Hinduism

Why is Hinduism a world religion?

Because it is ancient, has millions of followers, spread beyond its origin, answers universal questions, and continues to shape Indian culture

Does Hinduism have a founder, central church, or single holy book?

No; Hinduism has no founder, no central church, and no single sacred book

Syncretism

The blending of ideas, beliefs, and traditions to form something new while retaining elements of the old

Who were the Aryans?

Warlike, semi-nomadic horse riders and cattle herders who migrated into northern India around 1800 BCE

Aryan gods

Indra (war), Varuna (morality), Agni (fire)

What did the Aryans bring to India?

The Vedas: hymns, chants, and rituals passed orally and later written down

Who were the Dravidians?

Settled farmers of the Indus River Valley who worshipped fertility goddesses and bull symbolism

Aryan-Dravidian Synthesis

The blending of Aryan and Dravidian religious traditions that produced Hinduism

Why are the Vedas important?

They are the oldest religious texts, originally oral, written 1500–1200 BCE, containing hymns and rituals

Language of the Vedas

Sanskrit

Reincarnation

The cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth

Karma

The law of action and reaction

Dharma

Duty or moral obligation

Samsara

The endless cycle of rebirth

Moksha

Release from samsara

Brahman

The universal soul or ultimate reality

Atman

The individual soul

Maya

The world as illusion

Why is Hinduism polytheistic and monotheistic?

It has many gods, but all are expressions of one ultimate reality, Brahman

Trimurti

The Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Brahma

Creator god

Vishnu

Preserver god

Shiva

Destroyer god

Vedas

Hymns, chants, rituals; oldest Hindu texts

Upanishads

Philosophical texts explaining the Vedas and Atman-Brahman

Mahabharata

Longest epic poem; teaches dharma

Bhagavad Gita

Conversation between Arjuna and Krishna about duty and devotion

Ramayana

Epic about Rama rescuing Sita; emphasizes duty and loyalty

Language of Hindu sacred texts

Sanskrit

Jnana Yoga

The path of knowledge and wisdom for introspective people

Bhakti Yoga

The path of devotion and love toward a personal god

Karma Yoga

The path of selfless action and work

Raja Yoga

The path of meditation and mind-body discipline

Kama

Pleasure

Artha

Worldly success

Dharma aim

Duty

Moksha aim

Release

Student stage

Learning and discipline

Householder stage

Family and social responsibility

Retired stage

Withdrawal and reflection

Sannyasin stage

Total renunciation of worldly life

Saguna Brahman

God with attributes and physical form

Nirguna Brahman

God without attributes, beyond human understanding