Hinduism Flashcards
(23 cards)
Origins of Hinduism
No set origin, concept of it has always been around and it’s just part of the universe
The vedas
Four holy books of Hinduism
Upanishads
Means “sitting near”, priests and non-priests can meditate and practice spiritual discipline to have a stronger spiritual connection
Concepts from it include: Brahman, atman, maya, karma, samsara, moksha
Brahman
All spiritual being that is part of everything, all things are part of his sacred source
Atman
Your individual soul, but part of Brahman. When fully experienced it is one with Brahman
Maya
Everything is the same and equal, you being your independent being from other things is just an illusion (you are part of Brahman and Brahman is everything)
Karma
Your religious duty, moral law of cause and effect, you do good you get good. Also determines the direction of your rebirth.
Samsara
The circle of life. Rebirth, reincarnation, deals with the trimurti
Moksha
Freedom or liberation from samsara. Ultimate goal of all things, when your Atman unites with Brahman and becomes one.
The Caste System
Four levels: 1.) Brahmins-educators 2.) Kshatriyas-warriors 3.) Vaishyas-traders 4.) Shudras-laborers Dalits-outcasts, not even part of the system
Yoga
Means yoke or union, brings your Atman closer to unity with Brahman
Jnana Yoga
Knowledge yoga
Karma Yoga
Action yoga, deeds performed without a desire for reward
Bhakti Yoga
Devotion yoga; devotion to a deity, person, or activity
Raja Yoga
Royal Yoga; meditation, eyes opened or closed, usually say a mantra
Hatha Yoga
Stretching and balancing
The Trimurti
Brahma-the creator
Vishnu-the preserver
Shiva-the destroyer
Ahisma/Vegetarianism
There is a respect towards all living things; why consume meat and kill anything and damage life; animals can feel emotion so why hurt them
Death rituals on the Ganges
Death is not feared or denied; it’s an opportunity for new life and growth, cremation is along the Ganges so they can return to an earthly state
Bindi/Tilak
Dot on forehead, on your Atman, adds beauty or indicates that women are married; men can have one and is called a Tilak
Sabbath
Means holy day, every day is a holy day and there is no designated day of the week, they don’t want it limited to just one day
Temple
Please of worship, usually dedicated to a particular set of deities
Ashram
Monastic (monastery) retreat, live there for a set time, resident monk lives there
