Christopher Ray/10

12 Caecilia

1. Hinduism is believed to have originated in India between 3102 BCE and 1300 BCE
(some sources suggest around 1500 BCE). It developed alongside the arrival of the
Aryans, a nomadic people who migrated to India from Central Asia through the
Khyber Pass. The Aryans displaced the Dravidians, the indigenous people of India
who belonged to the Australoid race, from the south to the Deccan Plateau. Over time,
the cultures of the Aryans and Dravidians mixed and gave rise to Hinduism. The
development of Hinduism in India can be divided into four phases: the Vedic period,
the Brahmanical period, the Upanishadic period, and the Buddhist period.

Vedic period (1700 BC - 1000 BC)

The Vedic age, named after the sacred texts called Vedas, is the oldest known period
in Indian history. During this time, Hinduism was largely focused on ritual practices
and the worship of gods such as Agni, Indra, and Soma.

Brahmanical period (1000 BC - 700 BC)

The Brahmana age is characterized by the emergence of the Brahmin class, the
priestly caste of Hinduism, and the development of complex rituals and sacrifices.
The Brahmanas, a set of texts that explain the meaning and significance of Vedic
rituals, were written during this time.

Upanishadic period (700 BC - 500 BC)

The Upanishad age is marked by a shift from ritualism to philosophical inquiry. The
Upanishads, a set of texts that explore the nature of reality and the self, were written
during this time. This period saw the rise of concepts such as karma, samsara, and
moksha, which are central to Hindu philosophy.

Buddhist period (500 BC - 200 BC)

The Buddha age refers to the time when the Buddha and his followers were active in
India. The teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of self-awareness
and the rejection of material desires, had a profound influence on Hinduism. Many of
the philosophical concepts that were developed during the Upanishad age were
 reinterpreted and integrated into the teachings of Buddhism, which in turn influenced
the development of Hinduism in subsequent centuries.

2. The main goal of life according to Hindu Dharma is moksa, which is the liberation
from the endless cycle of reincarnation (samsara). This liberation or moksa can be
achieved through three paths (trimarga), namely karma-marga, jnana-marga, and
bhakti-marga.
The first path, karma-marga, is the path of action. Through karma-marga, one seeks to
attain moksa by performing works, physical asceticism, yoga, tapas, and obedience to
the rules of the caste system. The most valuable works in karma-marga are samskara,
which are the twelve liturgical ceremonies related to the stages of a person's life.

the second path to achieving moksha in Hindu Dharma is through jnana-marga. This
path involves purifying oneself through mental discipline and meditation, with the
aim of realizing the unity of one's self with the ultimate reality of Brahman. This path
emphasizes the importance of knowledge, self-reflection, and contemplation in
achieving spiritual liberation.

The third path to achieving moksha in Hindu Dharma is through bhakti-marga. This
path involves purifying oneself through complete surrender to the divine and
cultivating a loving relationship with God. This path emphasizes the importance of
devotion, love, and service in achieving spiritual liberation.

3. Hindus live in society like any other religious community, with their own unique
customs and practices that may differ from other groups. Hinduism teaches the values
of love, compassion, respect, and non-violence towards all living beings, which are
the core principles that guide Hindus in their daily lives. They also have a strong
emphasis on family values and social harmony.

Hindu people have a wide variety of daily practices that are based on their individual
beliefs and customs. However, there are some common practices that are followed by
many Hindus:
Puja: This is a daily ritual in which Hindus offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings
to their deities or idols. It is a form of devotional worship and is done to seek the
blessings of the gods and goddesses.

Meditation: Many Hindus practice meditation as a form of spiritual discipline. This

can involve sitting quietly and focusing on the breath or repeating a mantra to calm
the mind and connect with a higher power.
Fasting: Fasting is a common practice among Hindus, and it is often done on certain
days of the week or during religious festivals. Some Hindus fast as a way to purify
their minds and bodies, while others do it to show their devotion to a particular deity.
Reading Scriptures: Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana,
are considered sacred texts, and many Hindus read them on a daily basis. This helps
them to gain knowledge and insight into the teachings of their religion.
Yoga: Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. Many
Hindus practice yoga as a way to improve their physical health and to connect with
their inner selves.
Charity: Giving to others is an important aspect of Hinduism, and many Hindus
donate money or food to those in need on a regular basis.

There are also celebrations celebrated in Indonesia

The Nyepi day is a major Hindu religious celebration. Although Nyepi falls on the
Saka New Year, it is not a day of festive celebration but rather a day to purify and
strengthen oneself against the influence of evil spirits.

On Nyepi day, Hindus are forbidden from lighting fires, working, traveling, and
engaging in sexual relations. In addition to Nyepi, there are other religious
celebrations such as Galungan (which falls on Wednesday Kliwon) and Wuku
Dungulan (which occurs every 210 days), aimed at seeking the blessings of Ida
Sanghyang Widhi, Batara-Batari, and ancestors for their worshipers' safety and well-
being.