KST Entrance Exam Study Guide - Vocabulary Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential terms, theological concepts, festivals, and organizational history from the KST Entrance Exam Study Guide.

KST Program

A selective program that empowers ninth to twelfth-grade kishores and kishoris to develop spiritually, mentally, professionally, and socially.

Murti Puja

The worship of murtis, which is one of the four core beliefs every Hindu has.

Avatarvad

The belief in incarnations; Bhagwan himself takes birth on earth to establish Ekantik dharma and for the liberation of infinite souls.

Karmavad

The core Hindu belief in karma, the law of cause and effect based on one's actions.

Punarjanmavad

The belief in reincarnation; souls take birth repeatedly through $8.4$ million life forms until freed from desires and flaws.

Vedas

The four sacred Hindu scriptures: Rig-veda, Sam-veda, Atharva-veda, and Yajur-veda.

Sashtang Dandvat Pranam

A bow where eight parts touch the floor: forehead, nose, chest, hands, feet, mind, vision, and speech; it strengthens the understanding that one is a das of Bhagwan.

Nine Forms of Devotion

Shravanam, Kirtanam, Smaranam, Archanam, Vandanam, Dasyam, Sakhyam, Atmanivedanam, and Padasevanam.

Five Eternal Entities

Jiva, Ishwar, Maya, Brahman, and Parabrahman.

Samadhi

The eighth and final step of Ashtang yog.

Fuldol

A Hindu festival celebrated the day after Holi involving kirtans, flowers, and the sprinkling of saffron-colored water as a symbol of spiritual joy.

Guru

Derived from 'Gu' meaning darkness or ignorance and 'ru' meaning remover; someone who removes internal darkness and brings one toward the light.

Bhakti

Pure devotion and love for Bhagwan that leads to spiritual liberation.

Vairagya

Renunciation or detachment from worldly pleasures and desires in order to focus on spiritual goals.

Janmashtami

The birthday of Krishna Bhagwan.

Dev Podi

Also called Dev Shayani Ekadashi or Ashadhi Ekadashi; it marks the start of Chaturmas when Lord Vishnu enters a divine slumber.

Dev Uthi

Also called Prabodhini Ekadashi; it marks the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his four-month slumber (Chaturmas).

Jal Jhini

A ritual where Thakorji is taken across a body of water in a boat or palanquin, symbolizing the devotee's journey across the ocean of life.

Bhagvad Gita

A dialogue between Arjun and Krishna Bhagwan that took place during the Mahabharata.

Gnan

Spiritual knowledge and wisdom used to understand the nature of the five eternal entities.

Trimurti

The three principal deities: Brahmaji, Vishnuji, and Shivji.

Raksha Bandhan

A festival where sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists to ensure brotherhood and sisterhood.

Seva

Service that purifies the heart, removes worldly ties, and strengthens the bond with Bhagwan and the community.

Makar Sankrati

Also known as Uttarayan; symbolizes the dhori (string) as niyams that keep a devotee connected to the Satpurush.

Four Stages of Life

Brahmacharya (student), Gruhastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired), and Sannyasa (renunciant).

Four Yugas

The cycle of time consisting of Satya Yug, Treta Yug, Dwapar Yug, and Kali Yug.

Ahimsa

Non-violence; the principle that all living things have souls and should not be harmed or killed, even mentally.

Maya

The illusory material world that distracts the jiva from spiritual pursuits and devotion.

BAPS

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, established by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj in $1907$.

Nilkanth Varni

The name used by Ghanshyam Maharaj during his pilgrimage of India, which lasted $7$ years, $1$ month, and $11$ days.

Four Pillars of Ekantik Dharma

Dharma, Gnan, Vairagya, and Bhakti.

Panch Vartmans of a Sant

Nirman (no ego), Nissneh (no attachment), Nirlobh (no greed), Nishkam (no lust), and Nisswad (no taste).

Akshardham

The eternal, imperishable abode of Bhagwan where liberated souls reside in eternal bliss.

Satsang

Derived from 'Sat' (true) and 'Sang' (company); staying connected to Bhagwan, following the Satpurush, and keeping good company.

Akshar

The eternal entity that is the choicest devotee of Maharaj and acts as Maharaj's divine abode.

Chesta

Verses written by Premanand Swami describing Bhagwan Swaminarayan's divine actions throughout the day.

Vachanamrut

Spiritual sermons delivered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and compiled by senior paramhansas including Gopalanand Swami and Muktanand Swami.

Shikshapatri

An outline of the code of conduct for devotees to guide their spiritual and moral practices.

Three Qualities of a Staunch Satsangi

Niyam (rules), nishchay (conviction), and paksha (loyalty).

Two Wings to Akshardham

Agna and Upasana.