Sacred Scripture
Name the two Hindu epics that fall under the category of smriti, or recollections of the popular literature?
Ramayana
Mahabharata
This is the god of destruction, who prepares the universe for rebirth, and the third god of the Hindu Trimurti.
Shiva
Hindus believe that what we are today is the result of our past actions. So that our futures depend on what we do right now – in this moment and onward for the rest of our life. What is this called?
Karma
Where do Hindus primarily worship their gods?
in their homes
These Hindu holy books are much more philosophical and theological. They are considered a stepping stone into Hindu thought. What are these called?
the Upanishads
What Hindu God is said to have given birth to the four Vedas?
Brahma the Creator
This is the Hindu goddess of death, wearing a necklace of men's decapitated heads, and severed arms for a skirt. She is typically seen with her bloodthirsty tongue sticking out.
Kali
Literally in Sanskrit, “to sustain” or “hold” – that is, holding harmony and balance in nature according to one's Caste. Keeping this ensures the development of positive Karma.
Dharma
What is daily Hindu worship called?
Puja
He is the son of the wind God; a God of wisdom, courage, and self-discipline, who also helped Rama in his quest to rescue his wife Sita. He's also a monkey. What's his name?
Hanuman
If you were looking for a magic spell to curse your enemies, which of the 4-Vedas would you expect to find it in?
The Atharva Veda
This is Shiva's son, the elephant headed god of help, prosperity, and the remover of obstacles. He is also said to have written down the work of the Mahabharata as dictated by the poet Vyasa.
Ganesha
This is the Hindu concept of reincarnation: or the continued cycle of birth, existence in sorrow/pain, death, rebirth and so on. What do Hindus call this?
Samsara
As opposed to Hindu worship at home, temple worship is called, Devasthanam. What does this term literally mean?
the home of the god
What is the name of Yudhishthira's dog that he refuses to abandon?
Dharma
These are Hindu scripture that are considered "revealed and received" from the Gods. That is Hindu sages (the Rishis) both heard and saw these visions so they could articulate them better. What are these called?
Shruti
In the Bhagavad Gita, this incarnation of Vishnu is a cousin and helper to the Pandavas, instructing Arjuna to keep his dharma and fight the Kauravas. Who is this?
Krishna
This is the escape from reincarnation, and the realization of oneness with Brahman. This is the goal of the Hindu life.
Moksha
The lecture notes mentioned the stripe of Hindus called, Smartas. Name any of the gods that Smartas primarily worship.
Ganesha, Durga, Surya, and one of the Avatars of Vishnu.
What is the name of the cosmic dance that Shiva gives at the end of the four ages, the cycle of time?
the Tandav
The Puranas are considered this type of holy scripture, meaning their teachings/stories are in harmony with the Vedas. What is this category of sacred scripture called?
Vaidika
In the Mahabharata, he is the figure that takes the Brahmacharya - an unbreakable oath swearing off marriage, children, and his claim to the throne. Who is this?
Devavrata
Bhishma
The devoted person might relate to God as a majestic king, or as a parent figure, a friend, or a child, as a beautiful woman, or even as a ferocious Goddess. In Hinduism, each person can relate to God in a particular form. What is this called?
the Ishta Devata
Hindus bring an offering/sacrifice to the gods during their worship, but after the rituals, these gifts are returned back to the person that brought them. What is this concept called?
the Prasad
If you wanted to read the hymns incorporated into sacrificial rituals and rites, which Veda might you read?
the Yajur Veda