Hinduism Flashcards
Who would Hindus say the founder of Hinduism was?
No one really knows
Do Hindus have a Sabbath?
Don’t believe in a Sabbath day, every day should be the Sabbath
What does “Hindu” mean?
River
It is often said that “one of the biggest misconceptions about Hinduism is that it is” what?
That it is a religion
What is the “goddess that purifies the people”?
Goddess Ganga or Saraswati
What is the Way of Karma and how does it work?
Cycle of rebirth, good works, good knowledge, good devotion
Scholars and historians believe that Hinduism had its beginnings in approximately what year- and as a result of what event?
Aryan conquer the Dravidians, 500 BCE
What does the term “Shruti” mean?
Canonical writings- only allowed if priest
What is the ultimate place, role, or definition of Brahman in Hinduism?
The ultimate. The reality that is source of all being and all knowing
Do Hindus in India participate in group worship?
No group worship. Any worship done is in the heart or head
What Hindu God is often called the “energy of the Ultimate”?
Shiva
Which of the Big Three Hindu Gods is both a God of Destruction and Creation?
Shiva
Does Hinduism encourage proselyting by its members?
No. Hindus believe that you are born into the religion that suits you
Who were the Aryans? Who were the Dravidians?
Aryans conquered the Dravidians and began the caste system
Out of the big three Hindu deities, which of the three gods gave birth to the two other Hindu deities?
Brahma
What is “prasad” in Hinduism?
Sacramental food, food brought to worship systems, priest bless it and give it to other people
Does Hinduism have formal doctrines?
No
Is Karma negative or positive or both?
Negative
What are three ways to escape the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism?
- Good works
- Knowledge
- Devotion
What is the “Way of Bhakti” and how does it work?
Salvation through devotion
What is “Monism”?
All existing things go back to one source
Which God dances on the back of the prostate demon of ignorance?
Shiva
What is modalism? How does it relate to Hinduism?
One god– three different forms
The trinity are a manifestation of the ultimate reality Brahman Atman
What is the purpose of a bindi in Hinduism?
Represents a third eye. energy center of the human body
What article of sacred clothing do Hindus have?
Clothing isn’t sacred
In Hinduism, the most authoritative and formally canonical writings are called what?
Shruti
How does Hinduism feel about religions other than Hinduism?
You are where you are supposed to be
What is the “way of jyana” and how does it work?
Salvation through knowledge
What Hindu texts make up the core of the Shruti?
Four vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads
In Hinduism, the term “smriti” means what?
Remembered
Which is the only Hindu God that is primarily benevolent?
Vishnu
What does the term “Shakti” mean?
Power
What is Shakti worship?
Worshipping the divine mother