hinduism Flashcards
What is Atman?
The individual soul or true essence of a being in Hinduism.
What is reincarnation?
The cycle of rebirth where the soul is reborn into a new body after death.
What is puja?
A ritual of worship to honor gods and goddesses.
What is ahimsa?
The principle of non-violence toward all living beings.
How many followers does Hinduism have?
Over 1.2 billion, primarily in India and Nepal.
What is the Trimurti?
The three main gods: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), Shiva (Destroyer).
Who is Rama?
Avatar of Vishnu; hero of the Ramayana; known for virtue and dharma.
Who is Ganesh?
The elephant-headed god; remover of obstacles and god of beginnings.
Who is Krishna?
Avatar of Vishnu; featured in the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita.
Who is Lakshmi?
Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune.
Who is Parvati?
Consort of Shiva; goddess of power, fertility, and love.
Who is Saraswati?
Goddess of knowledge, music, and wisdom.
Who is Hanuman?
Devotee of Rama; symbol of strength, loyalty, and devotion.
What are the Four Stages of Life in Hinduism?
Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa.
What are the castes in the Hindu caste system?
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, Dalits (outcasts).
What are the 3 main groups of Hindus?
Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism.
What are the Four Aims of Life?
Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasure), Moksha (liberation).
What are the Four Paths of Salvation?
Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga.
What are the 3 ways Hinduism is referred to?
Sanatana Dharma, Hinduism, Vedic Religion.
What are the 4 Hindu beliefs?
Moksha, Samsara, Karma, Dharma.
How are the 4 Hindu beliefs interconnected?
Good karma through dharma improves samsara, leading to moksha.
What are two major Hindu festivals?
Holi (Festival of Colors) and Diwali (Festival of Lights).
What are two Hindu milestones?
Weddings (Saptapadi) and Death (cremation and ash immersion in rivers).
What is the significance of the Holy Cow?
It symbolizes non-violence and fertility.
What is a Mala?
Prayer beads used for meditation and chanting.
What are forehead markings like the Bindi and Tilak?
Symbols for spiritual, cultural, or sectarian reasons.
What are the Vedas?
The oldest Hindu scriptures containing hymns, rituals, and philosophies.
What are the Upanishads?
Texts exploring Atman (soul) and Brahman (universal essence).
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
A dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna about dharma and life.
What is the Mahabharata?
An epic poem about the Kurukshetra War and moral dilemmas.
What does Om/Aum symbolize?
The sacred sound representing the universe.
What does the Swastika represent?
A symbol of well-being and good fortune.
What is the Sri Yantra?
A geometric design used for meditation.
What does the Lotus symbolize?
Purity and spiritual growth.
