Hinduism Vocab

the supreme existence or absolute reality, the USB

the incarnation of a deity in human or animal form to counteract some particular evil in the world

the highest social class; they consist of the priests, intellectuals, and teachers

Brahma/Shiva/Vishnu

Bramma (creator), Shiva (destroyer), Vishnu (protector)

a humanized image or statue of a Hindu deity

the beholding of a deity (especially in image form), revered person, or sacred object

the religious and moral law governing individual conduct, one of the four ends of life

the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things

The endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth

Supernatural power wielded by gods and demons to produce illusions

energetic forces that weave together to form the universe and everything in it; tamas (darkness), rajas (energy), sattva (goodness)

ultimate goal of Hinduism, liberation from cycle of life

an art of healthy living

tha path focused on loving devotion towards any personal deity

the path of self-realization/knowledge

the path of action, or selfless service towards others

all actions produce affect in the future

soul or spirit, refers to the real person inside an individual

sin; anything that causes mental, spiritual, or physical harm to other beings

holiness/spiritual excellence; good deeds

power; the Hindu goddess reponsible for creation and all dynamic forces in the universe

A sacred river that runs from the Himalayas in northern India into the Bay of Bengal

ancient Sanskrit epic about dharma; value of character, compassion, war

an instrument of the mind; powerful sound or vibration that one can use to enter a deep state of mediation

Sacred sound/symbol, primordial sound of creation; out of vibration, all others were made

ancient Sanskrit epic about the story of Rama; conflict, hope, honor