Vocabulary Guide: Hinduism and the Old Testament
Characteristics of Religion: Hinduism
Brahman * Definition: Hindu expression for their God, that flows through all things in the universe. * Example: "According to Hindu belief, Brahman is the source of all existence."
Karma * Definition: The belief that a person's actions in this life determine their fate in future lives. * Example: "She believes that by doing good deeds, she can accumulate positive karma and improve her future lives."
Moksha * Definition: The release from the cycle of reincarnation. * Example: "He meditates every day in the hope of achieving moksha and ending the cycle of reincarnation."
Murti * Definition: A statue or image of a Hindu God that is used as an object of worship. * Example: "During puja, Hindus may offer flowers or light incense in front of a murti of their chosen God."
Nirvana * Definition: The ultimate state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. * Example: "A Hindu's ultimate aim is to achieve Nirvana, where they will unite with Brahman."
Reincarnation * Definition: The belief that the soul is reborn into a new body after death. * Example: "Hindus believe in reincarnation, and that the soul may be reborn as a human, animal, or even a plant."
Samsara * Definition: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings are believed to be trapped in. * Example: "Samsara is a continuous cycle that can only be broken by achieving moksha."
Samskara * Definition: A Hindu ritual or ceremony that marks a significant life event or transition. * Example: "Once a baby is born, Hindu parents hold a samskara for the family."
Trimurti * Definition: The Hindu trinity of gods consisting of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). * Example: "Hindus believe that the Trimurti represents the three aspects of Brahman."
Key Vocabulary of the Old Testament
Abraham * Definition: Father of the Israelite people who made a covenant with God. * Example: Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac to show his obedience to God.
Covenant * Definition: A solemn agreement between God and His people, usually involving promises and obligations. * Example: God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation.
Exodus * Definition: The second book of the Old Testament, which tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. It refers to both the book, and the journey. * Example: The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years after their exodus from Egypt.
Faith * Definition: Having trust and belief in God, often without evidence. * Example: Moses had faith that God would free the Israelites.
Genesis * Definition: The first book of the Old Testament, which tells the story of creation and the early history of humanity. * Example: Genesis tells the story of Adam and Eve and their fall from grace.
Israelites * Definition: The chosen people of God in the Old Testament, who would go on to be known as the Jews. * Example: The Israelites were led by Moses out of slavery in Egypt and towards the Promised Land.
Judgement * Definition: The belief that God will ultimately sort the good from the bad. * Example: Jews and Christians both believe that God will judge his people.
King David * Definition: The second king of Israel who is known for his military victories and for establishing Jerusalem as the capital city. * Example: As a child, King David defeated the giant Goliath with a single stone from his sling.
Moses * Definition: A prophet and leader of the Israelites who led them out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God. * Example: Moses parted the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptians.
Noah * Definition: A righteous man who built an ark to save his family and the animals from the flood sent by God. * Example: Noah and his family lived on the ark for 40 days and 40 nights during the flood.
Promised Land * Definition: The land of Canaan that God promised to Abraham and his descendants as their inheritance. * Example: The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before finally entering the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.
Prophet * Definition: A person who speaks for God and foretells future events. * Example: God made Moses a prophet, and told him to tell the Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
Redemption * Definition: Mending one's relationship with God. * Example: King David looked for redemption from God after he sinned.
Salvation * Definition: The act of being saved (and going to heaven). * Example: Moses looked for salvation for his people.
Sin * Definition: An action that goes against the will of God. * Example: Adam committed a sin in eating the forbidden fruit.
The Fall * Definition: The belief that Creation was made perfectly, but fell away from this perfection owing to the sin of Adam and Eve. * Example: Christians believe that The Fall brought sin into the world.