World Religions Profiles - Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

sanatana dharma

Hinduism's own name for its eternal religion.

Brahman

The Supreme Being manifested in many gods and goddesses in Hindu belief.

Brahma

The Creator god in the Hindu trimurti.

Vishnu

The Preserver/Protector god in the Hindu trimurti.

Shiva

The Destroyer god in the Hindu trimurti.

Krishna

A beloved Hindu god, often seen as a trickster and an avatar of Vishnu.

Ganesha

Elephant-headed son of Shiva, remover of obstacles.

samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

moksha

Liberation from samsara; union with the god Brahman.

karma

Actions in this life that determine future rebirths.

caste

Social classes in Hindu society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.

Vedas

Ancient sacred hymns and prayers of Hinduism.

Upanishads

Philosophical texts and parables within Hinduism.

Ramayana

Epic detailing Rama’s rescue of his wife from Ravana.

Mahabharata

Long poem about a war between the Kauravas and Pandavas.

mandir

Hindu temple.

tilaka

Red mark on the forehead worn during worship.

prasad

Gifts given to a deity and later blessed and returned.

Aum (Om)

Sacred syllable representing past, present, and future.

swastika

Ancient symbol meaning 'well-being'; later misused during WWII.

Ganges

Sacred river of India; pilgrims bathe to wash away sins.

Holi

Spring festival of colors.

Dussehra

Festival celebrating Rama’s victory over Ravana.

Diwali

Festival of lights; four-day autumn celebration.

kosher

Dietary laws; rules about food preparation and separation of meat and dairy.

Israel

Land considered holy by Jews; modern state of Israel.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, laws for daily life.

Talmud

Commentaries interpreting Torah laws.

Shabbat

Jewish Sabbath; weekly day of rest and worship.

Passover

Festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.

Haggadah

Narrative for Passover seder.

Seder

Ceremonial Passover meal.

bar mitzvah

Boy’s coming-of-age ceremony at age 13.

bat mitzvah

Girl’s coming-of-age ceremony.

synagogue

Jewish house of worship.

Holy Ark

Ark holding the Torah scrolls in a synagogue.

Eternal Light

Lamp that symbolizes God’s constant presence above the Ark.

bimah

Platform in the synagogue from which prayers are led.

Western Wall

Sacred Jewish site in Jerusalem for prayer.

Star of David

Six-pointed star; symbol of Judaism.

yarmulke

Skullcap worn by Jewish men during worship.

tallit

Fringed prayer shawl worn during services.

kosher

Dietary laws; foods prepared and eaten according to Torah rules.

Messiah

A future Jewish (and Christian) anointed deliverer; Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah.

Torah scrolls

Hebrew written Torah kept in the Holy Ark.

Israel (holy land)

The land associated with Jewish history and worship.

Sabbath (Shabbat)

Weekly day of rest and worship from Friday evening to Saturday evening.