Symbols Flashcards

0
Q

Describe and explain the Swastika

A

Symbol of good fortune and clockwise rotation of the sun.
Right handed Swastika - Vishnu, sun god Surya
Left handed Swastika - Kali (Shakti), night + magic; used by the Nazis.
Literally ‘well being’

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1
Q

Describe and explain the Lingum

A

Shiva’s phallus, symbolising Shiva’s energy and power to generate and regenerate life. Described as a cosmic pillar, reaching into space at one end, and the bowels of earth at the other

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2
Q

Describe and explain the Lotus

A

Rises from unclean waters to blossom as a pure and beautiful flower, represents the hindu soul (grows in darkness before becomes pure). Symmetrical, symbolising harmony; this is often associated with the Goddess Lakshmi

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3
Q

Describe and explain a Murti

A

A statue/image of a God/deity

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4
Q

Describe and explain the Mandala

A

Circle shape, representing the universe, which is used during meditation to focus the mind and gain inner peace; the idea is to concentrate on the centre

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5
Q

Describe and explain the cow

A

Nurtures + sustains life in the village. Milk provides essential food, dung provides fuel, heat + light, urine has medical qualities.
Ahimsa = total harmlessness to all living creatures - many hindus are vegetarian + its illegal to kill it in India
Not worshipped, only respected

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6
Q

Describe and explain Om (Aum)

A

Sacred hindu sound, greatest of all mantras, ‘will not fail to bear fruit’ if said, used at the beginning + end of mantras. This embodies the essence of the entire universe and is the root that holds everything together. A.U.M.: 3 worlds/3 main Gods/3 sacred Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama)

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7
Q

What is written in the Laws of Manu about killing cows?

A

‘… Cow and ascetic - they should never be killed’

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8
Q

What did Ghandi say about killing cows?

A

‘One can measure the greatness of a nation and its moral progress by the way it treats its animals’

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