Hinduism (MIDTERM VOCAB)

who was founder of hinduism

wdk

when did hinduism begin

3500 years ago

 According to our in-class discussion, Hinduism likely began through the interactions of what two groups of people?

Aryans and Dravidians

dharma meaning

the way

According to your readings, what is a name for Hinduism that is deemed more appropriate than “Hindu”?

dharma

What does the term “Hindu” mean?

from india

how many gods

about 330 million

1 of the big 3 gods, the Absolute

brahma

the ultimate

brahman

prestly caste

brahmin

What Hindu deity is not worshipped much because he does so little outside of creating the earth?

brahma

When Vishnu awoke from his sleep, what came into existence?

Universe, Brahma, and Shiva

Shiva is said to be “the energy of” whom? And, in this capacity, he is akin to what Christian Concept?

Energy of the ultimate (Brahman); destroys the earth

according to our in-class discussion, what does the term “Shakti” mean?

enabling power

According to our in-class discussion, what technically is the title for the “Supreme Being” or

“single god” of Hinduism?

brahman

Though there are technically tons of castes in Hinduism, in class we discussed the five most common castes. What were those five castes, and who falls into each caste?

brahimns, kshatriyas (gov), vaisyas (most ppl), sudras (peasants), untouchables (marginal jobs)

Which texts are technically more authoritative or canonical in Hinduism: the “Smriti” or “Shruti”?

shruti

three “ways off the round of rebirths”

grace, thought, works

of the ways off the round of rebirth what is the grace method

devotion or bhakti

of the ways off the round of rebirth what is the works method

good works to get rid of karma

of the ways off the round of rebirth what is the thought method

knowledge or jyana

What, according to our in-class discussion, is the meaning of the term “Shruti”?

heard/revealed

What, according to our in-class discussion, what is the meaning of the term “Smriti”?

remembered

What, according to our in-class discussion, are the four stages of life and social interaction—

commonly known as “Ashrams”?

Student, Householder, Seeker (hermit), Ascetic (Holy Man)

 What, according to our in-class discussion, is the common Hindu term for worship?

puja

What Hindu symbol, discussed in class, functions as a representation of “good luck” (or a “blessing” from God), the seat of “wisdom and concentration” (that can help with placing your focus as you seek enlightenment), and as a representation of a “third eye” (or spiritual

“discernment”)?

bindi/tikka/talik

Does Hinduism have formal denominations?

no