Hinduism (Just the stuff I forget) Flashcards
(44 cards)
First period of Hinduism
2500-1500 BCE. The pre-Vedic period, in which most people lived in complex matriarchal cities
Second period of Hindiusm
Vedic period from 1500-600 BCE. The Vedas, the first sacred writings of Hinduism, were first collected here
Third period of Hinduism
Upanishadic period from 600-200 BCE. As Indian culture solidified, the Upanishads were written, which were added onto the end of Vedas and interpreted them in a more individualistic, meditation-based way.
Henotheism
A single god (Brahman) with other deities as manifestations of it.
Highest caste
Brahmins - closest to Brahma, preachers, teachers, etc. They help other castes fulfill their Dharma and rely on them for production of food, etc.
Second highest caste
Kshatriyas are warriors and rulers who lead the people with advice from the Brahmin.
Third highest caste
The Vaisyas are skilled workers, such as storeowners, merchants. They sell PRODUCTS, as opposed to the Sudra, who sell services.
Fourth highest caste
The Shudras are unskilled labourers who sell their own services like gardening, pottery, etc.
Outcaste/pariah/untouchable
Outcasts who live outside the city in isolation and do dirty jobs like cleaning waste.
Bhakti Yoga
Path of Devotion. The simpler path to Moksha involving devotion to a specific deity, which brings you closer to Brahman (since ur god is a manifestation of it)
Karma Yoga
Path of Action. Doing good deeds, thinking good thoughts, and following your Dharma brings you good karma.
Jnana Yoga
Path of Wisdom. The most complex path to salvation, where you learn under a guru who teaches you about relationships between Brahman, Atman, and scriptures. Constant meditation as well.
Raja Yoga
Path of Meditation. Salvation through simply meditating on Brahman.
Murti
An image of a deity, said to contain a particular aspect of Brahman. Often used in puja worship ceremonies.
Mandir
A complex of shrines dedicated to different deities, which Hindus can visit at any time to offer devotion. Puja at a mandir is performed similarly at home, but with a priest.
Detailed description of Puja
A form of worship involving summoning the presence of the Murti, offering food, light, and flowers to it, placing red paste on the forehead of the murti and the worshippers, and then eating all food involved in the ritual.
Avatars of Vishnu
Incarnations of Vishnu in human form. (p. sure we don’t need to memorize them individually)
Diwali(WHAT, HOW, WHEN)
The festival of lights held in late october or early november. It honours Lakshmi and Vishnu. Hindus give gifts to each other, wear new clothes, and celebrate the triumph of good and knowledge over the dark forces of evil. It reflects the myth of Vishnu defeating a demon. A feast is held and puja is performed.
Holi (WHAT, HOW, WHEN)
The festival of colour, held on the full moon day in March. It also represents the triumph of good over evil as Prahalad’s evil aunt ended up being burned while attempting to burn him. Participants light a bonfire (symbolizing burning evil) and squirt coloured water at each other.
1st stage of life
Student - from 7 to 20, involving religious education and a willingness to search for truth
2nd stage of life
Householder - from 20 to 50, one provides for their family and earns their wage.
3rd stage of life
Semi-Retired - Whenever the family is self-supporting, one withdraws from their worldly life and focuses on spiritual matters.
4th stage of life
Wandering Ascetic - when ready, a semi-retired person fully sheds all responsibilities and possessions and leads a holy, detached life.
Swastika
A symbol of Vishnu representing auspiciousness, protection, and good fortune. It is laid out like the eternal wheel of life spinning symmetrically around an unchanging centre. It is used for protection from evil spirits and disasters.
