Hinduism Flashcards
Is Hinduism polytheistic?
No, it is monotheistic, with many deities, and the Ultimate Reality (Brahman)
Briefly describe the history
The Indus Valley Civilization started more than 5000 years ago. Aryans entered 1000 years after, and the Vedic Tradition was introduced (polytheism, Vedas, and the caste system). Upanishads philosophy developed after, with Hinduism developing from Vedic Tradition and Upanishads.
Shruti?
Revealed texts, in four books of the Vedas. Consists of myths, rituals, and chants. Along with the Upanishads, philosophy.
Smriti?
Remembered texts, the epics. Like the Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
Darsan?
“Seeing” the deity (not idol worship)
Prasad?
Taking the divine within your own being through eating of food shared with the deity
Atman?
The human soul/spirit, identical to Brahman (universal soul). A Hindu’s goal is to reunite with their atman with Brahman.
Dharma?
Personal conduct and righteous living
- A Hindu’s religious moral and righteous duty of the welfare for their family/society.
Samsara?
Endless cycle of reincarnation
Karma?
Basic belief of cause and effect, totality of one’s life determining the form they will take in their next life
Moksha?
Liberation from samsara and reuniting with Brahman through honest and moral actions (good karma)
Brahman?
Supreme being and soul of the universe
- No form, qualities, or attributes
- Divine, invisible, unlimited
Brahma?
- Creator of the universe , part of Trinity (creator God)
- No one created him
- Closest to Brahman (due to his name)
Features: four faces/arms, no weapon, lotus, long white beard
Sarasvati?
- Wife of Brahma
- Goddess: Knowledge and learning, arts, speech and communication, wisdom
- Drive away darkness
Features: veena (instrument), white (purity), lotus, swan
Sri Vishnu?
- Preserver of the universe, part of Trinity
- Brings salvation
- God: forgiveness, and compassion
Features: bow and arrow, blue, swastika on chest, snake
Notable avatars: Rama, Krishna, Buddha
Lakshmi?
- Wife of Vishnu
- Goddess: wealth, happiness, good wealth, beauty
Features: two red lotuses in two hands, lotus, elephant, red
Shiva?
- Destroyer and restorer of universe, part of Trinity
- God of Dance
- Creative and sensual
- Started off as Ruda (small deity)
- Creates chance
Features: fire, dancing, trident, tiger
Paravati?
- Wife of Shiva
- Mother Goddess
Forms (Mata) : Durga (Warrior), Kali (Destruction, Gauri
Features: Two hands with red and blue lotuses, two hands and blue lotus with Shiva Durga= tiger with lotus, Kali= tongue out
Ganesha?
- God: success
- Remover of obstacles
- Son of Shiva and Parvati
Features: elephant
Rama?
- Reincarnation of Vishnu
- Wife= Sita
- Ramayana
Features: blue skin, bow and arrow
Hanuman
- Monkey God
- God of physical strength
- In Ramayana
4 Goals of Life?
Dharma, artha, kama, moksha
Artha?
Earning money by honest means to provide for your family
Kama?
Pursuing love and physical pleasures to balance life and sanctify marriage
Four Stages of Hindu Life?
Student, householder, forest dweller, ascetic
Diwali?
- Festival of Lights
- Fireworks, light decorations, gifts and new clothes
- Triumph of good and knowledge over ignorance
- Vegetarian dinner and puja performed
- Honours Lakshmi and Vishnu’s defeat of Naraka