WHAT IS HINDUISM?

Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion comprised of thousands of different religious groups, beliefs, cultural ideas and philosophies that have evolved in India. This diversity of beliefs have led to Hindu traditions that incorporate freedom of belief and practice.

Reference: www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm

What sets Hinduism apart from other religions?

Hinduism is different from other religions in that the origin of Hinduism is not linked to any one founder, nor does it have only one holy book.

Hinduism is said to be more cultural, a way of life, with worship toward one Supreme Being of multiple deities.

Hinduism has four main denominations, each with hundreds of lineages that represent diverse beliefs:

• Saivism
• Shaktism 
• Vaisbnavism
• Smartism

Reference: (Hinduism Today; Jan-Mar2007, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p17-23)

What are the three pillars of Hinduism?

• Temple Worship
• Scripture
• The Guru-Disciple Tradition

 Reference: (Hinduism Today; Jan-Mar2007, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p17-23)

Common beliefs within Hinduism are:

• The belief in reincarnation
• One absolute being of multiple manifestations
• The law of cause and effect (karma)
• Following the path of righteousness
• The desire for liberation from the cycle of births and deaths

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

Predominant themes include:

• Dharma (ethics and duties)
• Samsara (rebirth)
• Karma (right action)
• Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara)

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

What are the Major Hindu Deities?

Hinduism believes in one “Supreme Absolute” called "Brahman” but does not advocate the worship of any one particular deity! There are thousands of gods and goddesses that represent the many aspects of Brahman.  

The literature references that while there are thousands, the most fundamental of Hindu deities are the:

• Trinity of Brahma
• Vishnu   
• Shiva

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

Inside one of the temples dedicated to one of their many Gods and Goddesses

The Navagraha Temple at the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center



A food offering to one of the many Gods and Goddesses, thanking them for everything they have done



Representation of two of the different Gods and Goddesses that Hinduism recognizes

Where is Hinduism Practiced?

The literature references India to be the most prevalent population of Hindus with roughly 80% of the population practicing Hinduism. Most Hindus are referenced in the literature as living in South Asia.

According to the "Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches," there were about 1.1 million Hindus in the U.S. during 1999.

This number seems to have increased only slightly according to www.religioustolerance.org, which estimates roughly 1.5 million Hindus in the U.S. in mid-2010.

What are The Sacred Texts of Hinduism?

The primary sacred texts are called Vedas, to which there are four:

• The Rig Veda – “Royal Knowledge” (the oldest of the four Vedas)
• Sama Veda – “Knowledge of Chants”
• Yajur Veda – “Knowledge of Sacrificial Rituals”      
• Atharva Veda – “Knowledge of Incarnations”

The Vedas include ancient rituals, hymns, and incantations from India and discusses multiple deities, the universe, and creation.

Reference: www.sacred-texts.com/hin/

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/hinduism101/a/scriptures.htm

What do Hindus Call Themselves? 
Hinduism is actually what western culture has called the religion. Hindus actually call it Sanatana Dharma, which means “eternal virtue or eternal religion.”

Reference: http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/hinduism/HTERMS.HTM

OUR IMMERSION EXPERIENCE

To begin our immersion into Indian/Hindu culture, we decided to try out one of the many Indian eateries in Austin and headed to Hot Breads Bakery and Cafe, a dining establishment unique among other Indian restaurants in the city in that it also includes a bakery, which makes Indian meat-filled pastries such as samosas, along with other baked goods.  All of the other people in the restaurant – whether they were employees or patrons – appeared to be of South Asian descent, which we took to mean that the cuisine was probably authentic.

            We dove in and tried a variety of dishes, including chicken tandoori, puri, idli vada, chicken dosa, and mango lassi.  Many of the items had an earthy, nutty quality to them with accents of varying bold spices including cumin, chili pepper, saffron, and coriander.   While we were there, we discussed what cultural event we would attend for the project.  We decided on the annual Holi festival on March 19 at the Austin Hindu Temple.

Our group trying some different Indian food at Hot Breads

Tandoori Chicken-A dish we tried at Hot Breads

Another dish we tried at Hot Breads

Holi Festival

            It was a bright, warm day when we arrived at the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center, located among the fields and winding roads on the outskirts of town.  The out-of-the-way location did not keep the crowds away.  A man stood in the dusty parking lot, directing drivers. The lot filled quickly.  At first, we were among the only non-Indians there, although others arrived later.  Indians of all ages – from very young to elderly – gathered for this festival.  Many, particularly the women, were dressed in traditional garb, such as brightly colored saris.  This was appropriate, as we were told by a volunteer there, because Holi is “a festival celebrating colors.” This volunteer then put powdered paint of different bright colors on our faces.  Holi was originally a celebration of Spring and the hope for a bountiful harvest.  It remains a Spring festival full of joy and merriment.  In India, the castes are reversed for this one day and enemies forgive each other.  The throwing of paint on one another is considered to be an imitation of how the god Krishna would celebrate Spring with the gopis, which are wives and daughters of cowherds (Holi, 2011). 

            As we noticed that most everyone had removed our shoes, we did the same and then decided to explore the two temples that flanked the community center.  The first one we went to was the larger of the two.  We stood in the back and watched as people came through and performed what appeared to be a religious ritual: they rang a bell hanging from the ceiling by pulling a long string then bowed to pray before the statue of one of the gods at the front of the temple.  Some put money in a box near the statue and others left items, such as fruit (we noticed bananas set there) at the foot of the statue.  The other temple was smaller and it seemed like there was a study group being held there, as people were gathered on the floor around a person speaking. Out of respect, we did not enter.  We were told that the community was trying to raise money to build another temple on the land to house another god.  Within the community center, there were several statues of other gods enshrined along a walkway.  We were told that ideally each god would have its own temple but due to space constraints all were housed in the center.

            As we walked back toward the community center we saw a huge lineup of Indian food along the outside wall.  Inside we found people selling Indian garb and jewelery at a table, a woman painting henna tattoos, and children preparing for their various performances.  In the biggest room of the center, where the statues of the gods were kept, another ritual was underway.  There was a long line of people approaching the wall with the statues.  Near that wall were priests chanting around various objects on the floor, including food and a basket of money.  We gathered that these were more offerings for the gods that were being blessed and that the people in line were waiting to give their offerings and/or be blessed by the priests.  After this ended, the performances were held. 

            Several different groups of children – as well as a couple of kids performing solo – sang songs and danced for an audience sitting on the floor before them.  The kids ranged in age from about four or five to around eleven.  They sang traditional songs and did dances to modern as well as traditional Indian music.  Some highlights included the youngest performer, who looked to be about four, belting out a traditional Hindi song confidently in front of this large crowd of mainly adults, as well as two girls around age ten or eleven who wore matching outfits down to the bells on their heels and danced a fantastic traditional dance.  They performed very technical, detailed movements that required precision even in how they formed their hands.  They were so like a mirror image of each other, in how synchronized they were.  Even their eye movements were synchronized! It was very impressive.  

            Unfortunately, due to the fact that the festival was running a little behind and that we had to leave, we did miss the actual throwing of paint on one another.  We felt, however, that this experience did allow for us to have a very interesting immersion experience into the Hindu culture.  What we noticed right away is a real sense of community.  Everyone was friendly not only to each other but also to us.  They were very welcoming, open, and helpful in answering our questions.  We were able to easily talk to people and get a sense of not only the festival itself, but of the Austin Hindu community as well.  We enjoyed our time observing this slice of the Hindu community's rich cultural heritage.  It was indeed a joyous occasion that we may not have experienced had it not been for this project.

References

Holi. (2011). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from            http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/269228/Holi

Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center where we went to the Holi Festival

Margaret, Anna, and Liz painted on with the many colors of the Holi Festival

One of the two Temples at the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center

Different God's and Goddesses represented at the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center

This is a video of three young girls performing a traditional Hindu dance at the Austin HIndu Temple and Community Center during the Holi Festival

AUSTIN, TEXAS AND THE HINDU CULTURE

Austin, Texas has a fairly large Hindu population, drawing more than 8,000 devotees to its religious festivals each year.  Austin has several Hindu temples, including Barsana Dham, which is one of the most largest and ornate Hindu temples in the United States. 

The following are a list of Hindu Temples and their descriptions:

Barsana Dham

400 Barsana Rd.

Austin, TX 78737

Barsan Dham is a non-profit center and temple in Austin that offers educational programs to teach people about Hinduism and India.  It also provides community settings for traditional Hindu weddings and other family and cultural activities.  Many Hindu festivals are also held at this temple along with

http://www.barsanadham.org/about-quick_facts.html

Austin Hindu Temple

9801 Decker Lake Rd.

Austin, TX 78724

The goal of Austin Hindu Temple is to promote and practice ideals of Hinduism and Hindu Religion through Worship, Education and Teaching.  Austin Hindu Temple also provides a summer camp for young boys and girls that provide educational and enjoyable activities.  Weekly services are held along with other priestly services provided by a fee.

http://www.austinhindutemple.org/

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Austin

2509 W. New Hope Dr.

Cedar Park, TX 78613

The Sai Austin Temple in Cedar Park, Texas promotes global harmony through prayers, feeding the hungry, and service to others. Sai Baba's teachings advocate feeding the poor, helping others, and selfless giving for personal spiritual growth. The Temple is open to all people from all backgrounds and faiths.  This temple also takes part in helping the homeless in Austin by making 700 sandwiches a week which are distributed downtown.

http://www.saiaustin.org/

Brahma Kumaris

1823C River Crossing Circle

Austin, TX 78741

This center located in Austin is part of The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization (BKWSO).  The BKSWO is a non-profit organization where followers of Hindu are able to be led through different types of meditations to increase their spiritual awareness.

Chinmaya Mission Austin

8650 Country Road 100

Round Rock, TX 78680

The purpose of Chinmaya Mission is to provide to individuals, from any background, the wisdom of Vedanta and practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to the society.  Spiritual and cultural orientations are provided for children and young adults.  These orientations teach children the ancient cultures of Hinduism and India along with providing them tools to develop their individuality.

http://www.chinmayaaustin.org/

Resources in the Community:
Since there is such a large Indian and Hindu population in the Central Texas area, there are also several community outreach opportunities for persons who practice Hinduism and people with Indian heritage.  Websites can also be great ways for people who practice Hinduism to find resources in the Austin community.

Indian Community Center of Austin, Texas

Provides a range of resources for the Indian community in central Texas.  Some of the information that is provided are information about Indian grocery stores, language classes, and restaurants.  Events are also held at the ICC which provide a place for the Indian community to come together and provide a support system for one another.

http://www.iccaustin.org/index.html

Asian American Cultural Center

11713 Jollyville Road

Austin, TX 78759

The Asian American Cultural Center provides a wide range of resources for the Asian community in the Austin area.  There are classes for the Indian population which include language, cooking, and art and culture.  After school classes are also provided for children along with pre-school and language classes.

Austin Indian Community Website

Austin Indian Community Portal for Indians living in and around Austin, TX. Austin, TX Indian provides you complete information on Indian Restaurants, Indian Grocery Stores, Indian Events, Indian Classifieds, Indian Roommates, Movies from India and a lot of other topics of relevance to Austin, TX Desi Indian Community.

www.austinindian.com/

Kannada Koota Austin

This is a website designed to link the Indian community in Austin with Indian businesses, restaurants, and resources specifically designed for this population.  A list of Hindu temples in also provided.  This website also gives information on how to contact immigration attorneys.
http://www.kannadakoota.com/allKannadakoota/kkAustin.html


Saheli Austin

Support. Advocate. Heal. Empower. Listen. Inform. SAHELI is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, that provides assistance to Asian families dealing with domestic violence and abuse.  SAHELI helps and empowers Asian victims and survivors of domestic abuse, improves their access to services and increases community awareness of various forms of violence and oppression.  There are many obstacles that these women could face when seeking mainstream abuse services, including language barriers, lack of family and friends in the United States, and religious and cultural beliefs that are different from the majority.

http://www.saheli-austin.org/index.html

Entertainment:

For Indian music lovers there is also the Indian Classical Music Circle of Austin (ICMCA).  The ICMCA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1975 to bring about Indian music in culture to Central Texas. Many concerts are held throughout the year, and attendance over the years exceeding 40,000 people. 

For persons who are wanting to learn how to sing and play traditional Indian music there are several opportunities for places for them to learn.  The Austin Asian Cultural Center provides many music classes and has the widest range of musical teachers to learn from. 

There are also Hindi movies shown in several theatres in Austin.  Most are shown in South Austin at the Tinseltown located on IH-35 North. Some movies include subtitles while others do not.  The Hindi movies referred to as Bollywood have become extremely popular in the last few years.  Bollywood is the largest film producer in India and one of the largest centers of film production in the world.

List of Indian Restaurants

Indian cuisine encompasses a variety of bold spices and flavors that make for a lively and unique dining experience. The Indian restaurants of Austin (unfortunately, we were unable to find any in San Marcos) embody that eclecticism. From Indian-East Asian and Indian-American fusion to authentic vegetarian, these dining establishments located throughout the Austin area give a sampling of the varying tastes of India.

Bombay Bistro                             Bombay Express

10710 Research Blvd.                  13000 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78759                            Austin, TX 78753

(512) 342-2252                               (512) 491-5055

Bombay Grill                                   Clay Pit

3201 Bee Caves Rd.                      1601 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78746                             Austin, TX 78701    

(512) 329-0234                                (512) 322-5131

Curry in Hurry                                 G'Raj Mahal

2121 W. Parmer Ln.                        91 Red River
Austin, TX 78727                             Austin, TX 78701

(512) 821-0000                                (512) 480-2255

Hot Breads Bakery & Cafe          India Kitchen

7318 McNeil Dr.                              2410 E. Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78729                             Austin, TX 78741

(512) 249-9109                                (512) 448-7773

Hot Breads-where we ate Indian food for our first time!

Indian Palace                                 Indian Spicy Kitchen

3616 Far West Blvd.                      500 Canyon Ridge Dr.
Austin, TX 78758                            Austin, TX 78753

(512) 241-1732                               (512) 828-6909

Madras Pavilion                             Masala Wok

9025 Research Blvd.                      1100 Center Ridge Dr.
Austin, TX 78758                             Austin, TX 78727

(512) 719-5575                                 (512) 251-9696

Some of the Indian Cuisine we tried as a group

New Indian Cuisine                       Sarovar

2304 S. Congress Ave.                  8440 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX 78704                             Austin, TX 78757

(512) 445-9727                                (512) 454-8638

Shalimar                                          Spicy Monsoon

9310 N. Lamar Blvd.                      13717 N. MoPac Expy.
Austin, TX 78753                             Austin, TX 78727

(512) 719-3700                                (513) 255-6060

More food we tried!

Star of India                                     Swad 

2900 W. Anderson Ln.                    9515 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78757                             Austin, TX 78753

(512) 452-8199                                (512) 997-7923

Taj Palace                                        Tandoori Bistro

6700 Middle Fiskville Rd.               1605 E. Oltorf
Austin, TX 78752                              Austin, TX 78741

(512) 452-9959                                 (512) 383-8210

Tandoori Hut                                   Tarka Indian Kitchen

13717 N. Mopac Expy.                    5207 Brodie Ln.
Austin, TX 78727                              Austin, TX 78745

(512) 238-0500                                 (512) 892-2008

Whip In

1950 S. IH 35
Austin, TX 78704

(512) 442-5337

COUNSELING CONSIDERATIONS

Possible Attitudes and Values of People from India

• Nonconfrontation or silence as a virtue
• Respect for older persons and the elderly
• Moderation in behaviors
• Devaluation of individualism
• Harmony between hierarchical roles
• Filial piety (respect for the parents and ancestors)
• Structured family roles and relationships
• Humility
• Obedience
• High regard for learning
• Modest about sexuality
• Not demonstrative with heterosexual affection
• Less need for dating
• Strong sense of duty to family
• Protect honor and face of family
• Marrying within versus outside ethnic group
• Importance attached to preserving the original religion

Cultural Factors Hindering Outside Support/Counseling in America

• Talking about personal, intimate problems with anyone other than a member of the family is typically prohibited or looked down upon.

• The myth of “model minority” that perpetuates the denial of mental health and emotional problems. (Ex. Alcoholism, domestic violence, etc.)

• Conflict between their values and that of Western values. Western-style counseling focuses on the development of the individual self as the essence of mental health, whereas Indian and Hindu cultures value family before “self-centered” interests.

Issues Relating to Mental Health Needs of Hindu Indians Specifically in America

• Minority status might lead to feelings of social isolation and heightened stress
• Target of negative stereotyping and social rejection
• Tension between mainstream American values and their ethnic cultural values
• Spouses who stay at home and have limited social contact with the outside world are at risk for becoming depressed, or have no avenues to seek help in cases like abuse
• A second-generation boy/girl who is restricted by traditional parents might begin to rebel
• Racial discrimination, especially in the work force

Counseling Considerations and Intervention Strategies

• The use of metaphor and storytelling to communicate underlying problems
• Supportive direct questioning combined with empathetic listening skills
• Involving all family members in the therapeutic dialogue
• Interventions should balance autonomy and interdependence
• Family unit can be a significant source of social support
• If all family members are involved in counseling, addressing the husband first communicates respect for the family unit and can create more rapport
• Direct eye contact with older family members may be perceived as disrespectful
• Tapping into spiritual strengths can help ameliorate problems and sends the message that their culture has relevance in addressing life challenges
• The use of Hindu meditation to improve various problems
• Using rituals such as puja that help re-enact the individual’s relationship with the Absolute and reinforcing the connection with the Divine can ease anxiety along with other mental health conditions
• Encouraging spiritual pursuit can foster motivation and enhanced purpose in life while reducing the scope of current problems
• Counselor awareness of Ayurvedic treatment that is used to overcome problems. Ayurvedic therapy aims at correcting imbalances and restoring equilibrium by replacing negative emotions with positive ones

All information was received from these two resources:

Das, A., & Kemp, S. (1997). Between two worlds: Counseling South Asian Americans. Journal of Multicultural Counseling & Development, 23-33.
Hodge, D. (2004). Working with Hindu clients in a spiritually sensitive manner. Social Work, 27-38.