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Hinduism Test

Terms in this set (20)

Caste
The hereditary classes of Hindu society, distinguished by relative degrees of ritual purity or pollution and of social status.
Brahman
One ultimate or absolute reality
Shruti
A canon of Hindu Scripture, it is from the word that means "what is heard"
Transcendental
something relating to a spiritual realm; something beyond human perception
Sanskrit
Ancient language of India that is the language of Hinduism and the Vedas.
It is derived from a word that means "perfected"
Gurus
From the sanskrit for "teacher," Hindu teachers and guides in philosophical and spiritual matters
Vedas
Ancient scriptures that are the foundation of Hinduism composed in Sanskrit
There are four which are not to be passed onto anyone but other priests
Untouchables
Which group of people are not included in the caste system?
Maya
Sanskrit for "illusion." A teaching of the Upanishads that says that only Brahman is permanent; everything else is only an illusion.
Dharma
From the sanskrit meaning "uphold," in Hinduism it is that which is in accordance with the laws of the cosmos and of nature such as righteous acts
The pursuit of duties in life as dictated by caste
Sindhu
What is the original name of the Hindus sitting down by the river?
Brahmin
Hindu priests and used to describe the highest social class in the caste system
Actions
Thoughts
Devotions
What are the three paths to Moksha?
You break the cycle through knowledge, good deeds, and devotion.
How does one deal with Samsara?
The practice of honoring a god or goddess in a worship service with minimum participation by the people.
What is puja?
Karma
Reincarnation
The caste system
Jesus as the one and only incarnation of God
What are the differences between Catholics and Hindus?
4 Stages of life:
1. Brahmancarin- Student learns about the Hindu tradition
2. Grihastha- the stage of the householder when he marries, raises a family, and contributes to society
3. Vanaprastha- When a man begins to move away from ordinary life to life as a hermit in order to pursue more other worldly desires (literally means "forest dweller")
4. Sannyasin- a spiritual pilgrim who renounces absolutely everything in this world for the purpose of pursuing moksha. Man abandons family and lives as if he has no memory of his previous life.
Name and define Ashramas.
Dharma: one's duties in life
Artha: pursuit of both material and political wealth
Moksha: pusuit of liberation from the cycle of rebirth through actions, thoughts, and devotions
Kama: pursuit of artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure
What are the four pursuits in life?
Toleration of religious diversity
Pursuing social issues
Honoring Jesus and his teachings
The tradition of depicting and venerating religious images
What are the similarities between Catholics and Hindus?
1. Brahmins- Mouth (Priests, Academics)
2. Kshatriyas- Arms (Warriors, Kings)
3. Vaishyas- Thighs (Business community)
4. Kshudras- Feet (Servants, Subordinates to Vaishya, Khatrayas, and Brahmins)

NOT ON THE BODY- Untouchables
What are the levels of the cast system?
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