Hinduism Flashcards
When was Hinduism created?
1500 BCE
How popular is Hinduism (e.g. 1st, 2nd)?
3rd most popular religion
Who created Hinduism?
No known founder
What are the four Vedas?
Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda
What does the Rig Veda consist of?
Songs that praise gods, they discuss Reality, Truth, Universe, War, Weddings, and Rituals
What does the Yajur Veda consist of?
Sacrificial rites and rituals
What does the Sama Veda consist of?
“Sweet song that destroys sorrow”, targeted at gods
What does the Atharva Veda consist of?
Charms and curses
What are gurus/sages?
Hindu leaders who teach traditions and truths
What river did Hinduism begin at?
Indus
When compared to other religions, how old is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the oldest active religion
What are the seven beliefs?
One universal soul, An immortal individual soul, Karma, Moksha, Dharma, the Vedas, and Cyclical time
What is Brahman?
The universe and everything contained within it. It is formless and genderless
What is the concept of Atman?
Atman is your soul, which carries on into body after body. Actions in one life affect your next
What is Karma?
Actions in the past and future affect the situation of your life
What is Moksha?
The goal of breaking out of the reincarnation cycle and realizing your oneness with Brahman
What is the Moksha prayer?
“Lead me from the unreal to the real”
What is the concept of Cyclical Time?
There is no beginning or end of time, but it is split into four stages that form a cycle. The stages add up to 4.32 million years
What happens in the final stage of Cyclical Time?
Humans destroy the Earth and it starts over
What stage of Cyclical Time do Hindus believe we are in?
The fourth and final stage
What is Dharma?
Each living thing’s duty in life. Your duty depends on your age and role, and if you follow it, the universe remains in balance
What are the Upanishads?
Sequels to Vedas that add clarity to the Vedas. They are philosophy books that show how you are your Atman, not your current body and life
When were the Upanishads written?
800-500 BCE, or up to 1000 years after the Vedas
What are the Puranas?
Less divine versions of Vedas - they are 18 encyclopedias of Hindu beliefs
What do the Puranas cover?
Yoga, taxes, caste system, hell, gods, etc.
What is the Gita?
Book about a warrior (Arjuna) who doesn’t fight, but does after Lord Krishna teaches him about Dharma
What is the lesson from the Gita?
Follow your Dharma despite your difficulties
What is the Ramayana?
An adventure book about Prince Rama and his monkey sidekick, Hanuman. Rama faces exile, battles, has wife abducted