Unit 2: Hinduism

Brahman

transcendental reality

atman

individual manifestations of brahman

maya

the world as we experience it

karma

the law of cause and effect 

samsara

cycle of birth death and rebirth

moksha

liberation from samsara

henotheism

the worship of one supreme God against many other gods

bhakti

devotion to a particular god

vishnu

the preserver; ultimate manifestation of brahman

avatar

earthly manifestation of a god

krishna

vishnu’s avatar

shiva

the destroyer; destruction and new life; element of fire; represents eternity

kali

associated with time and death; mother of humanity

shakti/devi

feminine energy in the universe

The Bhagavad Gita

depicts the nature of dharma and yoga

dharma

your duty according to your station in life

yoga

any spiritual practice that helps you to achieve moksha

caste system

a social hierarchy in Hinduism; it serves a socio-economic purpose as a division of labor

Bhramin

priests, academics

kshatryia

warriors, kings

vaishya

merchants, landowners

sudra

commoners, peasants, servants

dalits

untouchables, outcasts, street-sweepers, latrine cleaners

murti

sacred state icon or image of a deity or saint in hindu traditions that represents a form embodiment of the divine

puja

ritualistic act of worship to a deity/god; making offerings; main form of hindu worship 

mudra

symbolic and sacred gesture/pose and most commonly performed with hands and fingers

mandala

a spiritual symbol that represents the universe, divine realms, and the inter connectedness of all things

mantra

a sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated in meditation or worship to invoke divine energy, foster spiritual connection, and achieve a state off inner peace/enlightenment