Religion and Life Issues - Hinduism Key Terms and Definitions

Question 1

ahimsa (ahinsa)

Answer 1

Not killing. Respect for life, not being violent.

Question 2

atman (atma)

Answer 2

Self. Can refer to the body, mind or soul depending on context. Usually the inner, or
real, self.

Question 3

Bhagavad Gita

Answer 3

The Song of the Lord, sung by Krishna and part of the Mahabharata. Considered an
Upanishad. Most famous and popular Hindu scripture.

Question 4

Brahma

Answer 4

Hindu deity responsible for creative power.

Question 5

Brahman

Answer 5

The ultimate reality from which everything comes and into which everything will return.

Question 6

dharma

Answer 6

Religion. The right conduct and laws which uphold order and harmony in society.

Question 7

Four Aims of Life

Answer 7

Dharma, Artha, Karma, Moksha.

Question 8

karma

Answer 8

Action. The law of cause and effect.

Question 9

mandir

Answer 9

A Hindu temple.

Question 10

mantra

Answer 10

A short prayer/chant repeated as an aid to meditation.

Question 11

moksha (moksa)

Answer 11

Final freedom from the cycle of life and death.

Question 12

murti

Answer 12

Image or deity used as a focus of worship and offerings.

Question 13

puja

Answer 13

1. Paying respect to a deity as an honoured guest.

2. Ways to worship in the home or temple.

Question 14

reincarnation

Answer 14

Being reborn again in another form.

Question 15

samsara (sansara)

Answer 15

The world, where the cycle of birth, death and rebirth takes place.

Question 16

triad of Gods

Answer 16

Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva – also known as the Trimurti. They represent and control the
three functions of creation, preservation and destruction.

Question 17

yoga

Answer 17

1. A union of the soul with the deity and the process taken to reach this.
2. A form of self-discipline and meditation.