Invitation to World Religions

142  CHAPTER 4  Hinduism

use specific mantras especially suited to them. For example, the most important mantra for Vaishnavas is Om Namo Narayanaya , which means “obeisance to Narayana” (another name for Vishnu). For Vaishnavas, this mantra articulates the relationship between God and the devotee while also asserting the unity of Vishnu. Reciting and contemplating the mantra is an act of devotion that brings the devotee closer to Vishnu. Sacrifice  Fire sacrifice has been an essential component of Hinduism since the Vedic period. Sacrifice usually involves building an altar, kindling a fire, feeding it with ghee, and casting offerings (milk, cereals, fruits, flowers, etc.) into the fire while chanting mantras. Although fire sacrifice is usually performed by a brahmin priest, these rites can be performed by any married upper-caste man. A fire sacrifice is a crucial component of life-cycle and temple rituals. Although sacrifice has persisted as an important feature of Hindu worship through the centuries, perspectives on the relevance and meaning of sacrifice have varied. In the Vedic period, sacrifice was seen as essential to maintaining cosmic order. This is the reason that one of the most important Vedic myths describes the universe as being born from the sacrifice of the cosmic man. The Upanishads, how- ever, tend to diminish the relevance of sacrifice as an effective means of liberation from samsara. These texts argue that the true sacrifice takes place internally, with the breath itself fueling an inner sacrificial fire that awakens one to knowledge. The Bhagavad Gita follows in this line of interpretation, asserting that it is the surrender of the fruit of action that is the true meaning and purpose of sacrifice. In the earliest period, the sacrifice of animals was an important aspect of Hindu ritual. However, over time (and particularly under the influence of Jainism and Buddhism), animal sacrifice ceased to play a role in upper-caste sacrificial rituals. In such sacrifices, coconuts and pumpkins came to act as substitutes for the animals. Animal sacrifice continues to play a significant role in folk Hinduism. Rites of Passage Hindu rites of passage are intended to invoke blessings and divine favor during important times of transition. In addition, they help socialize individuals, assisting them as they move into new roles and stages of life. Some rites of passage occur very early in life. These include the naming ceremony of a child, typically held on the tenth or twelfth day after birth; a child’s first haircut, usually performed between the first and third years of life; and ear piercing, which is typically done for both boys and girls before age five. The following are also major rites of passage.

Initiation Rituals  Boys of the brahmin, kshatriya, and vaishya classes tradition- ally underwent initiation by means of the upanayana , or sacred thread ceremony. Today, it is performed almost exclusively for brahmin boys at about the age of PROPERTY OF OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS