Biblical studies notes no.2

Hinduism

A polytheistic and pantheistic religion originating in India over 5000 years ago, characterized by a variety of beliefs and rituals.

Polytheistic

Belief in many gods.

Pantheistic

Belief that god is present in everything.

Brahman

The ultimate life force and creative force in the universe from which everything emanates and to which everything returns.

Atman

The life force residing within every living thing, considered a part of Brahman.

Dharma

Moral duty or righteousness; a goal in a Hindu's life defined by the social class.

Karma

The law of cause and effect where a person's actions determine their future fate.

Reincarnation

The process of being reborn into a new life after death.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth and attaining union with Brahman.

Samsara

The continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Vedas

The sacred texts of Hinduism.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) that emphasizes the path to enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Four Noble Truths

Key principles of Buddhism: 1) Life is suffering, 2) Suffering comes from desire, 3) Suffering ceases when desire ceases, 4) The Eightfold Path leads to enlightenment.

Eightfold Path

The Buddhist practice path consisting of right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and meditation.

Bodhisattva

An enlightened being in Mahayana Buddhism who delays their own nirvana to help others.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded on the submission to Allah, emphasizing peace and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

Qur'an

The holy text of Islam, believed to be the recitation of the messages received by Muhammad from Allah.

Hadiths

Reports and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that guide Muslims in their faith and practice.

Sharia

Islamic law derived from the Qur'an and Hadith, governing both personal and communal life.

Jihad

Struggle or striving in the way of Allah, can refer to internal or external struggle.

Five Pillars of Islam

The foundational acts of worship in Islam: declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Arhat

A fully awakened being in Buddhism who has attained nirvana.

Karma (Buddhist context)

The accumulation of actions and their meanings that determine future existences.

Samsara (Buddhist context)

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that one seeks to escape through enlightenment.