Buddhism and Hinduism Review

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the origins, core teachings, and key terminology of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Siddhartha Gautama

The founder of Buddhism who lived approximately 2500 years ago and became the Buddha, meaning "the Enlightened One."

The 4 Visions

The transformative sights witnessed by Siddhartha Gautama: an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and an ascetic monk.

The Middle Way

The rejection of extreme luxury and severe asceticism in favor of a life of moderation.

Nirvana

A state of total serenity and the end of suffering.

Annica

One of the three characteristics of existence, referring to impermanence.

Dukkha

One of the three characteristics of existence, referring to suffering.

Anatta

One of the three characteristics of existence, referring to non-self.

The 4 Noble Truths

Fundamental Buddhist teachings: 1. Life is suffering; 2. The origin is desire; 3. The extinction of desire leads to the end of suffering; 4. Follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

The 5 Precepts

Ethical rules in Buddhism, such as not killing and not stealing.

The Triple Joyau (The 3 Refuges)

The practice of seeking refuge in the Buddha (the guide), the Dharma (the path), and the Samgha (the community).

Tripitaka

Known as "the three baskets," this is the main source of Buddhist teachings.

Bodhisattva

A person who has reached nirvana but chooses to be reborn to help others.

Stupa

A dome-shaped structure built to house sacred relics.

Mudras

Symbolic hand gestures that represent specific states of mind.

Sanatana Dharma

A term for Hinduism meaning "the eternal order."

Brahman

The universal soul and supreme being from which everything originates.

Atman

The human or personal soul, which is considered identical to Brahman.

Maya

The temporary and illusory nature of the material world.

Samsara

The infinite cycle of rebirth or reincarnation.

Karma

The totality of a person's acts that determines the nature of their next life.

Moksha

The ultimate goal in Hinduism: liberation from the cycle of rebirth by uniting the Atman with Brahman.

Dharma

Religious or moral duty.

Trimurti

The Hindu Trinity consisting of Brahm (the creator), Vishnou (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

Shruti

Writings that are "revealed," such as the Vdas.

Smriti

Writings that are "remembered," such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.

Brahmanes (Brahmins)

The priest class within the Hindu caste system.

Kshatriyas

The warrior class within the Hindu caste system.

Vaishyas

The merchant and trader class within the Hindu caste system.

Shudras

The servant class within the Hindu caste system.

Untouchables

People outside the caste system who perform tasks considered "unclean."

P j

A thanksgiving ritual involving offerings of flowers and food, often performed at home.

Gange (Ganges)

A sacred river whose water is believed to purify a person of their sins.

Diwali

The festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.