Hindu vocab

Rig Veda

The oldest and most important of the four Vedas, the foundational sacred texts of Hinduism.

Upanishads

Later philosophical and spiritual texts appended to the Vedas. They form the basis of much of classical Hindu philosophy, particularly concerning the nature of Brahman and Atman

Bhagavad-Gita

A 700-verse scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata. It's a dialogue covering dharma, the paths to liberation (margas), most popular sacred text

Brahman

The ultimate reality, the one underlying substance of the universe, and the source of all existence; often described as the impersonal, all-pervasive spirit.

Atman

The individual self or soul; the eternal, unchanging essence of a person.

Monism

The philosophical view that a single ultimate substance or principle underlies all reality. Refers to the unity of Brahman and Atman.

Moksha

Liberation/release from the cycle of samsara the ultimate spiritual goal in Hinduism.

Samsara

The endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) determined by karma.

Karma

The moral law of cause and effect; the principle that every action (physical, mental, or verbal) has consequences that determine one's future state and rebirth.

Dharma

A complex term meaning duty, moral law, righteousness, proper conduct, cosmic order, or the ethical foundation of life. An individual's specific duties are often tied to their social position and stage of life.

Maya

The illusion or cosmic power that creates the appearance of the material, differentiated world. It's what prevents people from seeing the true reality of Brahman

Avatar

The incarnation of a deity.

Caste System

A traditional, hierarchical structure of social stratification (varna) in Hinduism.

Varna

The four broad, hierarchical social categories (or classes) that form the traditional basis of the caste system in India

Brahmin

The highest varna (social class), traditionally consisting of priests, teachers, and intellectuals.

Kshatriya

The second varna, traditionally consisting of rulers, administrators, and warriors.

Vaishya

The third varna, traditionally consisting of merchants, farmers, and artisans.

Shudra

The fourth varna, traditionally consisting of laborers and service providers.

Sannyasin

A religious ascetic; one who has renounced worldly life and possessions as part of the fourth and final stage of life, seeking moksha.

Ascetic

A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.

Kama

One of the 4 main goals of life: includes pleasure, sensual enjoyment, and love.

Artha

One of the 4 main goals of life: includes wealth, success, and economic prosperity.

Vedanta

System of Hindu philosophy; holds that all reality is essentially Brahmin

Yoga

A term for various spiritual disciplines aimed at controlling the mind and senses to attain a state of spiritual insight and tranquility

Samadhi

A state of intense concentration achieved through meditation in which the individual self (Atman) is absorbed into the ultimate reality (Brahman); the highest stage of Yoga

Karma Marga

The Path of Action or Duty. Achieving liberation (moksha) through the selfless performance of one's duties (dharma) without attachment to the results.

Jnana Marga

The Path of Knowledge or Wisdom. Achieving liberation through philosophical inquiry, study of the scriptures (Upanishads), and meditation to gain wisdom about the true nature of reality (i.e., realizing Atman is Brahman)

Bhakti Marga

The Path of Devotion or Love. Achieving liberation through intense, selfless devotion and love toward a personal god or goddess