hinduism vocabulary Flashcards
reincarnation/transmigration
the soul leaves one body at death and is reborn in a new body. Although bodies are replaced, the soul remains essentially the same
dravidians
First civilizations. Darker skinned from Indus River area; settled urbanites, preferred artisan and merchant activities [lower class]
aryans
Moved into the Indus River Valley area around 1000 BCE and shared there customs, traditions, rites, symbols, and myths. Lighter skinned, Indo-European people; more militant, active, and ruling types [higher class]
Varna
A basic subdivision of humanity into 4 groups (Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra). Possible causes: Psychological or racial. Will lead to caste system.
shruti
Collective term for Hindu sacred writings
vedas
The oldest shruti. Means “knowledge or sacred lore”. Consisted of 4 basic Vedic books: Rig, Yajur, Sama, Altharva Veda. Written in Vedic Sanskrit.
upanishads
One of the 4 parts of Veda. Philosophical materials that reflect on earlier Verdic material. Not originally part of the Veda. Basis for later Hindu philosophy/world view. About 200
brahman
One of the 4 parts of Veda. Ritual materials. A single spiritual power that Hindus believe lives in everything. Everything=just an expression of _______________. The one true god/reality. Is eternal, infinite, unknowable, not gender specific, without a past, present of future.
atman
One’s soul that stays with one throughout reincarnation/transmigrations. Part of the great ocean of souls that are Brahman.
maya
“Illusion”; False knowledge of humans that this life and our separation from Brahman are real
karma
The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life. Every action and thought has a consequence. [comes around & goes around]
samsara
“To wander across”; The endless cycle of life and wheel of rebirth in Hinduism. Ends when souls reach perfection.
moksha
Breaking the cycle of Samsara
darma
“Job”; In Hindu belief, a person’s religious and moral duties based on caste/varna/strata. The laws or teachings of Hindiusm. What you are meant to be/ made for.
the law of manu
Part of the Shruti. Contains religious teachings, descriptions of Indian life/culture at thar time, ethical/social standards, describes the caste system, and explains rebirth [ idea of what you are and accept who you are ]
Bhagavad gita
Last major writing of Hindu classical period. Part of Mahabhrata. Teaches that individuals should perform duties of their caste. Epic poem about 2 families at war.
puranas
Part of the post-classical era of Hinduism. Writings about gods/goddesses. Contains devotional verse about exploits of gods/goddesses and attributes of particular deities.
Bhakti yoga
The path of devotion. Involves worshipping god(s) at their temples, offering sacrifices, praying, etc.
jnana marga
The path of knowledge. Based on the Vedas, and aim at Moksha. The 2 main philosophies are Yoga System [ one should attempt to join the soul(atman) to Brahman ; meditation ]and Vedanta System [ idea that mankind’s main problem is ignorance ]
karma yoga
The path of works. Involves performing proper rituals daily and at particular milestones in life and fulfilling religious obligations. Different duties for men and women.
trimurti
The three forms/functions of Brahman(ultimate reality) : Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu.
brahma
Creator of the world. Husband of Sarasvati. Not mentioned in Vedas. Shown with red bearded faces and 4 arms.
shiva
The destroyer. God of death, destruction, disease, dancing, vegetable, animal and human reproduction.
vishnu
The preserver. God of love, benevolence, forgiveness. Loves to join humans in play and enjoys tricks/pranks. Has great concern for humanity (come to earth in many different forms)
lakshmi
Wife of Vishnu. Goddess of victory, fertility and wealth. Serves as a mediator between humans and Vishnu.
ganesha
Son of Shiva. The remover of obstacles. Oversees the obtainment of knowledge and creative pursuits. [Elephant head]
puja
An act of worship to the gods
prasad
Food, offered in worship to a sacred statue/image of a god during puja.
sikhism
Religion developed in the 15th century that maintains a harmony between the monotheism of Islam and ideas of illusion and rebirth from Hinduism.
jainism
One of the oldest Indian religion. members believe that everything in the universe has a soul and therefore shouldn’t be harmed. Branched off from Hinduism.
caste system
A system of hierarchical social structure in India where people are divided into groups/categories from birth that will determine their entire lives. Changing caste is only possible by rebirth/reincarnation.
divali/diwali
Hindu new year; festival of lights to represent knowledge
holi
Festival of colours. a Hindu spring festival celebrated in February or March in honor of Krishna
raja yoga
The path of physical discipline. Based on cleanliness and strong control over bodily desires. Involves correct postures and controlled breathing.
sanskrit
The oldest of the Indo-Iranian languages; written for Vedas
