Hinduism Flashcards
What is hinduism?
- it is not a strict religion
- not rigid
- is a philosophy of life
- everybody is free to believe
- belief that nobody is beyond Hinduism
What is the Hindu concept of god?
God is in everything
Why is the Ganges River important to believers of Hinduism?
At sight it seems that it is full of garbage and filth, yet people believe that they will not get sick
Goddess Saraswati
Goddess of art and learning
Rides a white swan
Holds a pen, book, musical instrument, crystal
Brahman
The universal soil and supreme being
Brahma
Is the creator of the universe
Holds a book and a rosary
Vishnu
Is the preserver of the universe
Holds a conch she, discus, a lotus, a mace
Shiva
Is the destroyer and restorer of the universe
Holds a trident, a rosary, and a gourd
Ahimsa
The doctrine of non-violence toward all living creatures
Atman
The human soul
Avatar
An incarnation of a deity in earthly form
Caste system
The organization of Hindu society into 4 groups, each with its own duties and expectations
Diwali
The Hindu festival of lights that takes place at the end of October or beginning of November; celebrates the triumph of good over evil
Guru
A spiritual teacher or guide who can help one achieve moksha or salvation
Karma
The totality of ones actions; the accumulation of good or bad karma determines
Krishna
The eighth incarnation of the god vishnu
Kshatriya
A member of the military caste
Mantra
A sacred word or phrase that is chanted during worship or meditation
Meditation
Deep contemplation that leads to a trance like state in which the individual tries to become one with the Brahman
Moksha
Liberation of soul from endless cycle of rebirths
Om
Sacred syllable that includes essence of Brahman when chanted is believed to be sound of reality
Parvati
Mother goddess who represents female energy
Puja
Common thanksgiving ritual involving offerings of food, flowers, and other articles to deities
Samsara
Endless cycle of rebirths
