Key Words Flashcards
Brahmanism
The Vedic belief in Brahman, the universal spirit that contains all
Historical Vedic Era
When the Vedas were written. India (1500-500 BCE)
The Vedas
Religious scriptures in four groups
The Upanishads
A final section of the Vedas, They contain philosophical reflections about the nature of the universe
Samsara
Reincarnation
Dharma
One’s religious duty according to one’s caste
Karma
The result of one’s intentional actions, Causes ascent or decent of the caste system
Moksha
Liberation from rebirth, merger with Braman, The human goal of Brahmanism
Sramana
means “one who seeks the truth by means of asceticism” Critics of Brahmanism
Asceticism
Denial of bodily pleasures for the purpose of achieving spiritual goals
Jainism
A Sramana movement that teaches non-violence and love towards all living things.
Mahavira
The historical founder of Jainism who was born in Bihar, India, in 599 BCE and lived to the age of 72
Jinas
Jain spiritual conquerors who have achieved liberation and perfection
Tirthankaras
24 spiritual leaders called “ford-makers”, of whom Mahavira was the last
Ajivika
A Sramana movement. Their founder taught niyati, the determinism of the universe down to the smallest atom