How do some Hindus help victims of war?
Many Hindus believe that helping people in need and working to alleviate suffering will build good meritA beneficial influence built up through wholesome and skillful actions (karma), capable of affecting a person's future experience in this life and the next.. They may also believe that helping others will elevate them spiritually and bring them closer to Supreme Spirit BrahmanHindu belief in one true god, the Supreme Spirit, called Brahman, symbolised by the sacred syllable aum (or om). All beings are a part of Brahman..
Hindus may try to help victims of war in different ways:
- praying for them and peace in the world
- making donations to and raising funds for charities that work for peace and help war victims
- volunteering to work for charities in the field, eg as doctors or aid workers
- educating people about peace, tolerance and conflict resolution
- joining peace groups
- providing emotional and spiritual support for victims of war, eg counselling or providing practical support for victims of war, eg shelter, clothing and food for those made homeless
- opening a community mandirThe word many Hindus use for a place of worship - a shrine or special place in the home or a building used by the community for worship and other events. as a place where people can go to for food and shelter
- joining the diplomatic services or getting involved in politics to help deal with the causes of war and therefore prevent more victims of war
- volunteering to help rebuild communities and countries after war, eg architects, builders, priests, medical and emergency services, teachers, ICT specialists