-
Polytheism
belief in multiple gods
-
Animism
belief that all things have souls
-
Aryans
“the noble ones”; group of immigrants who moved to the Indus River Valley. Hinduism is based on their religion.
-
Sanskrit
language of Hindu scriptures
-
Vedic
relating to Hindu scripture, the Vedas; early language before Sanskrit
-
Samsara
the cycle of birth, life, death, & rebirth
-
Atman
your soul trapped in matter
-
-
Karma
actions which help determine your next incarnation
-
Moksha
enlightenment or union of your atman with Brahman
-
Dharma
fulfilling your duty
-
Ahisma
principle of nonviolence
-
-
Maya
false knowledge or illusion
-
-
Brahman
the ultimate reality
-
Rajas:
chieftans of Aryan society
-
Varnas
basic social classes
-
Caste
strict social divide
-
Brahmins
priests, scholars
-
-
Vaisyas
workers, merchants
-
-
Varnashramadharma
duties performed according to your caste and stage of life
-
Brahma
creator of the universe
-
Vishnu
preserver of the universe (10 avatars)
-
Shiva
destroyer of the universe
-
Krishna
avatar of Vishnu, in Bhagavad-Gita
-
Holi
festival dedicated to Krishna; once was a fertility ceremony
-
Divali
new year; festival of lights; connected to Kali (consort of Shiva) & Lakshmi
-
Dasehra
honor of Durga’s (consor of Shiva)victory over the Buffalo demon
|
|