WREL Hinduism

Hinduism

A collection of many religious traditions; no single founder

Brahman

The ultimate reality; spiritual force behind everything

Atman

The individual soul; part of Brahman

Maya

Illusion; the world is not the ultimate reality

Moksha

Freedom from samsara; union with Brahman

Samsara

Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth

Karma

Law of cause and effect; actions affect future lives

Dharma

One's duty based on role in society

Deities

Gods/goddesses representing aspects of Brahman

Avatar

A god appearing in human/animal form

Krishna

Avatar of Vishnu

Rama

Avatar of Vishnu

Vishnu

Preserver god

Shiva

Destroyer god (also creator of change)

Brahma (god)

Creator god

Vedas

Oldest sacred texts; hymns and rituals

Rishis

Sages who wrote/recited the Vedas

Upanishads

Philosophical texts about reality and the soul

Shruti

"Heard" texts; most sacred (Vedas, Upanishads)

Smriti

"Remembered" texts; stories and epics

Mahabharata

Epic about family conflict

Bhagavad Gita

Part of Mahabharata; teaches duty and devotion

Ramayana

Story of Rama rescuing Sita

Guru

Spiritual teacher

Sanskrit

Ancient language of Hindu texts

Caste System

Social hierarchy based on birth

Brahmins

Priests/teachers (highest caste)

Kshatriyas

Warriors/rulers

Vaishyas

Merchants/traders

Shudras

Laborers

Asprishyas

"Untouchables," outside caste system

Ahimsa

Nonviolence toward all living things

Yoga

Spiritual practice to unite mind, body, spirit

Asceticism

Self-discipline and denial for spiritual growth

Meditation

Deep focus to understand reality and reach enlightenment

Vegetarianism

Practice due to belief in nonviolence

Sacredness of cows

Cows are honored and protected

Temple worship

Worship at temples with offerings and prayer

Puja

Ritual worship (at home or temple)

Pilgrimage

Traveling to sacred places

Festivals

Religious celebrations honoring gods

Path of Action (Karma Yoga)

Achieve moksha through good deeds

Path of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga)

Achieve moksha through wisdom

Path of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)

Achieve moksha through love of a god

Reincarnation

Soul is reborn into a new body

Transmigration

Movement of soul into a new life form

Ahimsa (Gandhi)

Nonviolent resistance used for political change

Ashramas (Stages of Life)

Life divided into 4 stages (student, householder, hermit, ascetic)

Purusharthas

Four goals of life: dharma, artha, kama, moksha

Indus Valley Civilization

Early roots of Hinduism

Vedic Period

Time when Vedas were composed

Classical Period

Development of major beliefs and epics

Modern Period

Includes British rule and independence

Sikhism

Religion combining elements of Hinduism and Islam

Gurdwara

Sikh place of worship

Granthi

Reader of Sikh scriptures

Five Ks

Articles of faith worn by Sikh men