*Hinduism

A major religious and cultural tradition of the Indian subcontinent, developed from Vedic religion

 Hinduism. The oldest religion in the world. It has no founder. The earliest Hindu texts called the Vedas say the teachings of Hinduism were given to seven seers at the dawn of time. Hinduism is not rooted in primitive nature worship. It is a path that teaches within each one is the self that is God. It honors God as both the Divine Mother and the Father.

Scriptural Passages

"Four types of people quickly perish – the shy courtesan, the immodest housewife, the contented kshatriya (warrior), and the discontented brahmana."

Chanakya Shloka

Important Hindu Virtues

The following are twelve of the most important qualities listed in scripture. Naturally this list, and the priority given to each virtue, will vary from one tradition to another.

• Ahimsa (non-violence) – based on the concepts of atman and reincarnation.
• Mind and sense control – considered essential for any form of morality.
• Tolerance – necessary in order to deal with inconveniences in the performance of one's dharma.
• Hospitality – demonstrating magnanimity, and the value of service (seva).
• Compassion – based on notions of atman, and the ability to feel for others as we feel for ourselves.
• Protection – an essential duty is to give shelter to others, especially those less fortunate.
• Respect – for all living beings and for the sanctity of all life.
• Wisdom – knowledge is contrasted with ignorance, the Hindu equivalent of the "good -evil" paradigm.
• Austerity – essential to gain wisdom in addition to mere theoretical knowledge.
• Celibacy – important for spiritual life. Only one of the four ashrams is permitted sexual gratification.
• Honesty – essential to build legitimate trust within relationships and to avoid self-deception.
• Cleanliness – includes external hygiene and inner purity; essential for brahmanas.

Scriptural Passages

"Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness – these are the natural qualities by which the brahmanas work"
"Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the kshatriyas."

Bhagavad-gita 18.42–3

See also: Bhagavad-gita 13.8–12, 16.1–3.

Like other aspects of Indian culture, dress has religious as well as aesthetic significance. It demonstrates both elegance and simplicity, and can be produced by village workshops without the need for large factories. Many clothes, such as a lady's sari and a man's dhoti, are simply pieces of cloth and do not require tailoring. For women there is an emphasis on modesty rather than sexual allurement, and simple elegance, rather than fashion. Saris come in a whole range of regional styles, and are made from cotton, silk or nylon. There are different regional ways of wearing a sari, although the "nivi" style has become very popular recently.

A Hindu bride just prior to the wedding ceremony. Her jewellery is made of 22-carat gold. After marriage, Hindu ladies should wear the bindi in between the eyebrows. A most important accessory for the bride is the mangala-sutra (auspicious necklace), made of black beads and a golden disc-shaped pendant.

Offering food is an important and endearing aspect of hospitality in Hindu culture.