Hinduism

Other important scriptures are the sectarian Hindu Agamas which are texts dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Devi. The Patriots re-signed Troy Brown, who they released earlier in the Offseason. There are also a number of revered Hindu Tantras and Sutras that command the respect of various Hindu sects of different persuasion, some including the Mahanirvana Tantra, Tirumantiram and Shiva Sutras. On April 29, the Patriots surprised many by bringing Doug Flutie, the former Boston College and Patriots quarterback most recently with the San Diego Chargers, back to the team as a veteran backup to Brady. Other texts considered important by today's Hindus include the Devi Mahatmya, an ode to Devi, the Divine Mother, and the Yoga Sutras, a key meditative yoga text of Shri Patanjali. During the 2005 NFL Draft, the Patriots used their first round pick on Logan Mankins, an offensive guard out of Fresno State. The post- Vedic Hindu scriptures form the latter category, the most notable of which are the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, major epics considered scripture by most followers of Sanatana Dharma, their stories arguably familiar to the vast majority of Hindus living in the Indian subcontinent, if not abroad. The offseason turned around however, with Tom Brady signing a new contract that would keep him in New England through the 2010 season, and the addition of Seattle linebacker Chad Brown.

See Bhagavad Gita to explore this text. Still, wanting to be a part of the team, Bruschi remarked that he would reevalute his condition for playing football at the end of the 2005 season. In a wider context, it is considered a timeless classic of world literature. Troy Brown, the long-time Patriots receiver, was released for salary cap reasons, surprising many after he had contributed on defense, offense, and special teams to help fill in for injured players (but understandable given that he was entering a "dummy year" with an inflated cap number, Troy Brown was re-signed on May 23). Other players who left include Joe Andruzzi, Keith Traylor, and Roman Phifer.
The most devastating aspect of the offseason came just days after the Pro Bowl, with linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffering a stroke. While technically it is considered Smriti, it has singularly achieved nearly unquestioned status as Shruti, or revealed, and is thus the most definitive single Hindu text, read by millions of bhaktas (devotees) and yogis on a largely daily basis throughout the Sanatana Dharmic world. The Patriots, coming off two consecutive Super Bowl wins, started an offseason in which their team looked to be falling apart. Ty Law a longtime Patriot, who tied the Patriots all-time career interception record in the 2004 season, was released by New England after he took a hardline stance on renegotiating his contract or signing an extension. The text documents a conversation between Arjuna, a warrior, and Lord Krishna immediately prior to the major battle described in the epic Mahabharata. The Patriots went on to defeat the Eagles 24-21 to become the first team in six years to repeat as World Champions, and only the second team ever to win three out of four consecutive Super Bowls (the first was the Dallas Cowboys, winning Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX.).

The Bhagavad Gita occupies a special position in the hearts of most Hindus as a keystone yoga upanishad whose eternal words perhaps are the most representative of all Hindu thought. In the Conference Championship on January 23, they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 41-27, advancing to Super Bowl XXXIX to face the Philadelphia Eagles. It can be said that while early Hinduism is most reliant on the four Vedas, Classical Hinduism, from the Yoga and Vedanta to Tantra and Bhakti streams, was molded around the Upanishads. On January 16, 2005, the Patriots advanced to the AFC Conference Championship game by beating the Indianapolis Colts, 20-3. While the Vedas and their early commentaries on one hand center on ritual and sacrifice, the late Vedantic (End of Vedas) texts emphasize mystic insight and express abhorrence for ritual practiced at the expense of spiritual insight, claiming to streamline the excessive litany of praise to Vedic gods and to capture the essence of the Rig Vedic dictum "Truth Is One." They set Hindu philosophy apart with its embrace of a single transcendent and yet immanent force that is native to each man's soul, an identification of micro- and macrocosm as One. On December 12, the Patriots clinched the AFC East division championship for the third time in the past four years. The Aranyakas and the Upanishads were originally esoteric, mystical teachings related in secrecy. The streak finally came to an end on October 31 when the Patriots were beaten by the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-20.

The Shrautasutras and Grhyasutras form a younger stratum dealing with domestic ritual. They also extended their overall winning streak to 21. The oldest of these are the Brahmanas. On October 24 they broke the record for the most consecutive regular season victories at 18 after beating the New York Jets 13-7. Depending on the school, various commentaries and instructions are associated with each Veda. On October 10 they set the record for the number of consecutive wins (regular and post-season) in NFL history, at 19, after beating the 0-4 Miami Dolphins 24-10. The four Vedas (the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas) were preserved by various shakhas or schools. These moves paid off, as the Patriots finished the regular season at 14-2.

While the overwhelming majority of Hindus may never read the Vedas, the reverence for the more abstract notion of eternal knowledge (Veda means knowledge) is etched deep into the hearts of all those who follow Veda Dharma. Their biggest move was obtaining superstar running back Corey Dillon from the Cincinnati Bengals. The Vedas are considered as shruti (inspired) by all Hindus. The Patriots made more big moves in the 2004 offseason to make sure a repeat of the disappointing 2002 season did not happen. tradition, not revelation). The victory also made the 2003 Patriots the first team ever to win - or for that matter, even reach - the Super Bowl after having been shut out on opening day. The texts are divided into two categories: Shruti- that which is heard (i.e. revelation) and Smriti- that which is remembered (i.e. The Patriots won their second Super Bowl in three years, 32-29; and Brady was named MVP again.

Indeed, much of the morphology and linguistic philosophy inherent in the learning of Sanskrit is sometimes claimed to be inextricably linked to study. A trick pass to linebacker Mike Vrabel in the end zone with just over 2:00 to play put the Patriots back in the lead, but Ricky Proehl tied it up with another touchdown to tie it 29-29. Brady then repeated his role from two years ago, moving the Patriots quickly downfield to force another Adam Vinatieri field goal with four seconds left. The overwhelming majority of Hindu sacred texts are composed in the Sanskrit language. The third quarter was scoreless, but Antowain Smith scored on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 21-10. Carolina scored two more touchdowns (neither of which were converted) to make it 22-21. Main article: Hindu scripture. After a defensive battle for most of the first half, the teams traded touchdowns late in the second quarter, then more quick strikes by both teams made the score 14-10 Patriots at halftime. Hinduism's fundamental truth is best expressed in the Upanishadic dictum, Tat Twam Asi (Thou Art That), and the ultimate aspiration as follows:. Super Bowl XXXVIII was one of the closest championship games ever played.

the temporal or earthly plane) who succeeds in living an honest, loving and dharmic life a jivanmukta (living free soul). The Patriots were back in the Super Bowl, this time to face the Carolina Panthers. The great rishis (Hindu sages) have termed the samsaric (one who lives in samsara, i.e. Despite only one offensive touchdown by the Patriots, they held on to win 24-14. The chief aim of the Vedic religion is to achieve moksha, or liberation, through constant dedication to satya (Truth) and eventual realization of the atman (Universal Soul), held to be achievable by all, whether through meditation or pure love. The New England defense frustrated Colts quarterback Peyton Manning all day, forcing him to throw four interceptions (three to Ty Law) and sacking him three times. Its presiding principle, Ma (Mother) Gayatri, is also known as Veda Mata (Mother of the Vedas) and is strongly associated with the Goddess of Learning and Illumination, Saraswati. The Patriots then faced the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC Championship.

Known as a universal mantra, it is revered as being the most condensed form of Divine Knowledge (Veda). An incomplete Steve McNair pass on 4th down with 1:40 left won the game 17-14 for New England. Many Hindus to this day, in a tradition that has continued unbroken for at least 3,000 years, perform morning ablutions at the bank of a sacred river (especially the Ganga/Ganges). Played in a temperature of 5 degrees F, (making it the second-coldest game in NFL history) the Patriots and Titans kept it close until Vinatieri kicked the go-ahead field goal with 4 minutes left. It is considered one of the most universal of all Hindu mantras, invoking the universal Brahman as the principle of knowledge and the illumination of the primordial Sun. The first opponent was the Tennessee Titans. The most revered mantra in Hinduism is the famed Gayatri Mantra (see Sanskrit for pronunciation):. The Patriots had the NFL's best record at 14-2 and had home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Indeed, Mahatma Gandhi's dying words were a two-word mantra to the Lord Rama: "Hai Ram!"'.. The Patriots also shut out 3 opponents: the Dallas Cowboys (led by Bill Parcells), the Dolphins (in a snowy Gillette Stadium), and a revenge 31-0 win over Buffalo in the final game of the regular season. They often give courage in exigent times and serve to help 'invoke' one's inner spiritual strength. Several big plays marked the team's season: an 82-yard touchdown from Brady to Troy Brown in overtime in Miami, a 4th-quarter comeback in Denver known for an intentional safety, and a goal-line stand in Indianapolis where Edgerrin James was stopped by Willie McGinest on 4th and goal by from the 2 yard line in the dying seconds. They can also be used to aid in expression of love for the deity, another facet of Bhakti yoga akin to the understanding of the murti. The Patriots only lost one game the rest of the season, despite several injuries. Mantras are said, through their meaning, sound, and chanting style, to help meditational focus for the sadhaka (practitioner). The following week the Patriots traveled to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles, who had also been shut out in their opener (17-0 at home by Tampa Bay), thus setting up the first NFL game matching two teams that had been shut out the week before since 1991, and the first game in the second week of a season between two teams that had been shut out in the first week since 1932 (the Patriots won this game 31-10).

Much of mantra yoga, as it is called, is done through japa (repetition). But the surprise release of Lawyer Milloy days before the season opener (immediately dubbed "Lawyergate" by the press) shocked observers, and he ended up with the Buffalo Bills, who beat the Patriots 31-0 in Week 1. Reciting mantras is a fundamental practice in Hinduism. In the 2003 offseason the Patriots picked up several big-name players in free agency such as linebacker Roosevelt Colvin (Colvin was placed on the injured reserve due to an injury early on in the season), safety Rodney Harrison and defensive lineman Ted Washington. Main article: Mantra.. The Patriots started the 2002 season on a high note too, winning their first 3 games. However, injuries and problems with the offensive and defensive lines cost the team down the stretch, and the team finished 9-7. They missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker. For more details on this form of worship, see murti.
. Bledsoe was traded to the Buffalo Bills in the 2002 off-season.

Thus, Hindu image worship is a form of iconolatry, in which the symbols are venerated as putative sigils of divinity, as opposed to idolatry, a charge often levied (erroneously) at Hindus. Brady was selected Super Bowl MVP. They are symbols of the greater principle, representing and are never presumed to be the concept or entity itself. After 42 years, the Patriots were Super Bowl champions. Worship of said deities is often done through the aid of pictures or icons (murti) which are said not to be God themselves but conduits for the devotee's consciousness, markers for the human soul that signify the ineffable and illimitable nature of the love and grandeur of God. Brady calmly led New England's offense downfield, missing only one pass, when Adam Vinatieri won it with a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Also, the puranas list twenty-five avatara of Vishnu : Catursana, Narad, Varaha, Matsya, Yajna, Nara-Narayana, Kapila, Dattatreya, Hayasirsa, Hamsa, Prsnigarbha, Rsabha, Prithu, Narasimha , Kurma, Dhanvantari, Mohini, Vamana, Parasurama, Raghavendra, Vyasa, Balarama, Krishna, Buddha. Louis scored two touchdowns to tie it at 17-17 with 1:30 to go.

Among the most popular are Vishnu (as Krishna or Rama), Shiva, Devi (the Mother as many female deities, such as Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali and Durga), Ganesha, Skanda and Hanuman. After trailing 17-3 early in the fourth quarter, St. The vast majority of Hindus worship many gods as varicolored forms of the same prism of Truth. Belichick's defense held the Rams high-powered offense in check until the fourth quarter, forcing three turnovers (one returned by Ty Law for a touchdown and the other two leading to scores as well). While some censuses hold worshippers of one form or another of Vishnu (known as Vaishnavites) to be at 80% and those of Shiva (called Shaivaites) and Shakti at the remaining 20%, such figures are perhaps misleading. Louis Rams, who had beaten the Patriots in the regular season. Hinduism encourages devotees to describe and develop a personal relationship with their chosen deity (ishta devata) in the form of a God or Goddess. Brady was back to face the heavily-favored St.

Whether believing in the One source as formless (nirguna brahman, without attributes) or as a personal God (saguna Brahman, with attributes), Hindus understand that the one truth may be seen as different to different people. With two special teams touchdowns and two Kordell Stewart interceptions in the fourth quarter, the Patriots stunned Pittsburgh 24-17 to advance to Super Bowl XXXVI. The various gods and avatars that are worshipped by Hindus are understood as different forms of One truth, sometimes seen as beyond a mere God and as a formless Divine Ground (Brahman), akin but not limited to monism, or as one monotheistic principle like Vishnu or Shiva. After Brady was injured in the second quarter, Bledsoe (in his last appearance as a Patriot) came off the sideline and immediately threw a touchdown. Contrary to popular belief, practiced Hinduism is neither polytheistic nor strictly monotheistic. The team then went to Pittsburgh to face the favored Steelers in the AFC Championship. See Swastika. Kicker Adam Vinatieri tied the game with a 45-yard field goal in the final 30 seconds, and then won it 16-13 in overtime.

Many Eastern cultures still hold it to be sacred, especially in India, in spite of the recent association with Nazism which perverted the original meaning of this universal symbol. In what Patriots fans saw as justice for Ben Dreith's controversial call in 1976, a Brady fumble was ruled an incomplete pass using the little-known "tuck rule". It has been used in Hinduism since the early Vedic culture and is still widespread in the Indian subcontinent. The Patriots opened the playoffs in a snowstorm against the Oakland Raiders in the last game ever played at Foxboro Stadium. Its rotation in four directions has been used to represent many ideas, but primarily describes the four directions and their harmonious whole. Even after Bledsoe was healthy again, Brady continued as the starting quarterback. It stands for satya, truth, and stability within the power of Brahma or, alternatively, of Surya, the sun. The Patriots continued to pick up momentum through the season, and won 6 games in a row to capture the AFC East with an 11-5 record.

The swastika (卐) is an Arya, or noble symbol. But the big story was quarterback Tom Brady, who went his first four games (three of them wins) without throwing an interception. It contains an enormous and diverse amount of symbolism; Hindus consider its sound and vibration to be the divine representation of existence, encompassing all of manifold nature into the One eternal truth. ; see Aum for more detail. Receivers Troy Brown and David Patten had career seasons, first-round draft pick Richard Seymour revitalized the defensive line, and Antowain Smith (a free agent signed from Buffalo) ran for 1000 yards. Aum (ॐ) is the standard sign of Hinduism, and is prefixed and sometimes suffixed to all Hindu mantras and prayers. Few could have predicted what happened during the rest of the season. Among the most revered symbols in Hinduism, two are quintessentially a part of its culture and representative of its general ethos:. Chris Slade had left for the Carolina Panthers, and Coates was long gone as well.

With the stress on vegetarianism (which is usually followed even by meat-eating Hindus on religious days or special occasions) and the sacred nature of the cow, it is no wonder that most holy cities and areas in India have a ban on selling beef and there is a movement among Hindus to ban cow-slaughter not only in specific regions, but in all of India. It looked like a similar result was in the cards for the 2001 season, with Bledsoe injured in Week 2 and Glenn with a drug suspension and contract holdout. It is said that Krishna is both Govinda (herder of cows) and Gopala (protector of cows), and Shiva's attendant is Nandi, the bull. After a tough season with lots of close losses, the Patriots finished 5-11. Thus, while most Hindus do not worship the cow, and scriptural injunctions against eating beef arose long after the Vedas had been written, it still holds an honored place in Hindu society. Luckily for the Patriots, Bill Belichick, hand-picked to be Parcells' successor with the Jets, quit after one day to join New England. This is most likely because the largely pastoral Vedic people and subsequent generations of Hindus throughout the centuries relied so heavily on the cow for all sorts of dairy products, tilling of fields and fuel for fertilizer that its status as a willing 'caretaker' of humanity grew to identifying it as an almost maternal figure(so the term gaumata). The team started 6-2 but finished 8-8, and Carroll was fired.

Those Hindus who do eat meat predominantly abstain from beef, some even going so far as to avoid leather products. With no running game and tough competition in the division the 1999 season was tough for the Patriots. Thus, while vegetarianism is not dogma, it is recommended as a sattwic (purifying) lifestyle. It opened in 2002. About 30% of today's Hindu population, especially in orthodox communities in South India, in certain northerly states like Gujarat, and in many Brahmin enclaves around the subcontinent, is vegetarian. After the Hartford plan was scuttled by delays, he eventually built Gillette Stadium next to the old stadium in Foxboro. Thus, an ingrained and externally motivated influence led to the development of a large section of Hindus who grew to embrace vegetarianism in a bid to respect higher forms of life, restricting their diet to plants and vegetables. After not getting a deal from the city of Boston to replace the aging and inadequate Foxboro Stadium, Kraft announced in 1999 he was moving the team to Hartford, Connecticut.

While Jainism as it was practiced was certainly a major influence on Indian society with its exhortation of strict veganism and non-violence as ahimsa, the term first appeared in the Upanishads. Backup quarterback Scott Zolak proved to be no match for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first playoff game. A note of the element of ahimsa in Hinduism is vital to understanding the society that has arisen around some of its principles. Bledsoe and Glenn were later both knocked out for the season, and the Patriots backed into the last playoff seed with a 9-7 record. See Tantra for more. After stumbling through the first half of the season (5-6 after the first 11 games), Bledsoe, playing with a broken finger, engineered late 4th-quarter comebacks against the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills to save the season. Most tantras were written in the late middle ages and sprang from Hindu cosmology and Yoga. The game was an officially-sponsored activity that took place during Pro Bowl weekend.

The word "tantra" means "treatise" or "continuum", and is applied to a variety of mystical, occult, medical and scientific works as well as to those which we would now regard as "tantric". Robert Edwards, a rookie draft pick, was his replacement but his career was over after a breakout rookie season by an injury he suffered in Hawaii while playing a game of flag football on the beach. To the Tantra we must therefore look if we would understand aright both ritual, yoga, and sadhana of all kinds, as also the general principles of which these practices are but the objective expression." (Introduction to Sir John Woodroffe's translation of "Mahanirvana Tantra."). Parcells convinced several players, including Curtis Martin, to join the Jets in time for the 1998 season. IX., verse 12). A late fumble (recovered by future Patriot Mike Vrabel) won the game for Pittsburgh, 7-6. Shiva says: 'For the benefit of men of the Kali age, men bereft of energy and dependent for existence on the food they eat, the Kaula doctrine, O auspicious one! is given' (Chap. After having an easy time with the Miami Dolphins in Foxboro, the injury-plagued Patriots met the Steelers in Pittsburgh for a rematch in the divisional playoff.

The Tantra Shastra is, in fact, and whatever be its historical origin, a development of the Vaidika Karmakanda, promulgated to meet the needs of that age. In 1997 the Patriots still won the AFC East with a 10-6 record, but some key losses (including a loss to Parcells' Jets and a 4th-quarter collapse against the Pittsburgh Steelers) meant the team had to play in the wild card round. According to the most famous Western Tantrik scholar, Sir John Woodroffe Sir John Woodroffe/temp (pseudonym Arthur Avalon): "The Indian Tantras, which are numerous, constitute the Scripture (Shastra) of the Kaliyuga, and as such are the voluminous source of present and practical orthodox 'Hinduism'. The new regime was immediately derided for botching draft picks, and the Patriots slipped back further in the standings during each of Carroll's years. See bhakti yoga for more. Parcells did take the Jets job in the offseason, and Pete Carroll was named the new coach. Altogether, bhakti resulted in a mass of devotional literature, music and art that has enriched the world and given India renewed spiritual impetus, one eschewing unnecessary ritual and artificial social boundaries. The Packers won 35-21.

See bhakti movement for more depth. In the days leading up to the game, rumors that Parcells was going to take the vacant head coaching job with the New York Jets were running rampant. The Patriots played the Packers close in the first half, but two long Brett Favre touchdowns and a kickoff return for a touchdown by Desmond Howard sealed New England's fate. It is said, however, that the bhakta, through a growing connection with God, is eventually able to eschew all external form and is immersed entirely in the bliss of undifferentiated Love in Truth. But relations between Kraft and Parcells were strained, and may have cost the team a championship. This rather organic system of devotion attempts to aid the individual in connecting with God through symbolic medium. The Patriots blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-3 in the divisional playoff, and held off the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-6 in the AFC Championship. The team advanced to Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers. Devotional songs called bhajans (written primarily from the 14th-17th centuries), kirtan (praise), and arti (a filtered down form of Vedic fire ritual) are sometimes sung in conjunction with performance of puja. The Patriots finished 11-5, first in the AFC East, and gained a first-round bye.

The most popular means of expressing love for God in the Hindu tradition has been through puja, or ritual devotion, frequently using the aid of a murti (statue) in conjunction with the singing or chanting of meditational prayer in the form of mantras. Linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson arrived on the scene to help McGinest and Slade. They can rightly be said to have affected the greatest wave of change in Hindu prayer and ritual since ancient times. On defense, rookie safety Lawyer Milloy made an impact, as did Willie Clay (signed from the Detroit Lions) and second-year cornerback Ty Law. The Bhakti movements rejuvenated Hinduism through their intense expression of faith and their responsiveness to the emotional and philosophical needs of India. In 1996 the team added wide receiver Terry Glenn, who did the same work to the passing game that Martin did to the running game. Essentially, it is God who effects all change, who is the source of all works, who acts through the devotee as love and light. 'Sins' and evil-doings of the devotee are said to fall away of their own accord, the devotee shriven, limitedness even transcended, through the love of God. Bledsoe went down with injuries though, and the Patriots finished a lackluster 6-10.

Seen as a form of Yoga, or union, it seeks to dissolve the ego in God, since consciousness of the body and limited mind as self is seen to be a divisive factor in spiritual realization. Curtis Martin joined the team for the 1995 season, giving the team a much-needed boost to the running game. The philosophy of Bhakti seeks to tap into the universal divinity through personal form, which explains the proliferation of so many Gods and Goddesses in India, often reflecting the singular inclinations of small regions or groups of people. The team finished 10-6 and won a wild card playoff spot. The Patriots were quickly turned away in the first round by the Cleveland Browns - the last team to beat New England in the regular season, and coached by future Pats hero Bill Belichick. The Bhakti (Devotional) school takes its name from the Hindu term that signifies a blissful, selfless and overwhelming love of God as the beloved Father, Mother, Child, or whatever relationship finds appeal in the devotee's heart. The Patriots won the game 26-20 in overtime, and did not lose a game for the rest of the regular season. Like Ramanuja, Madhva (1238 - 1317) identified God with Vishnu, but his view of reality was purely dualistic in that he understood a fundamental differentiation between the ultimate Godhead and the individual soul, and the system is therefore called Dvaita (dualistic) Vedanta. Bledsoe set single-game records for pass attempts and completions.

Because of this qualification of Ultimate reality, Ramanuja's system is known as qualified non-dualism. The Patriots looked flat in the 1994 season until Drew Bledsoe sparked a second-half comeback against the Minnesota Vikings by switching to the no-huddle offense. Vishnu is the only independent reality, while souls and matter are dependent on God for their existence. Louis after the season looked imminent, but Orthwein ended up selling the team to Boston businessman Robert Kraft instead. He taught that Ultimate reality had three aspects: Isvara (Vishnu), cit (soul) and acit (matter). A move to St. Ramanuja (1040 - 1137) was the foremost proponent of the concept of Sriman Narayana as the supreme Brahman. Bledsoe came back later in the season and won four in a row to end the season at 5-11, including a dramatic overtime win in the final week to knock the Dolphins out of the playoffs.

See Advaita for more. After losing the first four games, Bledsoe was injured and replaced with former Dolphins backup Scott Secules, who won one of his two games. For them, Shiva is personified as God without attributes. Other draft picks such as tight end Ben Coates and linebackers Willie McGinest and Chris Slade, helped the team immediately. For Shaktas, who worship Devi, Devi is the personal form of God to attain the impersonal Absolute, God, i.e., Shiva. This was only part of a major season of change in New England. Bill Parcells was hired as head coach, and even the logo and uniforms changed. For Shaivites, Devi is Parvati. With the first pick in the 1993 draft, the Patriots selected quarterback Drew Bledsoe.

For Vaishnvaites who follow Ramanuja's philosophy, Devi is Lakshmi, who is the Mother of all and who pleads with Vishnu for mankind who is entrenched in sin. Louis were circulating and the team finished 2-14. God's energy is personified as Devi, the Divine Mother. Optimism was high entering the 1992 season, but rumors of a move to St. All personal forms of God such as Vishnu or Shiva are different aspects of God in personal form or God with attributes, Saguna Brahman. Hugh Millen took over at quarterback partway through the season, and the Patriots improved to 6-10 with several upsets over playoff teams. Nirguna Brahman can never be described as that as It transcends all definitions. Louis businessman James Orthwein, who had thoughts of moving the team to his hometown.

However, even that definition can be limiting. The new owner was St. To Advaitists (nondualists) Ultimate Truth is best expressed as Nirguna Brahman, or God without form, or God without personal attributes; indeed, some might go so far as to say it is not 'God' but something beyond. First-year coach Rod Rust was fired and replaced by Dick MacPherson. Adi Sankara denounced caste and meaningless ritual as foolish, and in his own charismatic manner, exhorted the true devotee to meditate on God's love and apprehend truth. The Colts win was the only one of the season, with the team finishing 1-15. It is not merely philosophy, but a conscious system of applied ethics and meditation, all geared towards attaining peace and understanding of truth. Kiam's handling of the situation was called into question, and he ended up selling the team.

By analysis of experiential consciousness, he exposed the relative nature of the world and established the non-dual reality of Brahman in which Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the ultimate reality) are identified absolutely. Newspaper reporter Lisa Olson was sexually harassed by players Zeke Mowatt, Michael Timpson and Robert Perryman following a win over the Indianapolis Colts. Sankara expounded his theories largely based on previous teachings of the Upanishads and his own guru Govinda Bhagavadpada. 1990 became the most tumultuous season in Patriots history. Its consolidator was Sankara (788?-820?). Eason, Flutie and Grogan rotated the starting quarterback job as the Patriots finished 5-11. Advaita literally means "not two"; thus this is what we refer to as a monistic (or non-dualistic) system, which emphasises oneness. The season was over before it began - three of the team's biggest stars on defense (Andre Tippett, Garin Veris and Ronnie Lippett) were injured in one preseason game.

See Vedanta for greater depth. In 1989 founder Billy Sullivan sold the team to Remington shaver magnate Victor Kiam. The great debate between followers among the major Hindu philosophical school, Vedanta, from followers of Advaita philosophy on one hand and the strict theistic schools such as those of Ramanuja and Madhva on the other, focused on the true nature of Brahman, on whether Brahman was essentially attributeless or with attributes, i.e., a personal Supreme Being. Neither quarterback could get New England to take the final step to the playoffs, and the Patriots finished 9-7. Most Hindu thought today in some way relates to changes affected by Vedantic thought, which focused on meditation, morality and centeredness on the one Self rather than on rituals and societal distinctions like caste. In 1988 Flutie played five games again before he was replaced by Eason. Primarily associated with the Upanishads and their commentary by Badarayana, the Vedanta Sutras, Vedanta thought split into three groups, initiated by the thinking and writing of Adi Sankara. Late-season injuries put the Patriots out of playoff contention at 8-7.

The Uttara ("later") Mimamsa school is perhaps one of the cornerstone movements of Hinduism and certainly was responsible for a new wave of philosophical and meditative inquiry, renewal of faith, and cultural reform. Many defensive stars for New England crossed the picket line. It, like the Upanishads, seeks realization of the Atman as being nothing other than the infinite Brahman through ethical (mind), physical (body) and meditational (soul) practices of one-pointedness on the 'one supreme truth.' See Yoga for an in-depth look at its history. Doug Flutie, the future Canadian Football League and Buffalo Bills star, played one game for the Patriots during a players' strike in 1987. Realization of the goal of Yoga is known as moksha or samadhi. The team did not return to the playoffs for eight years. It also utilizes the Brahman/Atman terminology and concepts that are found in depth in the Upanishads, adopting Vedantic monist concepts. A late fourth-quarter touchdown pass from John Elway to Vance Johnson won it for Denver, and the Patriots' fate was sealed.

This is because Ishvara is the only aspect of purusha (the infinite Divine Ground) that has not become entangled with prakrti (the temporal creative forces). Eason stepped up the passing game (with Stanley Morgan getting nearly 1500 yards receiving) as New England won the AFC East with an 11-5 record, and traveled to Denver to take on the Broncos in the first round playoff game. The most significant difference from Samkhya is that the Yoga school not only incorporates the concept of Ishvara (a personal God) into its metaphysical worldview but also that it holds Ishvara as the ideal upon which to meditate. Indeed, the team had the worst rushing offense in the league that season. Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita are also indispensable literature in the study of Yoga. When John Hannah, still widely considered to be the greatest offensive lineman of all-time, retired before the 1986 season, a lot of people thought the Patriots' offense would collapse. It is based on the sage Patanjali's extremely influential text entitled the Yoga Sutra, which is essentially a compilation and systematization of meditational Yoga philosophy that came before. The final score was 46-10 Chicago.

The yoga referred to here, however, is specifically Raja Yoga (or meditational union). But the Bears scored the next 46, including one touchdown by William "Refrigerator" Perry. The Yoga system is generally considered to have arisen from the Samkhya philosophy. The Bears had not allowed a point in the playoffs, but the Patriots took an early 3-0 lead after a Walter Payton fumble in the first quarter. For greater depth, please see Purva Mimamsa. Unfortunately for New England, the Bears had one of the greatest defenses of all time according to most experts. This empirical and eminently sensible manner of religious application is key to the Sanatana/Hindu Dharma and was especially championed by rationalists like Adi Sankara and Swami Vivekananda. The Patriots made an improbable run to Super Bowl XX, where they faced the Chicago Bears.

Its adherents believed that revelation must be proved by reasoning, that it should not be accepted blindly as dogma. The Patriots had lost 20 straight games in Miami at the time, but won this one, dominating the Dolphins defensively again en route to a 30-14 win. Consequently this school's most valuable contribution to Hinduism was its formulation of the rules of Vedic interpretation. In the divisional playoff against the Los Angeles Raiders the Patriots forced six turnovers and won 27-20, to set up an AFC Championship showdown against the rival Miami Dolphins. The main objective of the Purva ("earlier") Mimamsa school was to establish the authority of the Vedas. In the first round the Patriots beat the New York Jets to win their first playoff game since 1963. See Hindu philosophy for a discussion of the historical significance of Samkhya, Nyaya, and Vaisheshika. New England won six straight games and finished 11-5, with a wild card playoff berth.

The schools that continue to affect Hinduism today are Purva Mimamsa, Yoga, and Vedanta. But Grogan broke his leg late in the season, and Eason got the starting job again. The non-Vedic schools are called Nastika, or heterodox, and refer to Buddhism, Jainism and Lokayata. After struggling to start the 1985 season, new coach Raymond Berry replaced Eason with Grogan. The six Astika or orthodox (accepting the authority of the Vedas) schools of Hindu philosophy are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa (also called just 'Mimamsa'), and Uttara Mimamsa (also called 'Vedanta'). In 1984 the Patriots lost three straight games in December, and again missed the playoffs at 9-7. See: Hinduism by country. The team again lost some key games, and finished out of the playoffs at 8-8.

The Indonesian islands of Bali, Java, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and Borneo have significant native Hindu populations. Rookie Tony Eason became the new quarterback for the 1983 season, but split duties for much of the mid-1980s with Grogan. Other countries with a significant Hindu population include:. In 1982, a snowplow-aided 3-0 late-season win over the Miami Dolphins put the Patriots in the playoffs, but the first-round rematch in Miami was easily won by the Dolphins. Of the total Hindu population of the world, about 94% (890 million) live in India. Coach Erhardt was fired and replaced by Ron Meyer. It has come to symbolize the rising bi-polarization of indian polity in the late 1990's and the first decade of the 21th century, evident in the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) in the same period. With these performances in mind, a local sportswriter intimated that the team suffered from the "Bozo Syndrome," meaning that they played "like clowns in the clutch." The Patriots completely collapsed in 1981, finishing 2-14, including two losses to the Baltimore Colts which were the only two games the Colts won that year.

Hindutva ideology rose to importance in Indian politics in the 1980s and is chiefly associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh movement. In 1980, with star running back Sam Cunningham holding out all season, the Patriots started 6-1 but finished 10-6, again out of the playoffs. Such nationalistic Hinduism is generally termed Hindutva ("Hinduness", paradoxically not a well-formed Sanskrit word, since "Hindu" is a Persian word), but the boundaries are fluid and the Indian Supreme Court ruled that "no precise meaning can be ascribed to the terms 'Hindu', 'Hindutva' and 'Hinduism'; and no meaning in the abstract can confine it to the narrow limits of religion alone, excluding the content of Indian culture and heritage." Hindutva ideology was enunciated first by Savarkar in his seminal work 'Hindutva'. In 1979 the team lost three games in December to finish 9-7 and out of the playoffs. In the 20th century, emerging Indian nationalism began to emphasize Hinduism, in opposition to the British Raj, but also in contrast to Islam, and after Independence in connection with the territorial disputes with Pakistan. The Patriots became poster children for late-season failure through the late 1970s. Main article: Hindutva. The stunned team lost its first round playoff game to the Houston Oilers.

In a 1966 ruling, the Supreme Court of India defined the Hindu faith as follows for legal purposes:. Owner Billy Sullivan suspended Fairbanks and hired Ron Erhardt on the spot to coach the final game. Despite this various political parties sometimes exploit these divisions for electoral gain. Coach Chuck Fairbanks announced he would be leaving the team to take a job at the University of Colorado. [2] (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2001/10/19/stories/05192524.htm). In a preseason game against the Raiders, wide receiver Darryl Stingley was paralyzed by Oakland's Jack Tatum, who has never apologized for the incident. The Patriots rebounded and finished 11-5, tops in the AFC East, but a bizarre incident hours before the last game of the season shocked the team. Caste still plays a significant role in Hindu society; however, post Independence, caste is losing favour in India and caste-based discrimination has been illegitimised. 1978 almost became an even bigger disappointment.

A number of Muslim communities have retained caste practices as well. The Patriots finished 9-5, one game out of first place, and out of the playoffs. In spite of centuries of numerous reform movements, notably within Vedanta, bhakti yoga and Hindu streams of Tantra, and reformers, with recent stalwarts like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, caste based discrimination is so deeply ensconced in the Indian consciousness that even Christian converts have been known to separate church meetings for different castes. 1977 was a disappointing season, aided by contract holdouts by offensive linemen John Hannah and Leon Gray. But over a period of time the caste system has become rigid and discriminatory. The referee, Ben Dreith, was not allowed to officiate Patriots games again. According to this understanding, discrimination by caste is a perversion of dharma's true meaning. Many Patriots fans to this day think that touchdown should never have happened, blaming a roughing-the-passer penalty earlier in the drive that should not have been called.

According to ancient Hindus, the four varnas (literally, 'colors') or castes had equal standing in the society and were based upon the duties to society and worked together towards the welfare of the society. The game was close and was settled in the final seconds with a touchdown run by Oakland quarterback Ken Stabler. See also: caste.. The opponent was the Oakland Raiders, whose only regular season loss had come at the hands of New England. They show strong similarities to the language and religion of the Avesta, which are sometimes traced back to either the influence of the 3rd millennium BC Indus Valley Civilisation, or to a 2nd millennium BC Indo-Iranian migration (see Aryan invasion theory), or to a combination of these. The Patriots finished 11-3 and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1963. The age and origins of the Vedas themselves are disputed, but it is clear that they were transmitted orally for several millennia. Steve Grogan became New England's quarterback for the 1976 season.

The earliest of these, the Rigveda centers on worship of the gods Indra and Agni, and on the Soma ritual. The Ashvamedha was the most important sacrifice described in the Yajurveda, possibly performed for the last time by Samudragupta in the 4th century. The draft picks acquired in the Plunkett trade, used to select defensive backs Mike Haynes and Tim Fox set the stage for the team's first winning season in the NFL. Modern Hinduism grew out of the religion described in the Vedas. Plunkett was traded to the San Francisco 49ers after the season, and eventually won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders. Again, these views, in fact, more strongly, reflect a Smarta viewpoint. The Patriots finished 7-7 in 1974, but with injuries to Plunkett in 1975, slumped to 3-11 that season. Thus, with all Hindus, there is a strong belief in all paths being true religions that lead to one God or source, whatever one chooses to call the ultimate truth. Through the mid-1970s, the team showed signs of life, if only briefly.

Often, the monad Brahman is seen as the one source, with all other gods emanating therefrom. In 1973 the team hired Chuck Fairbanks to lead it. Vaishnavism, Saivism and Shaktism, respectively believe in a monotheistic ideal of Vishnu (often as Krishna), Siva, or Devi; this view does not exclude other personal Gods, as they are understood to be aspects of the chosen ideal (e.g., to many devotees of Krishna, Shiva is seen as having sprung from Krishna's creative force). During this time the Patriots consistently had losing records, and went through three coaches in four seasons. However, each denomination respects and accepts all others, and conflict of any kind is rare. Also new in 1971 was a new quarterback, first-round pick Jim Plunkett, taken with the draft's first overall selection, which the Patriots received for having finished worst overall in 1970. Each denomination fundamentally believes in different methods of self-realization and in different aspects of the One Supreme God. Since it was located several miles outside Boston, the team was renamed the New England Patriots.

Each of its four denominations shares rituals, beliefs, traditions and personal Gods with one another, but each sect has a different philosophy on how to achieve life's ultimate goal (moksa, liberation) and on their views of the Gods. The following season, after bouncing around between four different stadiums in their first 11 years, Foxboro Stadium (originally called Schaefer Stadium) opened. Hinduism is a very rich and complex religion. In 1970 the Patriots became a member of the NFL pursuant to the merger of the AFL and NFL that had been agreed to three years earlier, but their first experience therein was anything but pleasant as they finished 2-12 and in sole possession of the newly-merged league's worst record. Contemporary Hinduism is traditionally divided into four major divisions, Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Smarthism.. In the late 1960's, fullback Jim Nance became a powerful offensive weapon for the Patriots, gaining 1,458 yards in 1966 and 1,216 in 1967, when he was the American Football League's MVP. He achieved the spiritual high of other religions besides Hinduism, such as Christianity and Islam, and came to the same conclusion proclaimed by the Vedas, "Truth is one, the wise call it by different names.". In 1963, eleven Patriots made the AFL All-star team, including Gino Cappelletti, Nick Buoniconti, and Babe Parilli.

The great Hindu saint, Ramakrishna, a monist, was a prominent advocate of this traditional Hindu view. Although the team made only two AFL playoff appearances, it had numerous stars. Hindus believe that God, in whatever form they prefer, (or as monists prefer to call, "Ishta Devata,", i.e., the preferred form of God) can grant worshippers grace to bring them closer to Moksha, end of the cycle of rebirth. The Boston Patriots played in the first-ever game in the American Football League, against the Denver Broncos on September 9, 1960. Some of the Hindu aspects of God include Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Siva. The New England Patriots are a National Football League team based in Foxborough, Massachusetts. It is seen as one unity, with the personal Gods differents aspects of only one Supreme Being, like a single beam of light separated into colours by a prism, and are valid to worship. Ted Washington.

Some of Hinduism's adherents are monists, seeing in multiple manifestations of the one God or source of being, which is often confused by non-Hindus as being polytheism. Mosi Tatupu. Yoga is the primary focus in many ways of a Hindu's religious activities, being somewhere between meditation, prayer and healthful exercise. Andre Tippett. Vedanta is a branch of Hindu philosophy which gives this matter a greater focus. Irving Fryar. Brahman is not a God in the monotheistic sense, as it is not imbued with any limiting characteristics, not even those of being and non-being, and this is reflected in the fact that in Sanskrit, the word brahman is of neuter (as opposed to masculine or feminine) gender. Jim Plunkett.

Brahman is the ultimate, both transcendent and immanent the absolute infinite existence, the sum total of all that ever is, was, or ever shall be. Babe Parilli (born 1930). Brahman is seen as the universal spirit. Ross O'Hanley. Within Sanatana Dharma, or Hinduism (as it is commonly called), a variety of lesser gods are seen as aspects of the one impersonal divine ground, Brahman (not Brahma). Jim Nance. Finally, in sanyasa, the individual goes off into seclusion, often envisioned as the forest, to find God through Yogic meditation and peacefully shed the body for the next life. Jon Morris (born 1942).

Vanaprastha is gradual detachment from the material world, ostensibly giving over duties to one's sons and daughters, spending more time in contemplation of the truth, and making holy pilgrimages. Lawyer Milloy. Grihastya is the householder's stage, alternatively known as samsara, in which one marries and satisfies karma and artha within a married life and professional career. Pete Carroll. The first quarter of one's life, brahmacharya (literally "grazing in Brahma") is spent in celibate, sober and pure contemplation of life's secrets under a Guru, building up body and mind for the responsibilities of life. Harry Jacobs. They are Brahmacharya, Grihasthya, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. Jim Lee Hunt.

The human life is also seen as four Ashramas ("phases" or "stages"). Steve Grogan. Reincarnation), the cycle of life, death, and existential duality. Larry Eisenhauer. Mukti, Samadhi, Nirvana, etc.) from Samsara (a.k.a. Bob Dee. Of course, the only goal that is truly infinite, whose attainment results in absolute happiness, is moksha, or liberation, (a.k.a. Jim Colclough (1936 - 2004).

It is said that all humans seek kama (pleasure, physical or emotional) and artha (power, fame and wealth), but soon, with maturity, learn to govern these legitimate desires within a higher, pragmatic framework of dharma, or moral harmony in all. Gino Cappelletti (born 1934). They are kama, artha, dharma and moksha. Ron Burton (1936-2003). Another major aspect of Hindu dharma that is common to practically all Hindus is that of purushartha, the "four goals of life". Drew Bledsoe. The Upanishads are also important as a philosophical foundation for this rational spiritualism. Houston Antwine (born 1939).

These are described in the two principal texts of Hindu Yoga: The Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras. Julius Adams. Hinduism is practiced through a variety of Yogas (spiritual practices), primarily bhakti (loving devotion), Karma Yoga (selfless service), Raja Yoga (meditational Yoga) and Jnana Yoga (Yoga of discrimination, pronounced Nyāna). 89 Bob Dee. It is not uncommon for some to meld both in an amalgam marker signifying Hari-Hara (Vishnu-Shiva indissoluble). 79 Jim Lee Hunt. Men, too, will bear on their foreheads the equivalent tika or tilak mark, usually on religious occasions, its shape often representing particular devotion to a certain main deity: a 'U' shape stands for Vishnu, a group of three horizontal lines for Shiva. 78 Bruce Armstrong.

Hindus across the board stress meditative insight, an intuition beyond the mind and body, a trait that is often associated with the ascetic god Shiva. 73 John Hannah. It is sometimes also said to symbolize the need to cultivate supramental consciousness, which is achieved by opening the mystic "third eye.". 57 Steve Nelson. An example of the pervasiveness of this paramount truth-seeking spirituality in daily life is the laltika (or bindi) (seen left), which is a religious symbol denoting marriage. 56 Andre Tippett. Still more fundamental principles include ahimsa (non-violence), the primacy of the Guru, the Divine Word of OM and the power of mantras, love of Truth in many manifestations as Gods and Goddesses, and an understanding that the essential spark of the Divine (Atman/Brahman) is in every human and living being, thus allowing for many spiritual paths leading to the One Unitary Truth. 40 Mike Haynes.

What can be said to be common to all Hindus is belief in Dharma, reincarnation, karma, and moksha (liberation) of every soul through a variety of moral, action-based, and meditative yogas. 20 Gino Cappelletti. This inherent faith, therefore, is also known as Arya/Noble Dharma, Veda/Knowledge Dharma, Yoga/Union Dharma, Hindu Dharma or, simply, the Dharma. Lonie Paxton. Indeed, all existence, from vegetation and beasts to mankind, are subjects and objects of the eternal Dharma. Adam Vinatieri. Truth sought with faith shall yield itself in blissful luminescence no matter the race or creed professed. Richard Seymour.

Religion to the Hindu is the native search for the divine within the Self, the search to find the One truth that in actuality never was lost. Rodney Harrison. But this consciousness is not merely that of the body or mind and intellect, but of a supramental soul-state that exists within and beyond our existence, the unsullied Self of all. David Givens. According to Hindus, it speaks to the idea that certain spiritual principles hold eternally true, transcending man-made constructs, representing a pure science of consciousness. Corey Dillon. "The Eternal Way" (in Sanskrit सनातन धर्म, Sanātana Dharma), or the "Perennial Philosophy/Harmony/Faith", is the one name that has represented Hinduism for many thousands of years. Tedy Bruschi.

The great debate between followers among the major Hindu philosophical school, Vedanta, from followers of Shankaracharya's Advaita philosophy on one hand and the strict theistic schools such as Ramanuja and Madhva on the other, focused on the true nature of Brahman, on whether Brahman was essentially attributeless or with attributes, i.e., a personal Supreme Being. Tim Dwight. See Schools of Hinduism. Deion Branch. Many streams of thought flow from the six Vedic/Hindu schools, Bhakti sects and Tantra Agamic schools into the one ocean of Hinduism, the first of the Dharma religions. Josh Miller. Hinduism rests on the spiritual bedrock of the Vedas, hence Veda Dharma, and their mystic issue, the Upanishads, as well as the teachings of many great Hindu gurus through the ages. Bethel Johnson.

For example, a well-known Rig Vedic hymn stemming from Hinduism states that "Truth is One, though the sages know it variously." This is in contrast with some beliefs of other religious traditions, where one must believe in God being one aspect and to totally reject or disdain other beliefs. Asante Samuel. The Vedas are revered in Hinduism, regardless of denomination. Randall Gay. Even a Vedic verse illustrates this theme of tolerance. Eugene Wilson. I alone am the enjoyer of all sacrificial services (Seva, Yajna) and Lord of the universe" (Gita: 9:23). Ted Johnson.

Another quote in the Gita states: "O Arjuna, even those devotees who worship other lesser deities (e.g., Devas, for example) with faith, they also worship Me, but in an improper way because I am the Supreme Being. Mike Vrabel. However, their wishes are only granted by Me" (Gita: 7:21-22). Willie McGinest. Few views illustrate this view of tolerance: Krishna said: "Whatever deity or form a devotee worships, I make his faith steady. Vince Wilfork. However, even Vaisnavites, like other Hindus, have tolerance for other beliefs because Lord Krishna, avatar of Vishnu, said so in the Gita. Chad Brown.

Similarly, many Shaivites also hold similar beliefs, as illustrated at at this link (http://www.sroutasaivasiddhanta.org/2-1.htm) and at this link (http://www.sroutasaivasiddhanta.org/2-11.htm). Ty Warren. , this link (http://sriranganatha.tripod.com/id63.html) and this link (http://www.gopala.org/index.php/2005/05/30/shiva_the_auspicious_one). Kevin Faulk. See for example, this link (http://www.dvaita.org/docs/srv_faq.html#hell). Daniel Graham. Accordingly, many Vaishnavites, for example, believe that only Vishnu can grant the ultimate aim for mankind, moksha. Christian Fauria.

See for example, an illustration of the Vaishnavite view of Vishnu as the one true God, at this link (http://www.dvaita.org/docs/srv_faq.html#othergods). Matt Light. By contrast, a Vaishnavite considers Vishnu as the one true God, worthy of worship and other forms as subordinate. Brandon Gorin. It is the Smarta view that predominates the view of Hinduism in the West. Stephen Neal. Only a Smartist would have no problem worshiping Shiva or Vishnu together as he views the different aspects of God as leading to the same One God. Russ Hochstein.

Other aspects of God are in fact aspects of Vishnu or Shiva; see Smartism for more information. Dan Koppen. The two primary form of differences are between the two monotheistic religions of Vaishnavism which conceives God as Vishnu and Shaivism, which conceives God as Shiva. Patrick Pass. Just as Jews, Christians, and Muslims all believe in one God but differ in their conceptions of Him, Hindus all believe in one God but differ in their conceptions. Doug Flutie. Contemporary Hinduism is now divided into four major divisions, Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. Tom Brady.

Additionally, like Judæo-Christian-Islamic religions which believe in angels, Hindus also believe in less powerful entities, such as devas. Mike Haynes. Other denominations of Hinduism, as described later, don't hold this belief strictly and more closely adhere to a Western perception of what a monotheistic faith is. John Hannah. After all, Swami Vivekananda, a follower of Ramakrishna, along with many others, who brought Hindu beliefs to the West, were all Smarta in belief. Nick Buoniconti. Smartism is the only branch of Hinduism that adopts these ideas strictly.

It is this Smarta view that dominates the view of Hinduism in the West. Some of the Hindu aspects of God include Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Siva. Hindu monists see one unity, with the personal Gods, different aspects of only One Supreme Being, like a single beam of light separated into colours by a prism, and are valid to worship. Hinduism has often been confused to be polytheistic as many of Hinduism's adherents, i.e., Smartas, followers of Smartism, one denonmination of Hinduism, who follow Advaita philsophy, are monists, and view multiple manifestations of the one God or source of being.

In Hinduism views are broad and range from monism, dualism, pantheism, panentheism, alternatively called monistic theism by some scholars, and strict monotheism, but are not polytheistic as outsiders perceive the religion to be. The ten avatars of Vishnu are The Fish (Matsya), The Tortoise (Kurma), The Boar (Varaha), The Man-Lion (Narasimha), The Dwarf (Vamana), Rama with the Axe (Parashurama), Rama (Ramayana), the Prince of Ayodhya, Krishna (Mahabharata), Buddha, and Kalkin. The most popular avatars in the Hindu religion are the avatars of Vishnu. This is comprised of Brahma (the Creator of worlds), Vishnu (the Preserver of worlds) and Shiva (the Destroyer of worlds).

Contemporary Hinduism, specifically, Smartism, is most widely accepted to consist of a Holy Trinity. Hindus believe that everything in the world is part of the universal spirit, and therefore everything needs to be respected, preserved and protected. Another major concept is the concept of Ahimsa, which means "non-violence." Through this concept, strict movements of vegetarianism and tolerance grew. Although Hinduism is very diverse, one of the possible things that unites all hindus is the quest for enlightenment and to free oneself from the cycle of rebirth.

One of the most prominent Hindu monists is the saint Ramakrishna, whose preferred form of God is Devi and who reiterated traditional Hindu beliefs that aver devotees can invoke God in whatever form a devotee prefers (termed Ishta Devata, i.e., the preferred form of God) and ask for God's grace in order to attain Moksha, the end of the cycle of rebirth and death. Some of the Hindu aspects of God include Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Shiva. Hindu monists, i.e., Smartas, who follow Advaita philsosophy, see one unity, with the personal Gods, different aspects of only One Supreme Being, like a single beam of light separated into colours by a prism, and are valid to worship. In general, Hindu views are broad and range from monism, dualism, qualified non-dualism, pantheism, panentheism (alternatively called monistic theism by some scholars), strict monotheism, polytheism, and atheism.

To the Hindu, this idea has been an active force in defining the 'Eternal Dharma.'[1] (http://www.ramakrishna.org/message14.htm) It has been for Hinduism what the infinite Divine Self of Advaita is to existence, remaining forever unchanged and self-luminous, central and pervasive, in spite of all the chaos and flux around it. Thus, Hindu thought distinguishes itself by strongly encouraging tolerance for different beliefs since temporal systems cannot claim sole understanding of the one transcendental Truth. Essentially, any kind of spiritual practice followed with faith, love and persistence will lead to the same ultimate state of self-realization. Perhaps the Hindu spirit of unity in diversity is best captured in a line from the ancient Rig Veda:.

In the US alone, 3 million people follow some form of Hinduism. It has its origin in the ancient Indo-Aryan Vedic culture and is called by Time Almanac "the oldest religion." It is the third largest religion with approximately 940 million followers worldwide, 96 percent of whom live in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism (सनातन धर्म; commonly called Sanātana Dharma, roughly translated as "Perennial Faith") is characterized by a diverse array of belief systems, practices and scriptures. This article is about the Hindu religion; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation)..

"Hinduism" on Microsoft Encarta Online (http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555715/Hinduism.html). Britannica Concise Encyclopedia (http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article?eu=402241). Rigveda. ISBN 0-7011-2225-0.

Chatto & Windus, London. Hinduism: A Religion to Live By. 1979. Chaudhuri, Nirad C.

Trinidad and Tobago (250,000). Guyana (270,000). Fiji (300,000). Canada (320,000).

Kenya (330,000). Bhutan (560,000). Mauritius (600,000). Russia (700,000).

the United Kingdom (1 million). South Africa (1.1 million). the United States (1.5 million). Malaysia (1.5 million).

Philippines (1.8 million). Sri Lanka (3 million). Pakistan (3.3 million). Indonesia (4.3 million).

Bangladesh (14.4 million). Nepal (22.5 million). So even the Supreme Court of India, also adopted a Smarta viewpoint. It is noteworthy that point #6, of the legal definition of Hinduism, again reflects a Smarta definition of Hinduism, or its influence, rather the viewpoints of other denominations of Hinduism, which are exclusive monotheistic faiths.

Realization of the truth that numbers of Gods to be worshiped may be large, yet there are Hindus who do not believe in the worshiping of idols. Recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are many. Acceptance by all systems of Hindu philosophy of the belief in rebirth and pre-existence. Acceptance of great world rhythm — vast periods of creation, maintenance and dissolution follow each other in endless succession — by all six systems of Hindu philosophy.

Spirit of tolerance and willingness to understand and appreciate the opponent's point of view based on the realization that truth is many-sided. Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence as the highest authority in religious and philosophic matters and acceptance with reverence of Vedas by Hindu thinkers and philosophers as the sole foundation of Hindu philosophy.