Hindu Terms And Texts Flashcards
What is Advaita Vedanta?
ahd-VAI-tuh
vay-DAHN-tuh
A school of Hindu philosophy that teaches non-dualism, asserting that Atman (self) and Brahman (universal reality) are one.
What is Dvaita?
Dvai-tuh (Silent D)
A school of philosophy emphasizing dualism, where the soul and God are distinct entities.
What is Purusha?
The cosmic spirit or consciousness, representing the unchanging, eternal reality.
What is Prakriti?
The material nature or energy responsible for creation and change in the universe.
What is the difference between Purusha and Prakriti?
Purusha is the unchanging, eternal spirit, while Prakriti is the dynamic, material energy of creation.
What is Ishvara?
A personal aspect of Brahman, often viewed as God or the Supreme Being in Hinduism.
What are the Gunas?
The three qualities of nature: Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), Tamas (inertia).
What is Sattva?
The quality of purity, light, and harmony in the Gunas.
What is Rajas?
The quality of activity, passion, and restlessness in the Gunas.
What is Tamas?
The quality of darkness, ignorance, and inertia in the Gunas.
What is the central teaching of the Bhagavad Gita?
To act according to one’s Dharma with detachment and devotion, leading to liberation.
What does Krishna advise Arjuna about fear in battle?
To overcome fear and act selflessly, fulfilling his duty without attachment to outcomes.
What is Yoga according to the Bhagavad Gita?
Yoga is the practice of equanimity in action and union with the Divine.
What does Krishna say about detachment?
Detachment means acting without attachment to the fruits of one’s actions.
What is the ‘Field and the Knower of the Field’?
The body is the field (Prakriti), and the soul (Purusha) is the knower of the field.
What does Krishna say about devotion in the Bhagavad Gita?
Devotion through love and surrender is the highest path to realizing God.
What is Nishkama Karma?
Selfless action performed without desire for personal gain.
What does Krishna describe as the highest form of worship?
Surrendering to God with love and performing all actions as an offering to the Divine.
What is the meaning of the chariot in the Bhagavad Gita?
The body is the chariot, the soul is the passenger, the mind is the reins, and the intellect is the charioteer.
What is the significance of Arjuna’s dilemma in the Bhagavad Gita?
It symbolizes the human struggle between material desires and spiritual duties.
What are the Vedas?
The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.
What are the four parts of the Vedas?
Samhitas (hymns), Brahmanas (rituals), Aranyakas (forest texts), Upanishads (philosophy).
What is Neti Neti?
A practice of negation in the Upanishads meaning ‘not this, not this,’ to understand Brahman by eliminating all non-eternal aspects.
What is Tat Tvam Asi?
A key teaching from the Upanishads meaning ‘You are That,’ asserting the unity of Atman and Brahman.
What is Aham Brahmasmi?
A phrase meaning ‘I am Brahman,’ expressing self-realization and the oneness of the self with the ultimate reality.
What is the Mandukya Upanishad known for?
Its exploration of the four states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and Turiya (pure consciousness).
What is Turiya?
The fourth state of consciousness, beyond waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, where one realizes unity with Brahman.
What is Om according to the Upanishads?
The primordial sound representing the ultimate reality and the essence of Brahman.
What is the Katha Upanishad about?
A dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama (the god of death) on the nature of the soul and liberation.
What is the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad about?
It explores the nature of the self, reality, and immortality.
What is Japa?
The meditative repetition of a mantra to focus the mind and connect with the Divine.
What is a Yajna?
A Vedic ritual of fire offerings to honor the gods and maintain cosmic order.
What is Sadhana?
Spiritual practice or discipline aimed at achieving self-realization.
What is Darshan?
Seeing and being seen by a deity or holy person, a moment of spiritual connection.
What is a Tirtha?
A sacred pilgrimage site in Hinduism, believed to be a crossing point between the physical and spiritual worlds.
What is Prasad?
Blessed food offered to a deity during worship and then distributed to devotees.
What is a Lingam?
A representation of Shiva, symbolizing creation, destruction, and cosmic energy.
What is the meaning of the lotus in Hinduism?
A symbol of purity, enlightenment, and the ability to rise above worldly struggles.
What is a Bhajan?
A devotional song or hymn sung in praise of the Divine.
What is Kirtan?
A form of devotional singing and chanting, often performed in groups.
What is Shakti in Hinduism?
The divine feminine energy, representing creation and transformation.
What is the Trimurti?
The Hindu trinity of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer).
What is a Murti?
A sacred image or statue of a deity used in worship.
What is the role of a Guru?
A spiritual teacher who guides a devotee toward self-realization and liberation.
What is Ahimsa?
Non-violence, a central tenet in Hinduism and yoga.
What are the gunas?
The gunas are the three fundamental qualities or energies that make up all of nature (Prakriti) in Hindu and yogic philosophy. They are:
1. Sattva - Purity, balance, and harmony.
2. Rajas - Activity, passion, and movement.
3. Tamas - Inertia, darkness, and heaviness.
What is sattva?
Sattva is the guna of purity, balance, and lightness. It is associated with clarity, goodness, wisdom, and spiritual awareness. Sattvic qualities lead to enlightenment and inner peace.
What is rajas?
Rajas is the guna of activity, energy, and passion. It represents movement and change but can lead to restlessness and desire if unbalanced.
What is tamas?
Tamas is the guna of inertia, heaviness, and ignorance. It leads to stagnation, lethargy, and resistance to growth but provides grounding when balanced.
What is prana?
Prana is the vital life force or energy that flows through all living beings, sustaining life and movement. It represents dynamic, vibrant energy in flow.
What is tamas in relation to prana?
Tamas can be seen as the opposite of prana. While prana is energy in flow, tamas represents stuck or heavy energy, leading to stagnation and blockages.
What is kriya?
Kriya is a spiritual practice involving meditation, breathwork, and movement of energy to purify the mind, body, and spirit, promoting energetic alignment and spiritual growth.
What is daily puja?
Daily puja is a devotional ritual performed by Hindus to connect with the divine. It involves offerings, prayers, and meditation to express gratitude, seek blessings, and cultivate mindfulness.
What are mala and granthis?
• Mala: Spiritual or energetic impurities that block inner light and the flow of prana.
• Granthis: Energetic “knots” in the nadis (energy channels) that block prana flow.
What is samskara?
Samskaras are residual mental impressions or patterns from past actions (karma) that can block spiritual growth and prana flow, often needing purification.
What is the Hindu equivalent of hucha?
The closest Hindu equivalents to hucha (stuck or heavy energy) are:
• Tamas: Energy of inertia and stagnation.
• Mala: Energetic impurities.
• Granthis: Energetic blockages.
Who is Goddess Kali?
Goddess Kali is the fierce and transformative aspect of the divine feminine in Hinduism. She symbolizes destruction of ego, liberation of souls, and spiritual growth, embodying both fearsome and nurturing energies.
What are the spiritual lessons of Goddess Kali?
- Fearlessness: Face and embrace fears.
- Non-Attachment: Let go of material and emotional attachments.
- Transformation: Embrace life’s impermanence and spiritual growth.
How does kriya differ from daily puja?
• Kriya: Internal practice focusing on self-purification, energy alignment, and meditation.
• Puja: External devotional ritual expressing gratitude and connecting with the divine.
What is the significance of sattva in spiritual growth?
Sattva creates clarity, harmony, and balance, which are essential for spiritual progress and connection with the divine. It helps transcend the other gunas to reach pure consciousness.
How are the gunas interconnected?
The gunas interact dynamically:
• Sattva brings balance and clarity.
• Rajas fuels action and passion.
• Tamas grounds but can stagnate.
Balancing them is key to spiritual and mental well-being.
What are the three malas in Hindu philosophy?
- Anava Mala: Sense of limitation or smallness.
- Mayiya Mala: Attachment to the material world.
- Karmic Mala: Residual impressions from past actions.
What is the meaning of Adhyātma?
Spirituality; the focus on the inner self or soul, referring to the pursuit of self-realization and understanding the divine essence within.
Pronunciation: uhd-YAHT-muh.
How is Adhyātma pronounced?
uhd-YAHT-muh
uhd: Like the beginning of ‘adventure’; YAHT: Like ‘yacht’ with a clear ‘t’; muh: Soft and unstressed, like ‘muh’ in ‘mother’.
What does Ātmavidyā mean?
Knowledge of the soul; the understanding and realization of the true self or soul in a spiritual context.
Pronunciation: AHT-mah-vid-YAA.
How is Ātmavidyā pronounced?
AHT-mah-vid-YAA
AHT: Like ‘art’ but with a short ‘t’; mah: Soft, like ‘muh’; vid: Like ‘vid’ in ‘video’; YAA: Long ‘aa’ sound, like ‘yawn’.
What is the meaning of Brahmavidyā?
Knowledge of ultimate reality; the spiritual pursuit of understanding Brahman, the ultimate, infinite reality in Hindu philosophy.
Pronunciation: BRUHM-huh-vid-YAA.
How is Brahmavidyā pronounced?
BRUHM-huh-vid-YAA
BRUHM: Like ‘brum’ in ‘brumble’ but with a soft ‘h’ sound; huh: Soft and unstressed; vid: Like ‘vid’ in ‘video’; YAA: Long ‘aa’ sound, like ‘yawn’.
What does Kala mean in Sanskrit?
Kala means ‘time’ and represents the eternal, cyclical nature of existence—creation, preservation, and destruction.
How is Kali connected to Kala?
The name Kali derives from Kala, indicating her connection with time and symbolizing its transformative power.
What does Kali embody in relation to time?
Kali embodies timelessness and is depicted as standing outside the constraints of time, representing the infinite nature of the universe.
What does Kali help her devotees achieve?
Kali helps her devotees achieve liberation (moksha) by destroying the ego and attachments bound by the limitations of time.
What does Kala also mean?
Kala also means ‘darkness,’ referring to the mysterious and unknowable aspects of time and reality.
What duality does Kali represent?
Kali represents both the force of destruction tied to time (Kala) and the liberator from the bondage of time, leading her devotees toward spiritual freedom.
What is the significance of Kali conquering Kala?
By conquering Kala (time), Kali also conquers death, making her a symbol of immortality and eternal truth.
What does the term Akasha refer to in Hinduism?
Akasha translates to ‘ether’ or ‘space’ and is considered the subtle, all-encompassing element that permeates everything in existence.
Akasha is one of the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) in Vedic and yogic philosophy.
What is Brahmaloka?
Brahmaloka is the highest spiritual realm, the abode of Lord Brahma, and considered the ultimate destination for those seeking liberation (moksha).
It transcends physical and astral realms in Hindu cosmology.
Define Svarga Loka.
Svarga Loka refers to the ‘heavenly realms’ where souls reside temporarily after death based on their good karma.
It is a transitional space in the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
What does Paramatma mean?
Paramatma is the universal soul or supreme spirit, which is omnipresent and connects all individual souls (atman).
It transcends all physical and astral dimensions.
What is the meaning of Antariksha?
Antariksha refers to the intermediate space or atmosphere, considered a subtle realm between the material world and higher spiritual planes.
It is often equated with the astral or etheric dimension.
Describe Kailasa in Hinduism.
Kailasa is the divine abode of Lord Shiva, considered a spiritual realm beyond the material world.
It symbolizes ultimate bliss and the transcendence of worldly attachments.
What does Satyaloka represent?
Satyaloka, or ‘the realm of truth,’ is the highest plane of existence in some Hindu cosmologies, representing ultimate spiritual awareness and purity.
It is associated with enlightenment and liberation.
Define Sukshma Jagat.
Sukshma Jagat refers to the subtle or spirit world, where non-material dimensions exist and subtle bodies (sukshma sharira) reside.
It is relevant to astral projection and spiritual practices.
What is Vaikuntha?
Vaikuntha is the spiritual realm and eternal abode of Lord Vishnu, described as a realm beyond time and space, filled with bliss and free from the cycle of birth and death.
Fill in the blank: The ultimate destination for those seeking liberation in Hinduism is _______.
Brahmaloka
True or False: Svarga Loka is the ultimate liberation in Hindu belief.
False
Svarga Loka is a temporary realm, not the ultimate liberation (moksha).
What are the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) in Hindu philosophy?
They are:
* Akasha (ether)
* Vayu (air)
* Agni (fire)
* Apas (water)
* Prithvi (earth)
What does the term moksha signify?
Moksha signifies liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).
Sthula Loka (STHOO-lah LOH-kah)
The gross or physical plane, the material world we experience.
None
Sukshma Loka (SOOKSH-mah LOH-kah)
The subtle plane, the realm of thought, energy, and dreams.
None
Karana Loka (KAH-rah-nah LOH-kah)
The causal plane, the realm of pure consciousness and bliss.
None
Svarga Loka (SVAR-gah LOH-kah)
The celestial realm of pleasure, light, and heavenly existence.
None
Antariksha Loka (AHN-tah-REEK-shah LOH-kah)
The astral realm, a transitional space for subtle energies.
None
Bhu Loka (Bhoo LOH-kah)
The earthly plane, the material world we live in.
None
Bhuvar Loka (Bhoo-VAR LOH-kah)
The astral and energetic realm, connected to the subtle body.
None
Svar Loka (Svar LOH-kah)
The celestial heaven, associated with divine pleasure and gods.
None
Mahar Loka (MAH-hahr LOH-kah)
The realm of sages and deep spiritual insight.
None
Jana Loka (JAH-nah LOH-kah)
The realm of enlightened beings, transcending material desires.
None
Tapa Loka (TAH-pah LOH-kah)
The realm of ascetics and intense spiritual practice.
None
Bhakti Loka (BAHK-tee LOH-kah)
The devotional realm, where love and union with the divine occur.
None
Svah Loka (Svar Loka) (स्वः लोक)
ating back on Earth.
• Meaning: The celestial or heavenly realm.
• Svah Loka is a realm of divine light, joy, and pleasure, often equated with heaven in Hindu cosmology.
• It is a temporary realm where souls go to enjoy the rewards of their virtuous deeds before reincarnating back to earth
What is Pranamaya Kosha (PRAH-nah-my-ah KOH-shah)?
The energetic body or sheath of life force energy (prāṇa) surrounding and permeating the physical body. It governs the flow of energy through nadis and chakras.
Define Sahaja (SAH-huh-juh).
Spontaneous harmony or natural connection, often describing effortless resonance or alignment between two beings.
What does Prāṇa Resonance (PRAH-nah REH-zuh-nuhns) refer to?
The alignment or synchronization of life force energies between two individuals.
Explain Prāṇa Milan (PRAH-nah MEE-lun).
The meeting or merging of life force energies between two beings, creating connection and harmony.
What is Prāṇa Sāmyam (PRAH-nah SAH-myuhm)?
The balance or harmony of life force energies, especially in the context of energy healing or mutual alignment.
Define Satsanga (SUHT-sung-guh).
“Being in the company of truth,” describing a spiritual or energetic connection that fosters mutual upliftment.
What does Sangam (SUN-guhm) mean?
“Confluence” or “coming together,” often referring to the blending or resonance of energy fields in harmony.
What is Sahaja Spanda (SAH-huh-juh SPUHN-duh)?
“Natural vibration,” referring to the effortless and spontaneous resonance of life force energies.
