Year 10 Flashcards
What is the universal spirit?
This gives all living things their individual souls. This energy is responsible for creating, preserving and destroying matter.
What is brahma?
Creator
What is Vishnu?
The preserver
What is shiva?
The destroyer
Where is god present in Hinduism?
In natural things such as fire and water.
What is the aum?
A sacred sound that is considered the greatest of all mantras. The syllable om is composed of three sounds. The symbols threefold nature is central to it’s meaning.
What do the three syllables represent in aum?
3 worlds- earth, atmosphere and heaven
3 major hindu gods, brahma Vishnu and shiva
3 Vedic scriptures- Rg,yajur and sama
What does the hindu swastika represent?
Means good fortune and luck and well being, often put outside homes for Diwali to bring good things into the home.
What is special about the lotus?
It grows in dirty water but blossoms into a beautiful, pure flower. It’s a metaphor for life and how if you follow god then the struggle of life can be overcome. The believer is like a blossoming flower.
It is also a symbol for rebirth when a person is released from this world.
5 developed facts about Brahma
One of the Trimurti
He’s the creator from which all of us came from
His consort is saraswati
His vehicle is a swan
4 heads represent how he is able to see everything including past , present future.
Holds Spoon ladle- offering to god
Give five facts about Vishnu
One of Trimurti Preserver The ruler The eternal Vehicle - Garuda bird like creature Four arms show that he is the ruler of ll
Give nine facts about Sita
Wide of ram
Princess , daughter of king janak
Ram Won her by lifting and breaking the bow of lord shiva
Depicted as an ideal wife and daughter
Celebrated for her purity
Gave birth to two powerful twin boys- love and kush
Another form as Lakshmi
Always worshipped by side of ram, hanuman and lakshman
Story of ram and Sita is remembered at Diwali
What is Lakshmi also known as?
The active energy of Vishnu
Give ten developed facts about Lakshmi
Goddess of money and luck in Hinduism
Consort of Vishnu
Hindus pray to her on danteras to bring good luck and well being in the new year.
Protects her devotees from all kinds of misery and money related sorrows
Source of strength for Vishnu
Expression is always calm and loving.
Friday is her most auspicious day for her worship
Sometimes seen massaging vishnu feet on the coils of the snake sheesha to show her love and devotion.
Gold and red clothes- gold is prosperity
Cascades of gold are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her will gain her wealth
Four arms represent the four aims of life
What is god in Hinduism?
An abstract concept
Name 2 avatars of Krishna
Ram
Krishna
Who is Krishnas lover?
Radha
What did Krishna want to teach to his devotees by stealing milk and butter?
He wanted to destroy the ignorance of his devotees teaching them not to be attached to matter.
What was Radha said to be?
An incarnation of Lakshmi
Who brahmas consort?
Saraswati
Who is the goddess of knowledge?
Saraswati
Who did saraswati give birth to?
Manu
Why does saraswati wear white?
Symbolises purity.
What instrument does saraswati play?
Veena
What animals is saraswati often seen with?
Swan
Goose
Peacock
Saraswatis appearance is quite plain without jewels what doe this show?
It shows she’s interested in higher more important things with an intellectual matter.
What does saraswati hold?
Books and holy beads - learning and spiritual
What does Saraswatis rosary signify?
Concentration
Meditation
Contemplation
What does her musical instruments symbol convey?
Conveys that the seeker must tune his mind and intellect in order to live in perfect harmony with the world.
What does saraswatis peacock depict?
Unpredictable behaviour as it’s moods can be influenced by changes in the weather.
Saraswati is using a swan as her vehicle and not a peacock. What does this show?
This signifies that one should overcome fear, indecision and fickleness in order to acquire the knowledge.
What are the 4 basic elements used in hindu worship ?
Water
Fire
Air
Earth
What is hindu worship all about?
Doing/ engaging the senses and connecting to god, not following an ordered service.
What do Hindus use to worship?
Their five senses
Give examples of hearing in worship
Chants , mantras, prayers , music , Bhajans
Give examples of sight used during hindu worship
Flowers Pictures Statues Shrine Murti
How do Hindus use taste in hindu worship
Prasad
How is the smell used during hindu worship
IncenseUsed to set atmosphere
Perfume drifts upwards to god
How is touch used in hindu worship
Prayer beads
Over the Arti light
Water
Why do Hindus use idols in worship?
God is everywhere he is present in the idol
It’s a way of directing flow to help concentration
It’s a channel to direct prayers to god who is unseen and distant
Define puja
Worship or paying respects to god or a chosen deity
Briefly describe how a hindu would perform a puja
A hindu would take a shower A bell is rang to wake the deity Incense sticks are lit Prayers and offerings are made The gayatri mantra is said Offerings such as water, milk and food Deity image is washed and dressed A paste is made from sandalwood and water which is placed on the image and the devotees forehead A lamp is lit and Arti is performed by circling it in front of the deity Prayers and mantras are then said
Give objects used in puja
Incense Photo of deity/ guru Bell Arti lamp Prasad Flowers Water
How is Arti performed
A special dish containing five cotton wool wicks dipped in purified butter is lit. The number five represents the five elements of earth, air, wind, water and fire. The lamp is rotated around the deity whilst a small bell is rung. Then the devotees symbolically accept the light and blessing of god by passing their hands over the flame and then placing the palms of their hands over their eyes forehead and head. This action represents the wish to destroy the darkness and ignorance and receive the light of knowledge.
What is the purpose of puja?
All of the items used in puja relate to the five elements of earth, air, fire wind and water and the five senses. These are the basic ingredients of life and show how in the act of puja, the basic elements of life are offered to god and express gratitude for the gift of life. So all the actions of puja are performed for the specific purpose of bringing the presence of the deity into the home and to help the worshipper develop a good state of mind with loving feelings towards god. It also helps to concentrate on the inner self in order to seek wisdom + understanding.
What is a hindu temple called?
A mandir
What does the outer part/ design or the mandir resemble? And why?
Resembles a mountain because mountains are the dwelling places of gods, shiva and parvati lived in the himalayas, Kailash.
What is the basic purpose of the mandir?
To house the deities so the centre and focus of the whole building is the inner sanctum, where the image or murti of the deity is called.
What does the garbha griha mean? And what is it
Womb house
The inner shrine which holds the image of the deity
What does the tower like structure of the mandir represent?
The highest level of liberation (moksha), and the tower leads to the eye upwards towards liberation.
What is the mandapa?
The pillared hallway or passage way leading to the inner shrine.
What usually sits in front of a deity and give an example
The deities vehicle
Eg the bull for shiva
Who is often seen first in the mandir?,
Ganesh
Briefly describe what a person will do when entering the mandir?
The mandir is the home of god so when arriving a person removes their shoes/ washes their hands.
They may ring the bell to let god know they’ve arrived
Offerings are brought and placed before the shrines
Food may be given to the priest who offers it to god and then gives the person back some to share with their family
Arti is performed with Bhajans and instruments
Arti light is offered to god then amongst the worshippers
People put money on the Arti tray, pass hands over the Arti lamp and then touch their heads.
Songs are sung
Prasad is given to all those present
Water is offered to god and then brought round.
People may say their own prayers
Some may lie down before the shrine
People then socialise in other areas of the mandir
How many mara beads are on a rosary?
108
What is coconut a symbol of?
Fertility
And good luck
What is a rakhi used for?
A girl ties one around her brothers wrist for protection
What is a sacred thread?
Worn by boys to remind them of their duties and it’s blessed by a priest.
What are garlands used for?
To decorate a shrine
Worn at weddings
And By dead at cremation
What are Rangoli patterns used for?
To welcome people and to wish good luck
Used in Diwali
Chalks and rice
What is a havan?
A fire sacrifice that is performed on special occasions, usually at the temple. This fire is the god Agni and offerings of ghee and rice are offered to the fire.
How do the scriptures refer to the goddess?
As the creative energy which is the power that breathes life into things in the human and natural world.
Without the energy and power of shakti the male gods will..??
Would have no power
What is meant by the idea of shakti?
Shakti is the divine force, manifesting to destroy the demonic forces and restore balance. Every god in Hinduism has his shakti and without that energy they have no power. Shakti is also called Devi.
She is the mother goddess, the source of all
In what forms can shakti be worshipped?
In the form of Devi durga Kali amba Ganga Parvati
In what two types can goddess appear in?
As Durga , a brave heroine or kali a terrifying goddess
In both cases she destroys and punishes all evil doers
What is the atman?
The inner spirit dwelling in every living being, including animals ; it is the eternal, indestructible and perfect spirit in everyone.
When and why is Durga worshipped ?
Worshipped by those seeking protection
And freedom from illnesses and difficulties
A god appearing on earth in living form is known as a ?
Avatar
What is the atman (two word ans)?
Perfect and indestructible
What happens to the atman?
It’s born into one physically body and when that body dies it is born into another. The endless cycle of life, death and rebirth is called samsara.
What happens once you’re released from samsara?
You reach moksha
Which is a union with god
Hindus believe we are made up of what?
Matter and spirit
Define sattva
The qualities of light, knowledge, goodness and seeking for truth.
Define tamas
The forces of darkness, ignorance and heaviness
Define Rajas
The forces of energy, ambition and desire.
Define purusartha
Object of human pursuit
The four purusarthas are?
Dharma , artha, Kama, and moksha
What do Hindus believe the purusarthas to be?
4 proper goals that are necessary and sufficient for fulfilling a happy life.
What is dharma?
Dharma is an important term in Indian religions. In Hinduism it means duty and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society. In general it refers to ones career which is often defined by class and family.
What is artha?
Prosperity or success in worthy pursuits. Although the ultimate goal of Hinduism is enlightenment, the pursuit of wealth is appropriate for the householder.
But while Hindus are encouraged to make money it must be within the bounds of dharma.
What is Kama?
Pleasure , it refers to the desires of the mind and the physically body. It is the human desire for passion and emotion.
What is moksha?
Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle and it’s classed as the fourth and ultimate goal. It is achieved by overcoming ignorance and desires. It can be achieves both in this life and after death.
Define the Bhagavad Gita
The most popular hindu scripture , it is a section of the Marabharata that presents the teachings of lord Krishna.
Define the Marabharata
A popular scripture that is a long epic poem containing the great story(maha) of India (Bharat)
What are the Puranas?
A collection of legends and myths about the popular deities
What’s the Ramayana?
Another popular epic poem that contains stories that explain the moral and spiritual teachings of Hinduism.
What is a shruti text?
Ancient and divine truths , not of human origin; these are directly heard and received by wise and holy men.
What is a smriti
Truths that deserve to be remembered but which are of human origin.
What are the Upanishads?
Scriptures explaining the teachings of the Vedas that are communicated by gurus.
What are the Vedas?
The most ancient and important teachings of Hinduism. They are regarded as the oldest scriptures in the world.
What are the Vedas used for?
For ritual ceremonies and as a source of great wisdom and truth.
How and why were the truths of the Vedas revealed?
Revealed by god at the beginning of time for the benefit of humankind.
How were the Vedas known of?
They were learnt by heart and passed down by the word of mouth through priests. They are shruti texts
What does shruti texts translate to
Heard texts
What does smriti texts translate to?
Remembered truths
What does the word Veda mean?
To know
What do the Vedas contain?
Knowledge about art, medicine, mathematics , science and philosophy.
What do the Upanishads do?
Explain the Vedas
What does the word Upanishad mean?
To sit down near - usually selected pupils who are dedicated to the pursuit of truth with their chosen guru.
How many major Upanishads are there?
13
What do the Upanishads teach about?
About the inner self of man, nature of Brahman, origin of the universe and the ultimate goal of liberation of the soul.
What do the gurus do with these ancient texts?
Study and explain the teachings to those who seek spiritual guidance.
Where might one see a guru for guidance?
Ashrams
The Marabharata and Ramayana are examples of what?
Smriti scriptures
What do the smriti texts list?
The codes and rules governing the actions of the individual, community, society and nation.
When abouts was the MB composed?
900bce
What does the MArabharata title mean?
The great epic of the bharats
Who is thought to have written the MB?
Sage Vyasa
What is the MB about?
The epic deals with a power struggle between the two royal families that represent the good forces (pandavas) and the evil forces (kauravas) The scene is in kurus. Conflict arose because the right to the throne was in dispute.
How long did the battle last for in the MB?
18 years
What does the Bhagavad Gita mean?
The song of The Lord
What is a section of the MB
The BG
Briefly explain the BG
Conversation between Arjuna and lord Krishna
About to fight the battle over the kingdom
Arjuna is filled with horror about killing his family
Charioteer turns to Arjuna and it’s Krishna , he tells Arjuna it’s his duty
Main message everyone should do their duties
It is through unselfish action and devotion to god that people can reach moksha.
The Gita offers what?
A way to liberation through the love of god and so is open to all people regardless of age, caste, sex or social standing.
Who was the Ramayana written by?
Valmiki
What does the Ramayana tell?
Tells life in India around 1000 BCE and offers models in dharma
How is the Ramayana interested basically as?
The story of good overcoming evil
What are the themes of the r?
Love between husband and wife
Parental relationships
Society’s values are complicated
What is Sita considered to be in the r?
One of the greatest heroines
Highest ideal love
Ideal wife of devotion and faithfulness
Give a quote related to the Ramayana
Whoever reads or hears the Ramayana daily all their sins will be washed away
Briefly describe what happens in the Ramayana
Tells story of prince Rama who was sent into exile in the forest with his wife, Sita and his brother, lakshman.
Sita abducted by evil demon ravan
Rescued by hanuman
What are the main teachings of the Bhagavad Gita?(5)
The importance of Bhakti- devotion to personal god.
God is not impersonal, in the form of Krishna he is warm and loving
Everyone has a duty to work without expecting any return from their labour.
The soul atman cannot be destroyed. After a life has ended the soul enters a new body in a form that has been determined by the previous life. Even if someone dies in battle, only their soul matters
Supreme spirit, Brahman is eternal and everything in the universe is part of Brahman.
Faithfulness- Sita is faithful towards ram
And ideal role models of hanuman- a great friend
What do the laws of Manu include?
Roles of kind and laws he follows
Basic laws of society
Meanings of your actions
RESPONSIBLITY
Are laws of Manu smriti or shruti ?
SHRUTI
