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18. Hindu Practices
The time-honored Saṃskrta word Saṃskāra (Samskar or Sanskar) has a number of different meanings such as making perfect, refining, polishing, training, cultivation, molding, etc. All these meanings point in the direction of betterment. A saṃskāra takes a living being or even an inanimate object to a higher state of existence.
The etymology of this word in Samskrta is–Samyak kriyate anena karmanā, iti Saṃskārah – सम्यक् क्रियते अनेन कर्मणा इति संस्कारः (The ceremony which imparts the quality of appropriateness is a Saṃskāra). Saṃskāras make lasting impressions and channel our thoughts and actions in the direction of refinement.
Samskara is an vedic ritual that literally implies making someone eligible for doing something that he/she isnt before the samskara. For example: Annaprasana makes the child ready to start eating rice/solid food graduating from living off its mother’s milk. Similarly, Upanayan samskara makes the person eligible for learning vedas.
The closest English word to “saṃskāra” is “sacrament”, thought the English word has many limitations.
Source: The book Vivāha Saṃ̣skāra: The Hindu Wedding Ceremony.
Other reading material:
Relevant videos:
Contributor: Dilip Amin
URL of this page (18h): hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-samskara-or-sacrament-in-hinduism/
Category:
18. Hindu Practices
19. Hindu Life
Hindu daily rituals include Pancha Karma (5 coveted aspects):
- Taking shower (ablution)
- Meditate (controlled breathing, mantra chanting)
- Tarpan (offering to God, guru, ancestors): Could include water, food, lamp-lighting, incense, creating a pious environment
- Yoga: Establishing connection between mind, body, and higher learning
- Contemplation (focused deliberation, self-reflection)
The 7 days of the week are dedicated to invoking various virtues via worshipping energy sources (manifestation of Shiva for cosmic & inner balance, manifestation of Lakshmi for expansive prosperity via pious means, manifestation of Sun for vital energy, etc).
Other reading material: Atharva Veda
Relevant videos:
Contributor: Soma Chatterjee
Location of this post (19a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/are-there-hindus-daily-and-weekly-rituals/
Category:
19. Hindu Life