The Big Four
The universal law of cause and effect; what goes around comes around.
What is Karma?
The oldest and most foundational scriptures of Hinduism.
What are the Vedas?
The "Preserver" god who protects the universe.
Who is Vishnu?
The path of devotion and love toward a personal god.
What is Bhakti Marga?
A sacred sound or syllable repeated during prayer or meditation.
What is a Mantra?
One's ethical duty or the "right way" of living according to your role.
What is Dharma?
The world's longest poem, containing the story of a great civil war.
What is the Mahabharata?
The "Destroyer" or transformer god within the Trimurti.
Who is Shivu?
The first stage of life, characterized by learning and discipline.
What is the Student (Brahmacharya)?
One of the three debts, owed to those who came before us.
Who are the Ancestors?
The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
What is Samsara?
A dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna regarding duty and yoga.
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The term for a deity's descent to Earth in physical form (like Rama).
What is an Avatar?
The path of knowledge and wisdom.
What is Jnana Marga?
A worship ritual involving the waving of lighted lamps.
What is Arati?
The ultimate goal: liberation or release from the cycle of rebirth.
What is Moksha?
This epic tells the story of a prince rescuing his wife Sita from Ravana.
What is the Ramayana?
This group of devotees considers Shiva to be the Supreme Being.
Who are the Shaivas?
The final stage of life where one gives up all possessions to seek Moksha.
What is the Renouncer (Sannyasi)?
The stage of life where one focuses on family and community.
Who is the Householder?
This "Aim of Life" refers to the pursuit of prosperity and worldly success.
What is Artha?
Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the Atman.
What are the Upanishads?
This school of philosophy teaches "Non-dualism," that Atman is Brahman.
What is Advaita?
This daily act of worship involves offerings of fruit, flowers, or incense.
What is Puja?
These followers worship the Goddess (Devi) as the ultimate power.
Who are the Shaktas?