Hinduism

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism. It represents the continuous journey of the soul through different lives, driven by karma.

Moksha

Ultimate goal in Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Achieved through self-realization and union with the divine.

Reincarnation

Belief in the cycle of rebirth where the soul is reborn into a new body after death.

Transcendental Meditation

A technique for relaxation and self-discovery. Involves sitting quietly and repeating a mantra silently. Helps reduce stress, increase clarity, and promote inner peace.

Mantra

A sacred phrase or sound repeated during meditation or prayer to focus the mind and create positive energy.

Avatar

A deity appearing in physical form, often as a human or animal. Brings divine power to restore balance and righteousness. Revered and worshipped by followers.

Vedas

Sacred texts of Hinduism. Composed in ancient Sanskrit. Collection of hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical teachings. Divided into four sections: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda. Considered the oldest scriptures in the world. Guiding principles for religious rituals, spiritual beliefs, and moral values.

Hare Krishna

A belief that the sound vibration of the mantra has a direct impact on the soul; a young man had a vision to bring Hinduism to the west. Shaving their heads

Dharma

A belief in Hinduism that was the ethical and moral duties of individuals

Who is in the Hindu Trimutri and what do each of the three gods represent?

Brahma the Creator — the clinical cycle of our existence from birth

Vishnu the Preserver — preservation

Shiva the Destroyer — destruction to subsequent regeneration

The Hindu Caste System

The social hierarchy in which individuals are born into and cannot be changed. The caste system has been used several times before in other cultures, such as the Han Dynasty. The caste system decided who you would marry, your work life, essentially predetermining your entire life plan.


1. Brahmins (priests and scholars)
2. Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers)
3. Vaishyas (merchants and traders)
4. Shudras (laborers and servants)


1. Dalits (outside of the caste system) - Untouchables, faced social and economic discrimination throughout history. They were people who did jobs that were outside of the caste system (like burying people, for example).


1. Gandhi called them “Harijans” or “Children of God”

The 3 Major Myths

1. Ramayana


1. The life of Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Teaches about moral sand ethics and the importance of dharma


2. Mahabharata


1. One of two major Sanskrit epics in ancient India; the story of the rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas over the control of the kingdom of Hastinapura
3. Lord Krishna


1. One of the most beloved gods in the Hindu pantheon, known for his playful and mischievous nature

Major Religious Practices

* Yoga and Meditation
* Pilgrimages
* Globalization

Why is it important to celebrate Diwali, Holi, & Navrati?

They all share one common reason: To celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Hinduism’s Belief about Food

Devout Hindus believe that all of God's creatures are worthy of respect and compassion, regardless of whether they are humans or animals. Therefore, Hinduism encourages being vegetarian and avoiding the eating of any animal meat or flesh.

Hinduism’s Architecture

A temple would usually be a place where your shoes would be taken off, and then you would go to worship a god and/or deity. They will build to face certain directions towards God.

Hinduism Festivals

Navrati - 9 days pleading for something

Diwali - Festival of Lights; light and darkness

Holi - new beginnings

Mother Teresa’s work with the poor

To her mind, they were the poor. “Blessed are the poor for they will.”