Hinduism and BAPS Study Guide Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary, historical figures, and significant theological concepts from the Hinduism and BAPS lecture notes.

Four Core Beliefs of Hinduism

The essential tenets consist of Murti Puja (worship of murtis), Avatarvad (belief in incarnations), Karmavad (belief in karma), and Punarjanmavad (belief in reincarnation).

The Four Vedas

The primary Hindu scriptures are the Rig-veda, Sam-veda, Atharva-veda, and Yajur-veda.

Sashtang Dandvat Pranam

A prostration involving eight body parts: forehead, nose, chest, hands, feet, mind, vision, and speech, performed to cultivate humility as a servant of Bhagwan.

The Nine Forms of Devotion (Navdha Bhakti)

The forms include Shravanam, Kirtanam, Smaranam, Archanam, Vandanam, Dasyam, Sakhyam, Atmanivedanam, and Padasevanam.

The Five Eternal Entities

The distinct entities identified in the transcript are Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahman, and Parabrahman.

Samadhi

The 8th and final step of Ashtang yog.

Fuldol

A Hindu festival celebrated the day after Holi involving kirtans and the sprinkling of saffron-colored water to represent spiritual joy.

Sahajanand Namavali

A text listing 108 names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Guru

A term where "Gu" means darkness or ignorance and "ru" means remover; one who leads a seeker towards the light.

Vairagya

The state of detachment from worldly pleasures.

Dev Podi and Dev Uthi Ekadashi

Two occurrences of Ekadashi marking the beginning and end of Chaturmas, the four-month slumber of Lord Vishnu.

Jal Jhini

A ritual where Thakorji is taken across water in a boat or palanquin, symbolizing the journey across the ocean of life.

The Five Pandavs

The brothers Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, and Sahadev.

Trimurti

The three principal deities: Brahmaji, Vishnuji, and Shivji.

The Four Stages of Life

Brahmacharya (student), Gruhastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sannyasa (renunciant).

The Four Yugas

The ages of time in order: Satya Yug, Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug, and Kali Yug.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence, based on the belief that all living things have souls.

Akshar and Purushottam

The relationship where Akshar is the eternal servant and Purushottam is the supreme entity present through the pragat Satpurush.

Nilkanth Varni

The name of Ghanshyam Maharaj during his pilgrimage of India, which lasted 7 years, 1 month, and 11 days.

Sahajanand Swami's Two Boons

Requests that any suffering or poverty destined for his satsangis befall him instead, ensuring they never lack food or clothing.

The Four Pillars of Ekantik Dharma

Dharma, Gnan, Vairagya, and Bhakti.

Panch Vartmans of a Sant

The five vows include Nirman (no ego), Nissneh (no attachment), Nirlobh (no greed), Nishkam (no lust), and Nisswad (no taste).

Akshardham

The eternal, imperishable abode of Bhagwan where liberated souls reside.

The 16 Holy Marks (Chinha)

The signs on Maharaj's charanarvind include symbols such as the Swastika, Ashtakon, Kalash, and Meen.

Guinness World Records of Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Three records including the most temples consecrated by one person, the largest Hindu temple, and the largest vegetarian food offering (Annakut).

Staunch Satsangi Qualities

The three qualities are Niyam (rules), Nishchay (conviction), and Paksha (loyalty).

Pramukh Swami Maharaj's Childhood and Diksha

Commonly known as Shantilal, he was initiated as Sadhu Narayanswarupdas at age 18 and became President of BAPS at age 28.

Mahant Swami Maharaj's Initiation

Born as Vinubhai, he was initiated at age 23 by Yogiji Maharaj in 1956.