Hinduism Flashcards
Meaning of Hindu
“from india”
Founder of Hinduism
trick question! There isn’t one
dharma
“the way”
Belief of God
Monist (belief of many manifestations of the same god). But in practice, some are monotheistic, some polytheistic, some monolatristm some monastic, and some can even be atheist or animist
Brahma
Creator of the universe, but he’s not worshiped because his work is done
Vishnu
Most popular Hindu deity. He is the only one that is seen as benevolent.
Shiva
4 wives. God of destruction. He can help us overcome our delusions.
Purpose of life
- Overcome maya/illusion. obtain enlightenment (smadhi)
2. Obtain release (moksha) from cycle of rebirths. Break samsara
Nirvana
Release
Karma
Result of bad decisions or actions
Pathway to heavaen
- Good works to get rid of karma
- Knowledge or Jyana - through meditation
- Devotion or Bhakti - devotion to certain deity (caste is not an issue
Harijan
Children of God. Ghandi renamed this caste (formerly untouchables)
Caste system
Brahmin - highest. priests Kshatriyas - ruling class, military Vaisyas - merchants, farmers Sudras - peasants, slaves, servants Untouchables - Harijan
Shruti
canonical writings. means “heard” or “revealed” More of just memorizing sounds than anythings else
Smriti
popular writings. means “remembered”
Bhagavad Gita - personal God (god loves us)
Four stages of Hindu life
- Student
- Householder
- Hermit (seeker)
- Ascetic (holy man)
Student
Only males, up to 12 years old. Will spend time with a guru
Householder
Expected to get married (usually arranged)
Hermit or Seeker
begin to break attachment. Live in separate rooms, no more sexual activity, disengaged from family activities
Ascetic (holy man)
breaks connection to society, realizing that individuality is a lie
Offerings
They make offerings to statues as though they were the Gods, but they don’t worship the statues. Something that doesn’t require the death of an animate object.
Ritual washings
Rivers are seen as placings of crossing between the living and the dead.
Women in Hinduism
2nd class citizens. role in society is decided by her father, then decided by their husband
