vocab words Flashcards
The universal soul and supreme being, the eternal spirit where everything comes from and where they go back
brahman
The human soul, part of our innermost self that is identical to brahman, the universal soul
atman
Temporary and imperfect nature of the physical world
maya
The organization of Hindu society into four groups, each with its own duties and expectations
Caste System
People tainted by their birth into a caste system that seems them impure, less than human, outcasts (lowest on the system)
Untouchables
The belief of non-violence toward all living creatures
ahimsa
Someone who practices extreme self denial
ascetic
An incarnation, or manifestation, of a god in earthly form
Avatar
A practice or discipline that puts together philosophy and physical exercises and meditation, a union with god
Yoga
The totality of one’s actions; the buildup of good or bad karma determines one’s birth in his or her next life
Karma
Liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths, attained by uniting the atman the atman with the Brahman. It is the ultimate goal of Hindus
Moksha
Hinduism earliest sacred writings, composed around 1500 BCE
Vedas
Religious or moral duty
Dharma
The endless cycle of rebirth
Samsara
A practice that involves distributing to enthusiastic people food that has been offered to the gods
Prasad
A common thanksgiving ritual that involves offering of flowers, food, and other articles to the deities
Puja
The primary sacred language of Hinduism
Sanskrit
The god of fire
Agni
