india

subcontinent

A large landmass that juts out from a continent.

monsoon

A strong, seasonal wind that blows across East Asia.

karma

An action, work, or deed and its effect or consequences.

caste

A division of society based on differences of wealth, inherited rank, profession, occupation, or race.

varna

One of four traditional social classes of India.

brahman

A single spiritual power that, according to Hinduism, lives in everything.

avatar

A representation of a Hindu god or goddess in human or animal form.

reincarnation

The rebirth of the soul in the body of another living being.

dharma

The religious and moral duties of Hindus.

ahimsa

The Hindu idea of nonviolence.

meditate

To focus the mind inward in order to find spiritual awareness or relaxation.

nirvana

The lasting peace that Buddhists seek by giving up selfish desires.

missionary

A person who spreads their religious beliefs to others.

convert

To change one’s beliefs; in particular, to change from one religion to another.

tolerance

A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions, beliefs, and practices that differ from one's own.

yoga

The physical, spiritual, or mental practices used to attain a state of permanent peace.