World history eastern religions vocab

Hinduism

One of the world's oldest and most diverse religions, with about 1 billion followers mainly in India. Originating in the Indus River Valley, it includes a wide range of philosophies, beliefs, and rituals.

Caste System

A historical social hierarchy that assigns people to groups based on birth and occupation. Its social impact continues despite being officially outlawed in India.

Brahman

The ultimate reality or universal spirit that is beginningless, endless, and the source of all existence. Considered the divine ground of being rather than a traditional god.

Henotheism

A system of worship focusing on one primary deity while recognizing others as valid or related aspects of the divine.

Guru

A spiritual teacher who provides guidance on philosophical and religious matters.

Atman

The eternal individual soul, distinct from the physical body, representing the true essence of a person.

Vedas

Ancient Sanskrit scriptures containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that explore the mysteries of life.

Upanishads

Philosophical texts from the Vedas that focus on meditation, spiritual knowledge, and the importance of a teacher.

Bhagavad Gita

A dialogue between a divine guide and a warrior, presenting paths to spiritual liberation and the nature of the soul.

Chief Gods (Hinduism)

The three major deities of creation, preservation, and destruction

Krishna

A revered divine figure considered an incarnation of the preserver deity, central to devotional practices worldwide.

Moksha (Liberation)

The ultimate spiritual goal involving release from the cycle of rebirth and union with the absolute reality.

Lotus

A flower symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and beauty that emerges unblemished from muddy waters.

Karma

The principle that every action, thought, and word produces consequences in this life or future ones.

Dharma

One’s ethical and moral responsibilities, guiding conduct to maintain balance and righteousness.

Mantras

Sacred sounds or phrases repeated during meditation or prayer to focus the mind and generate spiritual energy.

Diwali

A festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Puja

Rituals or offerings performed in devotion to a deity or spiritual teacher, often at a shrine or temple.

Bindi

A decorative mark on the forehead representing energy, protection, and spiritual insight.

Swastika

An ancient symbol representing prosperity, well-being, and good fortune.

Yoga

Practices combining physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines to unify the mind, body, and spirit.

Namaste

A respectful greeting performed with hands pressed together, acknowledging the divine in others.

Buddhism

A spiritual path focused on ending suffering and achieving liberation through mindfulness and insight.

Buddha

The enlightened teacher who discovered profound truths about life, suffering, and liberation.

Nirvana

A state of ultimate peace and freedom from desire, suffering, and individual consciousness.

Reincarnation

The belief that consciousness or the soul is reborn in a new form based on past actions.

Four Noble Truths

Core teachings identifying the existence, cause, and end of suffering, and the path to liberation.

Middle Way (Eightfold Path)

A practical guide of eight principles leading to ethical living, mental discipline, and spiritual insight.

Asceticism

A disciplined lifestyle avoiding indulgence and pleasure to achieve spiritual growth.

Zen

A form of practice emphasizing meditation and direct experience to achieve sudden insight.

Mandala

A geometric symbol representing the universe, used as a tool for meditation and spiritual focus.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical figure who renounced royalty to seek enlightenment and became the awakened teacher.