hinduims

Ahimsa

Respect for all living things and avoidance of violence toward others.

Atman

The Atman is a soul. The universal Brahman and the inner atman are the same thing. The universal Brahman is the inner atman. Once the atman (soul) has reached Moksha, the atman will be released from the cycle of reincarnation, or rebirth, and will be connected with Brahman again.

Brahman

Brahman is the world soul in Hinduism. This is the entity that has many forms all of which are called “gods” or deities.

Brahma

Brahma is the creator god. He has four faces, representing the four Vedas, and how he can see/hear/sense/know everything that happens in the entire universe, because he is the god who created everything.

Caste System

Strict social structure determined by birth. You are born into your caste. In Hinduism, when you are born, you are reincarnated into the caste you deserve to be in. So, basically, the caste you are born in is your karma from what you did in your past life.

Ganges

The Ganges River is worshipped as the goddess, Ganga. The Ganges River is the most sacred river to Hindus and is a pilgrimage destination for many.

Shiva

Shiva is the god of destruction. Shiva destroys the old and allows for renewal.

Vishnu

Vishnu is the god of preservation. Vishnu is the utmost important god in Vaisnavism, and is a member of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism, along with Brahma and Shiva.

Reincarnation

The belief that people come back to Earth in a different form after they die. Before you reach Moksha (the end of being reincarnated/reborn), you are continuously reincarnated when you die, over and over and over again, until you reach the highest caste in the caste system, and you have done your dharma to the extent of having good karma, and reach Moksha.

Samsara

The cycle of death and rebirth (Sanskrit word)

Brahman - creates the world

Shiva - destroys it

Vishnu - preserves it

Karma

The sum of a person’s actions in life which determines what form they will be reincarnated into in the next life.

Moksha

Release of the soul from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and the ultimate goal of Hinduism. Once you reach Moksha, your atman (soul) rejoins with Brahman, and you are free of being reincarnated (reborn).

Dharma

A Hindu’s duties in life. One must do their dharma to build good karma. In Buddhism, the teachings of the Buddha.

Puja

Puja is the overall word for all acts of worship in Hinduism. This covers offerings, such as flowers, fruit, rice, incense, sandalwood paste, milk, and water, but also praying, or any act that shows your devotion.

Yoga

Physical, mental, and spiritual practices

Includes breath control, meditation, holding bodily poses, and postures

Similar goals to meditation – also practiced for health benefits

Vedas

The Vedas are scriptures that hold the main teachings of Hinduism. The Aryans, when they conquered northern India, brought the teachings of Hinduism along with the Vedas to India.

Diwali

Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival. Puja is given to Lakshimi, who is the goddess of wealth and good fortune. Colorful items and candles are placed in and around houses so that she can find her way to the house and look in.

Holi

Holi celebrates the harvest of grain in India

Indus River Valley (Saraswati Valley)

Varanasi

Varanasi is a sacred, holy town located on the Ganges River. It is also known as the city of light. It brings one million pilgrims a year to visit the town. The pilgrims immerse themselves in the Ganges River in Varanasi because the water is known to purify and cleanse. People who are expecting to die soon also come to Varanasi to be cremated and for their ashes to be put into the river.

The swastika is used by many religions, including Hinduism. In Hinduism, it means all is well, and is a symbol of good fortune. The 4 ends of the symbol represent the four Vedas and the four core teachings of Hinduism. Swastikas can be found in front of Hindu homes and on churches.

swastika