chapter 5 Flashcards
subcontinent
is a large landmass that is smaller than a continent
monsoons
seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons
Sanskrit
the most important language of ancient India
caste system
divided Indian society into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth, or occupation
Hinduism
the largest religion in India today
reincarnation
the process of rebirth
karma
the effects that good and bad actions have on a person’s soul
Jainism
was based on the teachings of a man named Mahavira
nonviolence
or the avoidance of violent actions
fasting
or going without food
meditation
the focusing of the mind on spiritual ideas
the Buddha
or the enlightened one
Buddhism
a religion based on the teachings of the Buddha
nirvana
a state of perfect peace
missionaries
or people who work to spread their religious beliefs