Hinduism Flashcards
It is an integrated system of beliefs and practices that pertains to the nature and essence of life, the nature of the divine and how to establish lasting connection with the divine.
Hinduism
Fundamental doctrines of Hinduism?
It provides a framework for believers to see themselves in relation to other aspects of life in its personal, social, and economic dimensions.
Believers usually refer to the ________ or the Eternal Religion when they refer to Hinduism, which is believed to be one of the oldest religions in the world.
Sanatama Dharma
What date did Hinduism begin at and how did it come to be?
The beginning of Hinduism dates as far as 1,500 BCE.
The name “HINDUISM” was introduced by the Persian in the ninth century BCE to refer to people residing near and beyond the eastern side of the SINDHU (INDUS) river.
In Hindu Meditation, the eternal principle is reinforced through the chanting of the _____, a sacred syllable that is believed to be the most basic sound of the universe, and represents its harmony and order.
OM(AUM), Hindu Sacred Symbol
Hinduism was able to preserve important teachings in sacred writing that contain important elements of doctrine, morality and, worship.
These sacred writings are called Vedas
For which reason Hinduism is also referred to as Vaidika Dharma or “RELIGION OF THE VEDAS”
Two types of Scriptures in Hindu Tradition
“The Smriti”
The which is remembered
&
“Shruti Scripture”
The which is heard
The Shruti Scriptures contain:
• Vedas
1. Rig Veda
2. Sama Veda
3. Yajur Veda
A. Sukla Yajurveda
B. Krishna Yajurveda
4. Atharya Veda
5 Upanishads
The SMRITI Scriptures:
1. Mahabrata
2. Ramayana
3. Sharma Shastras
4. Shagavad Gita
5. Puranas
Also called as (TRINITY)
In Hinduism, there is a belief in three highest deities who fulfill different functions in the universe.
Trimurti
Who are the three highest deities in Hinduism?
Brahma (The Creator)
Saraswati, The Goddess of Speech,
Vishnu (The Preserver)
Lakshmi, The Goddess of Wealth,
Shiva (The Destroyer)
Parvati, The Mother Goddess
Is the life principle or the essence of life itself, and without it, nothing can remain in existence. This is the reason why all living beings have an “innermost self”, it is what makes them alive.
Atman
Simple means “action” but more so, the consequence of once action.
The law of _____, which is one of the beliefs of Hinduism, means that a person’s actions will always have consequences, and thus will shape the person’s future.
Origin word is “Sanskrit”
Karma
An atman that has not achieved the sufficient level of enlightenment and detached from material goods and pleasures will be reborn again and again in different material receptacles.
Samsara
It is the goal of serious spiritual practitioners to achieve ______ within their lifetime. If ______ is achieved, the atman does not look for a material receptacle that to reside in and unites with the Brahman-atman, the principle of all life in the universe.
Moksha
The traditional social structure that follows Hindu principles of Karma and Samsara is called the ________. Interesting however the word ______ is not Indian in origin. It is Portuguese which means “chaste or pure”
Caste System
A social classification system that determines one’s rank on the basis of the family’s occupation
Jati
FOUR MAIN JATIS IN DIFFERENT VARNAS
The highest in the hierarchy and are regarded as the purest of all castes
Brahmins
FOUR MAIN JATIS IN DIFFERENT VARNAS
Consists of political rulers and warriors.
Kshatriyas
FOUR MAIN JATIS IN DIFFERENT VARNAS
Make up the economic specialties and merchants
Vaishyas
FOUR MAIN JATIS IN DIFFERENT VARNAS
Consists of Manual Labors
Shudras
Well known as ______ (1864-1964), a school activist who attacked the caste system and called Shudras, who were the least among the castes, as harijans or “Children of God”
Mohandas Karamchad Ghandi
Well knows as Mahatma Ghandi
An act of offering material goods like food and the performance of rituals at the altar of a god or goddess.
Puja
Festivals in Hinduism
“The festival of lights” it honors the return of Rama, Sita and Lakshimi
Divali
Festivals in Hinduism
“The festival of spring and colors” in mythology this festival celebrates the slaying of demoness Holika by Prahlad, Vishnu’s devotee .
Holi
Festivals in Hinduism
“The festival of Dussehra”
celebrates the victory of Rama over the demon Ravena
Dussehra
Festivals in Hinduism
“the festival of the harvest” celebrated every January 14, offered a thanksgiving to the Sun-god.
Makara Sanskrati
Festivals In Hinduism
“A midwinter festival” celebrates the symbolic shunning of evil, devotees light bonfires and throw nuts, sesame sweets and popcorn on them.
Lohari
Festivals in Hinduism
Celebration of the birth of Krishna, a popular deity among Hindus.
Krishna Janmashtami
Festivals in Hinduism
Known as the great night of shiva. Devotees fast overnight in order to earn the deity’s favor.
Maha Shivaratri
Festivals in Hinduism
Celebration of the birth of Ganesh, a deity who is represented as an elephant.
Ganesh Chaturti
The festival of one’s teacher were devotees honoring their guru (teacher) yearly by offering puja.
Guru Purnima
Festivals in Hinduism
The largest Hindu festival in the world celebrates the Saraswati River of Enlightment.
Kumbha Mela
An Indian monk, teacher, and an important introducer of Hinduism in the western world.
Swami Vivekanda (1863-1902)
