Theme 2 (Religious Concepts) Flashcards
How can Brahman be described?
The universal spirit/soul
(Macro-cosmic)
What are the 4 forms of Brahman?
Nirguna, Saguna, Bhagavan & Ohm
Brahman Quotes
“In truth Brahman is all”
“He moves and he moves not (…) he is within all”
“I am the original foundation of the Ultimate Truth”
“He is the swan (…) he is the True and the Great”
“But with these present eyes if yours you will not be able to see me”
What are Brahman’s 3 qualities?
- Sat (being)
- Chit (consciousness)
- Ananda (bliss)
How else is Brahman described?
‘neti-neti’= not this, not this
- Brahman cannot be given any attributes at all (we cannot describe him with words)
What is the Sanskrit meaning of Brahman and how might this describe him?
+ analogy to describe Brahman
‘brh’ = to burst forth
- Brahman created the universe and has an unlimited nature
+ like the sun (we can experience the rays (deities) but not the sun (Brahman) itself
How can the atman be described?
Eternal soul
(Personal/Micro-cosmic)
What are the two parts of the atman?
- which part goes to Moksha?
Jivatman = the personality/individual soul
*Paratman = part of Brahman
Atman quotes
“Is never born and never dies”
“Does not die”
“ONE for evermore”
Why are there so many Gods in Hinduism?
- Allow for choice
- Diversity means everyone is included
- All represent Brahman’s personality
- Traditions and stories
What are the four types of belief?
Monotheism
Monism
Henotheism
Polytheism
What is monotheism?
Belief in one God
What is monism?
Belief that everything is made up of one single essence (Brahman/Atman)
What is henotheism?
The devotion of a single God while accepting the existence of other Gods
What is polytheism?
+ What are the two types?
The belief in many Gods
+ Hard= belief that the gods are seperate and distinct beings
Soft= the belief that the many Gods represent aspects of a single supreme God
What does Vedanta mean and what are the two types?
A Hindu philosophy
Advaita Vedanta
Dvaita Vedanta
What are the key points of Advaita Vedanta?
Founded by Adi Shankara
Discusses the unity of the Atman and Nirguna Brahman
The world is an illusion (Maya)
Ignorance of reality causes suffering
Liberation can only be achieved by true knowledge of their unity
What are the key points of Dvaita Vedanta?
Founded by Madhva Archarya
“realist viewpoint”
Discusses Brahman and the Atman as being seperate
The world is real
Following the path if bhakti will allow liberation to be reached
What are the roles of each of the Trimurti?
+ their consorts
+ how do they represent Brahman?
Brahma= creator
(Sarawsati= knowledge)
Vishnu= preserver
(Lakshmi= wealth)
Shiva= destroyer
(Parvati= perfect mother/wife)
+ They are Saguna Brahman (with attributes)
Which elements do each of the Trimurti represent and why?
Brahma = earth
(he created the world)
Vishnu = water
(he sustains the world and we cannot survive without water)
Shiva = fire
(he destroys life)
Which of the stages of life does each of the Trimurti represent and why?
Brahma= student
(student seeks knowledge and Saraswati = knowledge)
Vishnu= householder stage
(individual fulfills role in family including wealth = Laksmi)
Shiva= retirement stage
(he lives a homeless life w basic possessions/they are preparing for death)
Facts about Brahma?
- God of destiny or fate
- vehicle is a swan
- ‘self-born’
- least important member of the trimurti (less than 15 temples devoted to him)
- was born through Vishnu’s naval
-there is a religious festival held in his honour
Brahma Quote
“Brahma was…the Creator of all…, air and fire and water”