WRBS - Hinduism

Hinduism

A henotheistic/polytheistic religion that has Śraddhā (or loosely translated as faith) in the Vedas, one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism.

Indus River

The supposed origin/birthplace of Hinduism

Sanātana Dharma

What followers of Hinduism call the religion; translates to eternal law

Vedic religion

Another term to call Hinduism

Indus Valley Civilization (pre-~2000 BCE)

A civilization that had evidence of seals, temple rituals, figurines, and other stuff that depict deities such as Shiva

Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa

Two cities found in the Indus Valley Civilization

Dravidians

The people who have been said to occupy the cities of the Indus Valley

Aryans

People that developed from the Indus Valley; The “noble” people

Vedas

The ancient Sanskrit text, preserved the oral traditions of Hinduism. This text, along with other archaeological facts, provides sources for historians about the initial stages of Hinduism.

Dharma Sutras

Text on human conduct

Dharma Shastras

Text on laws and customs

Puranas

Text on legends and lores

Mahabharata

Epic poem about the activities of Krishna, the god of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love (avatar of Vishnu)

Ramayana

Epic poem about the ideal man (Rama, another avatar of Vishnu) and woman (Sita)

bhakti

devotion

Hindu sacred texts

Otherwise known as scriptures, that outline revelations given to the followers of Hinduism

Bhagavan

God, the Ultimate Reality, in his all features, who gave the scriptures to the rishis or sages. Their sacred texts have no single author and they were compiled by various rishis.

Shruti

A Hindu sacred writing and a product of divine revelation.

Vedas

The oldest part of the shruti, has 4 collections of scriptures (Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda)

Rig Veda

General knowledge, the longest of the Vedas. Mentions the gods that inspired worship through sacrifices. Brahmin, the priests, perform these rites

Sama Veda

Knowledge of upasana (worship), the originator of the Indian classical music

Yajur Veda

Knowledge of karma (action)

Atharva Veda

Knowledge of science and other miscellaneous subjects

Upanishads

Texts written in dialogue form, made to make understanding of the Vedas easier; Loosely translated as “to sit down closely,” signifying that one can achieve religious experience with a master. Includes the important terms such as Brahman, Atman, maya, karma, samsara, and moksha

Smriti

Translated to “those that are remembered”. These explain the practical applications of the eternal principles described in the Shrutis.

Manu-smriti (Laws of Manu)

One of the authoritative codes of Hinduism, written by Manu, thought to be a great rishi. Explains the four stages of life and the division of labor through the varna (caste system)

Ayur Veda

Text on medicinal science

Gandharva Veda

Text on musical science

Shilpa Shastra

Text on mechanical science

Niti Shastras

Text on rules and regulations

Brahman

Although Hindus worship many gods, God in the religion is thought of to be Absolute. Individuals are limited and under the influence of the maya (world, illusion); one should always try to seek God

Karma

The cause and effect of what one does in their lifetime; The result of one’s actions in life can be carried over to the next, which can affect one’s fortunes depending on the individual’s past actions

Samsara

1. All living things have atman, a piece of Brahman (ultimate reality), or loosely translated as soul or self

2. Samsara is a belief that life is a long journey back to the creator, “interrupted” by death for the person’s own good, to continue the journey in another body

Purushartha

The objectives or purpose of life

Dharma

Religious and moral laws governing individual conduct; Truthfulness, non-injury, generosity, and other virtues

Varnashrama dharma

Considered by some Hindus as outdated, but still practiced by the majority of Hindus (particularly in India); Outlines the varna (caste system)

Brahmins

teachers and priests

Kshatriyas

warriors and leaders

Vaishyas

merchants, traders, farmers

Shudras

manual workers, laborers

Dalit

untouchables; street sweepers, latrine cleaners; Are the only class barred from becoming a brahmin

Kama

Love, desire, and pleasure; Can be gained through other pleasures, but mainly derived from sexual pleasures (as it is a natural part of human instinct)

Artha

Prosperity; pursuit of wealth through careers, skills, health, etc.. Followers must not be attached to material wealth

Moksha

To be saved (breaking free from the cycle of samsara). The total freedom from all pain and suffering (the mind is said to be the cause of suffering)

Trimurti

How Brahman controls the universe through three major qualities

Brahma

God of creation; creates the will of God

Vishnu

God of preservation; believed to have incarnated on earth during various events to destroy evil and re-establish righteousness. His incarnations are called the avatars.

Shiva

God of destruction; believed to periodically destroy the world when evil has prevailed so that it might be recreated in its pure form

Shakti

Divine mother; female aspects of Brahman

Saraswati

The consort (wife) of Brahma, used for gaining knowledge through rosary beads, books, and music

 Lakshmi

The consort of Vishnu

Parvati

The consort of Shiva

Ganges River

The personification of the goddess Ganga (goddess of purification and forgiveness); Bathing in the river on certain occasions causes the forgiveness of transgressions and helps attain salvation

Sapta Puri

The seven holy pilgrimage sites in India; Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka

Mandir

A temple and Hindu place of worship

Diwali

Festival of lights; Commemorating Lord Rama’s (avatar of Vishnu) victory against the demon king Ravana

Holi

Festival of colors; Commemorating the triumph of Vishnu over Hiranyakashipu, a demon king

Shaivism

Denomination that worships the Supreme God as Shiva. Follows a satguru (enlightened one) and does yoga to be one with Shiva

Shaktism

Denomination that worships the Supreme as the Divine Mother or Shakti. Uses chants, magic, holy diagrams, yoga and rituals to call forth cosmic forces and awaken power within the spine

Vaishnavism

Denomination that worships the Supreme as Lord Vishnu and His incarnations especially Krishna and Rama

Smartism

Denomination that worships the Supreme in one of six forms: Ganesha, Siva, Sakti, Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda. They are known as liberal or nonsectarian because they accept almost all gods

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Dalit-Born that became educated and eventually an influential figure in Indian politics. He fought for social justice, particularly against the oppression of the caste system

Dalit Buddhist Movement

Group that criticized the traditional perspective to the Dalits and championed their rights. Until now, this movement inspired the formation of other groups as well, such as the Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) which promotes the rejection of the caste system.