Key terminologies in Hinduism

Question 1

Brahman

Answer 1

Brahman is a supreme, universal spirit that is eternal and unchanging. Hindu holy books refer to Brahman as being present throughout the entire universe and Hindus believe that all living beings carry a part of Brahman within them. This divine spark is known as the atman.

A member of the highest Hindu caste

Question 2

Samsara

Answer 2

Cycle of life,

reincarnation -> Birth-> get an education -> get a job->get married->have children -> retire-> become old and sick-> death -> reincarnation

Question 3

Karma

Answer 3

The total sum of your good and bad deeds that will affect your soul in its next life
Analogy: your soul’s “report card” that will determine whether you will pass (move to a higher existence/ level in your next life) or fail (reincarnate into a lower level).

Question 4

Dharma

Answer 4

Your Duty
‘Duty’ depends on Caste, Gender, Stage in Life (student, parent, senior citizen)
Do your ‘Duty’ = get good ‘Karma’

Question 5

caste

Answer 5

Your level in society
You are born in it and cannot change, cannot move up or down (in this lifetime)
Brahmin (Priests)
Kshatriya (Rulers and warriors – soldiers)
Vaishya (Farmers and traders)
Shudra (Laborers – workers)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Outcastes (sewerage workers/ undertakers)

Question 6

Moksha

Answer 6

The goal of Hinduism is to purify or perfect your soul (atman)
When this is accomplished, your atman leaves the cycle of Samsara
Your atman is not reborn but instead becomes one with Brahman (universal soul). Brahman is considered pure. Only a pure soul can connect with Brahman.the freedom from the eternal cycle of samsara, or the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

the freedom from the eternal cycle of samsara, or the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Question 7

Hinduism

Answer 7

Hinduism combines the** beliefs, philosophy, and cultural practices of India. Central to the faith is a belief in reincarnation and one supreme god called Brahman** who has multiple manifestations as either a god or goddess. Gods and goddesses can be spirits, trees, animals, and even planets.

Came to Thailand from India and Khmer
Belief that your deeds gain good karma with goods and universal spirit (Brahman) that control your fate

Question 8

Original Buddhism

Answer 8

Came last to Thailand from India
Belief that your deeds (actions) determine your fate - no gods or spirits involved.