hinduism vocabulary

Question 1

reincarnation/transmigration

Answer 1

the soul leaves one body at death and is reborn in a new body. Although bodies are replaced, the soul remains essentially the same

Question 2

dravidians

Answer 2

First civilizations. Darker skinned from Indus River area; settled urbanites, preferred artisan and merchant activities [lower class]

Question 3

aryans

Answer 3

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]

Question 4

Varna

Answer 4

A basic subdivision of humanity into 4 groups (Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra). Possible causes: Psychological or racial. Will lead to caste system.

Question 5

shruti

Answer 5

Collective term for Hindu sacred writings

Question 6

vedas

Answer 6

The oldest shruti. Means “knowledge or sacred lore”. Consisted of 4 basic Vedic books: Rig, Yajur, Sama, Altharva Veda. Written in Vedic Sanskrit.

Question 7

upanishads

Answer 7

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

Question 8

brahman

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

atman

Answer 9

One’s soul that stays with one throughout reincarnation/transmigrations. Part of the great ocean of souls that are Brahman.

Question 10

maya

Answer 10

“Illusion”; False knowledge of humans that this life and our separation from Brahman are real

Question 11

karma

Answer 11

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]

Question 12

samsara

Answer 12

“To wander across”; The endless cycle of life and wheel of rebirth in Hinduism. Ends when souls reach perfection.

Question 13

moksha

Answer 13

Breaking the cycle of Samsara

Question 14

darma

Answer 14

“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.

Question 15

the law of manu

Answer 15

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 ]

Question 16

Bhagavad gita

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

puranas

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Bhakti yoga

Answer 18

The path of devotion. Involves worshipping god(s) at their temples, offering sacrifices, praying, etc.

Question 19

jnana marga

Answer 19

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 ]

Question 20

karma yoga

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

trimurti

Answer 21

The three forms/functions of Brahman(ultimate reality) : Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu.

Question 22

brahma

Answer 22

Creator of the world. Husband of Sarasvati. Not mentioned in Vedas. Shown with red bearded faces and 4 arms.

Question 23

shiva

Answer 23

The destroyer. God of death, destruction, disease, dancing, vegetable, animal and human reproduction.

Question 24

vishnu

Answer 24

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)

Question 25

lakshmi

Answer 25

Wife of Vishnu. Goddess of victory, fertility and wealth. Serves as a mediator between humans and Vishnu.

Question 26

ganesha

Answer 26

Son of Shiva. The remover of obstacles. Oversees the obtainment of knowledge and creative pursuits. [Elephant head]

Question 27

puja

Answer 27

An act of worship to the gods

Question 28

prasad

Answer 28

Food, offered in worship to a sacred statue/image of a god during puja.

Question 29

sikhism

Answer 29

Religion developed in the 15th century that maintains a harmony between the monotheism of Islam and ideas of illusion and rebirth from Hinduism.

Question 30

jainism

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

caste system

Answer 31

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.

Question 32

divali/diwali

Answer 32

Hindu new year; festival of lights to represent knowledge

Question 33

holi

Answer 33

Festival of colours. a Hindu spring festival celebrated in February or March in honor of Krishna

Question 34

raja yoga

Answer 34

The path of physical discipline. Based on cleanliness and strong control over bodily desires. Involves correct postures and controlled breathing.

Question 35

sanskrit

Answer 35

The oldest of the Indo-Iranian languages; written for Vedas