Hinduism and the Caste System
Who were the Brahmins?
Academics.
What happens during reincarnation if you have good karma in this life?
Good karma led to higher caste in future lives.
How is it determined what caste you belong in?
People are born into their caste. A person's caste is tied to their occupation.
Who were the Dalit?
Untouchables - do all the lower - order work subordinate to all.
What is a constant cycle?
You need to live your life building up good karma for the next life.
What is the 4 Vedas?
a collection of religious and philisophical poems and hymns composed over many generations. They address philosophical themes, such as henotheism.
What is Karma?
belief that thoughts and actions equal future consequences. Good deeds now are re-payed in future lives.
Where did the Vedas come from?
brought to India by the Indo Aryans.
Who were the Kshudras?
servants, subordinate to Vaishyas, Khastriyas and Brahimins.
What is Dharma?
system of ethics and duties that Hindus follow. Expected behaviors.
What is Hinduism?
the common religion of India, based upon the religion of the original Aryan settlers as expounded and evolved in the Vedas
What happens if a person achieves Moksah?
they are released from the cycle of reincarnation.
Who were the Kshatriyas?
warriors and kings
What happens during reincarnation if you have bad karma in this life?
If in lower caste, had bad karma from previous life.
How does Karma matter to reincarnation?
Karma followed the soul from one life to the next.
What are some of the forms of the Hindu God?
Krishnu, Brahma, and Shiva
Can a person change their caste?
No and People cannot marry or socialize outside their caste.
What is Moksah?
-stands for perfect understanding
What were the Upanishads?
A collection of opinions and beliefs covering a wide range of topics. Creation, views about God, and one's true self are proposed. More like scholarly reflections
What is the Caste system?
A complex social system that is a feature of Hinduism
Henotheism
Belief in one god that takes on many forms.
What is Reincarnation?
Believed that the soul would be reborn
What is the Caste system from the top down?
Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Kshudras The Dalit
Who were the Vaishyas?
Business community
Where did Hinduism spread to along the trade routes?
India to South East Asia, Burma, Veitnam, Camboda, and Indonesia.
What are the Hinduism Sacred Writings?
The 4 Vedas and the Upanishads.
What form did the Vedas originally take?
The text were originally oral stories, when develop writing (sand script) the stories were written down.