Article - Vaishnava Agamas: The Vaishnava Agamas In The Hindu Scriptures
The Vaishnava Agamas are of four kinds: the Vaikhanasa, Pancharatra, Pratishthasara and Vijnanalalita. The Brahma, Saiva Kaumara, Vasisht...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Confidentiality: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Confidentiality
confidentiality: The ability to keep confidences or information told in trust; not divulging private or secret matters. (See also: ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sandesha: Sanskrit Hinduism Dictionary Iii On Sandesha (sandhesha)
sandesha: sandesha (sandhesha). Instruction, message, information.   (See also: sandesha , Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, S...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Karma And Reincarnation
KARMA and REINCARNATION The twin beliefs of karma and reincarnation are among Hinduism's many jewels of knowledge. Others include dha...   » Read the article

Article - Ramayana: Raghunath Ki Kahani - Epic For All Time
Raghunath ki Kahani - Epic for All Time The Ramayana is one of the most popular epics of India. Ramayana-lovers are to be found all over...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: What Is Hinduism?
What is Hinduism? I will answer it simply, first by first asking if you ever heard of a religion called Jordanism? No, you haven't. But ...   » Read the article

Article - Soma And Ananda: The Flow Of Soma
Soma and Ananda The Vedic ritual reaches its climax in the Soma offering, in which specially prepared plant juices are offered into the...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Definition Of Dharma
What is Dharma? Dharma is so called, because it holds; Dharma alone holds the people, etc. The word Dharma is derived from the root Dhr -...   » Read the article

Article - Asrama Dharma: Asrama Dharma Under Modern Conditions
  Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda      » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Yuga Dharma
In Satya-Yuga or the golden age there was a different set of Dharmas or laws; in Treta, they changed into another form; in Dvapara, the D...   » Read the article

Article - Sanatana Dharma: The Grihastha Or The Householder In Sanatana Dharma
Grihastha or householder: The household stage is entered at marriage, when the student has completed his studentship and is ready to take...   » Read the article

Article - Sanatana Dharma: The Vanaprastha Or The Recluse In Sanatana Dharma
The third stage is that of the Varnaprastha. Brahmacharya is a preparation for the life of the householder. Even so, Vanaprastha is a pre...   » Read the article

Article - Sanatana Dharma: The Sannyasin Or The Renunciate In Sanatana Dharma
The next stage is that of a Sannyasin. When a man becomes a Sannyasin, he renounces all possessions, all distinctions of caste, all rites...   » Read the article

Article - Truth: Truth And Ahimsa
Truth must be observed in thought, word and deed. If you are established in truth, all other virtues will cling to you by themselves &nb...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: The Sole Authority Of The Vedas For Hindu Dharma
The four Vedas, the Smriti texts, the behaviour of those who have entered into their spirit and act according to their injunctions, the c...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: The Changing Dharma
Dharma depends upon time, circumstances, age, degree of evolution and the community to which one belongs. The Dharma of this century is d...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Dharma In Other Religions
All other religions also lay stress on Dharma. Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Islam are all remarkably alive t...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Benefits Of The Practice Of Dharma
Practice of Dharma leads to the perfect realisation of essential unity or the final end, the highest good, namely, Moksha. The practition...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Sanatana Dharma
The foundation of Sanatana Dharma is Sruti; Smritis are the walls; the Itihasas and Purnas are the buttresses or supports. In ancient tim...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Fundamentals Of Dharma
The Samanya Dharmas must be practised by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or colour. Goodness is not the prop...   » Read the article

Article - Ahimsa: Ahimsa Or Non-violence In Hinduism Dharma
Non violence: Ahimsa or non-violence is the most important virtue. That is the reason why Patanjali Maharshi has placed it first in Yama....   » Read the article

Article - Vedic Consecration: A Vedic Consecration To The Spiritual Heart
A Vedic Consecration to the Spiritual Heart The heart (hridaya) is the seat of the Self or Atman in Vedantic thought. Realization of the...   » Read the article

Article - Vedic Origins Of The Zodiac: The Hymns Of Dirghatamas In The Rig Veda
The Hymns of Dirghatamas in the Rig Veda Some scholars have claimed that the Babylonians invented the zodiac of 360 degrees around 700 B...   » Read the article

Article - Planetary Shakti Mantras: Special Planetary Mantras, Name And Shakti Mantras
Special Planetary Mantras, Name and Shakti Mantras The following are the name (nama) mantras for the planets as preceded by their Shakti...   » Read the article

Article - Vedic Astrology: Vedic Astrology And Physical Health
Vedic Astrology: Vedic Astrology and Physical Health Everyone is concerned with their health as well they should be. If you do not main...   » Read the article

Article - Vedic Astrology: Vedic Astrology And Mental, Emotional And Spiritual Health
Vedic Astrology and Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health In order to maintain a healthy mind we must realize the true realities of li...   » Read the article

Article - Vedic Astrology: Vedic Astrology - Relationship Compatibility Using Astrology
Relationship Compatibility Using Vedic Astrology So many people nowadays are experiencing problems in their relationships and could wel...   » Read the article

Article - Tantra Yoga: The Allure Of Tantra
The Allure of Tantra Perhaps nothing is more exotic, dramatic and sensational in IndiaÕs Yoga traditions than is the practice of Tantra....   » Read the article

Article - Agni: Agni And The Fire Of Self-inquiry
Agni and the Fire of Self-Inquiry Self-inquiry (Atma-vichara), such as taught by Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, is regarded as the simplest a...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Distinguishing Features Of Hinduism
Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus, a name given to the Universal Religion which hailed supreme in India. It is the oldest of all liv...   » Read the article

Article - Vedanta: The Glory Of Vedanta And Yoga
Vedanta, or the philosophy of the Upanishads, is lofty, sublime and unique. The Western philosophers have paid their tribute to the ancie...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Emphasis On Spiritual Practice
Hinduism is not a religion of mere theories. It is eminently practical. In no religion you will find such a variety of practical Yoga pra...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Who Is A Hindu
In a meeting of the Sanatana Dharma Sabha, Lokamanya Tilak said: - A Hindu is he who believes that the Vedas contain self-evident and axi...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu: Origin And Significance Of The Term Hindu
That part of the great Aryan race which migrated from Central Asia, through the mountain passes into India, settled first in the district...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: The Spiritual Soil Of India
India is the sacred land which has given birth to countless sages, Rishis, Yogins, saints and prophets. India is the land that has produc...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Religion: Reasons For Survival Of The Hindu Religion
Hinduism is neither asceticism nor illusionism, neither polytheism nor pantheism. It is the synthesis of all types of religious experienc...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Hindu Religion Ð All About Hinduism
Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus, a name given to the Universal Religion which hailed supreme in India. It is the oldest of all liv...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Yogic Gardening
By doing wrong actions, you taint your character. By doing virtuous actions, you develop a noble character. Without character, man falls ...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: How Karma Is Fashioned
Man is threefold in his nature. He consists of Ichha (desire, feeling), Jnana (knowing) and Kriya (willing). These three fashion his Karm...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: The Working Of The Law Of Karma
The Law of Karma is one of the fundamental doctrines not only in Hinduism, but also in Buddhism, and in Jainism. As a man sows, so he sha...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: Action, Habit, Character And Destiny
Thought moulds your character. If you entertain noble thoughts, you will develop a noble character; and if you entertain evil thoughts, y...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: The Three Kinds Of Karma - Sanchita, Prarabdha And Agami
Karma is of three kinds, viz., Sanchita (accumulated works), Prarabdha (fructifying works) and Kriyamana or Agami (current works). Sanchi...   » Read the article

Article - Free Will: The Supremacy Of Free-will
  Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda      » Read the article

Article - Karma: Karma And Rebirth
The doctrine of rebirth is a corollary to the Law of Karma. The differences of disposition that are found between one individual and an...   » Read the article

Article - Previous Births: Proofs For The Existence Of Previous Births
A new-born child manifests marks of joy, fear and grief. This is inexplicable unless we suppose that the child, perceiving certain things...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: Passage Of The Soul Between Death And Rebirth
The soul migrates with the astral body, or Sukshma-Sarira or Linga-Deha. This astral body is made up of nineteen Tattvas or principles, v...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Ethics Or The Science Of Conduct
Morality or ethics is the science of conduct. Ethics is the study of what is right or good in conduct. Ethical science shows the way in w...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Ethics, Spirituality And Religion
Without ethics, you cannot have progress in the spiritual path. Ethics is the foundation of Yoga. Ethics is the corner-stone of Vedanta. ...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Benefits Of The Practice Of Ethics
Morality is the gateway to religion. He who leads a moral or virtuous life attains freedom, perfection or Moksha.   Practice of et...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Ethical Codes In Hinduism
Hinduism lays great emphasis on ethical discipline. Yama (self-restraint) and Niyama (religious observances or canons) are the foundation...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: The Foundational Principles Of Hindu Ethics
The ethics of the Hindus is subtle, sublime and profound. All religions have taught ethical precepts such as:   - Do not kill, do ...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Service As Worship
Dharma depends upon time, circumstances, age, degree of evolution and the community to which one belongs. The Dharma of this century is d...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Ethical Culture Or The Process Of Purification
The very root and core of all moral discipline is mental purification through refraining from all evil action and the active practice of ...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Philosophy Of Right And Wrong
Everybody speaks: - This is right, that is wrong; you are right, he is wrong; - but he cannot tell you exactly what he means by right and...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: The Devayana And The Pitriyana
  Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda      » Read the article

Article - Samsara: How To Break The Bond Of Samsara
The chains that tie you to this wheel of Samsara or Bhava-Chakra or round of births and deaths, are your desires. So long as you desire o...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Different Kinds Of Dharma
  Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda      » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Why Do Hindus Regard The Cow As Sacred?
Hinduism: Why do Hindus regard the cow as sacred? Yes, the cow is considered very sacred in our religion and for very good reason. It's ...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Why Do Hindu Women Wear The Dot On The Forehead?
Hinduism: Why do Hindu women wear the dot on the forehead? Not only women, but Hindu men also wear a dot on the forehead, indicating the...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Rituals: An Overview Of Hindu Rituals
An initiated journey thru the mayor Hindu Spiritual rituals by Sri Swami Sivandanda.   Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma In Hinduism: The Four Asramas In Hindu Dharma
There are four Asramas or stages in life, viz., Brahmacharya or the period of studentship, Grihastha or the stage of the householder, Van...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Rituals: The Ten Scriptural Samskaras
The rites that pertain to the stages of life of man are called Samskaras. The Samskaras are purificatory rites which sanctify the life of...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Is There A Rule About Hindus Eating Meat?
Hinduism: Is there a rule about Hindus eating meat? Basically, there is a rule, an overlying rule, which gives the Hindu answer to this ...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Is The Memorization Of Slokas And Mantras Essential To Being A Good Hindu?
Is the memorization of slokas and mantras essential to being a good Hindu? Most mantras and slokas are in the Sanskrit language, and you...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Do Hindus Believe In Reincarnation?
Basics of Hinduism: Do Hindus believe in reincarnation? Yes, we believe the soul is immortal and takes birth time and time again. Throug...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Toward Ultimate Communion - Yoga
Toward Ultimate Communion: Yoga  Hindus look to God and the Gods for very practical assistance - from affairs of employment, family...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism: Introduction To Hinduism
Introduction to Hinduism Statistically, there are over 700 million Hindus, mainly in Bharat (India), and Nepal. Hinduism is referred to ...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Beliefs: Nine Beliefs Of Hinduism
Nine Beliefs of Hinduism Beliefs are the building blocks of the mind. Our beliefs determine our thoughts and attitudes about life, which...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Beliefs: Four Facts Of Hinduism
Four Facts of Hinduism About Karma, Reincarnation, Dharma and Worship.      » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Dharma In Hinduism - The Hindu Dharma
What is Dharma? Dharma is so called, because it holds; Dharma alone holds the people, etc. The word Dharma is derived from the root Dhr -...   » Read the article

Article - Dharma: Samanya Dharma
Samanya Dharma is the general Dharma or law for all men. Varnasrama Dharmas are special Dharmas which are to be practised by particular c...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Ethics: Ethics In Hindu Darma
The mark of Dharma is Achara or good conduct. Achara is the mark of the good. From Achara is Dharma born. Dharma enhances life. Man att...   » Read the article

Article - Purity: Purity Of Body And Mind
Purity comprises both external purity and internal purity. Purity implies both purity of body and purity of mind. Purity of body is only ...   » Read the article

Article - Self-control: Self-control - Control Of The Body And Control Of The Mind
Self-control : You must have perfect self-control or self-mastery. Self-control implies both control of the body and control of the mind....   » Read the article

Article - Caste System: The Four Castes In Hinduism
In Purusha-Sukta of the Rig-Veda, there is reference to the division of Hindu society into four classes. It is described there that the B...   » Read the article

Article - Caste System: The Caste System And The Law Of Spiritual Economics
The underlying principle in caste system or Varna Dharma, is division of labour. Rishis studied human nature carefully. They came to the ...   » Read the article

Article - Caste System: Use And Abuse Of The Caste System
The Hindus have survived many a foreign conquest on account of their caste system. But they have developed class jealousies and hatred in...   » Read the article

Article - Karma: The Law Of Karma
Karma means not only action, but also the result of an action. The consequence of an action is really not a separate thing. It is a part ...   » Read the article

Article - Reincarnation: The Doctrine Of Reincarnation
The doctrine of reincarnation or transmigration of souls is a fundamental tenet of Hinduism. The word reincarnation literally means embod...   » Read the article

Article - Avatara: The Concept Of Avatara
Avatara is the decent of God on earth for the ascent of man. The Lord Krishna says: - Though unborn, the Imperishable Self and also the L...   » Read the article

Article - Sandhyopasana: Worship At The Junctions Of Time - Sandhyopasana
Sandhyopasana literally means - worship at the junctions of time. - It is a prayer and worship offered to the Lord at the junction (Sandh...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Worship: Worship In Hinduism For Different Hindu Gods
Religious observances, traditional worship and Vratas have, at times, more than one significance. Apart from being the adoration of the D...   » Read the article

Article - Agni: The Secret Of Agni
The Secret of Agni (Agni Rahasya): In ancient Vedic thought, the individual soul was symbolized by fire. Our inner soul, hidden like a s...   » Read the article

Article - Three Gunas: Vedic Yoga And The Three Gunas
Vedic Yoga and the Three Gunas The Vedas present a vast pantheon of deities (devatas) on many different levels, often said to be innumer...   » Read the article

Article - Nakshatras: The Shaktis Of The Nakshatras
The Shaktis of the Nakshatras Each Nakshatra has its particular power or Shakti. These are also the powers of the Devatas or the deities...   » Read the article

Article - Nakshatras: Fruits Of Worshipping Each Nakshatra
Fruits of Worshipping Each Nakshatra Each Nakshatra reflects certain wishes or desires that those who born under them are inclined to ha...   » Read the article

Article - Basics Of Hinduism: What Is Karma?
Basics of Hinduism: What is karma? Karma is the universal principle of cause and effect. Our actions, both good and bad, come back to us...   » Read the article

Article - Basics Of Hinduism: Are Hindus Forbidden To Eat Meat?
Basics of Hinduism: Are Hindus forbidden to eat meat? Hindus teach vegetarianism as a way to live with a minimum of hurt to other beings...   » Read the article

Article - Hinduism, Islam And Christianity: Hinduism Relationship With Islam And Christianity
Hinduism, Islam and Christianity: Hinduism Relationship with Islam and Christianity The propagators of both Christianity and Islam have ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Hiuen Tsang: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Hiuen Tsang
Hiuen Tsang: Chinese pilgrim who toured India about 630. His travel diary is a rare and colorful source of information about the India...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Asura: Encyclopedia Ii - Asura - In Buddhism
Asuras also appear as a type of supernatural being in traditional Buddhist cosmology. For information on this subject, see six lower real...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Upagama: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Upagama
Upagama: (Sanskrit) Secondary Agama.   A large body of texts and similar in character to the principle Agamas. Each of the 28 Si...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Rg Veda: Indian Hindu Dictionary On Rg Veda
Rg Veda: The oldest Veda, therefore, it contains much historical information. It is the only Veda that appears to have been partially ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sankalpa: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sankalpa
sankalpa: (Sanskrit) "Will; purpose; determination."   A solemn vow or declaration of purpose to perform any ritual ob...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Karma: Indian Hindu Dictionary Ii On Karma
Karma Karma of a person means the sum of that individual person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sannyasa Diksha: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Sannyasa Diksha
sannyasa diksha: (Sanskrit) "Renunciate initiation."   This diksha is a formal rite, or less often an informal blessin...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Samskara: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Samskara
samskara: (Sanskrit) "Impression, activator; sanctification, preparation." 1)    The imprints left on the su...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Hinduism: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Hinduism
Hinduism (Hindu Dharma): (Sanskrit) India's indigenous religious and cultural system, followed today by nearly one billion adherents, ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Liberal Hinduism: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Liberal Hinduism
liberal Hinduism: A synonym for Smartism and the closely related neo-Indian religion. See: neo-Indian religion, Smartism, universalist...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Soma: Spiritual - Theosophy Dictionary On Soma
Soma (Sanskrit) In Hinduism, the moon astronomically; mystically, a sacred beverage of initiates, "made from a rare mountain plan...   » Read the article