

symbolizes plenty. 'Sakkarai pongal' is offered to the Gods in propitiation of a plentiful

harvest in the forthcoming year.

On that day too, people travel to see other family members and leave food out on banana

leaves for birds to take. Some of them go to temples to worship and thank god for all

good things that are bestowed on them.

2. THAIPUSAM

Background Information

The Hindu festival of Thaipusam is about Faith, Endurance, and Penance.

Thaipusam is also a celebration of the good triumph over evil. On this day, Goddess

Parvati presented a lance to Lord Murgan to vanquish the demon army.

Thaipusam has become an important expression of cultural and religious identity to

Malaysian of Tamil Indian origin (A son of Shiva and Parvati).

First celebrated at the Batu Caves in 1888, Thaipusam is now the largest and most

significant Hindu public display in Malaysia.

Celebration

Before the festival day, there is an early morning chariot procession. Devotees approach

the chariot with bowls of fruit and even hold babies up to be blessed. Groups of musicians and drummers add to the carnival feel, and pilgrims follow in

procession. A colourful event where women wear jasmine flowers in their hair. Yellow

and orange are the predominate colours of Murugan .


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On the day of Thaipusam, devotees go to different length to show their devotion. Some

join the crowds to Batu Caves, and climb the 272 steep steps to say prayer to Lord

Murugan . Some carry pots of milk on their heads as a show of devotion and love to God.

Others carry elaborate frameworks on their shoulders, called kavadis , which have long

chains attaching heavy objects hanging down their bodies with hooks. The body piercing

with hooks, skewers and small lances called 'vel'. Others pierce their tongue and cheek to

impede speech to attain full concentration.

The devotees who go to these extremes say they do not feel any pain because they are in

a spiritual trance which is induced by chanting, drumming or incense to bring them closeto Lord Murugan .

3. DEEPAVALI

Definition

A 5 day festival also known Diwali or Festival of Lights which falls around late

October to November. It is celebrated in recognition of the triumph of good over evil.

Deepa (means light) and pavali (means row), thus symbolizing the rows of lights.

Preparation is done several days before the celebration, houses and compound are

cleaned . Entrances of Hindu homes are decorated with kolam . The Hindus would also

prepare numerous delicacies, like omopudi, athirasam, murukku and laddu .

Celebration

On the day of the celebration, people would wear new clothes and celebrate.


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Decorating by illuminating the house and compound using candles/small

lamps/electric bulb, there is also distribution of sweets.

Cleaning houses and praying to Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Ganesha .

Open house is organized for relatives and friends to exchange greetings and

foster relationship.

Traditional Rituals

Devotees awaken at dawn for the ritual herbal oil bath. Donning new clothes, they go to

the temples to prayer in accordance with ceremonial rites. Later, they will distribute

cakes and sweets to neighbors and friends.

RITUALS

1. CHILD

In Hindu dharma, the birth of a child is considered a religious activity. Sa mskaras begin

prior to birth and the numbers of samskaras prescribed in various scriptures vary from

eleven to forty, some of the most significant samskaras are:

i. Jatakarma (child birth)

The jatakarma ceremony welcomes the baby into the world and it is usually conducted

by relatives and community elders.

The father places a small amount of ghee (clarified butter, which is one of the five holiest

of foods, and is often used in the preparation of food for religious ceremonies) and honey

on the baby's tongue and whispers the name of God in his ear.

Brahmins (a high priest) would chant mantras (meditation) for a healthy, long life of the

child.


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ii. Namakarana (naming a child)

In Namakarana ceremony the child is given a name. Nama literally means name and

karana means to make, to effect.

Every parent has the duty to give a nice name to the child, which reminds the child of

some goal or objective in the life.

Whenever the child hears the name he will remember the meaning and purpose hidden in

it and will be inspired by its meaning. Afterwards a feast is usually arranged.

iii. Annaprasana (giving the child solid food)

This samskara is related to the time when the child is to be given solid food apart fromthe mothers milk.

This emphasizes the importance of proper health care and nutrition for the child.

Time for performance: In the 6th, 8th or 10th month for the male child and 5th, 7th, 9th

or 11th month for the female child.

The objective of this ceremony is to pray to the gods with Vedic Mantras to bless the

child with good digestive powers, good thoughts and talents.

The father feeds a little of the sweet food anointed with gold to the child with Mantras

that say he feeds the child with food that may ensure a healthy life to the child and

prevent ill-health.

The Annaprasana ceremony should be performed at the time when the child gains

strength to digest cereal and preparations made from cereals.

iv. Mundan (shaving the head)

Mundan Vidhi is performed to carry out the first haircut of the baby.


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If it is carried out as per the Vedic Method it removes any deficiencies developed in the

child before birth. It is also said that the shaving of the hair stimulates proper growth of

the brain and nerves.

Hair collected during the hair cut are kept in between two puris (fried indian bread) and

then offered to holy waters like Ganges, Yamuna or any other holy water bed.

2. ADULT

Wedding

The Engagement Ceremony

A formal ring exchange - t he bride puts the ring on the grooms right hand ring finger

while the groom puts the ring on the brides left hand ring finger.

A priest is invited to recite holy mantras; groom and bride are made to meet each others

family. The engagement rituals serve to form a bond between the partners.

Mehndi Ceremony

A day before the wedding, the hands and feet of the bride are decorated with mehndi

which signifies the love in a marriage. The darker the mehndi , the stronger the love.

Wedding Day

Processes:

1. Turmeric, sandalwood paste and oils are applied on the skin of the wedding bride and

groom to cleanse the body, soften the skin, and make it aromatic. They are then bathed

with chanting of Vedic mantras.


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2. Kanya Danam (offering of the daughter for the marriage ( kanya means virgin girl, daan

means giving away) is performed by the father (or uncle of guardian) of the bride in

presence of a large gathering that is invited to witness the wedding. The bride accepts her

change of status from a spinster to a wife by spreading turmeric powder on her hands.

3. The priest chants appropriate verses in Sanskrit, the public is now notified that the

parents have expressed their consent by requesting the groom to accept their daughter.

4. Marriage ceremony begins and the parents bestow their blessings on the bride and groom

and pray to the Lord to shower blessings on them.

5.

Circumambulation of the Fire - all solemn rites and ceremonies commence with the performance of Homa (sacred fire ceremony). An atmosphere of purity and spirituality is

created by the burning of fragrant herbs and ghee and by the recitation of suitable

Mantras.

6. Mangalasuthra Dharana : tying of the thread containing the marks of the Vishnu or

Shiva in the neck of the bride by the groom.

7. Holy Akhsatha : a mark of their blessings and well wishes for the bride and groom to

begin their new married life, by sprinkling unbroken rice mixed with turmeric powder.

8. Saptapadi : walking of seven steps around the Agni signifies that the bride and groom go

together in all the seven planes of consciousness.

9. Grihapravesam : taking of the bride and the groom to the house of the groom

10. Sobhanamu is arranged by the parents of the bride in their residence first and in the

residence of the groom next, implementing a socially acceptable way for the joy of

beginning of their life as husband and wife.


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MORAL ISSUSE: DIVORCE

Divorce means the termination of a marital union. In other words, couple undergoes legal

separation from each other. In Hinduism, divorce is strictly prohibited because one breaks the

sacred bonds gifted by God. For Hindu, they believe that there is no such concept of divorce.

However, the current modern worlds divorce rate increases tremendously. Divorce is not just

related to Hinduism, it is a worldwide well recognized serious issue. Divorce brings adverse

effect to the family and to the society. However, on hindsight, this issue happens for a reason and

couples opted for separation due to several important circumstances which will be discussed later.

We strongly believe divorce is a wrong action taken by couples nowadays but concurrently, in

our paradigm, there are still some circumstances where we believe that divorce can be allowed.

The current status quo shows an increasing rate for divorce. Divorce was once a rare

phenomenon. It was when during the 1970s the divorce rate started to double. The number of

divorces even tripled from 400,000 in 1962 to 1.2 million in 1981. The increase in the divorce

rate came not from older couples but from the baby boom generation. One sociologist at Stanford

University calculated that while men and women in their 20s comprised only about 20% of the

population, they contributed 60% of the growth in the divorce rate in the early 1970s. It has

turned into a deadly trend that everyone follow suit. Now, it does not even surprise us to see

every year, parents of over 1 million children divorce.

Currently in India, divorce is still a taboo and is looked upon as a social stigma by theHindus. The divorce rate is lower amongst developing countries. The divorce rate in India is

even lower in the villages in India but higher in urban parts of India. Divorce rates in India urban

sphere are shooting up these days.


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Due to the modernizing and globalizing modern world, there are Hindus who chose to

divorce because of some reasons. There was a passage of the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 which

introduced specific and limited grounds for divorce into Hindu society. Nevertheless,

the procedure for divorce in India for Hindus is a long process, and somewhat tedious. Hindu

scripture that refuses to recognize the right of women to divorce under any circumstances have

generally been the guiding force behind the legal sanction of divorce in Hindu society.

So far, the government and Hindu leaders have been unable to reach a consensus on the

issue. News in Tribune Express dated 17 October 2011 raised this issue. Hindu spiritual leader

cannot accept this clause which is not part of the religion. The opposition pointed out several

factors, such as conversion to another religion and sexual problems, as potentially justifiable

reasons for the divorce of a Hindu couple. Nonetheless, no conclusion can be made among both

parties and this debate will most probably continue for a long time. In many circumstances,

Hindu women in India who wanted to take the step for divorce, resort to suicide or compromise

in their marital life rather than opting divorce.

According to the tenets of Hinduism, marriage is a sacred relationship, a divine covenant

and a sacrament. Marriage is meant for procreation and continuation of family lineage and is an

obligatory duty, part of Hindu dharma, which, once accepted should be upheld by both the

parties throughout their lives. Marriage is therefore a sacred bond, which cannot be dissolved

through divorce on some personal or selfish grounds. According to Hindu Law Books, women

are born to serve. Hindu scriptures does not allow woman to leave their husband under any

circumstances.


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Traditionally speaking, in Hinduism there is no concept of divorce, especially when

women cannot seek separation from their husbands. Marriage is a sacrament, sanctified in the

presence of gods. During marriage a couple vows to stay together forever and uphold traditional

family values in accordance with Dharma. The bride is given to the bridegroom as a gift from the

gods, whom he can never abandon, without incurring the sin of violating the marriage vows.

Marriage is a sacred relationship between two people, which is predestined because of their deep

connection and joint karma in their previous lives. It is a commitment that extends beyond this

life, up to several generations. Hence any notion of separation is a sacrilege, as seen as a

violation or injurious treatment of a sacred object , which will result in terrible consequencesawaiting both the parties in their future lives. Whatever difficulties the couple may have, society

and the scriptures expect them to take them in their stride, as a part of their karma, and continue

their journey together.

Hinduism is also deeply concerned with karmic obligation. Thus, marriage is not seen

solely from the perspective of an earthly rendezvous, but as something that carries over into the

afterlife. In the past, woman who left their family and bonded with her husband are at the mercy

of her husband. They are expected to assist their husband to perform the responsibilities in public

life. They depend on their husband for revenue and food because the past society treated them

differently. The husband could also choose to abandon her and she had no right to divorce or

remarriage. The woman was not even able to leave her husband's home. In contrast, men had no

such restrictions on their freedom. For that reason, the concept of separation is seen in terms of

blasphemy, an irreverent towards religious teachings.

We believe that the way of teaching from Hinduism that prohibits divorce is indeed a

righteous way to establish a harmonious family and society. Hence, we strongly agree that


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divorce is definitely an unjust action that is taken by tons of parent in the world. The scriptures

of Hindu equate women with Mother Goddess and her sacrifices ensure the prosperity of a

family, but nowadays man and woman were haste in marry, then building a home, talking about

babies and future like they have a clue. Then a fight broke up and divorce happen. This is a

typical way of how children are reared without the presence of their father or mother.

Children are often forced to suffer from the backlashes of the conflict. Studies shows half

of those children grew up in settings in which the parents were warring with each other even

after the divorce. In some cases, children grow up in a broken home with a single parent.

Generally, they have an unstable family background with inadequate guidance from the single

parent who is usually the breadwinner. This leads to emotional unbalance, stunted proper growth

and poor education. One national study found an overall average of one lost year of education for

children in single-parent families.

Secondly, things just get worst, happiness is not found after divorce. To support this,

studies shows one-third of the women and one-quarter of the men felt that life had been unfair,

disappointing and lonely after their divorce. They opted for remarriages that includes adding

stepchildren in the new family tree.

Heres the opinion from a demographer who had done research about the exact impact of divorce

to our future generation.

A few decades ago, children of divorced parents were an oddity. Today they are the majority.

The fact that divorce is the norm may make it easier for children to accept their parents' divorce.

But what will it do to their marriages in the decades ahead? No one will know until it's too late

to do anything about it.


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This opinion clearly shows that a future full with divorce is not even imaginable and if

we really reached that point, no one can stop it.

What divorce and remarriage brings is the reshuffling of family members together in

foreign and awkward ways. In the end, everything is blurred and confused in these newly

revised families. Stability of a family structure therefore is not there. Children looking for

stability are often insecure and frustrated. One futuristic commentator imagined this possible

scenario:

On a spring afternoon, half a century from today, the Joneses is gathered to sing "Happy

Birthday" to Junior. There's Dad and his third wife, Mom and her second husband, Junior's two

half-brothers from his father's first marriage, his six stepsisters from his mother's spouse's

previous unions, 100-year- old Great Grandpa, all eight of Junior's current "grandparents,"

assorted aunts, uncles- in-law and step cousins. While one robot scoops up the gift wrappings

and another blow out the candles, Junior makes a wish ...that he didn't have so many relatives.

The severity of divorce rate posed a greater threat to our family and society security. We

should no longer treat this as a minor issue anymore.

Considering the rising numbers of divorce, we narrow down the reason for divorce,

which is, the oppression of women. According to Hindu law books, women were born to serve

and they have minimal rights in wanting a divorce. The ancient Hindu scripture do advise men to

treat women honourably and keep them happy in order to beget progeny and continue their

lineage. The scripture that equate women with Mother Goddess, call upon men to treat them with

respect and dignity. Without her, her husband is incomplete. She brings her part of the karma to


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the marriage and by assisting he in his duties fulfills his destiny. They warn the consequences

that befall unchaste women, who neglect their families and their duties.

However, woman nowadays can stand head and shoulders above men. Women are

proven to be successful and are able to achieve equal status and right as men. It is a different

story compared to the past when discrimination occurs.

Some circumstances which are violence, alcoholism, money and etc. are the main factors

that propel divorce among partners. We could not bear to ignore as this is a fact that is clear right

in front of our eyes. The modern world show to us that human ethics are deteriorating. It is often

to see men seek for more partners to satisfy their lust while their wife at home is sidelined.

Overload work burden drive them insane and coupled with alcoholic attitude, they can treat their

wife violently once they return home. Some husbands treat their wife badly due to adjustment

problems after marriage. They dislike their wife for some reasons like attitude and emotional

problems. Some are due to arranged marriage which is very common in India. In contrast,

women who opted to abandon their husband when he faces hardship are common too. This is a

wrong act. The same goes to women who choose another man for money, fame or sex and betray

her husband.

In conclusion, to properly amend this serious issue in Hinduism perspective together with

our own moral standpoint and current world scenario, we come to a definite conclusion that, the

couple is advised to keep the marriage for the sake of the harmony of a family. From the very beginning they are destined to complete each other and counseling can help to improve their

relationship. However, when those circumstances mentioned above happen, they are advised to

go for a divorce to benefit both sides of the parties.


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Anderson, J. K. & Swindoll, C. R. (1998). Moral dilemmas: biblical perspectives on

contemporary ethical issues. Divorce Myths. United States: CIP.

Anderson, J. K. & Swindoll, C. R. (1998). Moral dilemmas: biblical perspectives on

contemporary ethical issues. Divorce and Families . United States: CIP.

Das(2011). Hinduism on divorce. Retrieved Oct 19, 2011

http://www.dipika.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=179:hinduism-on-

divorce&catid=23:wedding-rites-a-marriage-info&Itemid=27

Eow (2002). Hinduism. Moral Education. Pearson Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

Hindu community leaders disagree on divorce clause (October 17, 2011). The Express Tribune.

Hinduism. Retrieved Dec 1, 2011 from Wikipedia-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism

Javayam V. (2004). Divorce in Hinduism. Hindu Website. Retrieved 8 December 2004, from

http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_divorce.asp

Jones, L. (1980). Great Expectations: America and the Baby Boom Generation (pp.215). New

York: Ballantine Books.

National Centre for Health Statistics. (1985, December 26). Advance Report of Final Divorce

Statistics, 1983. NCHS Monthly Vital Statistics Report, 34(9), table 1.

Prem Prakash Gupta. (2005). Divorce Procedure & Laws for Hindus in India. Utilities India.

Retrieved 3 March 2007, from http://www.utilitiesindia.com/divorce-procedure-laws-hindus-

india

Subhamony Dos. (1999). The Ten Yamas - Restraints or Proper Conduct in Hinduism. About.com. Retrieved 9 July 2001, from http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/ss/ten_yamas.htm
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/ss/ten_yamas.htmhttp://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/ss/ten_yamas.htmhttp://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/ss/ten_yamas.htm

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