Hindu Social Action and Beliefs

Hindus engage in various social and environmental initiatives:

1. Cow protection: Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, with many goshalas (cow shelters) found in India and the UK.

2. Environmental protection: Projects like Friends of Vrindavan aim to protect sacred forests and educate people about environmental issues.

3. Women's rights: Organizations like Sewa International promote paid work and empowerment for women.

4. Food distribution: ISKCON's Food for Life program is the world's largest vegetarian food charity.

Example: The Hindu worship at home KS2 BBC resources often highlight how Hindu beliefs translate into social action and environmental stewardship.

Hindu beliefs about the nature of God and existence:

• Brahman: The eternal, all-encompassing ultimate reality
• Bhagavan: The personal manifestation of ultimate reality
• Nirguna and Saguna: Two ways of understanding the divine, either without form or with qualities

Quote: "Brahman is the one present everywhere and is the great one who is above all" - Katha Upanishad 5.2

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of GCSE Hinduism revision notes, covering key aspects of Hindu worship, festivals, pilgrimages, social action, and beliefs about the divine.

Hindu Forms of Worship

Hindu worship is a vital part of daily life, expressing devotion to deities and connecting with ultimate reality. Key worship practices include:

• Havan: Fire worship
• Puja: Ritual prayer and devotion
• Arati: Receiving blessings from deities
• Darshan: "Seeing" the divine

Quote: "If one offers to me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water, I delightfully partake of that article offered with love by devotee in pure consciousness" - Bhagavad Gita 9.26

This quote emphasizes that the devotee's love is more important than the cost of offerings in Hindu worship at home.

Highlight: Hindu worship can take place in temples (mandirs) or at home shrines, making it accessible for daily practice.