Hinduism

Hindus

Followers of Hinduism

Hinduism

Oldest documented religion

India

Hinduism's geographic place of origin

Aum/Om

a syllable chanted in meditation

Swastika

Once an ancient Hindu symbol used to ward off evil spirits, the Nazis adopted it as their official symbol.

Brahmins

Hindu priests

Brahman

Main Hindu God who created the universe and everything in it.

Caste System

A Hindu social class system that controlled every aspect of daily life

Vedas

Sacred Hindu text

Sanskrit

key Hindu language

dharma

one's duty in life

karma

the effects that good or bad actions have on a person's soul

moksha

Release from the cycle of reincarnation

atman

one's individual soul

yoga

"union"; focusing the physical & spiritual self on union with one's creator

Ganges River

holiest Hindu site

Untouchables

Hindus outside of the Caste System in the lowest social class

Shiva

Hindu "destroyer" deity

Brahma

Hindu "creator" deity

Vishnu

Hindu "protector" deity

Kashatriyas

Warriors, soldiers under Brahmin in the caste system

Vaishyas

Hindu caste of artisans and merchants.

Shudras

The landless peasants and serfs of the caste system.

Diwali

Hindu festival of lights

Atman 

Ultimate reality

atman

soul reincarnated

Ganesha 

elephant headed god, new begginings

How are Atman and Brahman related?

Atman is considered to be a part of Brahman; realizing that Atman is Brahman is the key to spiritual liberation (moksha).

Function of Hinduism’s many deities

They help devotees focus their worship, understand spiritual concepts, and connect personally with the divine.

Examples:

• Brahma – the creator

• Vishnu – the preserver

• Shiva – the destroyer and transformer

• Lakshmi – goddess of wealth and prosperity

• Saraswati – goddess of knowledge and arts

How ganesha got his head

Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head. To console Parvati, Shiva replaced it with the head of a nearby elephant, bringing Ganesha back to life.

What does Ganesha’s story mean?

teaches about acceptance, transformation, and the importance of wisdom. It shows that even unexpected changes can lead to something powerful and good.

3 paths of liberation 

• Karma Yoga

• Bhakti Yoga

• Jnana Yoga

Karma yoga

• Karma Yoga – Path of selfless action and duty

Service

Bhakti Yoga

• Bhakti Yoga – Path of devotion and love toward a personal deity

Love

Jnana Yoga 

• Jnana Yoga – Path of knowledge and wisdom through meditation and study

Meditation

Which Hindu text is most associated with Bhakti Yoga?

Bhagavad Gita

It emphasizes devotion to Lord Krishna as a path to liberation, alongside karma (action) and jnana (knowledge) yogas.

How did Ghandi influence Hinduism?

He emphasized living a simple, ethical life rooted in spiritual values, inspiring both religious and political movements. Made it more accessible and relevant in modern times, promoting peace and social justice.

What are two principles that connect the divine to this world in Hinduism?

Back:

1. Dharma – the moral law and duty that sustains the universe and guides human behavior

2. Karma – the law of cause and effect, where actions have spiritual consequences shaping future lives

How might reincarnation explain who we are and what we know?

Reincarnation teaches that the soul (Atman) is eternal and passes through many lives, carrying lessons and experiences from each one.

What is the correlation between the stages of life in Hinduism and Western culture?

Both traditions recognize phases of growth, responsibility, withdrawal, and reflection, though Hinduism integrates spiritual focus more explicitly in later stages.

• Hinduism’s Four Ashramas:

  1. Brahmacharya (Student) – Focus on learning and discipline

  2. Grihastha (Householder) – Family life and career

  3. Vanaprastha (Hermit/Retirement) – Gradual withdrawal from worldly duties

  4. Sannyasa (Renunciate) – Spiritual pursuit and detachment

• Western Culture Stages:

  1. Childhood/Education – Learning and growth

  2. Adulthood/Work & Family – Career and raising a family

  3. Retirement – Slowing down, reflection

  4. Late life – Legacy, often spiritual reflection

how are people separated in the west that is similar to the caste system?

social divisions exist based on class, wealth, education, and occupation.