On many occasions, I have been asked by non-Hindus, about the essence of Hindu Dharma. Like many of us, I have struggled in the brief moments to try to achieve the balance between barely skimming the surface and diving too deep into the gold mine which is Hindu Dharma. A few years ago, I came across the remains of an old pamphlet in our temple bookshelf in Peoria IL, which was tattered, describing the 5 Ps of Hindu Dharma. On further ruminating, I added some more Ps and rephrased the original material. Unfortunately, I do not remember who had published the original booklet and cannot give due credit to the author who planted the seed in my mind.
Please note that this is the outline of an elevator speech, so please forgive me if some key concepts are missing. Once the elevator interaction progresses to friendship and further discussion over lunch, dinner, or liquid imbibements, you are free to pontificate based on your knowledge.
Here are my 8Ps of Hinduism:
,P,arameshwar: One God. Hindus believe in one God who is worshipped in many forms. There is the freedom to choose a physical form (statue, object, drawing, plant, or animal), or no form based on your preference.
,P,rarthana: Prayer. Vocal or silent prayer which is the communion of Hindus with the Divinity.
,P,unarjanma: Rebirth cycle. Pleasant or unpleasant life experiences in the current life are based on the good/bad acts in the previous birth. This serves as an all-encompassing Divine justice system, with no ‘get out of jail Free- card’. This can be expounded with details on the karma concept, punishment mitigating actions, as and when time permits.
,P,ranidaya: Ahimsa – Non-injury to all life forms in thoughts or deeds.
,P,lurality: Acceptance of validity of multiple paths to the divine. Hindus have no issues with other religions and do not try to actively proselyte.
,P,urusharthas: Goals of life. Pursuing security of life (Artha – money, shelter, food, etc) and enjoyment (Kama– sensuous pleasure), but under ethical guidance (Dharma – righteous living) to seek liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Moksha).
,P,athways to liberation (Moksha): Surrendering to God (Bhakti Yoga), selfless action (Karma
Yoga), gaining scriptural knowledge (Dnyana Yoga), connecting with the divine self (Raj Yoga- ashtanga yoga for some).
,P,ustakalaya: Hindus are people of the library and have multiple scriptures to guide us (some transcribed by seers and some authored by spiritually advanced humans). Many consider Bhagwad Gita as a convenient handbook for initial study.
An additional P can be added which is ,P,rerana from Bharat, acknowledging India as the fountainhead of this profound philosophy.
I hope these Ps act as pointers that will lead to an in-depth discussion and sharing thereby enabling greater understanding and friendship.