Hinduism Key Terms Flashcards
Agni
God of fire, the link between Gods and humans
Ahimsa
The doctrine of non violence towards all living creatures
Avatar
An incarnation or manifestation of a deity in Earthly form
Atman
The human soul, part of our innermost self that is identical to Brahman, the universal soul
Bhakthi
Intense devotion to a particular deity; often expressed through music
Brahma
A deity who is considered the creator of the universe, part of the Hindu trinity
Brahman
The universal soul and supreme being; eternal spirit from which all things originate and to which they return
Brahmin
A member of the highest Hindu caste
Caste system
The organization of Hindu society into 4 groups; each with its own duties and expectations
Dharma
Religious or moral duty
Guru
A spiritual leader or guide who can help one achieve moksha or salvation
Hindu Trinity
A concept that unites the Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva into one entity
Homa
A ritual that involves the burning of offerings in a fire that is blessed by a priest
Karma
The totality of one’s actions; the accumulation of good and bad karma determines one’s birth in the next life
Mantra
A sacred word or phrase chanted during worship or meditation
Maya
A word used to refer to the temporary and imperfect nature of physical world
Meditation
Deep contemplation that leads to a trance like state in which the individual tries to become one with the Brahman
Moksha
Liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths, attained by linking the atman with the Brahman. It is the ultimate goal of Hindus
Om
A sacred syllable that invokes the essence of Brahman when chanted. It is believed to be the sound of all reality
Puja
A common thanksgiving that involves offerings of flowers, food and other articles to the deities.
Prasad
A practice that involves redistributing to devotees the food that has been offered to the deities
Samsara
The endless cycle of rebirths
Shruti
Knowledge that is revealed to or ‘discovered’ by the wise men of Hinduism, e.g., the content of the Vedas
Smriti
Human made literature or knowledge that is ‘remembered’ e.g., content of the Mahabharata and Ramayana
Shakti
The generic name for all manifestations of female energy which may be represented as gentle or fierce
Swami
Holy men of Hinduism
Vedas
Hinduism’s earliest sacred writings, composed around 1500 BCE
Yoga
A practice of discipline combining philosophy with physical exercises and meditation; union with God
Yogi
A spiritually evolved individual who practices meditations
