World Religions: Hinduism

Hindu

A follower of Hinduism, a religion that developed over thousands of years in India and emphasizes many paths to the divine. The word comes from the Sanskrit word “sindhu” meaning “river” referring to the Indus River.

Indus River Valley

One of the earliest civilizations (around 2500 BCE) where archaeological evidence shows early forms of Hindu religious practice.

Aryans

Indo-European migrants who settled in India and shaped early Hindu culture through language (Sanskrit), scripture, ritual, and social structure.

Harappan Civilization

– Urban culture of the Indus Valley whose religious symbols (like early versions of Shiva) influenced the formation of Hinduism. Site of archeological findings to clues about ancient practices performed by Vedic Hindus

Shruti

“That which is heard”; the most authoritative Hindu scriptures believed to be revealed to ancient sages. Made up of the Vedas and Upanishads

Vedas

The oldest sacred texts containing hymns, rituals, and teachings that form the foundation of Hindu belief. Translated to “Divine Knowledge” and brought into India by the Aryans

Rig Veda

The earliest and most important Veda, containing hymns praising various deities and cosmic order.

Upanishads

Philosophical writings that explore the nature of God, the soul, and liberation. Means “to sit near”

Smriti

“That which is remembered”; secondary sacred texts written down later, offering stories and moral teachings. Made up of the Puranas and Mahabharata

Puranas

– Collections of myths, legends, and stories about gods, creation, and the ages of the world.

Epics

– Long narrative poems that express moral and spiritual themes.

Ramayana 

Epic describing Rama’s journey as an example of ideal virtue, loyalty, and duty

Mahabharata

Epic telling the story of a great war and containing teachings about righteousness, human struggle, and divine guidance.

Bhagavad Gita

A section of the Mahabharata in which Krishna teaches Arjuna about duty, devotion, and the path to liberation. Also known as “the song of God”

Dharma

the cosmic law, the way of the universe.

dharma (goal)

– The life goal of living ethically and fulfilling one’s responsibilities.

karma

The moral law of cause and effect; every action influences future experiences.

samsara 

The ongoing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

reincarnation

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

Brahman

All forms of reality share a common essence which is infinite, eternal, impersonal, and discoverable only through the most profound contemplation.

Atman

The ultimate reality understood through inward contemplation of the self/individual.

Trimurti

The three principal expressions of Brahman’s activity in the world: creation, preservation, and transformation.

Brahma

The creator god.

Vishnu

The preserver god who maintains cosmic order.

Shiv

The destroyer or transformer god, associated with renewal and meditation.

Saraswati

– Goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts.

Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth, good fortune, and well-being.

Parvati

Goddess of love, devotion, and strength; wife of Shiva.

Caste system

A hereditary social structure linked to duty and purity, historically shaping a person’s role in society. Determined by a persons karma. Compares Hindu society to the human body

Brahmin 

Highest caste in the Hindu caste system. Made up of Priests, teachers, and scholars.

Kshatriya

Second highest caste in the Hindu caste system. Made up of Warriors and rulers.

Vaishya

third Highest caste in the Hindu caste system. Made up of Merchants, farmers, and businesspeople.

Shudra

the last caste in the Hindu caste system. Made up of Servants and laborers.

Outcastes

People outside the caste system

Untouchables / Harijans / Dalits

The lowest social group, historically marginalized; Gandhi used the word Harijan(“children of God)

artha

Achieving material prosperity and stability.

moksha

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth and union with Brahman.

Grihastha

Householder stage devoted to work, marriage, and family.

Vanaprastha

Retreat stage; gradually withdrawing from social obligations. Focus on faith

Sannyasa

Renunciation stage; dedicating life entirely to spiritual pursuit. A Hindu Monk

Bhakti yoga

Path of devotion to a personal god.

karma yoga

Path of selfless action performed without desire for reward.

jnana yoga

Path of study, reflection, and wisdom.

raja yoga

Path of meditation and spiritual practices that train the mind.

Puja

A ritual offering involving prayer, food, flowers, bathing and devotion towards deities.

Diwali

The Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.

Holi

Spring festival of colors symbolizing renewal, joy, and divine playfulness. Commemorates the love between Kishna and Radha

Krishna Janmashtami 

Celebration of the birth of Krishna.

Navaratri

A nine-night festival honoring the feminine divine, especially Durga.

Tri Devi

The three major goddesses who express divine feminine energy.

Varna

The broad traditional social classes of Hindu society. Means “color”

Murti

A sacred image or statue through which the divine is honored.

Yoga

A spiritual discipline aimed at uniting the self with the divine. Means “union”.

brahmacharya

Student stage focused on learning and discipline.

kama

Seeking legitimate pleasure and emotional fulfillment.

Sanskrit

The classical language of Hindu scripture and worship.

Himalayas Mountains

Mountain range in which runs along Indias northern border

Saraswati River

The river, Now dried up, is believe to have played a part in early Hindu civilization.

Panentheism

The belief that a divine entity is both immanent and transcendent

Maya

Word that means “illusion” it describes all forms of existence

Ganges River

This is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion

Monism

The belief that all reality is ultimately one.

Purusharthas

The four goals of life according to Hinduism: dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha

Henotheism

the belief in one god while accepting the existence of other deities.

Avatars

Deities can take on various forms known as this to highlight specific qualities of Brahman.