Hinduism

Question 1

Karma

Answer 1

Karma is the universal principle of cause and effect. Hindus believe that actions, both good and bad, come back to us in the future, helping us to learn from life’s lessons and become better people. (Hinduism Today)

Question 2

Dharma

Answer 2

Dharma is the moral order of the universe and a code of living 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. (Georgetown University, Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs)

Question 3

Moksha

Answer 3

Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth known as samara. It is the ultimate goal of Hindu religious practice. (Georgetown University, Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs)

Question 4

Brahman

Answer 4

Brahman is a Sanskrit word which refers to a transcendent power beyond the universe. (BBC)

Question 5

Atman

Answer 5

Ātman is a Sanskrit word that means inner self, spirit or soul.

Question 6

Samsara Reincarnation

Answer 6

Hindus believe that the soul is immoral and takes birth time and time again. Through this process, the soul has experiences, it learns lessons and evolves spiritually. Finally the soul graduates from physical birth. (Hinduism Today)

Question 7

Henotheism vs. Polytheism vs. Monotheism- what is the best description of Hinduism? Why?

Answer 7

Hinduism is considered a Henothestic Religion because while Hindus do worship several gods they usually primarily worship one while not believing that only one exists. Monotheistic religions mostly worship a single god while Polytheistic religions worship several.

Question 8

How do Gods/Goddess connect to the concept of Brahman?

Answer 8

I think that the Trimurti are primary in this question as they represent the whole of the universe (being Brahman). In other words, I am pretty sure that the Trimurti represents Brahman.

Question 9

Brahma
Vishnu
Rama (an Avatar of Vishnu)
Krishna (an Avatar of Vishnu)
Shiva
Ganesh
Durga
Hanuman
Agni
Surya

Answer 9

Brahma
The creator
Has four arms and legs and does not get worshiped commonly he is not similar to Brahman.

Vishnu
The preserver
Reincarnated 9 times and is known to rest on a snake.

Rama (an Avatar of Vishnu)
7th incarnation of Vishnu.

Krishna (an Avatar of Vishnu)
8th incarnation of Vishnu a playful child who is known for playing the flute

Shiva
The destroyer
Rides on a bull and has three eyes.

Ganesh
Remover of obstacles
Son of Shiva and Parvas has an Elephant head.

Durga
Born to kill a Demon Mhishaura as only a woman can kill him. Associated with strength and protection.

Hanuman
A deity in the form of a monkey who is known to help Rama in the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Agni
God of fire
Commonly worshiped in the harvest festival Lohri and is celebrated with a Bonfire and fire as he is the god of fire and associated wih the sun.

Surya
God of sun
Associated with a chariot of Horses.

Question 10

Holi

Answer 10

Holi is celebrated because of the beginning of spring. The festival is also referred to as the Festival of Color. The colors symbolize different things like red symbolizes love with blue symbolizes Krishnas face.

Question 11

Ugandi

Answer 11

Ugadi is considered the new year hence the reason it is celebrated. And is practiced on the first day of the Hindu calendar.

Question 12

Onam

Answer 12

Onam is celebrated as a Harvest festival and has several foods that are special to the holiday like food over a banana leaf. Honors the return the deomn king.

Question 13

Pitru Paksha

Answer 13

Celebrated to honor the ansestors

Question 14

Makar Sankranti

Answer 14

Makar Sankranti associated with Lohri is usually celebrated with Kites and bathing cows.

Question 15

Durga Puja

Answer 15

Durga Puja is a festival celebrated for the god Durga (Hence the Name) Often practiced because of the battle against Mahishasura

Question 16

Diwali

Answer 16

This holiday is also called the festival of lights. Often celebrated with candle lights and sparklers. Mostly celebrated to symbolize good over evil with the candles.This holiday is also called the festival of lights. Often celebrated with candle lights and sparklers.

Question 17

Lohri

Answer 17

Lohri is celebrated similarly to Makar Sankranti (Just in Punjab) often celebrated with a bonfire and throwing food items into it to worship the fire god Agni.

Question 18

Gita Jayanti

Answer 18

Celebratedfor the bhadva gita, celebrated depending on the waxing moon phase.

Question 19

Hanuman Yajanti

Answer 19

Hanuman Yajani celebrates the birth of Hanuman. This holiday changes depending on the region you live in India.

Question 20

Ganesh Chaturthi

Answer 20

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated because of the hindu deity Ganesh’s Birthday. Ganesh is considered to have an elephant face while a human body.

Question 21

Yoga

Answer 21

A way to achieve Moksha is by practicing Yoga. Yoga as a whole is when you practice a peaceful state of mind and develop self-awareness. This is supposed to connect your mind, body, and spirit.

Question 22

Bhakti Yoga

Answer 22

Bhakti Yoga is practiced by feeling deep love and devotion to a specific deity. This is supposed to help you find union with the gods and get you closer to your Atman achieving Moksha. Also called the Yoga of Love. (Can be practiced with dances or singing)

Question 23

Jnana Yoga

Answer 23

Jnana Yoga is basically where you develop a deep sense of knowledge and feel a deep connection with reality. Also called the Yoga of Wisdom. Practiced through developing your consciousness of your life and Atman and being self-aware.

Question 24

Karma Yoga

Answer 24

Yoga of Action. This encourages you to complete kind actions and get involved in good things you can do because it will eventually result in good outcomes.

Question 25

Raja Yoga

Answer 25

Classical Yoga. This can be practiced by mediating and finding inner peace. Described as a calm state of mind and have deep serenity with oneself. (Practiced mostly physically with meditating)