Hinduism Section - Religion Exam PDF

Hinduism Key Concepts ​ Brahman: The ultimate, infinite reality that pervades everything. ​ Atman: The individual soul or true self, ultimately identical with Brahman. ​ Dharma: Often translated as “duty,” “righteousness,” or “ethical responsibility.” Guides proper action. ​ Karma: The...

Hinduism Key Concepts ​ Brahman: The ultimate, infinite reality that pervades everything. ​ Atman: The individual soul or true self, ultimately identical with Brahman. ​ Dharma: Often translated as “duty,” “righteousness,” or “ethical responsibility.” Guides proper action. ​ Karma: The moral law of cause and effect; shapes an individual’s future experiences or rebirth. ​ Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation). ​ Moksha: Liberation from samsara; unity of Atman with Brahman. ​ Trimurti: The trio of key cosmic functions personified by three gods—Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer). Ganesha, while beloved, is not part of this trio. ​ Puja: An act of devotion or worship offered to a deity, often involving prayer, incense, or offerings. ​ Sutras: Texts that detail rituals and teachings in Hinduism (and in Buddhism, too, in their own context). In Hindu tradition, some sutras explain ancient rituals and practices. ​ Shaktism: A denomination of Hinduism that focuses on the worship of the Goddess or Devi (Shakti), frequently employing Tantric practices. Major Deities & Worship ​ Trimurti ○​ Brahma: The Creator ○​ Vishnu: The Preserver ○​ Shiva: The Destroyer/Transformer ​ Puja: Worship or devotion; can be performed at home or in temples. Sacred Texts ​ Vedas: Oldest scriptures, containing hymns and rituals. ​ Upanishads: Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the self. ​ Epics (e.g., Ramayana and Mahabharata, which includes the Bhagavad Gita). Three Paths to Moksha in Hinduism ​ Karma Yoga (Path of Action)​ ○​ Emphasizes righteous deeds and fulfilling one’s dharma (duty or responsibility).  ○​ Upholding moral order through selfless actions connects with the principle of dharma in Hindu faith. ​ Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)​ ○​ Focuses on loving devotion to a personal deity or the divine. ○​ Fosters a deep emotional bond, reflecting Hinduism’s tradition of personal devotion to gods (e.g., Krishna, Shiva, or the Goddess). ​ Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge)​ ○​ Centers on the pursuit of spiritual wisdom and insight into the nature of Brahman (the ultimate reality). ○​ Involves study, meditation, and philosophical reflection, aligning with the Upanishadic tradition of seeking the truth of existence.