Hinduism Powerpoint 3

Samsara

The cycle of reincarnation that keeps the atman (soul) tethered to earthly life.

Moksha

The liberation or release of the soul from the cycle of Samsara.

Problem and Solution

The problem is Samsara (rebirth); the solution is Moksha (spiritual liberation).

Hymn of the Cosmic Man (Purushasukta)

Explains that the universe was created from the primordial sacrifice of one man

Purusha

The primordial man whose body became the universe and the social classes.

Bhagavad Gita

A sacred text in which Krishna explains dharma and devotion to Arjuna; central to Hindu belief.

Vedic vs Contemporary Hinduism

Vedic: priest-led sacrifices and focus on earthly order; Contemporary: personal devotion and focus on moksha and atman.

Puja

“Worship”; the main ritual in Hinduism performed at home

Arti

The waving of lighted lamps before an image of a god during puja

Prasada

Food and water offered to a deity during puja and later shared among devotees as a blessing.

Murti

A sacred image or depiction of a deity used as a focus of worship.

Darshan

The act of seeing and being seen by a deity; receiving divine blessing through viewing a sacred image.

Home Altar

A small shrine in Hindu homes where offerings

Temple Worship

Communal setting where Hindus leave offerings and pray to specific deities.

Vaishnavism

Tradition devoted to Vishnu and his avatars Rama and Krishna; emphasizes dharma and devotion.

Vishnu

Peaceful preserver god with ten avatars

Rama

Avatar of Vishnu known from the Ramayana; represents virtue and duty.

Krishna

Avatar of Vishnu known from the Bhagavad Gita; teaches dharma and devotion.

Shaktism

Worship of the goddess Shakti (Devi)

Parvati

Gentle form of the goddess

Durga

Fierce warrior form of the goddess

Kali

Dark

Shaivism

Worship of Shiva

Lingam

Cylindrical symbol representing Shiva’s creative power

Shakti/Devi

The divine mother; all female deities are considered manifestations of her energy.

Ganesha

Elephant-headed god of wisdom and remover of obstacles; popular in homes and businesses.

Pilgrimage

A sacred journey to a holy site where devotees seek karmic merit by renouncing daily life temporarily.

Kumbh Mela

The largest pilgrimage in the world held every 12 years; bathing in the Ganges erases negative karma.

Ganges River

The most sacred river in Hinduism; site for rituals

Diwali

The Festival of Lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth and prosperity; honored during Diwali.

Holi

The Festival of Colors marking spring’s arrival; features color throwing

Durga Puja

Festival honoring the goddess Durga’s victory over evil.

The Raj (British Raj)

Period of British colonial rule in India from 1858–1947.

East India Company

British trading company that exploited India and laid foundations for colonial control.

Caste System under the Raj

Made legally rigid under British rule

Mahatma Gandhi

Leader of Indian independence and advocate of nonviolent resistance (ahimsa).

Ahimsa

The principle of nonviolence toward all living beings

Salt March

Gandhi’s 1930 protest against British salt taxes

Partition of India

The 1947 division creating Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Aftermath of Partition

Over a million deaths and mass relocations following British withdrawal.

Post-Independence Reforms

Legal end of caste discrimination

BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)

Current ruling political party in India associated with Hindu nationalism (Hindutva).

Hindutva

Ideology of “Hinduness” linking Indian identity to Hindu culture and religion.

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister of India and member of the BJP promoting Hindu nationalist policies.

Sanctity of Cows

Cows are sacred animals linked to Krishna and the goddess; slaughter is forbidden in most regions.

Vegetarianism in Hinduism

About 44% of Hindus abstain from eating meat

Om (ॐ)

The most sacred sound and symbol in Hinduism representing Brahman

Brahman

The absolute truth

Cows

Animals associated with Krishna and motherhood; protected and revered in Hindu society.

Hindutva

“Hinduness”; ideology promoting Hindu cultural unity and nationalism.

The Ganges River

The holiest river in Hinduism; believed to purify sins and assist souls in liberation.

Lingam

Symbol of Shiva representing creative energy.

Murti

Visual representation of a deity used in worship.

Darshan

Seeing and being seen by a deity

Pilgrimage

Sacred journey for karmic merit; the Kumbh Mela is the largest.

Diwali

The Festival of Lights celebrating light’s victory over darkness.

Holi

The Festival of Colors celebrating love

Mahatma Gandhi

Hindu leader of Indian independence through nonviolent resistance.

Partition of India

Division of British India into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.

British Raj

British colonial rule of India from 1858–1947.