Hinduism and Buddhism Overview

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Hinduism and Buddhism, aiding in the understanding of their principles, practices, and historical contexts.

Hinduism

An ancient religion that may date back to 4,000-6,000 BCE, characterized by a union of indigenous traditions and Indo-Aryan sky god worship.

Dravidians

Agricultural people of ancient India, known for their indigenous religious traditions.

Indo-Aryans

Migrating hunter-warriors who fused their theistic beliefs with those of the Dravidians.

Pantheon

A set of all gods worshipped in a particular religion, which emerged in Hinduism by 3000 BCE.

Polytheism

The belief in multiple gods, which is a common characterization of Hinduism.

Abstract Monotheism

A perspective in Hinduism that sees multiple deities as manifestations of a single ultimate reality.

Sampradaya

Religious schools in Hinduism dedicated to specific deities or interpretations of the divine.

Trimurti

The triad of three principal deities in Hinduism: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer).

Yoga

A practice in Hinduism aimed at achieving union with God and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.

Guru

A spiritual teacher or guide in Hindu traditions, instrumental in a disciple's spiritual journey.

Vedas

The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, consisting of hymns and praises to God, formed the foundation of the religion.

Upanishads

A collection of writings that emerged by 800-700 BCE, exploring the relationship of the divine within and focusing on spiritual inner wisdom.

Bhagavad-Gita

A sacred text written between 300 BCE and 300 CE, presenting a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna, covering key concepts of Hindu philosophy.

Namaste

A common Hindu greeting meaning 'I salute the divine within you.'

Ayurveda

A traditional Indian medicine system rooted in Vedic texts, emphasizing holistic health and well-being.

Karma

The totality of a person's actions and their consequences, influencing future reincarnations.

Reincarnation

The belief in the rebirth of the soul into a new body after death.

Moksha

The liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, ultimately achieving union with God.

Dharma

Moral and ethical duties or responsibilities one has in life.

Caste System

A social hierarchy in India that categorizes people based on their duties and occupations.

Lila

The concept of divine play, the illusory nature of the world as a playful manifestation of creation.

Maya

The illusion of the material world, which distracts individuals from spiritual truth.

Nirvana

The state of ultimate liberation and enlightenment in Buddhism, characterized by the cessation of suffering and ego.

Buddhism

A spiritual tradition based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), emphasizing mindfulness and the elimination of suffering.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical figure known as the Buddha, who founded Buddhism in the 6th century BCE.

Nirvana (Buddhism)

The state of enlightenment in Buddhism where desire and suffering are extinguished.

Four Noble Truths

The foundational principles of Buddhism outlining the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation.

Eight-Fold Path

The guideline in Buddhism for living ethically and attaining enlightenment through right belief, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Dhammapada

A collection of sayings of the Buddha, serving as a fundamental text of Theravada Buddhism.

Zen

A school of Buddhism focusing on meditation and insight, emphasizing living in the present moment.

Bodhisattva

In Mahayana Buddhism, a being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves, but to help all sentient beings.

Theraveda Buddhism

The 'Tradition of the Elders', focusing on monastic practices and the earliest teachings of Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism

A more inclusive form of Buddhism that allows for lay practitioners and emphasizes compassion and communal practice.

Vajrayana Buddhism

An esoteric form of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing rituals and the guidance of a guru.

Buddha Nature

The inherent potential for enlightenment in all beings, according to Mahayana Buddhism.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-violence towards all living beings, central to Buddhist ethics.

Kaliyuga

The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by strife and moral decline.

Puja

A ritualistic worship performed by Hindus, often involving offerings and prayers.

Shiva

One of the principal deities of Hinduism, known as the destroyer and transformer in the Trimurti.

Krishna

An incarnation of Vishnu, particularly revered in the Bhagavad-Gita.

Brahman

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hindu philosophy, often equated with God.

Atman

The individual soul or self in Hindu philosophy, which is ultimately identified with Brahman.

Shaktipat

Spiritual awakening or transmission of energy from a guru to a disciple.

Vipassana

A form of insight meditation aimed at increasing awareness and insight into the true nature of reality.

Satori

A state of sudden insight or enlightenment in Zen Buddhism.

Samsara

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

Chakras

Energy centers in the body according to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, crucial for spiritual healing.

Ritual Practice

Ceremonial acts performed in religious contexts, often including prayer, chanting, and offerings.

Buddhacarita

An ancient text recounting the life of the Buddha.