Hinduism: Teachings and Practices (Chapter 4)

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from Hinduism's teachings, including divine reality, paths to liberation, avatars, sacred texts, and social structures.

What is the Salt Ganesha nickname given by some Utah devotees?

Uppu Vinayaka (the Salt Ganesha)

In Hindu iconography, what do Ganesha’s four arms typically hold, and what does the bowl symbolize?

An axe, a noose, an elephant goad, and a bowl of sweets; symbols of destroying obstacles and benevolence

What does darshan mean in Hindu practice?

To see and be seen by the divine

What marks the final step of the temple consecration ritual that awakens the deity’s gaze?

Outlining the icon’s eyes with a golden needle and piercing the pupils with a diamond-tipped chisel

What is the Hindu monistic concept of Brahman?

The ultimate, unitary reality—source of all being and knowing; infinite sat, chit, ananda

What is the dualistic (devotional) view of God in Hinduism?

God is a personal being separate from the rest of reality, making devotion possible

What does the phrase tat tvam asi mean?

You are that; the atman is Brahman (unity of self and ultimate reality)

What is the primordial sacred sound in Hinduism that encompasses all reality?

Om (AUM); the sound through which the universe is manifested and Brahman is expressed

What is maya in Hindu philosophy?

Illusion or magical power that creates the world and can veil ultimate reality

What is an avatar in Hindu belief?

A descent of God to earth in a physical form to restore dharma (e.g., Rama, Krishna)

Name two popular Vishnu avatars mentioned in the text.

Rama and Krishna

What is bhakti in Hinduism?

The path of devotion; intense love for a deity and a personal relationship with the divine

What are the three margas (paths) to moksha in Hinduism?

Karma marga, Bhakti marga, Jnana marga

What characterizes Karma Marga?

Emphasis on dharma through ritual and ethical works with detachment from action’s fruits

What characterizes Bhakti Marga?

Devotion to a deity and surrender as a means to liberation

What characterizes Jnana Marga?

Knowledge and contemplation; meditation and wisdom leading to realization of the true self

Which philosopher-founded school is Advaita Vedanta associated with?

Adi (Adya) Shankaracharya; monistic non-dualism

What are Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita Vedanta about?

Vishishtadvaita (Ramanuja) is qualified non-dualism; the world and souls are real; Dvaita (Madhva) is strict dualism between atman and Brahman

What is Vedanta?

The end of the Vedas; a school focusing on the Upanishads and the relationship between Brahman and atman

What is Shruti and Smriti in Hindu sacred texts?

Shruti means 'that which is heard' (Vedas); Smriti means 'tradition' (epics and Puranas)

Name the four Vedas.

Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda

What are the Upanishads?

Philosophical texts exploring deeper truths; foundational to Vedanta and ideas like karma, samsara, and atman

What are the Ramayana and Mahabharata?

Smriti epics teaching dharma; Ramayana about Rama; Mahabharata includes the Bhagavad Gita

What are the three primary Hindu sects?

Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Devi)