Religions of India

For Buddhism and Hinduism

Reincarnation

the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, where the soul is reborn into a new body based on past actions (karma).

Dharma

expected behavior or duty

Karma

the principle of cause and effect in which a person's actions determine their future experiences, influencing the cycle of reincarnation.

Caste System

a hierarchical social structure in India traditionally dividing people into different groups based on their occupation and status.

Brahmins

the priestly class in Hindu society, responsible for religious rituals, teaching, and maintaining sacred knowledge. The top of the caste system.

Vedas

ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophies that form the foundation of spiritual knowledge.

Brahman

the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, embodying the essence of the universe and the source of all existence.

moksha

the liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) in Hinduism, achieving union with Brahman.

deities

in Hinduism, the gods and goddesses worshipped, representing various aspects of life and the universe.

pilgrimage

a religious journey

The Four Noble Truths

The principles of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment.

Eightfold Path

A core principle of Buddhism that outlines the steps to achieve enlightenment and end suffering, including right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Enlightenment

a state of spiritual awakening and insight in Buddhism, where one overcomes ignorance and realizes the true nature of reality.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal of Buddhism, representing the liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and the cessation of suffering and desire.

Shiva

A major deity in Hinduism, worshipped as the destroyer and transformer

Vishnu

the preserver and protector of the universe in Hinduism

Brahma

the creator god in Hinduism, often depicted with four faces and associated with the Vedas.

ascetic

A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, often for spiritual reasons.

Middle Way

A spiritual path in Buddhism that advocates moderation and avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.

Buddha

The awakened one

Siddhartha Gautama

the historical figure who achieved enlightenment and became known as the Buddha, founding Buddhism.

Nepal

The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, where he attained enlightenment and founded Buddhism.