Hinduism
Guru
religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism
Samsara
the cycle of life and rebirth in Hinduism
What are the 4 goals in life?
Carrying out ones duties; prosperity; sensual pleasure; Moksha
Ganesha
The elephant head god who removes obstacles and promotes prosperity
Arti Ceremony
A greeting ceremony performed many times a day
Karma
(Hinduism and Buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation
Brahman
A single spiritual power that Hindus believe lives in everything
a Bindi
A small dot between the eyes; a form of blessing; often a sign of marriage (esp if red)
OM
Famous Hindu symbol for the sound of creation
Holi
Festival of Colors; celebrates the arrival of Spring; culturally celebrates the unity and equality of all people
Diwali
Festival of Lights; biggest festival in Hinduism; celebrates the victory of good over evil (also associated with wishing prosperity for the New Year); happens in early November
Hanuman
God of strength, perseverance
Sarasvati
Goddess of Knowledge
Kali
Goddess of Time, Change, Power
Lakshmi
Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity (spiritual and material)
Paravati
Goddess of love and devotion
Puja
Hindu ritual worship or devotion
Mandir
Hindu temple
Dharma
In Hindu belief, a person's religious and moral duties
What are the 4 paths to Moksha?
Knowledge, Meditation, Action, Devotion
Conch shell
Makes the purest form of sound; the OM sound; used as a greeting to offer hope & the start of good things
The Bhagavad-Gita
Most famous Hindu literature; Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna about the meaning of life
The Vedas
Oldest and most authoritative Hindu scriptures, Rig Veda is the most important, also hymns and prayers
Brahma
One of the three primary Hindu Gods, The supreme GOD, The creator
Shiva
One of the three primary Hindu Gods; the Destroyer
Vishnu
One of the three primary Hindu Gods; the Preserver
Durga
One of the wives of Shiva. She is the goddess of righteousness & moral order. She is both beautiful and fierce, and usually appears with her weapons and riding upon a tiger or a lion.
Ramayana
One of two epic Hindu poems; tells the story of Lord Rama & his wife Sita; teaches ideal behavior and perfect marriage
a Linga
Represents the creative energy of Shiva
Swastika
Symbol for good fortune
Lotus
Symbol for living without attachment; beauty & purity
Cow
Symbol for purity; motherhood & nonviolence
What is the caste system?
The Hindu class system of social distinctions determined by birth
Moksha
The Hindu concept of the spirit's 'liberation' from the endless cycle of rebirths.
Rama & Sita
The model for the perfect Hindu married couple; prince and princess; avatars of the great God and Goddess
The Upanishads
The philosophical texts that form the basis of most Hindu beliefs
Atman
in Hindu belief, a person's essential self
What are the two main sects in Hinduism?
Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu) & Shaivites (followers of Shiva)
Yoga
a system of exercises practiced as part of the Hindu discipline to promote control of the body and mind