Hinduism Flashcards
Vedas
meaning “knowledge,” are the oldest texts of Hinduism
Upanishads
The last of the Vedic literature -emphasizes inner meditation over outward performance
Sanskrit
The language of Aryans-considered to be the language of the gods by Hindus the Vedas are written in Sanskrit
Aryan people
Migrating groups of Eastern Europeans who settled in India 2000-1500BCE
Dravidian people Maya
lead their civilization in the southern part of India that includes Sri Lanka. The main relation between Mayan and Dravidans were their body color
Brahman without attributes
Nirguna Brahman is beyond time and space. It is the idea that Brahman has no particular form and is present within all living beings and everywhere
Brahman with attributes
Saguna has a form, identity and purpose, which may vary over time - universal soul
Brahma
The creator god and number one god in the Hindu pantheon
Vishnu
The hindu god that preserves has many avatars
Shiva
The 3rd god of the big 3 Hindu gods depicted with 4 arms, the destroyer god a source of both good and evil
Karma
The moral law of the universe
Jnana
Wisdom/Knowledge
Atman
The real self which is linked to Brahman
Vidya
right knowledge, clarity and inner wisdom
Avidya
Incorrect knowledge, ignorance