Unit 2: Hinduism

hinduism

one of the world’s oldest religions with no specific founder because they combine different beliefs from different parts of the world

vedas, bhagavad gita

what are some sacred scriptures in hinduism?

brahman

the ultimate transcendent reality being itself

atman

the self which is capable of witnessing and experiencing phenomena

maya

the world as we experience it and purely an illusion

karma

the law of cause and effect of one’s actions in the world. this attaches to maya with ignorance and desire

samsara

the cycle of birth and rebirth into maya due to karma

moksha

ultimate goal of liberation from samsara; equivalent to heaven

henotheism

the worship of 1 supreme god above many

bhakti

hindus dedicate themselves to one god

vishnu

the perserver

krishna

the enchanter who is an incarnation and avatar that saved Arjuna

shiva

the destroyer, destruction, and fire

kali

mother

shakti

divine feminine power, cosmic energy

bhagavad gita

has 18 chapters, part of the religious text used for their faith

arjuna

a warrior prince who is overcome and is faced with morality; Vishnu’s avatar

dharma

idea of what you’re called to do (duty)

karma

cause and effect

yoga

outlines different spiritual paths to achieve union with the divine

brahmin

priests, teachers, and intellectuals

kshatriya

rulers, warriors, and administrators; responsible for governance and protection

vaishya

farmers and merchants; responsible for commerce and protection

shudra

laborers and service providers; responsible for serving the first three classes

untouchables

they perform tasks like messy jobs; outcasts

murti

image of divinity; some of these can insight fear in remote areas; omnipresent

puja

adoration, worship, reverence; a worship ritual to show honor and reverence to dieties, spirits, or other aspects of the divine; personal devotion; includes variety of offerings; offer petitions and communion; do hymns and food for these gods

meditation

still in our minds to remove distractions and focus on the oneness of reality

mandala

use of a visual image to still your mind

mantra

a use of a word/syllable to call back

mudra

hand-gestures meant to represent/connect to divinity