Hindusim

Question 1

Ascetic

Answer 1

someone who practices severe self-discipline or abstains from physical pleasures for religious purposes

Question 2

Atman

Answer 2

the true self

Question 3

Bhagavad Gita

Answer 3

a sacred Hindu story about Prince Arjuna and Krishna

Question 4

Brahman

Answer 4

the supreme cosmic force

Question 5

Caste

Answer 5

A traditional Hindu social level or class

Question 6

Traditional Cast System

Answer 6

Brahmans - priests; lead most key rituals
Kshatriyas - defenders of the realm and rulers
Vaishyas - skilled traders, merchants, minor officials, farmers, artists
Sudras - unskilled workers; to serve the 3 higher castes
Outcastes - “untouchables”; may not interact with other four castes

Question 7

Dharma

Answer 7

one’s personal code of conduct relating to family and society; one’s duty

Question 8

Karma

Answer 8

the low of cause and effects, of one’s actions having an impact of one’s future life

Question 9

Moksha

Answer 9

Freedom of liberation from samsara, or the cycle of rebirth

Question 10

Samsara

Answer 10

the law of birth, death, and rebirth, or the process of reincarnation

Question 11

Upanishads

Answer 11

sacred scriptures; the final dialogues ending the Vedas

Question 12

Yoga

Answer 12

Hindu path (or disciples) to liberation
- knowledge, devotion, action

Question 13

The Four Stages of Life

Answer 13

Stage 1 - student (age 7-20) - focus on religion education and a willingness to search for truth
Stage 2 - Householder (20-50) - focus on duty to family, raising children, earning a living
Stage 3 - Semi-retired (when family is self supporting) - focus on retreat from worldly life, focus on spiritual manners
Stage 4 - Wandering Ascetic (when ready) - focus on holy, detached life, with no possessions or responsibilities

Question 14

Ahimsa

Answer 14

the principle of non-violence