all things in existence are part of the same unified oneness
Liberation from samsara
Ultimate reality
individual essense or soul (part of brahman)
gods or goddesses
Time moves in a circle; no end
Time flows in a straight line
destiny or fate, based on someone's actions (from multiple lives)
the basic principles (laws) of cosmic or individual existence; determines karma
the cycle of death and rebirth in the material world
4 levels of Heretetary social classes
Hindu Priests, scholars, teachers (1)
Rulers, Warriors, administrators (2)
Farmers, Merchants (working class) (3)
laborers, servants (4)
lowest class, rejected from society
The pursuit of artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure
Pursuit of political and material wealth
Student
- Initial ritual
- Intensely study Vedas & other sacred literature
Marriage/householder
- Arranged
- Raise family
- Pursue career
Forest dweller
- MAN Retreats for spiritual quest
- wife may accompany him
Sannyasin (wandering ascetic)
- Return to society, but remain detached
- If wife accompanied she is detached from him
Active- "Path of Works"- Unselfish concern for the world shown through selfless social services
Philosophical- "Path of Knowledge"- meditation, learning and experiencing subjects
Emotional- "Path of Devotion/love" (of god)- devotion to Brahman above everything else
Perserver
Destroyer
Incarnation of deity
sacred hindu text
religious hindu text