Introduction to Hinduism

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions, with roots in the Vedic civilization around 1500 BCE and no single founder.

Nomadic people who settled in the Indus Valley, bringing their gods and establishing the caste system with Brahmins at the top.

Indigenous people of India whose beliefs were integrated into Hinduism by the Aryans, notably through Shaivism.

An early form of Hinduism focused on the worship of Brahman and the caste system.

Shruti consists of authoritative texts like Vedas; Smriti includes remembered traditional texts like epics.

The eternal law or duty in Hinduism, emphasizing morality, right conduct, and justice.

The triad of major Hindu gods: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer).

The concept of a personal deity chosen for worship by an individual, such as Shiva or Vishnu.

Belief that many deities are manifestations of the universal God, Brahman.

The doctrine where actions determine one's future incarnations in rebirth.

Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved through various yogas.

Path of action and duty, focusing on selfless service.

Spiritual ignorance seen as the root cause of human suffering.

A social stratification system in Hinduism based on birth.

The four main social groups in the caste system: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.

A practice aiming for spiritual consciousness and unity with God.

Sikh place of worship symbolizing community and unity.

A community kitchen providing free meals to all, regardless of background.

The sacred marriage ceremony in Sikhism involving hymns and prayers.

A phrase encouraged to be recited during dying moments in Sikhism.

A philosophy emphasizing moral codes, ethics, and family values originating in China.

A key ethical principle by Confucius: treat others as you wish to be treated.

Compilations of Confucius's teachings recorded by his disciples.

The founder of Confucianism, a teacher and philosopher in ancient China.

Founder of Sikhism, born in 1469, who experienced a revelation at age 30.

The succession of ten Gurus leading Sikhism over 150 years.

Second Guru, developed the Gurmukhi script used in Punjabi.

Fifth Guru, compiled the Guru Granth Sahib and built the Golden Temple.

The primary scripture of Sikhism, emphasizing the oneness of God.

Achieved through honest living and meditation on God.

Baptism ceremony in Sikhism, involving sugar and water preparation.

Five symbols representing the faith of Sikhs: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan, Kaccha.

A sacred ceremony involving rituals like lighting a sacred fire and taking seven steps around it.

Hindu funerals involving cremation, with the eldest son lighting the pyre and scattering ashes in a river.

Visiting holy places like Varanasi, seen as a sacred duty for merit and better rebirth.

A major Hindu festival known as the Festival of Lights, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.

The founder of Buddhism, also known as the Buddha, who attained enlightenment and taught the path to liberation.

The encounters that led Siddhartha to seek enlightenment: an old man, a sick man, a dead body, and an ascetic monk.

Buddha's doctrine of balance between self-indulgence and self-denial.

The state of liberation and freedom from suffering attained by Buddha during meditation under the Bodhi Tree.

A major branch of Buddhism emphasizing compassion and the Bodhisattva Ideal, dominant in East Asia.

The aspiration to attain enlightenment for oneself while helping others reach Nirvana.

Also known as the Diamond Vehicle, it incorporates Tantric practices and is prominent in Tibetan regions.

The birthplace of Buddha, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Buddha Day, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, typically in April/May.

A Theravada Buddhist festival celebrating Buddha's first sermon, observed at the July full moon.

A distinct religion founded in the Punjab region around the 16th century, emphasizing unity and divine revelation.

A Japanese Buddhist festival honoring deceased ancestors, typically celebrated in July/August.