Hinduism

Rig Veda

Oldest Hindu sacred text

Upanishads

Philosophical commentary on the Vedas

Mahabharata

Epic poem featuring gods and avatars.

Bhagavad Gita

A section of the Mahabharata; Krishna teaches Arjuna about duty and devotion.

Ramayana

Epic poem featuring Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.

Monism

The belief that all reality is one essence.

Samsara

The cycle of rebirth and reincarnation.

Moksha

Liberation from Samsara; the ultimate goal.

Brahman

The eternal essence of reality, beyond human perception.

Atman

The eternal self or soul.

Karma

The moral law of cause and effect.

Dharma

Ethical duty and moral obligation.

Marga

A path to spiritual liberation.

Maya

The cosmic illusion of reality.

Namaste

"The God in me honors the God in you."

Avatar

A divine incarnation, often of Vishnu.

1. Student Stage

Lasts until marriage Focus on learning and discipline.

2. Householder Stage

Marriage, career, and family life. Focus on fulfilling duties (dharma) and pursuing wealth (artha).

3. Forest Dweller Stage

Begins after the birth of the first grandchild. Gradual withdrawal from society to focus on spiritual matters.

4. Sannyasin

Complete detachment from worldly life. Wandering ascetic life focused on attaining moksha.

Kama

Pursuit of love, pleasure, and aesthetic enjoyment.

Artha

Achieving prosperity and security.

Dharma

Living according to moral and social obligations.

Moksha

Freedom from the cycle of rebirth (samsara).

Brahmins

Priests and scholars.

Kshatriyas

Warriors and rulers.

Vaishyas

Merchants, farmers, and artisans.

Shudras

Laborers and service providers.

Dalits (Untouchables)

Outcasts, responsible for menial jobs.

Brahma

The creator god.

Vishnu

The preserver god.

Shiva

The destroyer god.

Krishna

Avatar of Vishnu.

Rama

Avatar of Vishnu.

Ganesha

Elephant headed god of wisdom and new beginnings.

Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth and fortune.

Saraswati

Goddess of wisdom, education, and the arts.

Durga

Warrior goddess.

Kali

Goddess of time and destruction.