Hinduism

Question 1

Vedas

Answer 1

The earliest collection of hymns and text.

Question 2

the Upanishads

Answer 2

The critical philosophical inquiry of the early Vedics that rethinks their ideas such as karma, samsara, and moksha.

Question 3

Brahman

Answer 3

Ultimate reality.

Question 4

atman

Answer 4

The innermost essence of a person.

Question 5

Vishnu in Vaishnavism?

Answer 5

Worships Vishnu, known for preserving and protecting the universe; famous incarnations are Rama (Hero of Ramayana, known for his righteousness and devotion to dharma) and Krishna (Divine strategist and teacher in the epic and the Gita)

Question 6

Shiva in Shaivism

Answer 6

Appears simultaneously in paradoxical roles: creator/destroyer; represented by a linga; Nataraja (The cosmic dancer aspect of Shiva)

Question 7

Devi/Shakti in Shaktism?

Answer 7

Divine Mother (Devi) and feminine energy (Shakti) as the highest power, often not seen as all-powerful.

Question 8

ishta-devata

Answer 8

The god you relate to the most, a personally chosen deity for worship and meditation.

Question 9

avatar

Answer 9

The descent of a deity to earth in human or animal form, such as Rama or Krishna.

Question 10

dharma

Answer 10

Moral and religious duties appropriate to one’s class, stage of life, and personal circumstances.

Question 11

Four castes?

Answer 11

Brahmins (Priests), Kshatriyas (Warriors/Kings), Vaishyas (Merchants), Shudras (Servants).

Question 12

karma

Answer 12

The law of cause and effect; actions have consequences that shape future experiences.

Question 13

samsara

Answer 13

The beginningless cycle of rebirth.

Question 14

moksha

Answer 14

Liberation; the freedom from the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth

Question 15

yoga

Answer 15

Meditation; includes Karma (selfless action), Bhakti (Devotion to God), Jnana (Knowledge and Wisdom), and Raja (Meditation).

Question 16

guru

Answer 16

Spiritual teachers/leaders.

Question 17

mantra

Answer 17

A word and sound that helps concentration when meditating.

Question 18

tantra

Answer 18

A body of ritual practices and the text interpreting them, translates to ‘To Stretch’ or ‘To Expand’.

Question 19

Mahabharata

Answer 19

An epic Sanskrit poem recounting the Kurukshetra war and including the Bhagavad Gita.

Question 20

darshana

Answer 20

A form of Hindu worship in which one sees (and is seen by) a deity.

Question 21

prasada

Answer 21

Literally ‘grace’; offerings made to the deity and returned to devotees as a blessing.

Question 22

puja

Answer 22

Ritual act of worship involving offerings to a deity.