Hinduism Full Flashcards
What is an Avatar?
An incarnation, or manifestation, of a deity in earthly form.
What is a Guru?
A spiritual teacher or guide who can help one achieve moksha, or salvation.
What does Ahimsa mean?
The doctrine of non-violence toward all living creatures.
What does Aryan mean?
“Noble and educated”.
What is Samsara?
The endless cycle of rebirths.
What is Yoga?
A practice or discipline combining philosophy with physical exercises and meditation; union with God.
What does Harijan mean?
untouchable.
What is an Ascetic?
Someone whose lifestyle is a set of practices in which restrictions and limits are placed on the sensually pleasurable and comfortable experiences that most people consider integral to a happy life.
What is Karma?
The totality of one’s actions; the accumulation of good or bad karma determines one’s birth in his or her next life.
What is Dharma?
The duties a Hindu should follow in their life.
What does Maya refer to?
The temporary and imperfect nature of the physical world.
What is Moksha?
Liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths; attained by uniting the atman with the Brahman. It is the ultimate goal of Hindus.
What is a Mandir?
A Hindu place of worship.
What is Puja?
A common thanksgiving ritual that involves offerings of flowers, food, and other articles to the deities.
What is a Mantra?
A sacred word or phrase that is chanted during worship or meditation.
What does Om represent?
A sacred syllable that invokes the essence of Brahman when chanted. It is believed to be the sound of all reality.
What is a Pilgrimage?
A journey to a sacred place.
What is the significance of the Sacred Cow?
It represents Mother Earth, as it is a source of goodness and its milk nourishes all creatures.
Who is Agni?
The god of fire; the link between gods and humans.
What is Shruti?
Knowledge that is revealed to, or ‘discovered’ by, the wise men of Hinduism, e.g., the content of the Vedas.
What is Smriti?
Human-made literature, or knowledge that is ‘remembered,’ e.g., the content of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
What is a Swami?
The holy men of Hinduism.
What is a Yogi?
A spiritually evolved individual who practises meditation.
Who is Brahma?
Creator of the universe
Brahma is depicted with four heads, bearded faces, and four arms, symbolizing omnipotence.
What does Brahma’s four arms represent?
Omnipotence/all powerful
The four arms signify that God is all-powerful.
What role does Shiva play in Hinduism?
The Destroyer
Destruction is seen as a prelude to recreation on a cosmic level.
What does destruction mean on a personal level according to Shiva’s teachings?
Removal of the bonds that hold devotees to the cycle of rebirth
This highlights the transformative aspect of destruction.
What does Shiva’s third eye represent?
Spiritual wisdom and power
The third eye is a common symbol of insight and higher consciousness.
Who is Vishnu?
Preserver of the universe
Vishnu is believed to have come to earth in nine different forms.
What color is Vishnu often depicted as and what does it symbolize?
Blue, symbolizing infinite space
This color represents Vishnu’s all-pervasive nature.
Who is widely regarded as the most important avatar of Vishnu?
Prince Ram
In some regions of India and Nepal, Ram is seen as the supreme being.
What is Ganesh known for?
God of good luck and new beginnings
He is also known as the remover of obstacles in one’s life.
What does Lakshmi symbolize?
Good luck
She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
What is Saraswati the goddess of?
Knowledge
She is also the patron of arts and culture.
What are the various perspectives in which Krishna is portrayed?
- God-like child
- Prankster
- Model lover
- Divine hero
- Supreme being
Krishna is often depicted as a blue figure playing the flute.
What does Parvati represent?
Mother Goddess representing female energy (shakti)
She embodies the nurturing aspect of femininity.