Hinduism Key Terms

Question 1

Agni

Answer 1

God of fire, the link between Gods and humans

Question 2

Ahimsa

Answer 2

The doctrine of non violence towards all living creatures

Question 3

Avatar

Answer 3

An incarnation or manifestation of a deity in Earthly form

Question 4

Atman

Answer 4

The human soul, part of our innermost self that is identical to Brahman, the universal soul

Question 5

Bhakthi

Answer 5

Intense devotion to a particular deity; often expressed through music

Question 6

Brahma

Answer 6

A deity who is considered the creator of the universe, part of the Hindu trinity

Question 7

Brahman

Answer 7

The universal soul and supreme being; eternal spirit from which all things originate and to which they return

Question 8

Brahmin

Answer 8

A member of the highest Hindu caste

Question 9

Caste system

Answer 9

The organization of Hindu society into 4 groups; each with its own duties and expectations

Question 10

Dharma

Answer 10

Religious or moral duty

Question 11

Guru

Answer 11

A spiritual leader or guide who can help one achieve moksha or salvation

Question 12

Hindu Trinity

Answer 12

A concept that unites the Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva into one entity

Question 13

Homa

Answer 13

A ritual that involves the burning of offerings in a fire that is blessed by a priest

Question 14

Karma

Answer 14

The totality of one’s actions; the accumulation of good and bad karma determines one’s birth in the next life

Question 15

Mantra

Answer 15

A sacred word or phrase chanted during worship or meditation

Question 16

Maya

Answer 16

A word used to refer to the temporary and imperfect nature of physical world

Question 17

Meditation

Answer 17

Deep contemplation that leads to a trance like state in which the individual tries to become one with the Brahman

Question 18

Moksha

Answer 18

Liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths, attained by linking the atman with the Brahman. It is the ultimate goal of Hindus

Question 19

Om

Answer 19

A sacred syllable that invokes the essence of Brahman when chanted. It is believed to be the sound of all reality

Question 20

Puja

Answer 20

A common thanksgiving that involves offerings of flowers, food and other articles to the deities.

Question 21

Prasad

Answer 21

A practice that involves redistributing to devotees the food that has been offered to the deities

Question 22

Samsara

Answer 22

The endless cycle of rebirths

Question 23

Shruti

Answer 23

Knowledge that is revealed to or ‘discovered’ by the wise men of Hinduism, e.g., the content of the Vedas

Question 24

Smriti

Answer 24

Human made literature or knowledge that is ‘remembered’ e.g., content of the Mahabharata and Ramayana

Question 25

Shakti

Answer 25

The generic name for all manifestations of female energy which may be represented as gentle or fierce

Question 26

Swami

Answer 26

Holy men of Hinduism

Question 27

Vedas

Answer 27

Hinduism's earliest sacred writings, composed around 1500 BCE

Question 28

Yoga

Answer 28

A practice of discipline combining philosophy with physical exercises and meditation; union with God

Question 29

Yogi

Answer 29

A spiritually evolved individual who practices meditations