Hinduism: Key Terms and Concepts

• This presents key terms, concepts, and practices within Hinduism

Core Concepts

• Samsara: The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, trapping beings until they achieve liberation (moksha).
• Reincarnation: The soul's rebirth into different bodies after death, continuing until moksha is attained.
• Moksha: Liberation from samsara, achieved through the merging of one's soul with Brahman.
• Monism: The belief in the oneness of reality, particularly the identity of Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (universal soul).
• Brahman: The ultimate, unchanging reality and universal consciousness in Hinduism.
• Atman: The individual soul, considered eternal and identical to Brahman but temporarily separated by ignorance.
• Karma: The law of cause and effect, where good actions lead to positive outcomes and bad actions to negative ones, influencing the soul's journey.
• Dharma: The moral law and duties individuals must follow, varying based on factors like age, caste, gender, and life stage.
• Maya: The illusion of the material world, which obscures the ultimate reality.
• Polytheistic Aspect: Hinduism is often viewed as polytheistic due to its numerous deities.
• Henotheistic Application: Some Hindus focus worship on a single god while acknowledging others as manifestations of Brahman.
• Mandir: A Hindu temple is a place for worship, rituals, and connecting with the divine.
• Mantra: Sacred sounds or phrases repeated during meditation or prayer, believed to possess spiritual power.
• Avatar: A divine incarnation, especially of Vishnu, such as Rama or Krishna.
• Puja: A Hindu ritual of worship involving offerings, prayers, and ceremonies.

The Four Goals in Life for Hindus

• Dharma: Fulfilling righteous duty and ethical responsibilities.
• Artha: Pursuing prosperity, wealth, and success.
• Kama: Seeking pleasure, love, and emotional fulfillment.
• Moksha: Achieving liberation and union with Brahman.

The Four Hindu Stages of Life

• Brahmacharya: The student stage focused on learning and spiritual development.
• Grihastha: The householder stage involving marriage, family, and societal contributions.
• Vanaprastha: The hermit stage involving gradual withdrawal from worldly responsibilities for spiritual growth.
• Sannyasa: The renunciant stage focused on renouncing possessions and seeking liberation through meditation.
• These stages primarily apply to males, but the philosophy extends to all.

Hindu View on Human Existence

• Humans originate from Brahman, and the true nature is Atman.
• Ignorance (avidya) and attachment to the material world (maya) obscure this connection.
• The goal is to realize the true nature, attain moksha, and reunite with Brahman.

Origin of Hinduism

• It originates in the Indus Valley.
• The term "Hindu" derives from the Indus River.
• It includes diverse beliefs, practices, and philosophies without a central founder.

The Caste System

• The caste system divides society into four varnas:
  • Brahmins: Priests and scholars.
  • Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers.
  • Vaishyas: Merchants and farmers.
  • Shudras: Laborers and servants.
• Dalits exist outside the traditional system.
• The system is tied to karma and dharma.
• Though officially abolished, its influence persists in some areas.

Ahimsa

• Ahimsa emphasizes non-violence and respect for all living beings.
• Harming others negatively affects karma and can prolong samsara.

The Trimurti

• The Trimurti consists of three major gods:
  • Brahma: The creator.
  • Vishnu: The preserver.
  • Shiva: The destroyer.
• These gods embody the cyclical nature of existence.

Hindu Scriptures

• Main scriptures include:
  • Vedas: Oldest sacred texts in Sanskrit.
  • Upanishads: Philosophical texts on Brahman and Atman.
  • Bhagavad Gita: Spiritual dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna.
  • Ramayana and Mahabharata: Epic narratives conveying values of duty, righteousness, and devotion.

Yoga and Its Types

• Yoga means "union" and leads to spiritual discipline and union with the divine.
• The three main types are:
  • Karma Yoga: Selfless action.
  • Bhakti Yoga: Devotion.
  • Jnana Yoga: Knowledge.
• The purpose is to transcend the ego, achieve spiritual insight, and realize oneness with Brahman.

The Illusion of the World (Maya)

• The physical world distracts from the truth of Brahman.
• Attachment to worldly things causes suffering.
• Recognizing the illusion of the material world allows the achievement of liberation.

Rituals and Milestones

• Rituals vary by region and community but often include:
  • Puja: Daily worship.
  • Rites of Passage: Birth ceremonies, initiation rites, weddings, and death rituals.
• Festivals symbolize triumph over evil and divine protection. -Diwali:Marks the beginning of the new Hindu year. -Holi: A festival celebrated with colors. -Mahashivratri: A night to worship Lord Shiva. -Navaratri: Celebrated over nine nights, worshipping the universal mother Durga.
• These rituals hold symbolic significance of purification, devotion, and honoring gods.