Sacred Texts of Hinduism

Veda

Oldest Sanskrit texts, foundation of Hindu beliefs

Upanishads

Writings exploring Atman's similarity to Brahman

Rig Veda

Veda focusing on general knowledge

Yajur Veda

Veda focusing on knowledge of action

Saam Veda

Veda focusing on knowledge of worship

Atharva Veda

Veda focusing on knowledge of science

Atman

True self, distinct from ego and body

Samsara

Cycle of death and rebirth in Hinduism

Karma

Energy fueling the cycle of Samsara

Moksha

Liberation from Samsara, union with Brahman

Brahman

Impersonal Absolute in Hinduism

Avidya

False ego, source of human suffering

Ramayana

Ancient Indian epic following Rama's journey

Mahabharata

Longest epic, includes the Bhagavad-Gita

Bhagavad-Gita

Famous section of the Mahabharata

Vedic Period

5th/4th Century B.C.E, roots of Hinduism

Upanishad Major Concepts

Six primary concepts including Isa, Mundaka, and Taittiriya

Gnostic

Relating to knowledge, often seen in Upanishads

Nirguna

Attributeless form of Brahman

Mundaka Upanishad

One of the 10 principal Upanishads

Prana

Vital force of life, discussed in Upanishads

Kaushitaki Upanishad

Discusses course for souls after death