Hinduism & Kendrick Flashcards
What is the antiquity and nature of Hinduism?
One of the world’s oldest religions (>4,000 years), a collection of spiritual traditions and a ‘way of life’.
Hinduism does not have a single founder or scripture.
What are the key texts of Hinduism?
Rooted in Vedas, Upanishads, and Epics (Mahabharata, Ramayana).
These texts form the foundation of Hindu spiritual teachings.
What are the core concepts of Hinduism?
- Dharma (duty)
- Karma (cause & effect)
- Moksha (liberation/freedom from rebirth)
These concepts are essential for understanding Hindu beliefs and practices.
What is Trimurti in Hinduism?
Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), Shiva (Destroyer/Transformer).
Trimurti represents the three fundamental aspects of the divine.
What does Shakti represent in Hinduism?
The Divine Feminine energy, manifesting in various goddess forms (Durga, Lakshmi, Parvati, Kali, etc.).
Shakti symbolizes the active energy of the universe.
True or False: Hinduism has 330 million gods.
False
The Vedas mention ‘33 Devas’, interpreted as 33 types of divine forces.
What is the ultimate reality in Hinduism?
Belief in One Supreme Spirit (Brahman) which takes different forms.
Deities are representations of cosmic forces and spiritual truths.
What is the cosmological view in Hinduism?
Concept of infinite universes, with Vishnu resting on the cosmic ocean dreaming realities.
Each universe emerges like bubbles from Maha Vishnu’s pores.
Define Tantra.
A spiritual system focused on energy, rituals, and inner transformation.
Tantra is rooted in ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts.
What are methods used in Tantra?
- Mantras
- Meditation
- Rituals
- Kundalini practices
These methods aim to awaken divine energy.
What is Kundalini energy?
‘The Coiled One’ – a dormant, potent spiritual energy located at the base of the spine, within the Muladhara (Root) Chakra.
Kundalini is often symbolized as a coiled serpent.
What is the historical context of Kundalini energy?
First mentioned in Tantric traditions (~8th C CE) and evolves in later Upanishads and Tantras.
Kundalini is not found in early Vedic texts.
What is the ultimate aim of Kundalini awakening?
The union of Shakti (Energy) with Shiva (Pure Consciousness) at the crown, leading to enlightenment (Moksha/Liberation).
This union is considered the highest spiritual goal.
What are Nadis?
A network of 72,000 subtle energy channels throughout the body.
Nadis are essential for the flow of Kundalini energy.
List the three key Nadis.
- Ida Nadi (Left)
- Pingala Nadi (Right)
- Sushumna Nadi (Center)
Each Nadi has specific associations and functions.
What are the seven main chakras?
- Muladhara (Root)
- Svadhisthana (Sacral)
- Manipura (Solar Plexus)
- Anahata (Heart)
- Vishuddha (Throat)
- Ajna (Third Eye)
- Sahasrara (Crown)
Chakras regulate spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Fill in the blank: Kundalini must rise through and purify each chakra sequentially to reach the _______.
Crown (Sahasrara)
This process is essential for achieving enlightenment.
What is the role of celibacy (Brahmacharya) in Kundalini awakening?
Conserving vital energy is considered essential ‘spiritual fuel’ for the demanding process of Kundalini awakening.
This preserved energy is believed to transform into higher consciousness.
What are some mystical experiences associated with Kundalini awakening?
- Physical: Spontaneous movements, tremors, heat/cold flashes
- Visual/Sensory: Seeing divine symbols, lights, colors
- Psychic/Altered States: OBEs, heightened intuition
- Spiritual: Encounters with deities, feeling universal love
These experiences can vary significantly among individuals.
What is Kundalini Syndrome?
Overwhelming physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms due to rapid energy rise or blocked chakras.
It requires proper grounding and guidance.
What is a psychological crisis in the context of Kundalini awakening?
Activation can resemble psychosis, triggering emotional upheavals and altered perceptions.
Risk of misdiagnosis between spiritual crisis and mental illness exists.
What are some practices for preparing for Kundalini awakening?
- Hatha Yoga
- Mantras
- Diet
- Breathwork (Pranayama)
- Crystals
Each practice plays a role in balancing energy and enhancing spiritual readiness.
What are common findings in modern science related to Kundalini?
- Brain activation patterns similar to deep meditation
- EEG shifts to Alpha, Theta, Gamma waves
- Decreased DMN activity, increased frontal lobe activation
Research methods include fMRI and EEG, exploring the neurocorrelates of Kundalini experiences.
True or False: Kundalini experiences are unique to Hindu traditions.
False
Similar experiences appear in other traditions like Tibetan Tummo, Taoist Qigong, and Sufi Mysticism.
