UNIT 3 - Hinduism Review Flashcards
Where is Hindiusm practiced?
1.) India
2.) Nepal
3.) Fiji
4.) Guyana
What are the 3 periods of Hinduism?
Pre-Vedic Period (Matriarcle society)
Vedic Period (Veda - First Hindu Scripture)
Upanishadic Period (Upanishad becomes the main scripture; People begin to worship in Temples)
What is the Universal Soul / God called?
Brahmen (Divided into many gods / goddesses)
What is Atman?
The release of the soul; Hindu’s believe Brahmen is in everyone - Atman
What is reincarnation?
Belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lives in the form of humans, animals or plants
What is Samsara? What is it governed by?
Samsara –> Cycle of reincarnation
Cycle of reincarnation is governed by KARMA
What are the Four Gods in Life?
The Purusharthas
What is Moksha?
The release of the soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth (Samsara); describes the pursuit of spiritual realization and freedom from the cycle of birth and death
What is Artha?
The pursuit of material gain and successful work by lawful means (right livelihood)
What is Dharma? Give an example
The Code for Leading in one’s life; the pursuit of spiritual duties, worship, learning, and devotion to the gods and goddesses. (Ex. Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son’s religious duty)
What is Karma?
To reincarnate to a higher level through pure acts, knowledge, and devotion; The principle of cause and effect is where good actions and intentions lead to good and “better” rebirths, while bad actions and intentions lead to bad and “worse” rebirths.
What are the Four Vedas?
The Rg-Veda (Rigveda) - Oldest and holiest
Yajur- Veda
Sama-Veda
Atharva-Veda.
What are the two main sacred texts?
Vedas and Upanishads
How were the Vedas originally revealed?
Orally revealed by the god Brahma to certain sages, who heard them and passed them down in oral tradition
What are the Vedas?
The Vedas are the law; most beliefs, concepts, and ceremonies are based on information contained in the Vedas
What are the Upanishads?
Considers the nature of Atman (soul) and the Universal Soul (Brahmen)
What Holy Scripture contains the earliest reference to the reincarnation in different bodies? (Transmigration of the soul)
The Upanishads
What are the two main categories of Hindu Scriptures?
- The Shruti - Consists of the 4 Vedas and the Upanishads
- The Smiritis - The Laws of Manu Hymns of Pious Living; an instruction guide for correct routines / Ways of living
What is Ramayana? Summarize the story.
Ramayana describes the story of Rama and his devoted wife, Sita.
TLDR: Sita gets kidnapped by the Demon King Ravana, later freed by Rama w/help from Monkey God Hanuman = Good triumphs over evil and are role models for ideal husband and wife
What is the Mahabharata?
Poem describing a story of a war between two branches of a family
What is the Bhagavad-Gita?
Forms part of the Mahabharata - “The Song of God”
What are the Puranas?
A collection of ancient tales about the different incarnations and the lives of Saints
Who is Brahmen?
The eternal origin and only god in Hinduism; the cause and foundation of all existence (Creator).