Hinduism

The Vedas

Oldest and most authoritative Hindu scriptures, Rig Veda is the most important, also hymns and prayers

The Upanishads

The philosophical texts that form the basis of most Hindu beliefs

Ramayana

One of two epic Hindu poems; tells the story of Lord Rama & his wife Sita; teaches ideal behavior and perfect marriage

The Bhagavad-Gita

Most famous Hindu literature; Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna about the meaning of life

Brahman

A single spiritual power that Hindus believe lives in everything

Moksha

The Hindu concept of the spirit's 'liberation' from the endless cycle of rebirths.

Samsara

the cycle of life and rebirth in Hinduism

Atman

in Hindu belief, a person's essential self

Karma

(Hinduism and Buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation

Dharma

In Hindu belief, a person's religious and moral duties

Puja

Hindu ritual worship or devotion

Mandir

Hindu temple

a Bindi

A small dot between the eyes; a form of blessing; often a sign of marriage (esp if red)

a Linga

Represents the creative energy of Shiva

Rama & Sita

The model for the perfect Hindu married couple; prince and princess; avatars of the great God and Goddess

Brahma

One of the three primary Hindu Gods, The supreme GOD, The creator

Vishnu

One of the three primary Hindu Gods; the Preserver

Shiva

One of the three primary Hindu Gods; the Destroyer

Durga

One of the wives of Shiva. She is the goddess of righteousness & moral order. She is both beautiful and fierce, and usually appears with her weapons and riding upon a tiger or a lion.

Lakshmi

Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity (spiritual and material)

Sarasvati

Goddess of Knowledge

Paravati

Goddess of love and devotion

Ganesha

The elephant head god who removes obstacles and promotes prosperity

Kali

Goddess of Time, Change, Power

Hanuman

God of strength, perseverance

Arti Ceremony

A greeting ceremony performed many times a day

Diwali

Festival of Lights; biggest festival in Hinduism; celebrates the victory of good over evil (also associated with wishing prosperity for the New Year); happens in early November

Holi

Festival of Colors; celebrates the arrival of Spring; culturally celebrates the unity and equality of all people

OM

Famous Hindu symbol for the sound of creation

Lotus

Symbol for living without attachment; beauty & purity

Swastika

Symbol for good fortune

Cow

Symbol for purity; motherhood & nonviolence

Conch shell

Makes the purest form of sound; the OM sound; used as a greeting to offer hope & the start of good things

Guru

religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism

Yoga

a system of exercises practiced as part of the Hindu discipline to promote control of the body and mind

What are the 4 paths to Moksha?

Knowledge, Meditation, Action, Devotion

What are the 4 goals in life?

Carrying out ones duties; prosperity; sensual pleasure; Moksha

What is the caste system?

The Hindu class system of social distinctions determined by birth

What are the two main sects in Hinduism?

Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu) & Shaivites (followers of Shiva)