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