Hinduism Study Guide

World Religions A Voyage of Discovery

Monism

The belief that all is one.

Monotheism

The belief in one god.

Brahman

The source of the universe.

Atman

The individual soul; Atman and Brahman are one.

Deities

Multiple divine forms in Hinduism, each with specific attributes and functions.

Upanishads

Ancient philosophical texts focusing on Brahman and Atman.

Vedas

Hindu's oldest sacred texts; Rig Veda is the oldest.

Caste System

A rigid social hierarchy in Hindu society determined by karma and dharma.

Brahmins

The priestly caste, religious teachers and leaders in Hinduism.

Kshatriyas

The warrior caste, including royalty and administrators.

Vaishyas

The merchant and artisan caste, involved in agriculture and trade.

Shudras

The lowest caste, serving other castes as laborers or servants.

Dalits

Outcastes, performing undesirable jobs, historically marginalized.

Harijan

Term coined by Gandhi, meaning 'God's children', advocating equality.

Four Stages of Life

Student, Householder, Forest Dweller, Sannyasin/Sannyasini.

Artha

The goal of material/political wealth in Hindu life.

Kama

The pursuit of sensual pleasures.

Dharma

The ethical duty or moral responsibility in life.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of samsara.

Bhakti Marga

The path of devotion towards a chosen deity.

Karma Marga

The path of right actions according to dharma.

Jhana Marga

The path of knowledge and meditation.

Avatar

A reincarnation of a god or goddess, particularly Vishnu.

Puja

Acts of worship conducted in temples, homes, or shrines.

Holi

Festival of Colors, celebrates spring and love.

Diwali

Festival of Lights, celebrates good over evil and light over darkness.

Aum/Ohm

• Symbol representing the essence of the universe.

• Birth, Life, Death or Waking, Dreaming, Sleeping

Lotus Flower

Symbolizes purity and transcendence in Hinduism.

Tilak

A symbolic mark worn by men during rituals and at temples.

Mudra

Hand gestures that convey specific ideas or intentions.

Namaste

A greeting meaning 'I bow to you', respecting the divine within others.

Swastika

Symbol of wellbeing and auspiciousness

Sati

Historical practice of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre.