Hinduism

Comp Religions

What is Hinduism’s preferred name? What does it mean?

Sanatana Dharma, ““the eternal law,”

Difference between Brahmin, Brahma, and Brahman

Brahmin: highest member of the first of the caste system

Brahma: Main Hindu deity

Brahman: the all-being of the universe

Darsan

The food used in praying, hope to receive a(n) ________: A vision that is received from the gods.

Swastika

________: the 4 places the human soul can exist (tilted= Hitler)

Lotus

flower blooming from the murky water, like your mind.

Tilak

any mark on the forehead or between eyebrows, Any gender, ceremonious, Bindi Dot, Means "drop, "Represents age, marital status, religious background, or ethnic affiliation, Can be powder, jewels, etc.

Samsara

liberation and get to the supreme mankind and become one with Brahman.

What is murti?

the statue or image of symbols as a focus for prayers.

Ritual fire

________ that is present at many ceremonies with many things placed in the fire.

Forehead

________ is the 6th chakra and center of wisdom, 3rd Eye of Shiva.

Brahman is…

Unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality, energy, time, space, being, and everything beyond this Universe, Thousands of deities of one universal spirit are called Brahman,"All things are Brahman and Brahman is all things "(panentheistic)

The Mahabharata

Indias National Epic Poem, has the Bhagavad- Gita: The most famous part of the epic, Said to be the 5th Veda, Conversation about obligations between Arjuna and Krishna on the eve of the battle, Follows 2 rival families in a great war, Sets up Hindu mythology and beliefs, Longest poem in history.

The Sacred Om (Aum)

Symbol of Hinduism, most sacred syllable

Lotus

Flower blooming from the murky water, like your mind

Swastika

the 4 places the human soul can exist (tilted=Hitler)

Yantra

the universe

Pratik

Self-Realization and service to humanity

Tilak (Tilaka)

any mark on the forehead or between eyebrows, Any gender, ceremonious, Bindi Dot, Means "drop," Represents age, marital status, religious background, or ethnic affiliation, Can be powder, jewels, etc

Iconography

colors, animals, and item representation

Conch

prayer

Lotus

creation

Lingam

Shiva (phallic)

Chakra

Protection

Trihsula

Shiva (3 prongs)

Veena

arts and learning

"Shurti"

remembered holy books

"Smurti"

heard holy books written in Sanskrit

The Ramayana

roles in relationships through ideal versions, the eternal struggle between good and evil through the incarnations of Vishnu (1 of the 3 main Hindu Gods), Vividly reenacted in India

What is the Trimurti

the trinity of supreme divinity in Hinduism

Who is Brahma?

* The Creator God 


* Creates the World and his sons from meditations 
* 4 head, 4 arms 

Who is Vishnu?

* The Preserver 


* Whenever Dharama (natural order, duty) is threatened, he protects 
* God of Love, Benevolence, and Forgiveness 
* Avatars: 9 in all, Rama, Rishna, and Kalkin 
* Consort (girlfriend) Lakshmi 

Who is Shiva?

* The Destroyer (male) 


* Represents man and woman = balance 
* God of death, destruction, disease, and dancing 
* all reproduction of the world, ignorance, and old habits 
* Goodness and Family 
* 2 Main Girlfriends: Kali and Paravati 

Who is Parvati?

Although chaste their union powers the universe and liberation 

* Benign goddess 
* Tiger is her totem 
* Ganesh’s mom 

Who is Ganesh?

* Gateway through which you reach all other gods 
* Lord of Hosts 
* Gets rid of his obstacles 
* ELEPHANT HEAD

Who is Durga

major Hindu goddess, Gentle face

What is Atman

true self that survives death and is luminous & unchanged by you circumstance

What is Moksa?

liberation from “samsara” and get to the supreme mankind and become one with Brahman 

What is Dharma?

righteousness in their religious life 

What is Artha?

successful economic life & material prosperity 

What is Kama?

gratification of the senses, pleasure, sensual, sexual, and mental enjoyment

What is Upanayana

Thread/Initiation ceremony, 3 threads that make a cord, done before a wedding

Hinduism Diets Include

NO BEEF, alcohol, fasting, most devout from pork

Reverence for the Cow is

Not worshipped, but honored and respected.

Reverence for Trees and Rivers

Rituals performed under trees, Rivers are often sacred

What is murti

the statue or image of symbols as a focus for prayers

How is Holi celebrated?

* Celebration for spring and life 
* Celebrating Krishna (deity of abundance and good of life) 


* Throwing colored powders and water on each other in white clothing 


* Everyone participates

How is Kumbh Mela celebrated?

* An opening where the spiritual world and ours connect 
* Every 3rd year at 1 of 4 places 
* Usually running and bathing at the river Ganges

\n How is Navaratri celebrated?

* The goddess Durga’s victory against Mahishasura, and the defeat of Lord Ram 
* Worship with fire to purify and lead away from the darkness 
* 9-night festival

\n How is Diwali celebrated?

* “Festival of Lights” 


* Practically like Christmas to them 
* Celebration of good over evil 


* The homecoming of Rama