Diversity in the Workplace

JUDAISM

History:

The personal relationship between God and the Hebrews was established through Abraham, who Jews believe was the first person to recognize and worship the one God. Moses united the Jews as a people when God brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was given

the Torah (Law or Teaching) by God on Mount Sinai. The Jewish people originated in what are now Israel and Egypt.

Main Countries:

The United States, Israel, Russia, Hungary and eastern Europe, with sizable communities in France, Great Britain, South America, South Africa and Canada.

Major branches:

Orthodox or traditional Jews follow most closely the law as set forth in the Torah, both written and oral teachings, believing that they are absolute, unchanging laws from God.
Conservative Jews approach the Torah with the belief that the laws from God are binding, but change and evolve over time.
Reform and Reconstructionist Jews distinguish between the ethical and moral teachings of the Torah, which they uphold, and the ritual laws, which they consider guidelines to personal behavior.
Chasidism began in Eastern Europe in the 18th century as a mystical movement, but eventually became absorbed with orthodoxy, replacing their mysticism with a meticulous following of the laws and intensive Torah study.

Depending on with which branch your Jewish employees are affiliated, they may have different observance requirements for dress, diet, prayer, time off, etc. For example, some Jewish employees may require Friday afternoons off, but others may not.

Tenets:

God exists, created the heavens and earth and all they contain, is one and unique, eternal, and to be worshipped solely.
Moses was the greatest of the prophets and was given the Torah and the Ten Commandments.
The Torah is the guide to righteous living and is to be studied.
Judaism is concerned with the relationship between the Jewish people and God, bound in covenant with each other.
Jews share a sense of community and responsibility to "repair the world."
Judaism is a way of life more than a set of specific beliefs.

The Orthodox and Conservative branches add that:

God continues to preside over his creation,
A messianic age of universal peace and justice will dawn, and
The dead will be resurrected after the coming of the Messiah.

Prayer/Practice:

Traditional Judaism prescribes an intricate set of rules and practices that affect every aspect of life. It provides guidelines for what to do when waking up in the morning, what to eat, what to wear, how to groom oneself, how to conduct business, whom to marry, how to observe holidays and the Sabbath, and how to relate to God, other people, and animals.

According to Orthodox Judaism, there are 613 commandments given by God in the Torah as well as laws later set up by the rabbis that have been declared binding.

Orthodox Jews pray in formal worship services three times a day every weekday, and additional times on the Sabbath and during holidays.

A minyan, a quorum of ten men (women are included in Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism) is required for public worship.

Prayer is a command. If possible, allow short intervals of time throughout the day for prayer. Also provide privacy and quiet during times of prayer if possible.

The Sabbath is perhaps the most important holy day in Judaism. It is observed scrupulously by Orthodox Jews and, in a less strict manner, by others. Work is prohibited on the Sabbath, which includes any action that is creative, or exercises control over the environment. This prohibits performing one's occupation and many subtle acts that affect daily life. Turning on electricity, driving, riding certain elevators, cooking on a stove, speaking on the phone, and turning on lights are all prohibited on the Sabbath, as are writing and carrying money. Since the Sabbath is viewed as a foretaste of the messianic era, it is intended as a day to be spent in prayer, study and peacefulness. Like all Jewish holidays, Sabbath begins the evening before, and is an occasion for a special meal and home ceremony.

Be sensitive to the Sabbath restrictions of the observant Jew. Observant Jews do not work between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday.

Diet:

Kashrut is the body of law dealing with what foods Jews can and cannot eat and how those foods must be prepared and eaten. Food is kosher if it meets these standards.

Kosher is not a style of cooking. For example, Chinese food can be kosher if prepared in accordance with Jewish law. Similarly, traditional Jewish foods can be non-kosher. The dietary laws are extensive, but to name a few:

Only animals that have cloven hooves and chew their cud may be eaten. Sheep, cattle and goats are kosher. Pig and camel are prohibited.
Any fish that has fins and scales may be eaten. All shellfish such as lobster, oysters, shrimp, clams, and crab are prohibited. Fish like tuna, carp, salmon and herring are permitted.
Birds of prey and scavengers are forbidden. Other birds are permitted such as chicken, geese, ducks and turkey.
Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law.
All blood must be drained from the meat or broiled out of it before it is eaten.
Meat and dairy are not eaten together.
The separation of meat and dairy includes the utensils, pots and pans in which foods are cooked and eaten. A kosher household will have at least two sets of pots, pans and dishes: one for meat and one for dairy.

An encircled "K" marks pre-packaged foods with kosher certification, which requires the supervision of a rabbi during preparation.

When providing a meal for Jewish friends or colleagues, it is extremely important to find out whether they keep kosher.

There are several days on which an observant Jew fasts. They will, on these days, be able to partake of food only after sundown.

Dress/Modesty:

Many Jewish men wear a yarmulke or kepah, a skullcap symbolic of Jewish identity and a sign of respect to God.

While praying, observant Jewish men wear a tallit, prayer shawl with fringes on the four corners representing the 613 commandments.

Orthodox men, and particularly Chasidic Jews, may also wear clothes that cover the full body. Many Orthodox Jews wear head coverings and/or an undershirt with tassels all the time. Chasidic Jews, in addition, traditionally wear mostly black garments, and grow their facial hair in a distinctive fashion according to their interpretation of the law.

Most Orthodox women, and particularly Chasidim, also wear clothes that cover the full body. They may also wear wigs or kerchiefs to cover their hair.

Males may also use tifillin or phylacteries, which are small black boxes with leather straps that affix to the head and the hand, usually during their morning prayer. The boxes have passages from the Torah inside.

Unless it violates safety restriction or would cause more than minimal cost to your establishment, organizations may consider allowing Jewish employees to wear skullcaps, beards, hair coverings, and modest clothing in accordance with their religion.

Holidays:

The world's religions run according to different calendars that are based on either the lunar cycle, solar system, or both. Therefore, many holidays occur on different dates each year. For the exact dates, check out ProGroup's Honoring Differences� calendar at www.progroupinc.com.

Purim: A joyous holiday that celebrates the failing of a plot to destroy the Jews of ancient Persia. The holiday includes reading the Megillah (scroll of Esther), in which noisemakers are used. Jews are commanded to eat, drink, be merry, give gifts and give to charity. (Usually occurs in late February or early March.)

Pesach (Passover): A remembrance of the ancient Hebrews' oppression and slavery in Egypt and celebration of their deliverance to freedom. The story is told during a festive meal know as the Seder, read from a book known as the Haggadah. Special dietary practices include not eating leaven bread. (Usually occurs in late March or early to mid-April.)

Shavuot: The Festival of Weeks. Commemorates the time when the first crops were harvested and brought to the Temple, and also celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. (Usually occurs in May or June.)

Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year. Celebrates the creation of the world. A somber holiday - one of the holiest of the year - begins a ten-day period of introspection, looking back on the mistakes of the past year and planning changes to make in the new year. (Usually occurs mid-September to mid-October.)

Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement. It is considered the most important holy day of the Jewish year. It is a day to ask for forgiveness for the sins of the past year and is practiced with a full day of prayer, repentance, and fasting. (Usually occurs late-September to mid-October.)

Sukkot: The Feast of Booths. Commemorates the 40-year period during which the Israelites wandered the desert, living in temporary shelters. (Usually occurs in early or mid-October.)

Shemini Atzeret: Features prayers for rain and a good harvest in the coming year. (Usually occurs in late October.)

Simchat Torah: The annual cycle of weekly Torah readings in synagogue is completed and its first book begun again. Celebrated with singing, dancing around the synagogue with Torah scrolls. (Usually in late October.)

Chanukah: Festival of Lights. Celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BCE after religious persecution. This holiday is known as the festival of lights and lasts for eight days. (Usually occurs early to mid-December.)

CHRISTIANITY

History:

Christianity emerged from a community of people in ancient Israel who believed that Jesus of Nazareth was their Lord and Savior. Jesus was born and lived as a Jew. He was arrested on suspicion that he might lead a revolt against the Romans and on complaints from the Jewish high priests, who objected to Jesus' interpretation of Judaism. Jesus of Nazareth died by crucifixion, a uniquely Roman form of punishment at the time, in approximately 30 CE. The Christian movement distinct from Judaism started taking root slowly afterwards.

Main Countries:

Christianity is widespread throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and parts of the East.

Tenets:

God is one in nature, but there are three persons constituting the Holy Trinity: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the incarnate Son of God, and the source of grace, empowerment, and guidance for living a moral life.
Salvation is the gift of God through the sacrifice of the Son who died in his humanity and was resurrected.
There will be a second coming of Christ when evil will come to an end and the spiritual blessings accomplished in Jesus Christ will be manifested in the Kingdom of Heaven.
One must abide by the Ten Commandments of moral conduct.
Roman Catholics, in addition to the Commandments, must abide by canon laws, rules imposed by the Church. Most Protestants believe the Bible is the sole source of authority and truth.
In sum, Christians follow the person of Jesus Christ, who they believe died for humanity's sins and grants those who believe in Him salvation.

Prayer/Practice:

The Christian Sabbath is Sunday, which is considered the first day of God's creation and the day Jesus rose from the dead. The exception is the Seventh Day Adventists, who keep their day of worship on Saturday, in continuation of the Jewish commandment to keep the Sabbath.
Private prayer is practiced in various ways. For example, it is common for Christians to say grace before meals. They may also join hands while praying to mark the community of the faithful.
Public prayer consists of attending Church and participating in the reading of the scripture, listening to sermons and the reciting of the creeds.
The sacraments, including Baptism, Confirmation and Communion, are ritual acts that convey and affect one's spirituality.

Because the Christian calendar is built into corporate America, time off may not be considered an issue for Christians. But some employees may deem important holy days that may not be given time off by your organization (i.e. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday).

Different branches of Christianity may observe different holy days than the majority of the Christian population (i.e. Mormons and Eastern Orthodox).

Diet:

Many different food restrictions can be found within the Christian faith traditions:

Mormons, for example, abstain from alcohol, tea and coffee as a constant dietary restriction.

Roman Catholics have holy day food restrictions that occur two days of the year, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Many Christians also partially fast for the 40 days of Lent, which includes the avoidance of meat on Fridays.

Eastern Orthodoxy requires fasting every Wednesday and Friday.

Protestant denominations leave the discipline of fasting up to individual choice.

Fasting means different things for various Christian denominations. For the Eastern Orthodox, fasting means abstaining from eggs, dairy, meat, olive oil and sometimes fish. Orthodox fasting includes abstaining from sexual activity as well. For others, it may mean drinking only water, or eating lightly, or simply not eating meat.

In providing a meal for a Christian, it is important to be sensitive to whether they are observing a dietary discipline, particularly whether or not they partake in meat and/or alcohol.

Dress/Modesty:

Clergy usually wear clerical collars on formal occasions as signs of their calling. Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic clergy also wear black and white symbolic garments. Nuns may wear habits or street dress. Monks wear simple habits and unadorned robes. Protestant clergy generally wear less elaborate attire.

Aside from the clergy, there are some traditions, but certainly no strict rules for dress. At Orthodox gatherings, it is traditional for women to dress conservatively (i.e. wear a skirt with the hem below the knee and keep arms covered). Women may also cover their head in certain denominations during worship as a sign of modesty.

Holidays:

Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Easter, marking Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem in this way to publicly claim that he was the chosen Son of David to sit on David's throne. King David used this symbolism to proclaim his son, Solomon, to be the rightful heir to the throne.

Good Friday: The day Jesus was crucified. (Occurs two days before Easter.)

Easter Sunday (Pascha): The celebration of the resurrection of Christ. (Occurs on the Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox of March 21. The date varies in Orthodox Christianity.)

Ascension Day: The commemoration of the ascent of Jesus Christ into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. (Falls 40 days after Easter Sunday.)

Pentecost Sunday: Celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit among the Apostles after the ascension of Christ into Heaven. Falls on the seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday. (Occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday.)

Advent: The four week period of spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Some celebrate Advent by lighting candles around a wreath in a circle representing the eternity of God. They light one candle, adding one each week, for a total of four candles.

Christmas: Celebrates the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and falls on the 25th of December. Many Orthodox Christians outside the U.S. celebrate the birth of Jesus on January 7th. Families often bring a fir tree into their home and decorate it with lights and ornaments. Generally, gifts are exchanged.

Epiphany: Marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas and the baptism of Christ.

Ash Wednesday: The beginning of Lent. Some churches place ashes on the forehead with a prayer. (Occurs 40 days before Easter.)

Lent: The 40-day period of penance before Easter. Often includes intensified prayer and dietary restrictions such as fasting or not eating meat. Many individuals will give up something of personal significance for the 40 days.

ISLAM

History:

In the year 610, at age 40, Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel. This was the beginning of a series of revelations that were eventually compiled in Islam's sacred scripture, the Qur'an which means "recitations." The revelations called for social justice, equality, an individual's responsibility for his or her actions, and, above all, a belief in the oneness of God.

Main Countries:

The followers of Islam are called Muslims and they constitute a majority in 50 countries around the world, and a significant minority in many others. Although Islam began in Saudi Arabia, non-Arab Muslims now outnumber Arab Muslims by a ratio of almost three to one. Islam is the second largest religion in the world.

Tenets:

Monotheism: The term "Islam" means "submission" to the will of God, and the person who submits is called a "Muslim". Allah (Arabic for God) is the one absolute and transcendent God.
Belief in the revelation and Prophethood of Muhammad: According to the Qur'an, God has sent a prophet to every nation to preach the message of there being only one God. Many include biblical characters such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jonah, John the Baptist and Jesus. Each prophet was given for a certain age, but Muhammad is the only prophet who is for all time. He is considered to be the "Seal of the Prophets".
The Day of Judgement: All people will be resurrected and judged by God at the end of time according to the deeds performed in their life.
The Umma: Confession to God and the prophethood of Muhammad makes one a part of the world community of believers in Islam called the Umma. In the Umma, Muslims are to regard one another as true sisters and brothers, and to always act to help one another.
Social and Ethical Responsibility: Complete submission in Islam includes devotion in all aspects of life - social, political and private. Muslims, like Jews, have an elaborate legal system for worship and for life, which includes almsgiving, dietary restrictions, systems for purification and prayer, social relations and laws governing the Islamic state.

Prayer/Practice:

The main practices are called The Five Pillars of Islam:

Confession of faith in Allah and His Prophet, Muhammad: called the Shahada, it states, "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet."
Ritual Prayer: Muslims must pray 5 times daily at daybreak, noon, mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before going to bed. The prayers take the form of a series of movements and recitations from the Qur'an, and are made facing Mecca. They are carried out in the same manner everywhere, signifying the unity of all Muslims. The Friday communal prayer, which is mandatory for men, is the only time when Muslims are expected to gather together at the mosque.

It is preferable to perform prayers in a mosque, but if this is not possible, Muslims may pray anywhere, facing Mecca, often using a prayer rug. They must also ritually cleanse themselves before beginning their prayer. A Muslim will prefer privacy and to pray in a room with no images. For example, they may wish to turn pictures face down temporarily if engaging in prayer.

Giving alms to the poor (Zakat): Muslims are commanded to give one-fortieth (2.5%) of their income primarily to the poor and needy. It puts into practice social responsibility for one another. Muslims away from home send donations to their home country as a general practice.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan, health permitting: Fasting is putting into practice self-control and discipline. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink, smoke or engage in sexual activity from sunrise to sunset daily. Exceptions are made for the ill, young and elderly and pregnant or nursing mothers. It is a time of spiritual renewal and contemplation.
Pilgrimage to Mecca: Every Muslim must make the trip to Mecca at least once during his or her lifetime, provided he or she is able with respect to health and finances. The pilgrimage (Hajj) starts two months after Ramadan.

As ritual prayer fulfills a religious obligation for the Muslim and is an integral part of their religious life, organizations should consider allowing short intervals of time throughout the day for prayer. Privacy during times of prayer should also be provided.

Diet:

Muslims are obligated to follow a number of dietary restriction that include eating only certain foods that have been killed in accordance to Islamic law, and fasting. The official designation for lawful foods is Halal, a word similar to the Jewish designation kosher.

Muslims are forbidden from eating pork, carrion, and food that has been consecrated to any being other than God. Lawful meats include domestic cattle, sheep, goats and camels. The animals must be killed in God's name with a fatal incision across the throat. Camels are to be killed by stabbing in the upper chest. Muslims are forbidden to eat any animal that has been strangled, beaten, has bled to death or died by falling, or was the victim of a predatory animal (with the exception of a trained hunting animal).

Muslims are commanded not to consume wine or other intoxicating beverages made from dates, grapes or similar substances, except for medicinal purposes. It is often inappropriate for a Muslim to work in an environment where liquor is being made, sold or consumed.

The month of Ramadan requires strict fasting. No food or drink of any kind is taken from daybreak to nightfall.

In contrast, fasting is forbidden on the two great festivals, the first which immediately follows Ramadan, the second the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Hospitality and appropriate table manners are also laid out in the Islamic scriptures. For example, Muslims are to remember God at mealtime, take food or drink with the right hand, and avoid reclining while eating.

Food restrictions should be considered when providing meals for a Muslim. Discuss the matter with your Muslim employees as individual needs and preferences may vary considerably.

Be sensitive to the Ramadan restrictions of the observant Muslim. If a Muslim fasts for Ramadan, they will not eat until after sundown. If possible, try to schedule important meetings and tasks for the mornings and avoid lunch appointments.

Dress/Modesty:

Islam emphasizes modesty in every aspect of life including everything from attitude to dress.

Traditional Muslims cover their body in various degrees depending on their company. Specific areas of the body considered sexual in nature are specifically protected. Men cover from their waists to their knees, their heads, and wear appropriate outerwear when in public. Women cover from their neckline to their ankle, and their arms to their wrists. Traditional religious dress can also include a head covering for women.

If it does not violate safety restrictions or create undue hardship to your organization, consider allowing female Muslim employees to wear a head covering, called a hijab, and to cover their arms and legs.

Holidays:

(Islam's holidays shift about ten days ahead each year on the Gregorian calendar and will eventually occur in every season.)

Id al-Adha: Festival of Sacrifice or The Great Feast. A major holiday lasting three days commemorating the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God. It is often observed in connection with Pilgrimage (to Mecca) ceremonies.

Ra's al-Sanat al'Hijriyah: First day of the month of Muharram; Muslim New Year.

'Ashurah: For Sunni Muslims, celebrates many important events in biblical history believed to have occurred on this day, such as Noah's leaving the Ark and the Hebrews' exodus from Egypt. For Shi'ite Muslims, it is a day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Mawlid al-Nabi: The Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Laylat al-Isra' wa al-Mi'raj: The Night Journey and Ascension. Commemorates the night the Prophet Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, ascended to the heavens, and returned.

Ramadan: The eighth month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the first revelations given to the Prophet Muhammad and is a month of fasting for Muslims who must abstain from food, drink, smoking and sexual conduct from dawn until dusk.

Laylat al-Qadr: The Night of Power. Marks the revelation of the Qu'ran to the Prophet Muhammad. It occurs the last ten days of Ramadan, during which special prayers are offered.

Id al-Fitr: The festival breaking the fast of Ramadan. It is a joyous celebration usually lasting two to three days.

BUDDHISM

History:

Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was born in modern-day Nepal in approximately 563 BCE. Buddhism was founded in about 535 BCE at the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Deer Park near Sarnath in India, just outside Benares.

Main Countries:

Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Tibet, China and Japan.

Tenets:

The Four Noble Truths

Existence is suffering. There is something missing or unsatisfactory in life as it is generally experienced, including actual physical suffering and the general frustration or dissatisfaction that pervades life.
Desire is the cause of suffering. Since objects of desire are transitory, the human condition, in its ignorance, is never fulfilled and trapped in a cycle of rebirth.
Nirvana is the end to suffering. Nirvana, or enlightenment, is attained when all conditioning, such as the notion of a separate self, is transcended and desire ceases. It is a state of non-attachment, which delivers one from the cycle of rebirth and, in turn, from suffering.
The way to attain Nirvana is by following the Eightfold Path. By following the Path, taught by the Buddha, the individual can expel the ignorance that perpetuates suffering. It includes practical guidelines for all aspects of daily living.

Prayer/Practice:

Lay Buddhists are expected, in general, to "do good" and to follow the five basic precepts: no killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, or intoxicants. They may also choose to avoid cosmetics, eating after noon, and sleeping in beds that are large, raised off the floor, or stuffed with cotton.
Other practices include gift giving and alms.
Worship and rituals of devotion:

Meditation, which may include chanting and/or ritual body movements. Buddhists may meditate regularly at home, on cushions or a rug, or visit centers or temples to meditate and study as a group. The use of prayer beads to help focus during meditation is common.
Buddhists may also worship at statues of the Buddha and shrines by giving them offerings of fruit and flowers.
Buddhists often have a household shrine for their daily morning and evening devotions. An image of the Buddha is placed on an altar with candles, incense, and flowers. The shrine requires that the image of the Buddha be the highest point in the room, and distanced from any place where one keeps their feet (such as the foot of a bed, as feet are considered dirty.
The devotional practice includes a salutation made to image of the Buddha with the palms of the hands together, kneeling. One then offers fruits or flowers, incense, and candlelight and prostrates oneself three times. Many chant during prostration.

Diet:

Some Buddhist sects and individuals are strict vegetarians and often vegan, which is reflective of the ethical consciousness of the Buddha's teaching not to kill. Along with meat and meat products, the vegan diet excludes eggs and dairy.

In order to make sure no meat products are being used, it is suggested that one read the ingredients on any item used to create a meal. Some yogurts and ice creams, for example, contain gelatin, an animal product. Most hard cheeses in America contain the meat product rennet, which is inappropriate for the Buddhist diet.

Buddhists may also fast on occasion.

It is typical for Buddhist to avoid intoxicants.

If providing a meal for a Buddhist, find out whether the individual is vegetarian or vegan, and their specific meal schedule. If unable to find this out in advance, provide a variety of fresh fruits, vegetable and grains.

For any social gathering, it is important to also be sensitive to whether a Buddhist chooses to partake of alcohol.

Dress/Modesty:

Buddhist monks traditionally wear deep orange robes and shave their heads. The monk or nun also renounces all possessions, cannot practice any lucrative career, or wear gold or silver.

The Buddhist laity doesn't have a prescribed form of dress. It is unlikely that a Buddhist will wear any form of animal, such as leather or fur, as it goes against Buddhism's emphasis on compassion as well as Buddha's teachings against killing.

Most Buddhists remove their shoes before entering a temple or Buddhist center. If attending a Buddhist service of any kind, follow the lead of other worshippers.

Holidays:

Vesak (Buddha Day): The celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death in the Southern tradition. It is observed through reading scripture and reflection. Celebrants typically wear white, give alms, and use flowers, flags and lanterns for festivities. (Observed on April 8)

Bodhi Day: The celebration of the enlightenment of the Buddha in the northern tradition. (Observed on December 8)

Nirvana Day: Celebrates the death of the Buddha in the northern Buddhist traditions. On this day, one reflects their own inevitable death and meditates for those who have died recently to help them along their journey. Southern traditions celebrate his birth, enlightenment and death together during Vesak. (Observed on February 15.)

Magha Puja (Dharma Day): The celebration of the Buddha's first teaching of the Dharma, or doctrine. It is observed during the full moon in the third lunar month, generally in February, with readings from scriptures and deep reflection.

HINDUISM

History:

Hinduism emerged roughly between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE in India. There is no particular person connected with the beginnings of Hinduism. In fact, the cultural practices and religion of India had no name until a British writer traveled there in the 19th century and coined the term "Hinduism".

Main Countries:

The majority of Hindus live in India and the surrounding countries. There are also sizable communities in Europe, Africa, and North America, and smaller communities in Latin America.

Tenets:

Many Hindus regard Hinduism as a way of life, rather than a religion. According to Hinduism, the truth cannot be contained in any kind of creed, doctrine or dogma. Truth emerges out of the diversity of ways in which it is sought. Nevertheless, there are certain aspects of religious life that all Hindus share.

The Vedas are God's word and the foundation of Hinduism.
There is one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent. The Hindu God, or Ultimate Reality, is usually worshipped through the deity's incarnations, like Vishnu or Shiva.
The universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution, and has no real beginning or end.
Through karma, the law of cause and effect, every individual creates their own destiny through thought, words and deeds.
The goal of human life is moksha, or liberation. To obtain liberation the soul reincarnates through many births until the person's karma is resolved.
Temple worship, rituals, sacraments and personal devotionals create a communion with the gods.
A spiritually awakened master, or guru, is essential to guide one toward God. Personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation are also essential.
Life is sacred. Non-violence is the highest virtue.
No particular religion teaches the only way to salvation. All genuine religious paths are facets of the divine, and deserve tolerance and understanding.

Prayer/Practice:

In general, Hindus worship an image in a temple or at a personal shrine in their homes. They participate in daily worship through rituals, yoga, chant, meditation, and religious study.
One may also worship by making offerings to the spirits of the deceased and give to charity.
Beads are often used when chanting or singing to help one concentrate and keep count of mantras. The strands each have 108 small beads and one large bead and must be kept very clean.
Ceremonial worship, puja, praising the deity, is distinct form daily worship. The deity is treated as an honored guest and is served throughout the entire day.
The concept of purity and cleanliness, both physical and spiritual, is central to Hinduism.

Hindus must bathe before all acts of worship.
Do not sniff flowers to be offered to the deities, nor taste food to be offered. The smell and taste is reserved for the Gods first. Flowers that fall on the ground should not be offered.
Offerings are carried with both hands on the right side of the body so they are not breathed on. All items are washed and, if carried more than a short distance, wrapped.

Diet:

Hinduism teaches vegetarianism as a way to live with minimum injury to other beings, but it is not a command, and not all Hindus are vegetarian. Today, approximately twenty to thirty percent of all Hindus are vegetarian.

Vegetarianism for Hindus restricts eggs as well as all meats. The Hare Krishna and Swaminarayan sects prohibit garlic and onions as well. Their diet consists of dairy products, vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains.

Also important in Hinduism is fasting. It is common for Hindus to fast on holidays, and the very observant will often fast twice a week. The meaning of "fasting" varies according to one's capability. Generally, water and phalun (an afternoon meal consisting only of fruits, curd, and root vegetables, but no greens) is taken during the fast.

When serving a meal to a Hindu, ask what foods they eat. They may be vegetarian. If not, ask what kinds of meat they eat. They may also be celebrating a holiday with a fast, in which case only a phalun meal can be taken. If it is not possible to ask the Hindu individual beforehand, vegetarian fare and fruits are the safest choice.

If providing food for a vegetarian Hindu, be careful to avoid foods that may contain meat products. Read the ingredients on any item being served.

It is also necessary to ask whether a Hindu person drinks alcohol. While abstinence from alcohol is not a distinct practice, members of certain social orders, such as Hare Krishnas, and in many cases religious women, do not drink intoxicants. Alcohol is not a part of the general culture.

Hare Krishnas and other traditional Hindus also refrain from caffeine. Thus coffee, tea or carbonated beverages are avoided.

Dress/Modesty:

Traditionally, a Hindu woman is to be modest in manner, which includes a certain amount of shyness. Assertiveness is generally regarded with wariness. Sensitivity to traditional notions of Hindu modesty is important for any interaction with either co-workers or their family.

The following are traditional practices - they may not necessarily represent the practices of all Hindu women.

In the company of men, excluding family and close friends, a Hindu woman may keep in the background and not participate in conversation.
In a temple or in the presence of an elder, a Hindu woman may cover her head out of respect.
At meals, Hindu women serve the men before eating themselves.
Generally, it is improper for women to speak to strangers on the street, much less strike up a casual conversation.

With regard to Hindu women in the workplace, it is important to be sensitive to and respectful of a set of values that are possibly very different from others.

The sari is the traditional Hindu dress for a woman. It is a six to nine yard length of fabric wrapped around the body with the end placed over the shoulder. Underneath, a bodice and slip are worn. Also worn is a salvar kameez, which is a long top with pants.

Women also wear a dot, a bindi, on their forehead. It represents the third eye of spiritual sight that sees things the physical eye cannot. Wearing a dot on the forehead is a reminder to always use this spiritual vision. In the past, both men and women wore these marks, but today it is the women who mostly wear the bindi.

The red bindi generally represents marriage, while black is often worn before marriage to ward off the evil eye.

For Hindu women, the bindi is also a beauty mark, not unlike the black mark European and American women once wore on the cheek.

Holidays:

Holi: One of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrating the spring equinox and the wheat harvest. It is a time to forgive and repay debts. Rituals are enacted to symbolize disorder, such as throwing colored water, fire walking, or reversing gender roles. "Order" is re-established by bathing, wearing clean clothes, and visiting family and gurus. (Usually occurs in late winter/early spring).

Rama Navami: A nine day celebration in honor of the birth of Rama. Hindus perform a puja (a ritual worship before a specific deity) for Rama, sing and dance. (Usually occurs in the spring.)

Krishna Janmashtami: The birthday of Krishna, an incarnation of the God Vishnu. Often celebrated by listening to sacred stories and performing worship. (Usually occurs in late summer.)

Duhsehra (Durga Puja): The bi-annual worship of the Mother Goddess, lasting nine days. Large tents are set up with images of the Mother Goddess and there is much singing, storytelling and worship. (Usually occurs in early autumn.)

Shiva Ratri: Celebrates the wedding of the god Shiva to the goddess Parvati with all night vigils, singing, and feasting. Preparation for the festival begins 10 days before the main celebration. (Usually occurs in late winter.)

For all faith traditions, individual needs may vary. Listen to and respect each of your employees' religious requirements.

Religion is a delicate issue. Be sensitive to your employees' feelings. Do not tolerate bias, harassment, or ridicule in your workplace.

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