Hinduism Flashcards
Which God has water spouting from his/her head
Shiva
Who is the supreme being in Hinduism
Brahman
The Path of Devotion is also Known as:
Bhakti Yoga
Karma Yoga is also known as:
The Path of Action
Jnana Yoga, the path of wisdom involves what?
Devoting your life to studying scripture to find deeper meaning with a guru
Order the Paths of Salvation from Easiest to Hardest
Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, Raja
What is a caste system?
Societal Division of people usually based on wealth, a method of oppresion.
Is Karma Influenced by the Gods?
No, Karma is influenced by Good deeds
What is a synonym for Caste?
Varna
What is Sanatana Dharma?
Universial Duties everyone must follow for Good Karma
What is Varnasharma Dharma?
Unique duties each Caste must follow for Good Karma
Where do you go to Determine your Dharma?
In Holy Text
Is it still mandatory for marriages in Hinduism to remain in the same caste?
No, although it is still undeniably a common practice in small towns
What role in society does the Brahmin Caste carry?
They’re the only caste capable of priesthood, and as such are considered the closest to God
What is the Warrior Caste known as?
Kshatriyas
What role do members of the Kshatriya caste serve in society?
The run the government, protect the people, and used to enforce the caste system and teachings of the vedas
What is the Vaishya Caste also known as?
The Merchant Caste
What is the lowest role in the caste system?
Dalits or Untouchables
What is a Sudra?
Servant Caste
What is the Hierarchy of the Caste system?
(in order of most to least powerful) Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Sudras, Dalits
What percentage of the Indian Population makes up the top two castes
20%
What causes someone to end up as a Dalit
People who fail to live up to the Dharma of their assigned caste, and their children.
What makes the Untouchables a controversial part of Hinduism
Treated Terribly and used as an excuse for oppression. Assigned to do the least desirable jobs.
What decides someone’s caste in Hinduism
Wealth, Sex, Race, Job, Parents
When did India gain its Independance?
1947
What made Gandhi an important figure of Hinduism?
He freed India from British rule through Hindu teachings, and fought for rights for those that Hinduism oppressed, including Dalits and Women.
Why is the Caste system still present in India?
Due to the huge number of Hindus in India, and the fact that the Caste system is interwoven into every part of Hinduism.
What is Samsara
The cycle of rebirth, and the belief that life is cyclical
How does Karma affect Samsara
Karma decides how a hindu will be reborn in their next life, this can change caste and by extension each element deciding caste
What is the ultimate goal for Hindus?
Moksha, breaking free from Samsara with high karma thereby achieving salvation.
Name three Milestones in a Hindu’s life
Naming Ceremony, Thread Initiation Ceremony, Wedding
How long are Hindu Weddings?
Typically three days, and include a variety of ceremonies (different across different weddings)
What makes Hindu Weddings so Important?
Seen more as the merging of two families than the individuals themselves.
Upon a Hindus death what Happens?
Cremation over a funeral pyre after the body is washed and dressed in nice clothing, then the ashes are sprinkled in a body of water (Ideally the river Ganga).
What does the river Ganga mean to Hindus?
The river Ganga is believed to be the source of all life, and as such is believed to have cleansing powers (despite being incredibly dirty)
What’s Puja
Puja is the most common form of worship for Hindus, it’s carried out in the home typically with a shrine to a deity (or deities) of the worshipper’s choosing.
What is the holiest animal in Hinduism?
The Cow, as they are seen as a completely selfless animal.
How does the Hindu view of Marriage differ from the Western view of marriage?
Hindus believe that a successful marriage and relationship relies more on the unchanging parts of a person, such as personal traits. Whereas the Western view of marriage and relationships relies more on a person’s actions, love, and attraction.
Are Arranged Marriages in Hinduism Consensual?
Today they are, however that was not always the case
What are the three major sects of Hinduism?
Vaishnavisum, Shaivism, Shaktism
What does the Manusmriti detail?
Religious Customs, and laws that are rejected by all castes but Brahmin
How many Vedas are there?
4
What is the most authoritative holy book in Hinduism
The Vedas
This holy book is commonly translated into comic form
The Ramayana
