Hinduism Flashcards
What type of religion is Hinduism
a henotheistic religion meaning they believe in one God that can take multiple different forms
Shruti Text
the most revered body of sacred literature. It is also known as the ‘heard text’ and includes the Vedas and the Upanishads.
Smriti Text
a body of Hindu texts usually attributed to an author, traditionally written down. It is known as the ‘remembered tradition’. Includes the Epics and Bhagavad Gita
Hinduism Sacred Texts: Veda
Veda means knowledge, and are thought to contain the fundamental knowledge relating to the underlying cause of and function of existence.
Hinduism Sacred Texts: Upanishads
spiritual dissection of the Vedas, as well as a commentary on Brahman, the atman and the relationship between the two.
Hinduism Sacred Texts: Bhagavad Gita
this is part of the sixth book of the Mahabharata, the world’s longest poem. It takes form of a dialogue between prince Arjuna and Krishna, his charioteer. It informs adherents on their duties and key teachings.
Basic Premise: The Human Person
Hindus seek to attain Moksha, liberation from the constant cycle of birth, death and rebirth, known as Samsara.
Moksha
the reunification of the atman (soul) with Brahman. This occurs when a Hindu has accumulated good karma through the performance of Veishesha Dharma and Sadharana Dharma.
Caste System
The origin of this four-class system is found in a Vedic creation hymn in which Purusha, a primordial deity, was sacrificially dismembered by Gods.
Primordial Deity
the first beings to come into existence from non-existence
Order of the Caste System
Priests - Kings - Merchants - Servants
Roles of Each Class
each class must maintain its own rules and perform certain duties according to their Dharma.
Dharma
in Hinduism it means ‘duty’, ‘virtue’, ‘morality’, even ‘religion’ and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society
Vishesha Dharma
dharma that one is obligated to perform depending on gender, life stage and caste.
Sadharana Dharma
the duty to perform actions that lead to universal good, which includes ethical and behavioral codes.
Karma
action or doing. It is the positive or negative consequences associated with doing ones Dharma
Purpose of Karma
if ones ‘completes their duties’ in life they will acquire good karma and be on their way to achieving Moksha.
Samsara
refers to the cycle of birth, death and rebirth to which all humans are bound by Karma.
Explain the Cycle of Samsara with Karma and Dharma
during life a Hindu performs their Dharma and in doing so accumulates karma, this karma is attached to their atman. Upon death their karma is measured and will immediately impact their reincarnation.
Brahman
an absolute reality. It is not a God, but exists above them, and the Gods derive their power from Brahman.
Atman
in Sanskrit, atman means the individuals inner self.
4 Stages in Hinduism Timeline
Early Beginnings, Vedic Period, Upanishads Period, The Epic Period
Early Beginnings Period
3000 BCE - 1500 BCE, founded in Indus Valley, the founder is unknown, and the stories were passed down via word of mouth.
Vedic Period
1500 BCE - 800 BCE, written in Sanskrit as a sacred text, introduction of Hindu priests and the caste system and first use of fire sacrifice.
Upanishads Period
800 BCE - 200 BCE, began questioning verdic rituals, emergence of Upanishads, and concepts such as Braham developed.
The Epic Period
500 BCE - 500 CE, composition of Ramayana and Mahabharata (poems), introduction of the Bhagavad Gita.
3 Gods of Brahman
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Brahma
associated with creation, knowledge and the Vedas and is married to Saraswati
Vishnu
associated with protection and preservation. Married to Lakshmi
Shiva
God of destruction and married to Paraveti.
Ahisma
means avoiding any harm and non-violence.
Antyetsi
a death ritual
Purpose of Death Rituals in Hinduism
cremation rituals act to purify body and consume the physical form, freeing the atman from its attachment to this world and allowing it to re-join the cycle of Samsara.
