Hinduism Flashcards
What two things were brought into India?
Vedas and the caste system
Who founded Hinduism?
NO SINGLE PERSON FOUNDED HINDUISM
What are the Vedas?
4 original, sacred texts seen as the work of the Brahma. They are written in Sanskrit and dictated the caste system
Upanishads
Sequel to the Vedas, helped dictate/clarify certain beliefs
Henotheistic
worship one god/deity but recognize there are others
Brahma vs. Brahman
Brahma: main deity, creator of everything (think “created universe”)
Brahman: force in everything, but was NOT created by Brahma (think “the force in Star Wars”)
Pantheism
belief that universe is manifestation of God
Hindu Trimurti
Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer
What are two things that Hindus believe in?
Reincarnation and karma
Dharma
duty to caste; must follow for good karma because good karma=higher caste reincarnation
Atman
soul
Moksha
salvation/escaping cycle of rebirth, soul rejoins with Brahman. only Brahmin can achieve moksha, they have to detach from the real world
Samasra
cycle of life
birth —> life —> death —> moksha —> re —>
How many people practice Hinduism?
1 billion
How did Hinduism spread?
Through trade (stayed mostly in India, didn’t go into Asia that much)
