Origins and Sacred Texts
In which river valley did Hinduism first develop?
The Indus River valley.
Which varna traditionally included priests and teachers?
Brahmins.
What is Brahman?
The universal spirit or ultimate reality in the Hindu traditions we studied.
What is dharma?
A person’s religious and moral duties or responsibilities.
What is reincarnation?
The soul being reborn into another life.
What are the Vedas?
Collections of sacred Hindu texts.
Which varna traditionally included rulers and warriors?
Kshatriyas.
What does atman mean?
A person’s individual soul or inner self.
What is karma?
The consequences of a person’s actions, which can affect the soul in future lives.
What three stages make up the cycle called samsara?
Birth, death, and rebirth
What ancient language were the Vedas composed in?
Sanskrit.
Which varna traditionally included farmers and merchants?
Vaishyas.
Which deity is associated with creation, and which is associated with preservation?
Brahma is the creator; Vishnu is the preserver.
A ruler protects people because it is the ruler’s responsibility. Is the focus dharma or karma? Why?
Dharma, because the ruler is fulfilling a duty.
How is moksha different from reincarnation?
Moksha is release from the cycle of rebirth; reincarnation is being reborn within that cycle
Did Hinduism have one founder? Explain
No. It developed over time from different beliefs and traditions.
Which varna traditionally included workers and servants?
Shudras.
Which deity is associated with destruction and transformation?
Shiva.
Someone believes harmful actions can affect the soul after rebirth. Is the focus dharma or karma? Why?
Karma, because the focus is on actions and their consequences.
What is a pilgrimage, and why might a Hindu make one to the Ganges River?
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place. Hindus may visit the Ganges to worship, perform rituals, or seek spiritual purification.
Why would learning Sanskrit help someone study Hinduism?
It would help them read sacred texts, including the Vedas, in their original language.
As the caste system became more rigid, how did birth affect a person’s life?
People were born into a social group that limited choices such as their occupation and whom they could marry.
What do the lamps of Diwali symbolize?
The victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Can people from any social class build good karma? Explain.
Yes. People from any social class can build good karma through good actions and fulfilling their duties ethically
A soul continues to be reborn into new lives. What is the ultimate spiritual goal, and what happens when it is reached?
The goal is moksha. When it is reached, the soul is released from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.