Hinduism Flashcards
How many followers and where are they situated?
3rd largest - 900 million followers - mainly india, then uk and usa
What are the origins and differences ?
variety of religions that existed in india in the 19th century, has evolved over 4000 years
polytheistic
What is the symbolism in Hinudism?
many, not all believe in supreme god called brahman, who they worship in many different forms
can be represented in masculine or feminine form
3 main deities form Trimurti
brahma; creator
vishnu; preserver
shiva; destroyer
What is puja, and which festivals can it be associated with?
worship, can take place in home or in the mandir
divali celebrates Hindu New year, worship encourages Lakshimi {goddess of fortune} to bring fortune to the year
pilgrimages to places near river ganga
Kumbh mela, every 3 years in 2019, 30 million people, largest human gathering
How is hinduism symbolised?
Sanskrit word Aum meaning god and the sound of creation. start of all speech and noise
What did Gandhi say about god?
‘God exists. he is without beginning and without any attribute or form. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. His original form is Brahman.
What are the four purposes of life?
Dharma: duty - virtues
Artha: prosperity - effort
Kama: pleasure - balance
Moksha: freedom - peace
What is the concept of Dharma?
the duties that one is assigned to do depending on which caste they are born into - purpose in life
What are the four castes?
Brahmans; scholars priests; mouth
Kshatryas; soldiers warriors; arms
Vaisyas; merchants professionals; legs
Sudras; servants labourers; feet
What is moksha?
This is the ultimate aim in life as it means liberation from the cycle of rebirth-life-deathrebirth.
Who is brahman?
The ultimate reality underlying all phenomena in the Hindu scriptures; the God.
