History and Development
In the 19th century, colonizers from this empire were the first to use the term "Hinduism" to distinguish the region’s indigenous religions from Islam
British Empire (English)
In Hinduism, what is the name of the universe’s supreme reality or supreme being that cannot be fully described?
Brahman
What is the Hindu term used to refer to the eternal individual soul?
Atman
This sacred symbol in Hinduism is believed to give voice to the essence of Brahman and is understood to be the universal sound of the universe. It is often used as a mantra in prayer/meditation.
Om (aum)
Known as the "Festival of Colors," this is a vibrant Hindu festival marked by the throwing of colored powder, dancing, and singing. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
Holi
This ancient language, which has existed for approximately 4,000 years, became the primary language of Hindu religious literature and practice.
Sanskrit
Which Hindu god is understood to be the "destroyer," because of his power to destroy the universe an infinite number of times and then re-create it in a different form.
Shiva
What is the name of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) in Hinduism?
Samsara
According to Hindu tradition, which river is considered the holiest, and many Hindus will make pilgrimages to bathe in its waters:
Ganges River
This term describes the disciplines or practices that are intended to unite the body, mind, and self with Brahman. These are understood to be the paths to Moksha.
Yoga
Which river gave rise to the term “Hindu,” originally used by outsiders as a geographic label for the people living around it?
Indus River
What three gods make up the Hindu "Trimurti"?
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
What is the Hindu term often translated as duty, righteousness, or purpose. It can be particular (e.g., based on age, social class, occupation), or universal in a way that applies to everyone (e.g. charity, truthfulness, non-violence, devotion, etc).
Dharma
This traditional greeting in Hinduism means "The Divine in me recognizes the Divine in you"
Namaste
Known as the “Festival of lights,” many Hindus consider it the most important holiday of the year. It marks the triumph of light over darkness, or good over evil.
Diwali
What is the name of Hinduism's ancient collection of sacred written texts that is believed to arise from the divine revelations (shruti) to wise people over the centuries?
Vedas
Believed to be the son of Shiva and Parvati, this Hindu deity has an elephant head, and is believed to be the god of success, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles.
Ganesha
What is the name of the cosmic law of cause and effect, or action and reaction-- the belief that every action, thought, and intention has a consequence, both positive and negative, on this life and the next?
Karma
This is the name of a religious teacher in Hinduism who is considered a source of wisdom, equipped to guide others toward moksha by prescribing readings, mantras, and other spiritual disciplines.
Guru
Different from both monotheism and polytheism, this concept is belief in "one god out of many"-- worshiping one primary deity (god), while also acknowledging the existence of other gods or goddesses.
Henotheism
Meaning "Song of the Lord," this sacred text is one of the most popular Hindu scriptures. It is a part of the the sixth book of the Mahabharata, and is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna.
Bhagavad Gita
Krishna, Rama, and Buddha are all considered to be avatars of this Hindu god, the peace-loving protector and preserver of the universe.
Vishnu
What is the term used to describe liberation from the cycle of rebirth?
Moksha
This term, meaning devotion, describes all the ways deities can be worshipped, whether in a temple or in another setting
Puja
Which school of Hindu philosophy teaches that everything is ultimately one (monism) and that all reality is Brahman?
Advaita Vedanta