Hinduism definitions

Question 1

Atman

Answer 1

A divine spirit that all people share.

Question 2

Brahman

Answer 2

The unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality which is the divine ground of all matter, energy, time, space, being and everything beyond this universe.

Question 3

Dharma

Answer 3

From the word meaning to uphold - righteousness, duty, morality, law, social obligations, particular religious teachings, the deity who embodies righteousness.

Question 4

Karma

Answer 4

The effects of one’s actions in life, good or bad; the natural consequences of actions.

Question 5

Ahimsa

Answer 5

‘Non-injury’ and ‘non-killing’. It implies the total avoidance of harming any living creature. ‘Non-harming’ or ‘non-violence’.

Question 6

Ashramas

Answer 6

The four stages of life in Hinduism, laid out in classical Sanskrit texts.

Question 7

Varnas

Answer 7

The term given to the four traditional social classes of Hindu society.

Question 8

Yamas

Answer 8

‘Reining in’ or ‘control’. They are restraints for proper conduct given in the Vedas and the Yoga Sutras as moral imperatives, commandments, rules, or goals.

Question 9

Niyamas

Answer 9

‘Positive duties’ or ‘inner observances’. Niyama are disciplines that guide our inner world.

Question 10

Moksha

Answer 10

Means ‘freedom’ and according to the Upanishads, the ultimate goal of human life.

Question 11

Samsara

Answer 11

The cycle of birth and rebirth governed by how karma is created and balanced. Moksha is liberation from the cycle of samsara.