Hinduism Flashcards
Define Dharma
An adherents duty
Everything that makes up the universe
Virtue and morality
Define Samsara
Cycle of rebirth, soul reborn repeatedly according to karma
Define Atman
The eternal self - can inhabit different bodies - reincarnation
Define Karma
every action has an equal reaction/consequence
Good actions/harmony with dharma - good consequences
bad actions/not in harmony - bad consequences
Define Moksha
liberation from Samsara
Define Varna
(Caste) the duties (dharma) of individuals are determined by the caste
What is the Vedas?
Body of religious texts originating in ancient India. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the oldest scriptures in Hinduism.
Why is the Vedas significant?
Teaches how adherents can be released from samsara and reach moksha
What is the first stage of life (ashrama)?
Student Life 0-24 studying/learning roles to serve - family - society - religion
What is the second stage of life (ashrama)?
Householder Life 25-50
Perform the family duty - dharma
Marriage
works to help raise a family
What is the third stage of life (ashrama)?
Retired Life 50-75 Retires and oversees extended family Begins study of spiritual matters - yoga & meditation - following a guru - studying scriptures
What is the fourth stage of life (ashrama)?
Renounced life 75-100
Gives up on family and material life
Wholly focused on spiritual matters
Quest for moksha (release)
Define Ahimsa
Non-violence, compassion for all living things
What is the caste system of India? (varnas)
- Brahman - priests, advisors, intellectual leaders
- Kshatriya - rulers, military leaders, large landowners
- Vaishya - merchants, traders, farmers
- Shudra - artisans, laborers, servants
- Dalit (untouchables) - low-status persons, outcasts
What guides Hindus in their response to human rights?
Varna (caste) dharma (duty) and ashrama (stage of life)
Positive karma - closer to moksha
Every person has part of the divine soul, their role is to make this holiness real in life
To do this, must fulfil their dharma to be free from samsara
