WC S2 Final; Hinduism

Monism

 everything is ultimately one reality

Monotheism

belief in only 1 god

Caste system in order

1. Brahmin: priests

2. Kshatriya: warriors

3. Vaishya: farmers

4. Shudra: workers, peasants

5. Untouchables: sewage

Atman

true essence of a person; individual soul or self

Deities

Gods and goddesses that represent different aspects of the divine

Brahman

absolute, ultimate reality

Dharma

pursuit of righteousness; referring to a person’s duty in life

Karma

sum of a person’s actions in the present and previous lives

Samsara

cycle of rebirth

Moksha

freedom or liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara)

Avatar

incarnation of a hindu god, especially Vishnu, in animal or human form

Bhagavad-Gita

most quoted Hindu scripture

Three Paths to Liberation

Karma marga, Bhakti marga, Jnana Marga

Triad of Hindu Gods

Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

How do Hindus explain their eternal self, the Atman, and how does it relate to Brahman?

Brahman is the ultimate reality of the universe, while Atman is the true essence of an individual. Realizing Atman and Brahman are one and the same is key to liberation and enlightenment

How do Hindus explain reincarnation?

Reincarnation is samsara (cycle of rebirth) in which a soul (atman) moves through different lives based on their karma.

How do Hindus worship gods?

rituals and offerings, chants and prayers

ex: puja - giving of flowers and other things

pilgrimage - to their holiest river called the Ganges river

Upanishads

Hindu sacred text that provides philosophical commentary

Artha

Hindu desire for material wealth and social prestige

Ascentism

the practice of self denial

How do Christians and Hindus view time?

Christians - linear

Hindus - cyclical

What animal do Hindus venerate?

Cows

Where do the majority of the worlds population of Hindus live in?

India

Kama

Hindu desire for sensual pleasure in life

Ahimsa

intentional avoidance of violence or injury against another living thing