Introduction to Hinduism - Quiz 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering all key terms listed on the Quiz 1 Study Guide for Introduction to Hinduism at Mercer University (Fall 2026).

Advaita

Non-duality; a school of Hindu philosophy emphasizing the ultimate oneness of the individual self (atman) and the ultimate reality (brahman).

Agni

The Vedic god of fire and the sacred fire itself, serving as the messenger between humanity and the divine during ritual sacrifices.

Aranyaka

"Forest Books"; a genre of Vedic texts dealing with ritual symbolism, meditation, and ascetic practice in the forest.

Aryan

Indo-European speaking nomadic people who migrated into the northern Indian subcontinent and composed the early Vedic texts.

Atharva Veda

The fourth Veda, comprising spells, incantations, prayers, and practical formulas for healing and everyday life.

atman

The innermost eternal self, soul, or essential spirit of an individual in Hindu philosophy.

avidya

Ignorance or spiritual misapprehension, understood as the root cause of human suffering and attachment to samsara.

brahman

The ultimate, unchanging reality, universal supreme principle, and foundation of all existence.

Brahmana

A category of Vedic prose literature offering detailed explanations, interpretations, and rules for sacrificial rituals.

dharmani

Plural of dharma; cosmic laws, moral obligations, righteous duties, and virtues in Vedic tradition.

Harappa

A key urban center and major archaeological site of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

Indra

The chief Vedic deity, associated with war, rain, thunderstorms, and the heavens.

Indus Valley Civilization

An ancient Bronze Age civilization in South Asia known for its advanced urban planning, drainage systems, and brick architecture.

jñana

Spiritual knowledge, divine insight, or wisdom necessary for liberation.

karma

Action or deed; the universal law of cause and effect where intentional actions shape future existence and rebirth.

Mohenjo-Daro

One of the largest planned urban settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

moksha

Liberation, release, and spiritual freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara).

Rig Veda

The oldest and foundational text of the Vedas, containing over a thousand hymns dedicated to Vedic deities.

rta

The principle of natural order, cosmic harmony, and truth governing the universe in early Vedic tradition.

Sama Veda

The Veda of melodies and chants, consisting of musical adaptations of Rig Vedic hymns used during sacrifices.

Samhita

The core collection of hymns, mantras, and prayers that forms the essential foundational section of each Veda.

samsara

The endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma.

shramana

An ancient Indian ascetic movement composed of seekers who rejected Vedic authority in pursuit of spiritual liberation.

shruti

"That which is heard"; sacred texts considered divinely revealed directly to ancient sages (rishis), comprising the Vedic corpus.

Soma

A ritual plant press juice and plant deity central to Vedic sacrificial ceremonies, associated with inspiration and immortality.

tat tvam asi

A famous Upanishadic statement meaning "That thou art," expressing the absolute unity between the individual soul (atman) and universal reality (brahman).

Upanishad

A collection of ancient philosophical and mystical texts forming the final section of the Vedas, examining the nature of reality and self.

Veda

Sacred knowledge; the ancient primary canonical scriptures of Hinduism.

Vedanta

"End of the Vedas"; a philosophical tradition focused on the teachings and insights of the Upanishads.

Yajur Veda

The Veda of ritual formulas and prose instructions used by priests during Vedic sacrifices.