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Cultivating the Way

Qigong is a series of practices or efforts to enhance or maintain the balance of qi (vital energy) throughout the human body. The physical, psychological, and spiritual practices include meditation, gentle gymnastic movements, and taijiquan, popularly known as Tai Chi.... Read more about Cultivating the Way

American Daoism in the 21st Century

Religious syncretism and variant, decentralized practices among immigrants and converts are a struggle facing 21st century Daoism practices in the United States. This diversity may result in the practices of “American Daoisms," rather than one monolithic American Daoist tradition.... Read more about American Daoism in the 21st Century

Introduction to Hinduism

The Textures of Tradition

The Hindu tradition reflects the interweaving of Harappan, Aryan, Dravidian, and tribal cultures across the many regions of India.

 

 

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What Does “Hindu” Mean?

The term “Hindu” was first used by people outside of the tradition (particularly by the Greeks and the Persians) to refer to people who reside beyond the Indus/Sindhu River. Hindus today worship different deities and form complex social systems. The similarities of beliefs between Hindus include affirming that the Brahman or the Divine are always present in the universe in different forms, that it takes many lifetimes for self-realization to occur, and that one’s actions will contribute to the soul’s journey in the next life.... Read more about What Does “Hindu” Mean?

A Context for Diversity

“The one and the many” reflects the Hindu philosophy of India as well as the exchanges between India and the West. Hindu practices influence and are influenced by other religious traditions in India; the diversity of different religions continue to create dynamic patterns of interrelation.... Read more about A Context for Diversity

Many Gods and One

The Hindu tradition acknowledges different forms and representations of the divine, all understood in their relation to the supreme being, Brahman. In a single temple, for example, there may be a central sanctum dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu along with auxiliary shrines to different deities. ... Read more about Many Gods and One

Agni: The Fire Altar

Agni and the fire altar occupy a central role in the Hindu tradition; they are integral to domestic rituals as well as temple consecration. The Vedas noted that historically, Brahmin priests were tasked with starting and handling the fire. ... Read more about Agni: The Fire Altar

Veda: Scripture and Authority

The Vedas (literally “wisdom”), are key religious texts. They consist of four collections of hymns, philosophical teachings and instructions that are recited verbally: the Sama Veda (chants and melodies), the Rig Veda (hymns to different gods), the Yajur Veda (ritual instructions), and the Atharva Veda (popular incantations and folklore). Other prominent religious texts, like the epic Mahabharata, are often called “the Fifth Veda.”... Read more about Veda: Scripture and Authority

Brahman and Atman: That Art Thou

The Upanishads, the “wisdom literature” of the Vedas, are teachings on the origin and essence of the universe. Taking the form of dialogues between a teacher and a student, the Upanishads point to the reality that Atman (a person’s inmost soul) is also Brahman (the transcendent being/reality).... Read more about Brahman and Atman: That Art Thou

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