World religions vocab for hinduism

Atman

The true self or soul inside every person.

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The form a god takes when he comes down to earth. (Sanskrit term meaning descent)

Bhakti

Deep love and devotion to a god. It’s a way of worshipping that focuses on personal feelings and loyalty rather than complicated rituals

Brahman

The ultimate reality and universal spirit that exists in everything.

Darshan

Experience of seeing and being seen by the divine.

Dharma

A person’s duty and the right way to live.

Karma

Every action has a consequence in this life or a future one.

Moksha

Freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth; becoming one with Brahman.

Murti

A sacred statue or image representing a deity; the deity’s spirit is present during worship.

Prasad

Food offered to a deity, blessed, then shared with worshippers.

Puja

A ritual of worship or devotion

Samsara

Endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth; goal is to escape it.

Yoga

Spiritual and physical practices meant to train the mind and body.

Karma yoga

The path of selfless action; doing your duty and helping others without expecting rewards, praise, or personal gain.

Jnana yoga

The path of knowledge and wisdom; studying sacred texts, thinking deeply, and meditating to understand reality and the self.

Bhakti yoga

Path of devotion; union with the divine through love, prayer, and worship of a personal god.

Varna

The four main social classes people were divided into.

Jati

The thousands of smaller social groups (castes) people are born into.

Ahimsa

The principle of nonviolence; not harming any living being in thought, word, or action.

Renunciation

Giving up something, such as possessions, comfort, or pleasures.

Polytheism

The belief in and worship of many gods or goddesses.

Monotheism

The belief in only one god; foundation of Judaism, Christianity, Islam.