Hinduism UNIT one - THE 331

Hinduism terms

lingam

A small stone, representing Shiva as a male principle, usually ringed by the female yoni and worn around neck.

Devi

the divine mother of goddess in her many forms (e.g. Durga, kali, Lakshmi)

Puja

Worship, cultic rites in temples or in homes

Brahman

The ultimate ground of all forms and phenomena

Samsara

the cycle of rebirth-redeath that afflicts every living being until release 

Moksha

release, liberation from the cycle of samsara

Trimurti

the trinity of gods: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer)

Dharma

Duty of moral law, sometimes a generic term for religious thought or practice

Bhagavad Gita

“Songs of the blessed Lord”, a later text about ways of salvation emphasizing the way of Bhakti

yoga

spiritual disciplines for overcoming bondage (not just physical discipline) to control the mind and attain liberation

Atman

the essence of consciousness, the soul - the subjective component of of brahman

Upanishads

‘sitting near a teacher”, commentary focusing on the philosophical meanings found in Vedas

Karma

“deeds” the principle that every action has consequences, influencing future lives

Vedas

Ancient Brahmitic ritual poems and hymns - sacred texts