Unit 8: Hinduism

Lesson 8.2
Hindu Customs and Traditions
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Explore 2

Discover 4
The Purpose of Life 4
Duty (Dharma) 5
Love, Desire, and Pleasure (Kama) 6
Prosperity (Artha) 7
Liberation (Moksha) 7
The Individual 8
Atman 8
Brahman 8
The Yogas (Yugas) 9
Yoga of Knowledge (Jnana Yuga) 10
Yoga of Work (Karma Yuga) 10
Yoga of Devotion or Love (Bhakti Yuga) 10
Yoga of Psychological Exercises (Raja Yuga) 11
Customs and Traditions of the Hindu Religion 11
Worship of Many Gods 12
Practice of Sacrifice 12
Uttering the Mantra 12
Practice of Different Forms of Worship 13
Wrap-Up 15
Try This! 16
Challenge Yourself 17
Reflect on This 19
Photo Credits 19
Bibliography 20
Unit 8: Hinduism

Lesson 8.2

Hindu Customs and Traditions

Introduction
The Hindu religion is characterized by the use of sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads,
and Bhagavad Gita and the belief in several gods and practices like what you see in the
picture above. Such activity is part of the customs and traditions practiced by Hindus.

In this lesson, you will learn about the doctrines of the Hindu religion such as Dharma (duty),
Kama (pleasure), Artha (wealth), liberation from Moksha, and attainment of Brahman and
Atman. In addition, this lesson will discuss the identification of Brahman and Atman, the
four Yogas, which are Yoga of knowledge, Yoga of work, Yoga of devotion or love, and Yoga
of psychological exercises, and customs and traditions.

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Learning Objectives DepEd Learning Competency

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
In this lesson, you should be able to do the explain that the core teaching of Hinduism is the
following: attainment of liberation in the identification of
Atman and Brahman through the Four Yogas
● Explain the doctrines of the
(HUMSS_WRB12_1/111j_11/Va-8.3).
Hindu religion.
● Identify Brahman, Atman, and
the four yogas.
● Discuss the customs and
traditions of the Hindu religion.

Explore
Jumble Solver 10 minutes

Instructions
1. Arrange the following jumbled words. Write your answers in your notebook.

a. A H D R M A _____________________________________________

b. S H K O A M _____________________________________________

c. A N A T M _____________________________________________

d. A A K M _____________________________________________

e. A Y G O _____________________________________________

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2. Based on your prior knowledge from the previous lesson, provide a short description
for each of the words you formed.

a.
___________________________________________________________________________

b.
___________________________________________________________________________

c.
___________________________________________________________________________

d.
___________________________________________________________________________

e.
___________________________________________________________________________

Guide Questions

1. Why is it important for followers of the Hindu religion to follow a doctrine?

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2. How does understanding the real purpose of life help Hindus live their lives?
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3. Is the Hindu religion strict when it comes to worshiping gods? Why or why not?
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Unit 8: Hinduism

Discover

Hinduism is over 4,000 years old, making it the world's

Words to Remember
oldest religion. Like other world religions, it is made up
● doctrine — a
of different religious beliefs and practices. It originated
principle or position
near the Indus River in India, where it got its name.
in a branch of
knowledge or belief
Many scholars consider Hinduism a fusion of different
system
cultures and traditions of the Indian subcontinent, with
● core — a central and
various origins and no particular founder. This fusion
often foundational
started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE. It
part, usually distinct
followed the Vedic period from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE.
from the enveloping
part by a difference in
Even though Hinduism includes a vast range of
nature
ideologies, it is connected by shared concepts, familiar
● transitory — lasting
rituals, cosmology, shared sacred texts, and pilgrimage
only for a short time
to holy sites. Hindu sacred texts usually discuss the
● avarice — extreme
Vedas, theology, philosophy, mythology, yoga, and
greed for wealth or
temple building.
material gain

How do Hindus apply their doctrines in their everyday lives?

The Purpose of Life

For Hindus, the purpose of life is achieving the four aims, called Purusharthas. These are
dharma, kama, artha, and moksha. These four aims guide Hindus on how to act morally
and ethically and live a good life. Therefore, throughout their lives, Hindus strive to behave
so that good karma will come to them in this life and the next, eventually ending the cycle of
samsara.

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Fig. 1. The doctrines of Hinduism include an understanding of the aims of human life and
the personal virtues of Hindus.

Duty (Dharma)
For Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism), dharma is an essential
term. It is the religious and moral law that tells an individual how to conduct themselves
among the members of the society—also, dharma is one of the four goals of life. At the
same time, it is the eternal order that governs the universe. It also refers to the law of
motion, which is one of the six substances or drayvas that make up reality together with
adharma or rest, ākāśa or space, jīva or souls, pudgala or matter, and kala or time.

Dharma comes from the Sanskrit word dhr, which means "to preserve or support." The
word "religion" does not have any translation in Indian culture, so dhr is used in its place.
Dharma encompasses ethics, spirituality, path, duty, law, and order.

There are different types of dharma. Among these are:

● sadharana dharma, which consists of truthfulness, non-injury, and generosity
● sva-dharma, which is observed depending on one's station or class in life
● sanatana dharma, which is considered as the eternal dharma that Hindus follow
● varnashrama dharma, which is focused on worldly duties in life

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Love, Desire, and Pleasure (Kama)

The Sanskrit word kama refers to what the mind and physical body desire. It is the human
desire for passion and love and a very practical part of Hindus' aims in life. Kama also
pertains to the Hindu god of love and the name of the well-known and ancient guide to
expressing physical love, which is the Kama Sutra.

Fig. 2. Deity Kama is similar to the Greek god Eros—they both trigger sexual attraction and
sensual desire. He rides a parrot, and is armed with bow and arrows to pierce hearts.

Kama is derived initially from sexual pleasure; however, Hindus have various ways of
achieving satisfaction. These include cultural interests and sporting activities, so they
consider kama an integral part of their personal lives. Moreover, Hinduism is a very practical
religion, so many Hindus attempt to achieve it in their lives with their partners. This sexual
aspect of kama is considered a natural part of human instinct and produces children.

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Prosperity (Artha)
Artha means prosperity and is the pursuit of material advantage and wealth. Though artha
is considered a moderate selfish pursuit, it is the proper way to attain moksha. This is
because being materially and financially stable is a basic necessity to everyday living.
Moreover, artha assures dignity through food, clothing, shelter, and sufficient material
possessions, which are essential to living a meaningful life. However, Hindus believe that
they must not become attached to this wealth.

Liberation (Moksha)
In Hinduism, moksha is the ultimate aim in life. It is the release from samsara which is an
endless reincarnation. The actions of their previous lives and their mortal life today are all
part of their effort to break the cycle of samsara. Moksha is attained through the
self-realization that a person’s atman or the self is the same as the brahman, which is the
pure, absolute reality that makes up the universe.

Indian doctrine teaches that true self-realization can be attained through a loving union with
the Supreme Being, which is often manifested in the form of a god like Vishnu. Thus, to
achieve moksha, Advaita Hindus emphasize meditation and thoughtful action while Dvaita
Hindus feature worship and devotion to a deity.

Fig. 3. The Hindu deity of knowledge, learning, and the arts, Sarasvati, is depicted alongside
a swan. She is a symbol of spiritual perfection, liberation, and moksha.

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The Individual
In Hinduism, an individual's beliefs can be directly linked to his or her actions. The following
ideas influence a Hindu's life.

Atman
Atman is a Hindu doctrine that pertains to the universal self and identifies with the eternal
core of one's personality. It means that the "eternal self" moves on to a new life or attains
moksha after one's death. When Hindus refer to the atman, they are pertaining to the
immortal part of themselves. It is what makes the other organs and faculties function and is
also responsible for the different activities, such as running, sleeping, and walking.

Fig. 4. A depiction of the concept of the soul

Brahman
In the Upanishads, it is stated that Brahman is the ultimate existence or reality. It is defined
as the eternal, conscious, irreducible, infinite, omnipresent, and spiritual core of the
universe. According to Vishishtadvaita, there is a relation between Brahman and the world of
souls, and that matter can be compared to the connection between the body and the soul.

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Hinduism teaches that Brahman can be seen everywhere and is part of all living things.
Therefore, Brahman is all creation and an unchanging ultimate reality:

"Thus does the man who desires [stays in the cycle of samsara]. But as to the man who
does not desire – who is without desire, who is freed from desire, whose desire is
satisfied, whose only object of desire is the self – his organs do not depart. Being
Brahman, he merges in Brahman." (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.3–6)

As for the Hindus, the Birhadaranayaka Upanishad is the source of wisdom concerned with
the nature of God and the self. Thus, the cycle of endless reincarnation ends, and they
believe that they become Brahman as an individual achieves moksha. Many Hindus believe
that, from here, the person "merges with Brahman."

Check Your Progress

Why are doctrines important in the practice of the Hindu religion?
________________________________________________________________________
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The Yogas (Yugas)

Yoga or yuga is an ancient practice of meditation by which one can move toward a reality
that can be experienced where one knows the ultimate reason for one’s existence. The word
yoga means “that which brings you to reality.”

There are four yogas that all creation must pass through in the Hindu religion:
1. Jnana Yuga
2. Karma Yuga
3. Bhakti Yuga
4. Raja Yuga

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Yoga of Knowledge (Jnana Yuga)

Attaining knowledge of Brahman and atman and the realization of their unity is the main
goal of Jnana Yoga or the yoga of knowledge. Practicing this type of yoga allows one to use
the powers of the mind to distinguish between real and unreal, and permanent and
transitory.

Yoga of Work (Karma Yuga)

Karma Yoga, or the yoga of work, leads one to a dedicated path of work wherein he or she
thinks of his or her actions as a spiritual offering rather than one dedicated to gaining
material wealth. Karma is the action that we do and the result of our efforts. Thus, we can
break the chain reaction of cause and effect of our activities by separating the ego from the
work process and offering the results of our work to a higher deity.

Fig. 5. A meditating woman by the sacred Ganges River at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Yoga of Devotion or Love (Bhakti Yuga)

This yoga, known as Bhakti Yoga or the yoga of devotion and love, leads to attaining God
through love and the loving recollection of God. This yoga is recommended for those who
are more emotional than intellectual. It is achieved by the bhakti or the practitioner of this
yoga through the force of love, which is the most irresistible of all emotions.

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Yoga of Psychological Exercises (Raja Yuga)

Raja Yoga, or the yoga of psychological exercises, is considered as the royal path of
meditation. Practicing this type of yoga allows one to take control of his or her mind in the
same way that a king takes control of the kingdom.

In this type of yoga, the practitioner uses his or her mental powers to realize the atman
through psychological management. The basic premise of Raja Yoga is that our perception
of the divine self is blurred by things that disturb the mind, such as worldly thoughts and
problems. By performing this type of yoga, the mind is made to keep still and pure, which
causes the self to automatically shine through.

Each of the Hindu yogas represents a stage of evolution that is not just physical. It is also
mental and spiritual evolution. Thus, humankind becomes better or worse physically,
mentally, and spiritually, depending on their actions.

"And in consequence of the shortness of their lives they will not be able to acquire much
knowledge. And in consequence of the littleness of their knowledge, they will have no
wisdom. And for this, covetousness and avarice will overwhelm them all. And wedded to
avarice and wrath and ignorance and lust men will entertain animosities towards one
another, desiring to take one another’s lives." (Mahabharata: Vana Parva 189)

Check Your Progress

How does yoga help in the practice of the Hindu religion?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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Customs and Traditions of the Hindu Religion

Even though it is not easy to define the Hindu religion, it has thousands of customs and
traditions that can be observed. Some customs are so crucial for Hindus that sometimes,
they sacrifice their lives for them.

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Worship of Many Gods

The Hindu religion involves the worship of many gods. Among these is the Trimurti, the
triad of Hinduism’s major deities: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva
(the destroyer). These gods are thought of as actual beings who play an essential role in
keeping the universe in order. They live in their own world in the company of lesser gods
and their devotees and participate in the creation, preservation, and destruction of worlds.

Practice of Sacrifice
The Hindu religion involves sacrifice, which is central to both Hindu ritual practices and
spiritual philosophy. For Hindus, making sacrifices is the cause, basis, and very purpose of
life. Because of this, performing rituals and making sacrificial offerings form part of a
Hindu’s duty to keep the order and regularity of the world.

Uttering the Mantra

Another practice involved in the practice of the Hindu religion is uttering the mantra. A
mantra is the sacred prayer, hymn, or word taken from the sacred text and uttered in a
ritual to communicate with or consecrate a deity, cast charms, and seek protection against
harm. The power of the mantra depends on who is using it, how, and for what it is used.

Fig. 6. A young Hindu boy taught to offer flowers and special food items as
a form of worshiping

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Practice of Different Forms of Worship

Hindus practice different forms of worship. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita assured
Hindu believers that Krishna manifests himself in whatever form people worship him. It is
why devotees can choose any object, symbol, thought, world, or form convenient to them
for meditation. They may also worship him at home, in sacred temples, or in the
congregation by themselves or with the help of a priest. Worship can also be of different
kinds; daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, yearly, or on specific occasions depending on
tradition.

Check Your Progress

How is freedom of worship shown in the Hindu religion?
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Unit 8: Hinduism

In Philippine Context

Many Filipinos practice yoga because it is a form of meditation and a way of keeping
oneself healthy. However, many Filipino yoga instructors suggest that it would be more
beneficial if yoga is done outdoors. According to one yoga instructor, the absence of walls
tends to heighten the senses while practicing yoga. It makes you become more conscious
of the scents, sights, and touch in one’s surroundings. In addition, the fresh air allows you
to breathe deeply and helps clear your mind.

Fig. 7. Yoga is a way of keeping oneself physically fit.

Another benefit of practicing yoga outdoors is it allows a person to improve their inner
focus. It is a challenge to turn one’s focus inwards because many outside elements can’t
easily be controlled, such as noise from traffic, strong wind, and dust particles. Practicing
yoga outdoors also allows a person to stabilize and strengthen their muscles.

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Wrap-Up
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
● Hinduism teaches that the purpose of life is achieving the four aims, called
Purusharthas. These are:
○ Dharma is the religious and moral law that tells the individual how to conduct
himself or herself among the members of society
○ Kama is pleasure and refers to what the mind and physical body desires
○ Artha is the pursuit of material advantage and wealth
○ Moksha is the release from samsara, an endless reincarnation
● Atman pertains to the universal self and is identified with the eternal core of one’s
personality, which moves on to a new life or attains freedom from moksha.
● The ultimate existence or reality for the Hindus is Brahman.
● Yoga or yuga is an ancient practice of meditation by which one can move toward a
reality that can be experienced where one knows the ultimate reason for one’s
existence. It has four major types:
○ Jnana Yuga or yoga of knowledge
○ Karma Yuga or the yoga of work
○ Bhakti Yuga or yoga of devotion or love
○ Raja Yuga or yoga of psychological exercises
● Some other Hindu religious customs and traditions are worshiping many gods,
sacrificing, uttering mantras, and practicing different worship methods.
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Unit 8: Hinduism

Try This!

Identification. Identify the following terms being pertained to in each item. Write your
answers on the space provided.

________________ 1. It is the religious and moral law which tells the individual how to
conduct himself or herself among the members of society.

________________ 2. In Hinduism, he is known as the “god destroyer.”

________________ 3. A sacred prayer, hymn, or word taken from the sacred text and
uttered in a ritual to communicate with or consecrate a deity, cast
charms, and seek protection against harm.

________________ 4. It is the cause, basis, and the very purpose of a Hindu’s life.

________________ 5. This type of yoga is considered as the royal path of meditation.

________________ 6. It pertains to an endless cycle of reincarnation.

________________ 7. For Hindus, He is the ultimate existence or reality.

________________ 8. This type of yoga leads to attaining knowledge of Brahman and

atman as well as the realization of their unity.

________________ 9. A Hindu doctrine which pertains to the universal self and is

identified with the eternal core of one’s personality.

________________ 10. It refers to what the mind and physical body desires.

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Challenge Yourself
Answer the following questions.

1. Why are there different types of yoga? What does it imply?

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2. Why is making sacrifices a central core of the Hindu religion?

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3. How does the Dharma help one become a better Hindu?

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Unit 8: Hinduism

Suggested Rubric for Grading

The rubric below is a suggested one. Your teacher may modify it based on your needs.
Consult your teacher for the final rubric.

Performance Levels

1 2 3 Suggested
Criteria Score
Beginning Proficient Advanced Weight
Proficiency Proficiency

Content The answer is unclear The answer is clear The answer is clear
and insufficient; there but barely sufficient; and sufficient; the
×3
is a major flaw in the there is a minor flaw argumentation is
argumentation. in the argumentation. excellent.

Organization The answer does not The answer flows The answer flows
flow logically, and its logically, but its parts logically, and its
×2
parts are not clearly are not clearly parts are clearly
structured. structured. structured.

Mechanics/ There are many major There are minor There are virtually
errors in sentence errors in sentence no errors in
Language Use
construction, construction, sentence
×1
grammar, or spelling. grammar, or spelling. construction,
grammar, or
spelling.

Total Possible Score 18

8.2. Hindu Customs and Traditions 18

Unit 8: Hinduism

Reflect on This
Answer the following question briefly.

In your perspective, how does the concept of reincarnation affect a person’s view of life?

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Photo Credits
2015 Tai Pongal festival week, a woman cooking Pongal dish by Nithi Anand is licensed
under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

SwansCygnus olor edit2 original photo by Bowen Pan edit by Cavit Erginsoy is licensed
under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

A Hindu along river Ganges in Varanasi, in yoga asana meditation by Lucía Puertas is
licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Pooram- Kannur by Shijithvc is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

8.2. Hindu Customs and Traditions 19

Unit 8: Hinduism

Bibliography
“Artha,” Yoagapedia. Accessed at https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5385/artha.

“Atman.” Britannica. Accessed at https://www.britannica.com/topic/atman.

“Brahman.” Britannica. Accessed at

https://www.britannica.com/topic/brahman-Hindu-concept.

“Dharma.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/dharma-religious-concept.

“Hindu Beliefs.” BBC. Accessed at

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zmvhsrd/revision/3#:~:text=Varnashrama%2
0dharma&text=The%20four%20main%20classes%20are%20Brahmins%2C%20Kshat
riyas%2C%20Vaishyas%20and%20Shudras.

“Main Beliefs and Practices of Hinduism.” Hinduwebsite.com. Accessed at

https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_beliefs.asp.

“The Four Goals of Hindu Life: Kama, Artha, Dharma & Moksha.” Study. Com. Accessed at
https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-four-goals-of-hindu-life-kama-artha-dharma-
moksha.html.

“The Four Yogas.” California State University Long Beach. Accessed at

https://web.csulb.edu/~wweinste/yogas.html.

“What is Yoga?’ Inner Engineering. Accessed at

https://isha.sadhguru.org/yoga/new-to-yoga/what-is-yoga/.

8.2. Hindu Customs and Traditions 20