Hinduism, the worlds oldest extant religion, is a complex of spiritualism, philosophy, and scientific research. Hinduism in its key is an integrative system that perceives all things as interdependent ranging from subatomic particles to cosmic dimensions. In this article, we set out on a journey to explore how science meets spirituality in Hinduism by understanding ancient scientific knowledge, universe and ecology present in its texts.

Ancient Scientific Knowledge:The ancient sages and seers of Hinduism were not only spiritual visionaries but also keen observers of the natural world. The Vedas – the oldest religious texts of Hinduism – contain references to several scientific concepts that were well ahead of their time. For example, hymns in Rig-Veda describe the earth as spherical and rotating around its axis which precedes today’s bright discoveries by centuries.

Buddhism is a philosophical set of teachings that originated from Siddhartha Gautama who was known as Buddha. Buddhism is over 2,500 years old and it aims at relieving pain as well as the development of the mind. Of all these different practices music and chanting are especially important in different schools of Buddhism. This article is aimed at explaining the occurrence of music and chanting in the context of Buddhism as well as the multifunctional character of the latter.

Buddhist prayer: Concept of music and chantingMusic and chanting in Buddhism are used for a variety of purposes: for providing devotional practices, for ritual, for meditation, as well as for education. These elements are not purely artistic expressions but are rather related to the spiritual goals of the subject. They can be used as a meditation tool, evoke spiritual states, pass the information, and make the audience united.

Theravāda Tradition: Simplicity and DevotionTheravada Buddhism is popular in Sri Lanka Thailand and Myanmar and general is quite conservative as it follows the early texts that were written. The chanting is a major practice in this branch as compared to the music which is rather minimal as compared to others.

The Origins of Sikh Artisanry: Craftspeople in the Sikh community have long been known for their wonderful creations, which reflect a strong spiritual and cultural bond. Sikhs have always excelled in a variety of craft industries, from vivid textile arts to complex metal engravings and woodworking. These abilities were frequently handed down through the generations, ensuring that every handcrafted item retained the core of Sikh culture.

Hindi (हिन्दी):
उत्सीदेयुरिमे लोका न कुर्यां कर्म चेदहम्।
सङ्करस्य च कर्ता स्यामुपहन्यामिमाः प्रजाः॥

Meaning (Hindi):
अर्जुन कहते हैं: अगर मैं कर्म को नहीं करता हूँ, तो ये सभी लोग संकर (बाह्य शक्तियों के प्रभाव) के प्रजनक हो जाएँगे, और मैं कर्ता बनूँगा।

English:
Arjuna says: "If I do not perform my duty, all these people will be led astray by the influence of material desires, and I will be responsible for creating confusion in society."

 How Jainism Started and Gre­w: Looking to the past, Jainism began in old India, around the 6th ce­ntury BCE. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, started it. Jainism came to e­xist because of the re­ligion and social rules at that time. Its main ideas we­re spiritual knowledge, se­lf-control, and no violence. These­ made Jainism more popular.

In the vast tapestry of world religions, Hinduism stands out as one of the oldest and most complex spiritual traditions. At its core lies the concept of dharma, a multifaceted term that encompasses righteousness, duty, cosmic order, and spiritual law. This blog post aims to demystify dharma and explore its significance in Hindu philosophy and daily life. Join us on this enlightening journey through the spiritual landscape of Hinduism.

What is Dharma?

Dharma is a Sanskrit word that defies simple translation. Its a concept that permeates every aspect of Hindu thought and life. At its most basic, dharma can be understood as:

• The eternal law of the cosmos
• Individual duty based on ethics and virtue
• Righteous living
• The path of righteousness

In essence, dharma is the principle that maintains the universes stability and harmony. Its both a universal truth and a personal guide for living.

The Four Purusharthas: Goals of Human Existence

Hindu philosophy outlines four main goals of human life, known as the Purusharthas:

a) Dharma: Righteousness and moral values b) Artha: Prosperity and economic values c) Kama: Pleasure and emotional values d) Moksha: Liberation and spiritual values

Dharma is considered the foundation upon which the other three goals rest. Without dharma, the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, or even spiritual liberation can lead one astray.