Hinduism Flashcards
Indra is associated with what?
God associated with the sky- clouds, rain, heavens. Quarter of the hymns are devoted to him
Agni is associated with what people?
He is a God associated to the priest, God of priests
What is the role of Agni to the Vedas?
God of fire, cannot have a sacrifice without him, acknowledge him before sacrifice
Who are the destroyer deities?
Shiva, Durga
Who is Shiva?
Destroyer deity, destroyer of ego to transform self, get rid of ego
Who is Durga?
Destroyer deity, she destroys evil in the universe, goes to battle
Who are the creation deities?
Brahma, Sarasvati
Who is Brahma
Created the caste system (Vedas and Varna), Priest, warrior etc.
Who is Sarasvati?
Goddess of learning and knowledge
What is the symbolism of Sarasvati?
knowledge in arts; musical instruments, books
Who are the preserver deities?
Vishnu, Krishna, Lakshmi
Who is Vishnu?
Preserver, universal love, protects creation and dharma
The incarnation of Vishnu within the Bhagavad Gita
Krishna
Who is Krishna?
Humanity preserver
Who is Lakshmi?
Preserver of wealth, mental and physical
Which festival is dedicated to Lakshmi?
Festival of lights
What is the role of fire in the Puja ritual? What is the main goal of the Puja?
Way of making spiritual connection, divine spark, direct connection, darshan
What does the Upanishads teach about Brahman?
Everything, beyond description, eternal, cannot fully understand
What is the nature of Brahman?
Soul ataman apart of greater brahman, all things, nothing in bubble
How does one overcome ignorance (avidya) and illusion (maya)?
Knowledge, through yogi paths
What is the nature of one’s self/soul (atman)?
interconnectedness, a part of everything
What is Samsara?
Cycle of life death and rebirth
What is Moksha?
Liberation from the cycle of life death and rebirth
What is Dharma and the varna system?
Ones duty within the caste system
Varna System positions and rolls
Brahmin: priest
Kashatriya: warriors
Vaishya: merchant artists
Sudras: commoners, peasants, servants
Untouchables: out of caste, street sweepers
Four yogic paths of Hinduism
Karma Yoga
Jnana Yoga
Raja Yoga
Bhakti Yoga
What is Karma Yoga?
One’s caste duties
What is Jnana Yoga?
knowledge of the Vedas- scripture
What is Raja Yoga?
Clarity, clearing one’s mind
What is Bhakti Yoga
Devotion and love, emotional connection to deity, ex. puja ritual
