Hinduism Flashcards
Karma
Karma is the universal principle of cause and effect. Hindus believe that actions, both good (dharmic, selfless deeds) and bad (adharmic, selfish deeds), come back to us in the future, helping to learn from life’s lessons and become better people.
- May also come up in future lifetime
Dharma
Dharma is the moral order (one’s duty and purpose of life) of the universe and a code of living (applies to everyone - people, plants, animals etc.) that embodies the fundamental principles of law, religion, and duty that governs all reality. By following one’s dharma, a person can eventually achieve liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.
- Use example such as the Bhagavad Gita
Moksha
Moksha is the liberation (many different methods such as yoga) from the cycle of death and rebirth known as samara. It is the ultimate goal of Hindu religious practice.
- Joins Brahman and sees through the illusion of Maya
Brahman
Brahman is a Sanskrit word which refers to a transcendent power (ultimate reality or supreme truth that creates and upholds everyone and everything) beyond the universe. It is an experience rather than a material object, person, or god.
- Hindus may believe in Brahman but not worship it or, believe certain deities are manifestations of Brahman (Braman’s complexity)
Atman
Ātman is a Sanskrit word that means inner self, spirit (spiritual being rather than material body or thing) or soul. It is the real self, hiding behind whatever fake identity is displayed (Maya).
- Cannot be created or destroyed
- Atman experiences the body rather than the body experiencing the atman
Samsara
Hindus believe that the soul is immoral and takes birth time and time again (the atman travels through bodies). Through this process, the soul has experiences, learns lessons and evolves spiritually (reincarnation of atman). Finally the soul graduates from physical birth (moksha).
- Different hierarchies
Henotheism, Polytheism, and Monotheism - which best describes Hinduism?
Hinduism is best described as a henotheistic religion, as it incorporates a mix of polytheistic and monotheistic characteristics. As henotheism is the worship of one supreme spirit, which is Brahman in Hinduism, though still acknowledges other deities, henotheism fully applies to Hinduism. Additionally, some may describe Hinduism as fully monotheistic as there is one supreme spirit (Brahman) above all others.
Deities and Brahman - how are they connected?
The gods and goddesses of Hinduism connect to the concept of Brahman as they are each an aspect and represent a component of Brahman. For example, although Ganesh is an individual, he is Brahman and represents Brahman’s element of knowledge and removing obstacles.
Three Gods and their Representation (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)
The three gods highlighted below are often referred to as “the ruling trio”, or “trimurti”. Each god is a representation of our world’s continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Brahma is the creator of our universe, Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the world, and Shiva is the destroyer of this universe, and they are all essential to the functionality of this world.
Brahma
The Creator - Brahma is the deity responsible for creation as he recreates the world every time it falls to the ruins. He has four arms and four heads, which are commonly interpreted as the four Vedas or varnas (social classes in India) of Hinduism.
Vishnu
The Preserver - Vishnu is the god responsible for preserving and protecting the world from evil, often coming down to our world in different avatar forms. He is viewed as a god with four arms and a blue skin tone, was reincarnated nine times with the tenth one to come, and Vaishnavites worship him as the supreme god.
Rama
Avatar of Vishnu - Rama is the 7th avatar/incarnation of Vishnu and is the central figure of the Hindu story Ramayana. His role in the Ramayana represents the significance and impact of one’s dharma.
Krishna
Avatar of Vishnu - Krishna is the 8th avatar/incarnation of Vishnu who is viewed as the supreme god by some and can be portrayed as many different figures. This includes a child trickster, military hero, divine lover, or herdsman. Additionally, Krishna has a blueish complexion, and is the god of love.
Shiva
The Destroyer - Shiva is the god responsible for destroying our universe, which can be interpreted as destroying the flaws of our world, or entirely demolishing it. He has a third eye on his forehead and is often represented as a lingam (an object), and Shaivas worship him as the supreme god.
Ganesh
Remover of Obstacles and God of Knowledge - Ganesh is the elephant-headed god of knowledge who supports science, wisdom, writing, and intellect. Ganesh is also the remover of obstacles, so many Hindus will often appeal to him before completing a task.
Durga
Remover of Obstacles and Slayer of Mahishasura - Durga is the god in control of removing one’s obstacles and helping those in need of solutions. She was created by the Trimurti as a slayer of the demon Mahishasura and takes on many different reincarnations.
Hanuman
Helper of Rama - Hanuman is a monkey-like god responsible for assisting Rama and his needs. He appears in the story Ramayana, where he collects information for Rama about Sita while she was kidnapped by Ravana.
