SIKHISM/JAINISM VOCAB TEST 3

Five Ks

The five physical signals worn by Khalsa Sikhs symbolizing their faith and identity: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan, and Kachera.

Guru Granth Sahib

The central scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the eternal Guru, containing hymns and teachings by Sikh Gurus.

Khalsa

A community of initiated Sikhs established by Guru Gobind Singh, committed to upholding Sikh values.

Āgama

Jain canonical scriptures containing the teachings of the Tirthankaras, passed down orally.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence in Jainism, governing actions, words, and thoughts.

Ajīva

Non-living substances in Jain metaphysics, contrasting with Jiva (soul).

Amrit

Sweetened water used in the Sikh initiation ceremony, symbolizing spiritual rebirth.

Angas

Primary Jain scriptures that include the teachings of Mahavira.

Ardha-Māgadhī

An ancient language used in Jain scriptures, particularly early texts.

Dharam

In Sikhism, it refers to righteous conduct and living in harmony with divine will.

Gaccha

A sub-sect or lineage within the Svetambara Jain tradition.

Ganadharas

Chief disciples of a Tirthankara who propagate and organize teachings.

Garbh or udar

In Jainism, refers to the womb or body, a source of life in Sikh scripture.

Guṇas

Qualities or attributes in Jain philosophy that describe the characteristics of substances.

Gurdwara

A Sikh place of worship and community that houses the Guru Granth Sahib.

Gurmukhi

The script used for writing Punjabi and Sikh scriptures, developed by Guru Angad.

Harmandar

The Golden Temple, the main spiritual center of Sikhism in Amritsar.

Haumai

Ego or self-centeredness, viewed as a major obstacle to spiritual progress in Sikhism.

Ikk Oan Kar

A fundamental Sikh concept meaning 'one God,' emphasizing divine unity.

Janamsakhi

Biographical accounts of Guru Nanak’s life, documenting stories and teachings.

Jina

Victor or spiritual conqueror; the term Jain is derived from Jina.

Jīva

Soul; life-force; substance characterized by unlimited awareness, perception, bliss, and energy.

Karma

Principle of cause and effect governing all actions; a form of matter that obscures the soul.

Kevalajñāna

Attainment of enlightenment.

Kevalin

An omniscient, enlightened being.

Langar

Dining hall in a Gurdwara; a place for communal eating.

Mahāvīra

'Great hero', the 24th Tirthankara and founder of the contemporary Jain community.

Mukti

A state of spiritual liberation; the ultimate goal in Jainism.

Nayas

Perspective or point of view from which a topic can be analyzed; traditionally seven in number.

Piri and Miri

Temporal power and spiritual authority; the concept in Sikhism represented by the Guru holding a staff and mala beads.

Prakrit

Language of ancient northern India, related to Sanskrit.

Pūrvas

Collection of ancient scriptures believed to contain original teachings of the Tirthankaras.

Raga

Means both color and musical mode; a pattern of notes used as a basis for improvisation.

Rahim

Used as a divine name, literally means compassion.

Sangat

Sikh congregation.

Sannyasa

Renunciation of worldly life for spiritual pursuits, a practice in Indian ascetic traditions.

Seva

Selfless service performed with humility, a core practice in Sikhism.

Śramana

'Striver', one who achieves spiritual progress through individual effort, distinct from a Brahmin.

Tattvārthasūtra

Central text for Jain philosophy, composed by Umasvati.

Tirthankara

'Ford-maker', a Jina creating a path to liberation; Mahavira is the 24th in the current cycle.

Two truths doctrine

Differentiates between conventional and ultimate truths, relevant in both Buddhism and Jainism.

Waheguru

A term of praise for God in Sikhism, meaning 'Wonderful Lord'.