Posted by Bansi Pandit on April 22, 1998 at 17:39:01:
In Reply to: need information posted by KATE on April 20, 1998 at 18:10:12:
: I am doing a project on the 5 major world religions. i need some information from someone who is hindu. can someone please explainto me how a typical day is for a hindu, and how does one worship. can someone please narate a typica hindu church service. do you sing, or pray; is a lesson taught>? can you please let me know as soon as possible.
: kate
Response
A devote Hindu gets up early in the morning. After the morning bath and before eating or drinking anything, he (or she) worships the family deity for a time that may vary from minutes to hours, depending upon the individual and his (or her ) commitment to God. The worship may include recitation from the scriptures, singing of devotional songs, recitation of mantras, yoga and/or meditation. After this early morning routine, the individual would attend to his regular individual and social duties and responsibilities, just like any other normal human being would. In the evening also and before going to bed, a devote Hindu worships the family deity for a time that varies with the individual. Daily worship of God is a part and parcel of Hindu life. On weekends and special holy days and festivals, a Hindu visits a local temple and performs his or her worship there. A typical Hindu temple service includes offering prayers to the deities, performing various religious sacraments with the help of the temple priest, who guides the devotee in performing sacraments and worship (popularly called Puja) in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down in the scriptures. The temple service also includes singing, religious discourses, oblations to the sacred fire (yajna), yoga, meditation, cultural activities, community service activities, and religious education for children and youth.
Bansi Pandit.