RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms PDF

RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an 1. Bhagavad Gita 700-verse scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahab- harata. It is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves...

RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an 1. Bhagavad Gita 700-verse scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahab- harata. It is a conversation between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer, addressing moral dilemmas and spiritual teachings. It is important in Hinduism because it synthesizes various paths to spiritual liberation, including devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana), and disciplined action (karma), serving as a guide for ethical living and self-realization 2. jnana-yoga path of knowledge or wisdom in Hinduism, emphasizing self-inquiry and realization of the self's unity with Brahman (the ultimate reality). It is important because it offers a way to achieve liberation (moksha) by transcending ignorance and attaining spiritual knowledge through meditation and philosophical inquiry 3. karma-yoga yoga of action, focusing on selfless service and performing one's duties without attachment to the outcomes. It is significant in Hinduism because it teaches individuals how to live a righteous life while transcending ego and personal desires, leading to spiritual liberation 4. bhakti-yoga path of devotion, centered on loving and surrendering to a personal deity, such as Krishna or Shiva. It is important in Hinduism because it provides a deeply emotional and personal means of connecting with the divine, emphasiz- ing faith and love as tools for spiritual growth 5. puja ritual of worship performed to honor deities, often involving offerings such as flowers, food, or incense. It is important in Hinduism because it allows devotees to express rev- erence and create a spiritual connection with the divine, fostering devotion and gratitude 6. Krishna major deity in Hinduism, revered as an avatar of Vishnu and celebrated as the divine cowherd, philosopher, and charioteer in the Mahabharata. He is central to the Bha- gavadgita and is important for his teachings on devotion, duty, and the nature of the self. 1 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an 7. Arjuna central character in the Mahabharata, known as a skilled warrior and one of the Pandavas. He is important in Hin- duism as the recipient of Krishna's teachings in the Bha- gavadgita, which address his moral dilemma during the Kurukshetra war 8. The 3 Gunas fundamental qualities that constitute all of nature: sattva (purity, harmony), rajas (activity, passion), and tamas (in- ertia, ignorance). They are important in Hindu philosophy as they explain the dynamics of human behavior and the material world, guiding individuals toward self-awareness and balance 9. sattva quality of purity, harmony, and balance among the three gunas. It is significant because it represents clarity, wis- dom, and positivity, leading to spiritual growth and enlight- enment 10. rajas quality of activity, energy, and passion among the three gunas. It is significant in Hindu philosophy as it drives movement and change but can also lead to restlessness and attachment if not balanced 11. tamas quality of inertia, ignorance, and darkness among the three gunas. It is important because it represents stagna- tion and confusion, which must be overcome for spiritual progress 12. Visvarupa "Universal Form," is the cosmic manifestation of Krishna shown to Arjuna in the Bhagavadgita. It is significant be- cause it reveals Krishna's divine nature and the intercon- nectedness of all existence, inspiring awe and devotion 13. renunciation refers to giving up material attachments and desires, often as a spiritual practice to attain liberation (moksha). It is im- portant because it emphasizes the importance of detach- ment and focus on spiritual goals over worldly concerns 14. relinquishment act of letting go of the fruits of one's actions, as empha- sized in karma-yoga. It is significant because it teaches 2 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an how to perform duties selflessly, freeing individuals from the cycle of attachment and suffering 15. disinterested ac- performing one's duties without selfish motives or attach- tion ment to the results, as taught in the Bhagavadgita. It is im- portant because it embodies the essence of karma-yoga, promoting ethical living and spiritual freedom 16. Bhima one of the five Pandavas in the Mahabharata, known for his immense strength and loyalty. He is significant in Hinduism as a symbol of courage and duty, playing a pivotal role in the victory of dharma in the Kurukshetra (Mahabharata) war 17. Santanu king in the Mahabharata and the father of Bhisma. He is important because his choices, including his marriage to Ganga and later Satyavati, set in motion events that lead to the Kurukshetra war, shaping the epic's narrative 18. Pandu father of the Pandavas, is a significant character in the Mahabharata. His inability to father children due to a curse leads to divine intervention, resulting in the birth of the Pandavas, who are central to the epic's story of dharma and conflict 19. avatar/avatara refers to the descent of a deity into a physical form on Earth to restore cosmic balance. It is significant because avatars, like Krishna and Rama, exemplify divine interven- tion in the world to guide humanity and uphold dharma (righteousness) 20. Dhrtarastra blind king of Hastinapura and the father of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata. He is important because his inability to control his sons, particularly Duryodhana, contributes to the moral and familial tensions that culminate in the Kurukshetra war 21. Yudhisthira eldest of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, is known for his unwavering commitment to truth and dharma. He is significant as a moral compass in the epic, embodying the 3 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an ideals of justice and righteousness, even in challenging circumstances 22. Karna son of Kunti and the sun god Surya, is a central character in the Mahabharata. Known for his generosity and loyalty to Duryodhana, he is significant because his tragic life highlights themes of fate, loyalty, and the consequences of societal norms 23. Duryodhana eldest of the Kauravas, is the main antagonist in the Ma- habharata. He is significant as a representation of greed and ego, whose refusal to compromise leads to the Ku- rukshetra war and the eventual downfall of his family 24. Gandhari wife of Dhrtarastra and mother of the Kauravas, is known for her devotion and self-imposed blindness as a gesture of solidarity with her husband. She is significant as a symbol of sacrifice and the complex dynamics of maternal love and responsibility in the epic 25. Kunti mother of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, is a pivotal figure whose decisions, including her invocation of divine powers to conceive her sons, shape the narrative. She is significant for her resilience and her role in navigating the moral and familial dilemmas of the epic 26. Draupadi wife of the five Pandavas in the Mahabharata, known for her beauty, intelligence, and unwavering spirit. She is significant because her humiliation during the dice game becomes a catalyst for the Kurukshetra war, symbolizing themes of honor, justice, and gender dynamics 27. Virata king of Matsya, where the Pandavas live incognito during their final year of exile. He is significant as a protector of the Pandavas and for his role in providing refuge, which sets the stage for the Pandavas' return to claim their kingdom 28. The dice scene pivotal episode where Yudhisthira gambles away his king- dom, his brothers, and Draupadi. It is significant because 4 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an it highlights themes of dharma, greed, and the conse- quences of human actions, ultimately leading to the Ku- rukshetra war 29. The killing of Kar- a critical event in the Mahabharata, where Arjuna defeats na Karna after a fierce battle. It is significant because it marks the culmination of long-standing rivalries and the fulfill- ment of destiny, while also evoking sympathy for Karna's tragic life 30. The killing of killing of the Pandavas' former teacher, occurs during the Drona Kurukshetra war after a ruse convinces him his son Ash- watthama is dead. It is significant for its moral ambiguity, as it reflects the complexities of war and the tension between dharma and strategy 31. The killing of killing of the grandsire (grandfather) of both the Pan- Bhisma davas and Kauravas, occurs when Arjuna strategically uses Shikhandi as a shield during the Kurukshetra war. It is significant because it marks the fall of a revered figure who upheld dharma yet was bound by his loyalty to the Kauravas 32. The scene This scene occurs at the end of the Mahabharata when with Yudhisthi- Yudhisthira refuses to enter heaven without the dog ac- ra's dog companying him, symbolizing loyalty and compassion. It is significant as it highlights Yudhisthira's steadfast adher- ence to dharma and his ethical principles 33. Tantra refers to esoteric (understood by a small # of people) traditions and practices in Hinduism and Buddhism that focus on spiritual awakening through rituals, mantras, and meditation. It is significant because it emphasizes the unity of the material and spiritual worlds, offering a non-dualistic path to liberation 34. Agama ______ texts are a collection of scriptures detailing rituals, temple construction, and worship in Hinduism. They are important as they guide the practical aspects of religious 5 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an practice and architecture, particularly in Shaivism, Vaish- navism, and Shaktism traditions 35. darshan the act of seeing and being seen by a deity or a revered figure, often during temple worship. It is significant in Hin- duism because it represents a spiritual connection and the transmission of divine blessings through visual interaction 36. Siva/Shiva one of the principal deities in Hinduism, known as the destroyer and transformer in the Trimurti (Hindu trinity). He is significant for his role in maintaining cosmic balance through destruction and renewal, and he is worshipped as a symbol of asceticism, meditation, and divine power 37. Sakti/Shakti represents the divine feminine energy and power, often personified as the consort of major deities like Shiva (Par- vati) or Vishnu (Lakshmi). She is significant as the creative force of the universe and is central to Shaktism, a tradition that venerates the Goddess as the ultimate reality 38. jivanmukti refers to the state of spiritual liberation or self-realization while still living in the physical body. It is significant in Hin- du philosophy because it represents the highest spiritual goal, emphasizing that liberation can be achieved in this life through knowledge and detachment 39. monism the philosophical view that all reality is ultimately one and indivisible, as emphasized in Hindu schools like Advaita Vedanta. It is important because it shapes the understand- ing of Brahman (the ultimate reality) as the sole essence of the universe, transcending distinctions between the self and the divine 40. Mahmud of 11th-century ruler and invader who conducted numerous Ghazni raids into the Indian subcontinent, targeting temples and accumulating wealth. He is significant in Indian history for his role in introducing Islamic influence and shaping the cultural and political landscape of the region 41. Islam 6 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE, emphasizing submission to Allah (God) and following the teachings of the Quran. It is signif- icant in the context of Indian history due to its influence on culture, politics, and spiritual practices, particularly through the Mughal Empire and Sufi traditions 42. Muslim follower of Islam, adhering to the beliefs and practices pre- scribed in the Quran and Hadith. _______ are significant in Indian history as contributors to the country's rich cultural and religious diversity, influencing art, architecture, and philosophy 43. Sufism the mystical branch of Islam that seeks a direct, person- al experience of God through meditation, devotion, and love. It is significant in Indian history for its emphasis on harmony and syncretism, fostering spiritual and cultural exchanges between Hinduism and Islam 44. Kabir a 15th-century poet and saint whose works emphasize devotion to a formless God and reject religious orthodoxy. He is significant for bridging Hindu and Muslim traditions, advocating for spiritual unity and social reform through his Nirguna (formless) devotional philosophy 45. religious "institu- organized structures and practices, such as temples, tions" mosques, monasteries, and their associated rituals and hierarchies. They are significant because they preserve and spread spiritual teachings, fostering community and continuity in religious traditions 46. Benares a sacred city in Hinduism, located on the banks of the Ganges River. It is significant as a major pilgrimage site, believed to be a place where devotees can attain liberation (moksha) and connect deeply with spiritual practices 47. Nirguna refers to the concept of the divine as formless, without attributes or qualities. It is significant in Hinduism and the teachings of saints like Kabir because it emphasizes a 7 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an transcendental understanding of God beyond material and human limitations 48. Saguna represents the concept of the divine with attributes and a form, often depicted in deities like Krishna or Rama. It is important in Hindu devotional practices as it allows worshippers to form a personal and emotional connection with the divine through imagery and stories 49. Kabir Panth a spiritual sect that follows the teachings of Kabir, em- phasizing devotion to a formless God and rejecting ritu- alistic practices. It is significant for promoting equality and simplicity, drawing followers from both Hindu and Muslim communities 50. Mughals a powerful dynasty of Muslim rulers who governed large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th century. They are significant for their contributions to Indian culture, art, and architecture, including iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, as well as their influence on governance and religious syncretism 51. Babur the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, establishing his rule after the Battle of Panipat in 1526. He is significant for laying the foundation of a dynasty that shaped Indian history and culture for centuries through governance, art, and architecture 52. Humayun the second Mughal emperor, known for his tumultuous reign and temporary loss of the empire before regaining it with the help of Persian allies. He is significant for main- taining the Mughal legacy and paving the way for his son Akbar's successful rule 53. Akbar the third Mughal emperor, is known for his administrative innovations, military conquests, and promotion of religious tolerance. He is significant for fostering cultural integration and establishing a golden age of Mughal rule, including policies like the abolition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims 8 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an 54. Jahangir the fourth Mughal emperor, is known for his love of art, architecture, and nature, as well as his focus on consoli- dating the empire. He is significant for continuing Akbar's policies of governance while fostering the flourishing of Mughal culture 55. Shah Jahan the fifth Mughal emperor, is best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum dedicated to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. He is significant for his contributions to Mughal architecture and the cultural zenith of the empire under his reign 56. Aurangzeb the sixth Mughal emperor, is known for his expansion of the empire and his strict adherence to Islamic orthodoxy. He is significant for his controversial policies, such as the reimposition of the jizya tax, which led to increased tensions between religious communities and the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire 57. Dara Shukoh the eldest son of Shah Jahan and a prominent Mughal prince known for his interest in philosophy and religious syncretism. He is significant for his efforts to bridge Hin- duism and Islam, particularly through his translations of the Upanishads into Persian and his inclusive vision of spirituality 58. Sikhism a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region. It is significant for its emphasis on equality, service, and devotion to God, and it played a major role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of India 59. Guru Nanak the founder of Sikhism, known for his teachings on devo- tion, equality, and social justice. He is significant as the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, establishing a faith that rejects caste distinctions and emphasizes universal brotherhood 60. Adi Granth the sacred scripture of Sikhism, compiled by Guru Arjun, the fifth Sikh Guru. It is significant as a central text of 9 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an Sikh worship and philosophy, later recognized as the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru of the Sikh community 61. Gurumukhi the script developed by Guru Angad, the second Sikh Guru, to write the Punjabi language. It is significant be- cause it became the primary script for Sikh scriptures, including the Guru Granth Sahib, unifying the Sikh com- munity through a distinct linguistic identity 62. Amritsar a city in Punjab, India, founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. It is significant as the spiritual and cul- tural center of Sikhism, home to the Golden Temple, the most sacred site in the religion 63. Golden Temple the holiest gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) located in Amritsar. It is significant as a symbol of Sikh devotion, inclusivity, and spirituality, welcoming people of all faiths 64. Guru Arjun the fifth Sikh Guru, compiled the Adi Granth and oversaw the construction of the Golden Temple. He is significant for his contributions to Sikh scripture and architecture and for his martyrdom, which strengthened Sikh identity and resistance 65. Guru Granth the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded as the Sahib eternal Guru after the line of human Gurus ended. It is significant as a spiritual guide and a repository of Sikh teachings, emphasizing devotion, equality, and ethical liv- ing 66. Gurudvara a Sikh place of worship where Sikhs gather for prayer, hymns, and community service. It is significant as a center of spiritual learning and social welfare, embodying the Sikh principles of equality and selfless service 67. Guru Govind the tenth and last human Sikh Guru, known for founding the Khalsa, a community of baptized Sikhs dedicated to upholding Sikh values. He is significant for institutionaliz- ing Sikh identity and inspiring courage and unity among his followers 10 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an 68. Khalsa a collective body of initiated Sikhs founded by Guru Govind Singh in 1699, committed to living by high spiritual and ethical standards. It is significant for its role in shaping Sikh identity and providing a sense of community and purpose 69. The five K's articles of faith worn by initiated Sikhs, symbolizing their commitment to Sikhism. They include kesh (uncut hair), kangha (comb), kara (bracelet), kachera (shorts), and kir- pan (sword), and are significant as markers of Sikh identity and discipline 70. langhar the communal kitchen in a Gurudvara where free meals are prepared and served to all visitors regardless of their religion or background. It is significant as a practice of equality, selflessness, and service, embodying core Sikh values 71. hukam meaning "divine command" or "will," refers to the guidance received from the Guru Granth Sahib during a Sikh reli- gious service. It is significant because it provides spiritual direction and emphasizes submission to God's will in daily life 72. Mirabai a 16th-century poet and devotee of Krishna, known for her devotional songs expressing deep love for the deity. She is significant in Hinduism as a symbol of unconditional devotion (bhakti) and for challenging societal norms, par- ticularly regarding women's roles 73. saguna refers to the worship of God with form and attributes, often personified as deities like Krishna, Rama, or Shiva. It is im- portant in devotional traditions as it allows worshippers to form personal and emotional connections with the divine 74. gopis the cowherd girls in Hindu mythology, associated with Krishna and known for their devotion and love for him. They are significant in the Bhagavata Purana and Bhakti traditions as exemplars of pure, selfless love for God 11 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an 75. Krishna a central deity in Hinduism, revered as an incarnation of Vishnu and celebrated for his roles as a divine lover, guide, and hero in texts like the Bhagavadgita and Bhagavata Purana. He is significant for his teachings on devotion, duty, and the unity of all existence 76. Rammohun Roy a 19th-century reformer and founder of the Brahmo Samaj, a movement advocating for monotheism and the abolition of social evils like sati (widow immolation). He is significant for modernizing Hinduism and emphasizing rationality, social reform, and spiritual equality 77. Brahmo Samaj a reformist movement in Hinduism, founded by Rammo- hun Roy in 1828, which promotes monotheism and the rejection of idol worship and rituals. It is significant for its role in shaping modern Hindu thought and addressing social issues such as caste discrimination 78. Dayananda a 19th-century Hindu reformer and the founder of the Arya Saraswati Samaj, a movement promoting Vedic teachings and reject- ing idol worship. He is significant for advocating a return to the Vedas as the source of truth and for addressing social issues like caste inequality 79. Arya Samaj a Hindu reform movement founded by Dayananda Saraswati in 1875, emphasizing the authority of the Vedas and opposing idolatry and superstitions. It is significant for its efforts to revive Vedic traditions and promote education, equality, and social reform 80. Satyarth Prakash a book written by Dayananda Saraswati, outlining his vi- sion for the reform of Hinduism based on Vedic principles. It is significant for its critique of contemporary Hindu prac- tices and its influence on the Arya Samaj movement 81. Ramakrishna a 19th-century Indian mystic and spiritual leader who em- phasized the unity of all religions and the importance of direct experience with the divine. He is significant for in- 12 / 13  RELH 2090 Final Exam Terms Study online at https://quizlet.com/_g6w9an spiring a renewed interest in spirituality and for mentoring Swami Vivekananda, who carried his teachings globally 82. Vivekananda a disciple of Ramakrishna and a key figure in introducing Hindu philosophy to the West through his participation in the 1893 Parliament of the World's Religions. He is significant for promoting the idea of religious harmony, advocating for social reform, and establishing the Ramakr- ishna Mission 13 / 13