Hinduism

Caste System

Social classes that Hindus are separated into, some still exist today.

Reincarnation

When a person's spirit leaves the body and is reborn into another living thing.

Polytheism

The belief in more than one god or goddess.

Vedas

The main Hindu holy book, also the oldest book of writings.

Bhagavad-Gita

A long poem telling a story of a warrior about to go into battle.

Vishnu

The preserver of the universe.

Shiva

The destroyer of the universe.

Brahman

The creator of the universe, the main Hindu god.

Ganges

The river in India that Hindus believe is holy. They will bathe here to wash away their sins.

Temple

Place where Hindus worship.

India

The geographic origin where Hinduism started between 4000 and 6000 years ago.

Diffusion

The transmission of elements or features of one culture to another.

Diwali

A Hindu festival of lights, held in the period October to November. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

Holi

Spring festival celebrated with Bonfire and colors (thrown at each other) Marks the end of winter and the begin of spring

Tantra (Hinduism)

Focus on chanting mantra + sacred sounds, focuses on Shiva.

Karma

The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life.