term 1 final hinduism

Hindu

Originated from the Persian word "Hindu" (Sanskrit: Sindhu), meaning "river"; also refers to the people of the Indus Valley

Hinduism

Term given in the 19th century to describe the wide array of belief systems in India; considered the oldest and most complex of all world religions

Arya Dharma

Original name of Hinduism, meaning "the Aryan Way"

Henotheism

Belief system where followers worship a single deity (Brahman) while still recognizing other gods and goddesses

Samsara

The continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation

Karma

The universal law of cause and effect

Atman

The belief in the soul; the philosophy that living creatures have a soul that is part of the supreme soul

Moksha

Salvation that ends the cycle of rebirths, allowing one to become part of the absolute soul

Dharma

A code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality

Shruti

Sacred writings meaning "that which is heard"; regarded as eternal truths passed orally before being written down (Samhitas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, and some Sutras)

Smriti

Sacred writings meaning "that which has been remembered"; reinforce shruti and are interpreted by sages and scholars (includes the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata)

Rig-Veda

The earliest form of Veda and oldest known Vedic Sanskrit book (1800-1100 BCE), meaning "Praise Knowledge"

Sama-veda

Known as the Veda of tunes and chants (c. 1200-800 BCE), concerned with public worship

Yajur-veda

Known as "Worship Knowledge"; a collection of ritual-offering mantras/chants provided by a priest during a rite

Atharva-veda

Veda containing hymns, many of which are charms and magic spells meant to be pronounced by someone seeking a benefit, often a sorcerer

Brahma

The god responsible for the creation of the world and all living things

Vishnu

The god that preserves and protects the universe

Shiva

The god that destroys the universe in order to recreate it

Devi

The goddess that fights to restore dharma

Krishna

The god of compassion, tenderness, and love

Lakshmi

The goddess of wealth and purity

Saraswati

The goddess of learning

Persian

Language the word "Hindu" originated from

Sindhu

Sanskrit equivalent of the word "Hindu"

River

Meaning of "Hindu"/"Sindhu"

19th century

Century when the term "Hinduism" was coined

Brahman

Deity worshipped as supreme in Hinduism's henotheistic belief

Cow

Animal considered sacred by Hindus

Beef and pork

Meats most Hindus avoid eating

Ramayana and Mahabharata

Epics that are part of Smriti

Bhagavad Gita

Philosophical poem contained within the Mahabharata

1800-1100 BCE

Time period of the Rig-Veda

1200-800 BCE

Time period of the Sama-veda