Hinduism Key Concepts: Brahman, Karma, Dharma, and Sacred Texts

Brahman

The ultimate, infinite life force or divine reality in the universe.

Atman

The soul or inner self of a person; ultimately one with Brahman.

Maya

Illusion; the idea that the world we see is not the ultimate reality.

Karma

The spiritual law of cause and effect; actions shape future outcomes.

Samsara

The wheel of rebirth; the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation.

Transmigration of souls (Reincarnation)

The soul is reborn into different lives based on karma.

Moksha

Liberation from samsara; union with Brahman and freedom from rebirth.

Dharma

Righteous duty, moral responsibility, or correct living.

Ahimsa

Nonviolence toward all living beings.

Satyagraha

"Pursuit of truth"; a philosophy of peaceful resistance (used by Gandhi).

Yoga

A spiritual discipline used to gain control of the body and mind and move toward enlightenment.

Puja

A ritual of worship performed at home or in temples.

Guru

A spiritual teacher.

Sannyasin

A wandering ascetic monk who renounces worldly attachments.

Brahmin

Members of the priestly caste. (priests)

Untouchables (Dalits)

The lowest social group outside the caste system.

Vedas

The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism (like the "Hindu Bible").

Rig Veda

Oldest of the Vedas; contains hymns of praise.

Atharva Veda

Contains hymns, charms, and practical prayers.

Shruti

"That which is heard"; authoritative revealed scriptures (like the Vedas).

Smriti

"That which is remembered"; later devotional and traditional literature.

Mahabharata

A major epic poem that includes the Bhagavad Gita.

Ramayana

An epic poem telling the story of Prince Rama and his duty.

Brahma

God of creation.

Vishnu

Preserver god who maintains cosmic order.

Shiva

God of destruction and transformation.

Krishna

An avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu; major deity in the Mahabharata.

Avatar

A divine incarnation, usually of Vishnu.

Murti

A sacred image, statue, or symbol of a deity used in worship.

Banaras (Varanasi)

Holiest city in Hinduism.

Ganges River

Sacred river believed to purify sins.

Sanskrit

Ancient sacred language of Hindu texts.

Top of pyramid

Brahmin(priests)

Second to top

Kshatriyas(warriors)

Third to top

Vaishyas(merchants or farmers)

The bottom

Shudras(laborers)

What is Dialie 

Celebrated in autumn between October and November for five days to commemorate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness

Difference between Shruti and Smriti?

Shruti is more authoritative and in cases of conflict Shruti overrides those teachings of Smriti.