Social Studies Hinduism

Subcontinent

A large landmass that juts out from a continent

Monsoon

A strong, Seasonal wind that blows across east Asia 

(3)Karma

An action, work, or deed and its effects or consequences/actions, both good and bad that occur in life and affect the soul

Caste

A division of society based on differences of wealth. Inherited rank, profession, occupation, or race 

Varna

one of the four traditional social classes of India

(1) Brahman

A single spiritual power that, according to Hinduism, lives in everything

Avatar 

a representation of a Hindu god or goddess in human or animal form 

Reincarnation

the rebirth of the soul in the body of another living being

(7) dharma

the religious or moral duties of Hindus

ahimsa

the Hindu idea of non violence

mediate

to focus the mind inward in order to find spiritual awareness or relaxation 

nirvana

the lasting peace tha Buddhists seek by giving up selfish desires

missionary

a person who spreads their religious beliefs to others

convert

To change ones beliefs, in particular, to change from one religion to another

Tolerance 

a fair, objective, and permissive attitude towards opinions, beliefs and practices that differ from ones own. 

Yoga

the physical, spiritual, or mental practices used to attain a state of permanent peace

(2) Atman

The individual soul that gets reincarnated when the body dies

(4) moksha

(5) The Vedas

The four books of knowledge, primarily the sacred text of Hinduism

(6) the Yugas

Time is cynical, there is no beginning and no end.

Upanishads

Questions, debates, and explains the vedas.. kind of like a factious teacher and student conversation 

Bhagavad Gita

epic poems about Arjuna and Krishna used to teach dharma 

Ramayana

Epic quest of Prince Rama ( aka Vishnu ) to save his wife Sita from the ten headed demon named Ravana with the help of the Monkey king Hanuman 

Mahabharata

To much to describe, has it all ( love, murder, gods, war, dancing, etc.) over 5x as long as the Bible and longest epic to ever exist

Rig Veda

Songs + Stories about truth, reality, and the universe.

Yajur Veda

Sacrificial rites/rituals mainly used by Brahmins (priests)

Sama Veda

All songs set to music meant to praise the gods

Atharava Veda

Collection of curses, charms, herbal remedies, poisons, and spells

Brahma

The creator, makes new things from Brahman 

Vishnu

The preserver, defender of dharma and the most common to provide aid 

Shiva

The destroyer, releases all things to rejoin the internal cycle

Ganesha

Remover of obstacles, worshipped for good luck, wisdom, and success

Brahmins

Priests and Teachers

Kshatriyas

Warriors and Nobilities

Shudras

Farmers and Servants

Vaishayas

Traders and Merchants

Dalits/untouchables 

oppressed, outside, forced to do unclean work that violates the laws of dharma