Hinduism Notes

Mid-Terms

Vedas

collections of hymns, prayers, and rituals

Caste

A social class system in Hindu society that traditionally determined a person’s job and status at birth

Jati

A smaller social group within the caste system, often based on occupation or family

Brahmins

The highest caste in Hindu society, traditionally priests and teachers

Dalits

People outside the caste system, historically teated as untouchable and discriminated against

Atman

The individual soul or inner self of a person

Brahman

The ultimate reality or universal spirit in Hinduism; everything comes from Brahman

Reincarnation

The belief that the soul is reborn into a new body after death

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

Moksha

Freedom from samsara; liberation of the soul and unity with Brahman

Dharam

A person’s moral duty and responsibility based on their role in life

Karma

The law of cause and effect where good or bad actions affect future lives

Epics

Long religious stories that teach moral lessons, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata

Ramayana

A Hindu epic about Prince Rama that teaches duty, loyalty, and honor

Bhagavad Gita

A sacred Hindu text where Krishna teaches Arjuna about duty, karma, and devotion

Trimarga

The three paths to moksha: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga

Karma Yoga

The path to moksha through selfless action and doing one’s duty

Jnana Yoga

The path to moksha through knowledge and spirtual understanding

Bhakti Yoga

The path to moksha through love and devotion to a god

Raja Yoga

The path to moksha through meditation, discipline, and mental control

Avatar

A god appearing on Earth in human or animal form, especially Vishnu

Brahma

The creator god in Hinduism

Vishnu

The preserver god who protects the universe and restores balance

Shiva

The destroyer god who represents transformation and renewal

Ascetic

A person who gives up world pleasures to focus on spiritual goals

Core beliefs and practices

Dharma (duty), karma (actions) samsara (rebirth), moksha (liberation); yoga, meditation, rituals

Key texts

Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata

Social structure

Caste (varna) system; roles give order and shared responsibility in society

View of deities

Many gods, but all are forms of one ultimate reality (Brahman)

Internal diversity

Different gods, philosophies, rituals, and regional traditions