...wherever and whenever the mind wanders, due to its flickering and unsteady nature, we must bring it back under the control of the Self
...the mind is indeed very difficult to restrain. But by practice and detachment, it can be controlled.
These pages were developed in conversation with representatives of different faith traditions in the UK. They are not reflective of all beliefs held by adherents of these faiths. Groupings and denominations within faith traditions are incredibly diverse and varied, and these pages do not comprehensively address the spectrum of views and positions held within each faith community.
These pages are focused on how adherents to different faiths may understand life challenges and access pastoral support structures. Their focus is therefore on public, rather than private, worship practices, and they do not give a comprehensive overview of beliefs or worship practices across different faith traditions.
Snapshot
The following content is intended to offer information on when, where and how Hindus might access community-based support. It should not be treated as guidance on how to engage with the Hindu community.
How is life, suffering, and death understood within the Hindu faith?
Life...
- is part of samsara, the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
- is determined by karma (actions, deeds) from previous lives.
- has a four-fold purpose: pursuing dharma (ethical duties), artha (success and security), kama (pleasures), and moksha (spiritual freedom from samsara).
- is repeated via reincarnation until moksha is achieved.
Suffering...
- is a part of the unfolding of karma and is the consequence of actions in current or past lives.
- can be positive if it leads to progress on a spiritual path.
- should be met with compassion and kindness.
- can be accepted as a consequence of one’s actions, and satisfies debt incurred for past actions.
Death...
- is when the physical body dies, but the soul (Atman) continues until it settles upon its true nature.
- can be seen as moving closer to Brahman, the ultimate reality or God.
Support
The following content is intended to offer information on when, where and how Hindus might access community-based support. It should not be treated as guidance on how to engage with the Hindu community.
When do Hindus gather / connect?
There are no set times for Hindus to visit the mandir (temple). Some devout Hindus may visit daily, in the morning or evening, as part of their daily worship (puja); others may more commonly visit during festivals, or not at all.
Typically, Hindus will have an altar or shrine in their home, and worship may take place individually, or as a family, often in the morning.
There are many festivals and special times which draw together Hindu families and communities. There are some large community celebrations such as those for Divali and Navaratri (mid-Autumn), Shivaratri (late Winter/early spring), Holi (early Spring), and Raksha Bandan (late Summer).
Hindus may also attend the mandir for spiritual gatherings or classes (satsangs) and devotional singing (bhajans). They also may engage in different forms of community service (sewa) including volunteering at the mandir and community outreach.
Where do Hindus gather / connect?
Mandirs range from large, purpose-built temples built in the traditional style, to existing buildings that have been adapted and repurposed. They are often large gathering spaces, facilitating worship as well as a range of cultural and educational activities.
For most, worship is a private thing and there is an emphasis on worship in the home. Lots of homes will have a room set aside where puja can be performed.
Throughout the UK, there are about 135 mandirs conducting regular worship. These mandirs will represent different cultural and linguistic traditions within Hinduism, and services may be offered in languages such as Gujurati, Tamil or Bengali. People will often choose which mandir to attend based on proximity, culture and language.
If a Hindu wanted to access faith-based wellbeing support, how and where might they do this?
Hindus may access mandirs for wellbeing as places of education, learning and cultural activity, including art, music and literature, broader wellbeing programmes and physical activities such as yoga.
Mandirs have priests who are responsible for conducting worship. These priests may offer guidance, counselling and welcome for visitors and will often be sought for advice from individuals and families seeking to understand challenges they may be facing.
Regular spiritual discourses are held at mandirs through which devotees learn about Hindu beliefs, values and practices. Discourses are often delivered by key leadership figures, who are highly respected and trusted; advice may be sought in the context of these discussions.