Hinduism Flashcards
What is the role of Brahma?
The Creator
What is the role of Vishnu?
The Preserver and Protector
What is the role of Shiva?
The Destroyer and Rebuilder
What is the Trimurti?
The Trimurti, in Hinduism, is the triad of the three gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Who is Brahman?
Brahman connotes the highest Universal Principle, the Ultimate Reality in the universe. In major schools of Hindu philosophy, it is the material, efficient, formal, and final cause of all that exists. It is the pervasive, infinite, eternal truth and bliss which does not change, yet is the cause of all changes. Brahman as a metaphysical concept refers to the single binding unity behind the diversity in all that exists in the universe.
What is Karma?
The sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.
What is Puja?
Puja is a worship ritual performed by Hindus to offer devotional homage and prayer to one or more deities, to host and honour a guest, or to spiritually celebrate an event.
What objects are used during Puja?
Used in worship in the home or temple the brass or steel tray includes offerings pleasing to all 5 senses including food, water pot & spoon, bell, incense, a container of Kum-Kum (red powder to mark the forehead) & Haldi (turmeric, to purify).
What happens during a Hindu Birth & Naming Ceremony?
In some Hindu families, 40 days after birth, the baby is taken to the community mandir for a naming ceremony. The father offers ghee-soaked wood on the fire. After announcing the baby’s name, the priest pours holy water onto the baby’s head and puts a few drops of Amrit (sugar water) on the baby’s tongue.
What is Dharma?
Dharma is the power that maintains society, it makes the grass grow, the sunshine, and makes us moral people or rather gives humans the opportunity to act virtuously.
What is Artha?
Artha means prosperity. To Hindus, this means the pursuit of wealth. Many Hindus believe that there are only a few people who do not require material wealth. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that Hindus attain material wealth as part of attempting to achieve moksha.
What is Moksha?
Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle and is classed as the fourth and ultimate Artha (goal). It is the transcendence of all Arthas. It is achieved by overcoming ignorance and desires. It is a paradox in the sense that overcoming desires also includes overcoming the desire for moksha itself.
What are the Hindu Holy Books called?
The Vedas
