World Religions: Hinduism

Atman

The eternal self or soul that is successively reincarnated until released from samsara through moksha.

Avatar

A “descent” of God (usually Vishnu) to earth in a physical form with the specific goal of aiding the world.

Brahman

For monistic Hinduism, the supreme, unitary reality, the ground of all being; for dualistic Hinduism, can refer to the supreme God.

Brahmin

A member of the priestly class of the varna or caste system

Dalit

Self-designation of people who had traditionally been classified as untouchables or outcastes

Darshan

Worship through simultaneously seeing and being seen by a deity in the presence of its image.

Dharma

Duty, righteousness, “religion”; basis for living in a way that upholds cosmic and social order.

Jati

One of thousands of endogamous groups or subcastes, each equal in social and ritual status.

Karma

“Action” and the consequences of action; determines the nature of one’s reincarnation

Maya

In the Vedas, the magical power the gods used to create this world; in Vedanta philosophy, illusion that veils the mind.

Moksha

Liberation, the final release from samsara.

Puja

Generally, worship; usually the offering before an image of the deity of fruit, incense, or flowers.

Upanishads

A philosophical text from the later period of Vedic literature, also called Vedanta

Varna

Caste or class; the four main classes form the basis of the traditional hierarchical organization of Hindu society.

Veda

Broadly, all Vedic literature; narrowly, four ancient collections (samhitas) of hymns and other religious material.