The 5 Constant & Daily Duties of a Hindu

1. The 5 Constant & Daily Duties of a Hindu

2. The 5 Constant Duties Throughout life a Hindu must practice five constant duties (pañcha nitya karmas). These are the minimal practices which guide a person in everyday life and ensure peace, material and spiritual prosperity. • Dharma (righteousness) • Tirthayatra (pilgrimage) • Utsava (holy days) • Samskaras (sacraments) • Sarva Brahma (God is in all)

3. Dharma (Righteousness) • Live a virtuous life in accordance with the teachings of the scriptures. Cultivate virtues of purity, self-control, detachment, thinking of others first, truth and ahimsã. Be respectful of parents, teachers, and elders. • Dharma also means performing all duties associated with one's normal profession, and individual and social obligations. Work must be performed purely for its own sake and not merely for reward. • "Fix thy heart upon thy work, but not on its reward. Work not for a reward; but never cease to do thy work." (Bhagavad Gîtã 2.47)

4. Tirthayatra (pilgrimage) • Regularly visit holy people, temples, and sacred pilgrimage sites. • Pilgrimage is an important aspect of Hinduism. It is an undertaking to see and be seen by the deity. • The River Ganges is the holiest river for Hindus, it is life, purity and a goddess to the people of India. The sacred water washes sins away.

5. Utsava (Holy Days) • Participate in festivals and holy days in the home and temple. Observe fasts on holy days. This practice inculcates God-consciousness, refreshes the mind and creates a sense of togetherness in the family and the community. • Diwali is the Indian festival of light, it is dedicated to Lakshmi the goddess of wealth. It is the Hindu new year.

6. Samskaras (Sacraments) • Perform various Samskãras in accordance with the scriptures. • Samskãras are the religious ceremonies which mark and sanctify an individual's passage through life. • They purify the mind by inculcating truthfulness in the mind, and purity and generosity in the heart. • There are 16 main Samskãras. These range from conception to funeral ceremonies.

7. Sarva Brahma (God is in all) • God lives in the hearts of all beings. Practice this truth, realize it and be free.

8. The 5 Daily Duties In addition to the 5 constant duties, a devout Hindu is to perform five daily duties (pañcha mahã yagñas). These also help guide a person in everyday life and ensure peace, material and spiritual prosperity. • Worship God (Deva Yagna) • Study the Vedas & scriptures (Brahma Yagna) • Contemplate on teachings of holy men (Pitri Yagna) • Provide alms (Bhuta Yagni) • Show hospitality (Nara Yagna)

9. Worship God (Deva Yagna) • Worship God in the form of a family deity • In the home shrine through prayers and meditations. • Helps one to become God-conscious in all daily activities. • Arouses a sense of togetherness in the family, since the family members worship together and participate in the rituals, chants, singing, and study of scriptures.

10. Study the Vedas & Scriptures • This practice refreshes one's mind with sacred knowledge • Helps to preserve and enrich such knowledge.

11. Contemplate on the teachings of sages & holy people (Pitri Yagna) • This practice is intended to serve as a reminder to preserve, enrich and continue one's cultural heritage and family values.

12. Provide Alms (Butri Yagna) • Provide food for those who are in need (Bhuta Yagña). This practice is intended to create the spirit of sharing with others.

13. Show Hospitality (Nara Yagna) • Serve guests with love, respect, and reverence. • This practice is the basis for the traditional hospitality of Hindu households.