Hinduism and Buddhism: Key Concepts and Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of 50 vocabulary flashcards designed to help students review key terms and concepts related to Hinduism and Buddhism.

Hinduism

A major world religion originating in the Indian subcontinent, known for its diversity of beliefs and practices.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life.

Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Moksha

Liberation from the cycle of samsara; ultimate spiritual goal in Hinduism.

Nirvana

A transcendent state in Buddhism, characterized by the cessation of suffering and desire, often regarded as the ultimate goal.

Atman

The individual soul or essence in Hindu philosophy.

Brahman

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism.

Sampradaya

A tradition or school of thought within Hinduism, often focusing on specific deities.

Trimurti

The triad of the three main gods in Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

Karma

The concept of cause and effect, where a person's actions in this life determine their fate in future lives.

Dharma

The moral law combined with spiritual discipline that guides one's life in Hinduism.

Yoga

A spiritual, mental, and physical discipline in Hinduism aimed at achieving union with the divine.

Vedas

The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns, rituals, and philosophy.

Upanishads

A collection of philosophical texts that form the theoretical basis of Hinduism, discussing meditation and spiritual knowledge.

Bhagavad-Gita

A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, focused on the conversation between Prince Arjuna and Krishna.

Puja

A ritualistic worship in Hinduism that often involves offerings to deities.

Guru

A spiritual teacher or guide in Hinduism who helps followers achieve enlightenment.

Ahimsa

The principle of nonviolence towards all living beings in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Rishi

An ancient sage or seer in Hindu tradition, often credited with composing the Vedas.

Kaliyuga

The fourth and current age of the world in Hindu tradition, characterized by strife and discord.

Sattva

One of the three gunas (qualities) in Hindu philosophy, associated with purity and harmony.

Tamas

One of the three gunas, associated with darkness and chaos.

Raja Yoga

A form of yoga that emphasizes meditation and control of the mind.

Jnana Yoga

The path of knowledge and wisdom in Hinduism.

Karma Yoga

The path of selfless action in Hindu philosophy.

Bhakti Yoga

The path of devotion to a personal god in Hinduism.

Zen

A school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and mindfulness.

Bodhisattva

A person who has attained enlightenment but delays nirvana to help others achieve the same.

Buddha

A title for Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, meaning 'the awakened one'.

Satori

A state of sudden enlightenment or realization in Zen Buddhism.

Koan

A paradoxical statement or question used in Zen practice to provoke doubt and insight.

Mantra

A sacred utterance or sound that is believed to have spiritual potency.

Dhammapada

A collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form, central to Theravada Buddhism.

Eight-Fold Path

The path to enlightenment in Buddhism, comprising right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Theravada

The oldest school of Buddhism, emphasizing monastic life and the original teachings of the Buddha.

Mahayana

A later form of Buddhism that broadens the path to include the lay community and emphasizes the role of Bodhisattvas.

Vajrayana

A form of Tibetan Buddhism that combines Mahayana philosophy with tantric practices.

Dalai Lama

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, regarded as an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion.

Ashoka

A historical Indian emperor who played a significant role in spreading Buddhism across Asia.

Lumbini

The birthplace of Buddha, located in modern-day Nepal.

Bodhgaya

The location where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Kushinagara

The place where Buddha passed away and attained parinirvana.

Sarnath

The site of Buddha's first sermon, where he explained the Four Noble Truths.

Manjushri

A bodhisattva associated with wisdom and knowledge in Mahayana Buddhism.

Chakra

Energy centers in the body in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, each associated with different physical and spiritual functions.

Pali

An ancient language of India, used in the writing of many Buddhist texts.

Tanha

Desire or craving, which is identified as a cause of suffering in Buddhism.

Noble Eightfold Path

The path outlined by the Buddha to end suffering and achieve enlightenment, consisting of eight interconnected practices.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition that emphasizes personal spiritual development and the attainment of a profound understanding of the nature of life.