Hinduism, Adivasis, and Dravidians Overview

A cycle of death, rebirth, and reincarnation. It affects all living beings, including gods and the universe itself.

The moral law of the universe. Every action, good or bad, creates karma that influences your future rebirths.

The ultimate goal in Hinduism, where you escape the cycle of Samsara and become one with the divine.

The pursuit of pleasure, especially sexual pleasure. One of the lesser goals in Hinduism, focused on maintaining the illusion of existence.

The pursuit of wealth, but not personal greed. Used to support your family and society. One of the lesser goals in Hinduism, focused on maintaining the illusion of existence.

The stage in which individuals, often after marriage, establish a home, have children, build a career, contribute to the community and engage in rituals.

The third stage of life in Hinduism, characterized by retirement where individuals focus on spirituality, contemplate life and death, and may engage in worship.

A life stage in Hinduism characterized by radical detachment from worldly life to seek moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Brahman is the ultimate reality, the One that encompasses everything. It is infinite, eternal, and beyond human comprehension.

The Atman is the true self, the essence of a person. It is a part of Brahman, and ultimately one with it.

Maya refers to the illusions that keep us from knowing our true self and Brahman. These illusions include things like desire, attachment, and the belief in a separate self.

In Hinduism, the relationship between an individual and Brahman is one of unity. We are all ultimately part of Brahman, and our individual souls are expressions of the divine.

In Hinduism, human beings are seen as spiritual beings experiencing the physical world. Our goal is to transcend the illusions of Maya and realize our true nature as Atman, which is one with Brahman.

A ceremony performed in Hinduism where a boy transitions into student life by receiving a thread on his left shoulder and chanting a matra. It marks the transition from childhood to student life and represents the acceptance of knowledge.

This Hindu ceremony marks the transition into the householder stage, signifying the beginning of a person's life as a responsible adult with family and social obligations. It usually involves rituals and festivities.

This ceremony focuses on the spiritual journey towards achieving moksha (liberation) and union with Brahman (the ultimate reality). It involves four main types: Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, each designed for different personality types.

This ceremony is performed after a person's death, where the body is cremated as a ritual. It symbolizes the transition from physical life to the next stage of existence.

This day marks the anniversary of a person's death. Family and friends come together to remember and honor the deceased. It's a day of remembrance and shared memories.

The most popular path in Hinduism, focused on devotion to gods and goddesses. It emphasizes love, surrender, and freeing oneself from selfish desires to attain spiritual liberation.

A type of yoga that emphasizes meditation and experimental practices guided by a teacher (guru), aiming to see beyond the illusions of the material world.

Ancient Hindu scriptures considered to be the foundational texts, containing rituals, hymns, and spells.

A collection of philosophical texts that follow the Vedas. They focus on the nature of reality, the relationship between humans and the divine, and provide insights into achieving liberation.

A key scripture in Hinduism, a dialogue between Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) and Arjuna, exploring the path to liberation through various yogas.

Commentaries on the Vedas and the Upanishads, providing explanations and interpretations of these core texts.

A collection of stories and narratives about the lives of gods and goddesses, often associated with Bhakti yoga. They provide moral lessons and illustrate the power of devotion.

A type of Hindu scripture characterized by long, detailed narratives featuring heroes, good vs. evil themes, supernatural beings, and multiple characters, spanning over centuries.

A tribal society indigenous to India; they predate Hinduism, but contributed to its formation.

A group of people who believe in worshipping nature, often associating spirits with specific locations like caves or lakes.

The belief that the universe is a single, all-encompassing reality, often described as 'everything and anything'.

The soul or essence of a person, believed to be a part of Brahman.

A social hierarchy that divided people into different tiers based on their birth and profession.

The belief that there are many gods and goddesses, often associated with specific functions and powers.

The belief that a single God exists, and that other deities are simply manifestations of that one God.

The Hindu scriptures, a collection of hymns, rituals, and spells compiled during the Vedic period.

The scriptures that explore philosophical aspects of Hinduism, seeking answers to fundamental questions about life and the universe.

A scripture that explains the essence of Hinduism, providing guidance on living a virtuous life and fulfilling one's purpose.

A scripture that tells stories of gods and goddesses, often involving epic battles and romantic narratives.