Unit 1: Hinduism Flashcards
(22 cards)
Vedas
Four collections of sacred writings (prayers,magical spells, instructions for performing rituals) passed orally across generations and produced by the Aryans in their early settlement of India. (Includes Rig Veda)
Aryan
An Indo-European people who either moved to or from the Indian sub-continent in 1500 BCE. (Founders of Hinduism)
Rig Veda
1,028 hymns to Aryan gods. (Part of the Vedas)
Dasas
Darker skinned, shorter town dwellers. Enemies of the Aryans. (Possible cause of Varnas)
Varna
Aryan word for skin color, later became “Varnas” or caste.
Caste
Portuguese explorers name for the Varnas. These were the classes made by the Aryans to regulate Aryan interactions with other peoples. Later became important aspect of Hinduism.
Brahmin
Priests (Caste)
Kshitriya
Warriors (Caste)
Vaisya
Farmers, artisans (Caste)
Sudra (shudra)
Laborers, servants (Caste)
Dalit
(Untouchables) grave diggers, etc.
Brahman
The world soul
Atman
An individual soul
Brahma
The Creator (personality of Brahman)
Vishnu
The Protecter (personality of Brahman)
Shiva
The Destroyer (personality of Brahman)
Moksha
When a soul becomes free of all earthly ills. Is achieved when a soul perfectly understands the relationship of Brahman and Atman
Reincarnation
The rebirth of a soul so that it may achieve Moksha
Karma
The cumulative rights and wrongs done in a lifetime that determines a souls next position after rebirth. (Caste, wealth, job)
Mahabharata
An Indian epic poem reflecting the struggles of the Aryans as they moved into India. (Self-proclaimed kings, wars, etc.) Includes the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita
Part of the Mahabharata, about a warrior prince and his chariot driver Krishna, a god in human form. Krishna teaches lessons (Darma, loving god, religious study)
Darma
One’s duty as a Hindu. (To caste, to gods, everyone has a purpose/duty)
