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Eastern Religons
Study of Hindu religon
52
Religious Studies
Undergraduate 2
10/07/2010

Additional Religious Studies Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Define Religon
Definition

a set of beliefs that include stories of paradigmatic events or myths that are believed to be true, formal doctrines that are generalized stories about the way the world operates, and a set of practices that include rituals designed to bring about certain objectives and ethical guidelines for human behavior. 

 

Term
Banyan Tree
Definition

Hinduism has been compared to a Banyan tree because it has many different aspects and no one know which is the original aspect, just as one cannot tell where the trunk of a Banyan tree starts. 

 

Term
Vedic Culture
Definition

The Vedic tradition is based on a series of texts called the Vedas, which are a collection of hymns to the gods. The oldest text, the Rig Veda, can be dated back to 1200 BC. Other texts include Sama, Yajur, and Atharva. The Vedic tradition revolves around the fire sacrifice

Problem: human life ends

Solution: establish relationship with gods so they can help us

method: fire sacrifice.

Term
Aryan Theory
Definition

the theory that a group of light skinned nomadic people who valued horses and cows came to Northern India. The Rig Veda describes these people but the theory has no historical proof. On a side note the Nazi are bastards who perverted this idea and to say that a blonde haired blue eyed superior race of people invaded Northern India to took over. 

Term

Creation Hymns/Golden Embryo

Definition

The Rig Veda has many hymns that address the question of the origin of the universe. In the 4th hymn, the golden egg, which splits to form the sky, earth, and the Sun, is identified as the origin or singularity of the universe. In order to make sacrifices to this egg, it was personified as Prajapati.

 

 

Term
Fire Sacrifice
Definition

The fire sacrifice is the central practice of Vedic Culture. Its purpose is to establish a reciprocal relationship with the gods so they can provide protection, progeny, and prosperity for mankind. Fire is representative of the cycle of creation. Only Brahmin priests can perform the fire sacrifice. Only male Brahmin priests could perform these sacrifices. 

Term
The gods invoked in the fire sacrifice are
Definition

0.Indra- the god of warfare is invoked for success on the battle field

0.Agni- the god of fire is a messenger between the Brahmin priests and the gods; he is an embodiment of fire.

0.Soma- is the personification of a hallucinogenic mushroom; people no longer take this

0.Varuna- the god of the sky is invoked for protection from disease and good weather.

Term

Upanishadic Culture

 

Definition

-The Upanishadic tradition is counter to Vedic tradition. It can be traced back to 700 BC. The Sanskrit term literally means “sitting at the foot of”. It is centered on the problem of the endless cycle of creation and destruction that is caused by desire. If one gives up desire he will realize Brahman.

 

Problem: samsara the cycle of rebirth and destruction.

Cause: Maya, delusion, the cycle of desire and the impermanence of material things. desire leads to conflict because it can not bring permanent pleasure.

Solution: renounce samsara and realize the connection between self and the cosmos. achieve moksha, realize brahman.

Means: Yoga-discipline of body and mind, strip away that wich is not real.

 

Term

“That art thou” 

Definition
this is taken from Upanishads where a father explains to his son the connection between Brahman and Atman.
Term
Tapas
Definition

literally means “heat”. Practitioners of Upanishadic tradition practice yoga to store this; similar to the way Shiva stores heat to end the known universe.

Term
Sat-Chit-Ananda
Definition

The three parts of moksha, Sat-pure being, beginning of cosmos; Chit- pure mind/ consciousness, a state of awareness w/o distinction; Ananda- pure bliss, liberation from fear of dying & desire and samsara.

 

Term
Samsara
Definition

the cycle of creation and destruction. In the Upanishadic tradition this is the cycle between desire and impermanence. Desire = the nature of the self. Impermanence = is the nature of the cosmos. An illusion from ultimate reality. Individual human beings go through rebirth & re-dying constantly.

 

Term
Karma
Definition
action that results in retribution in the cycle of samsara. 
Term
Moksha
Definition
literally means “liberation” or “freedom”. It is a true knowledge of the self and its connection to that which is ultimate
Term
Maya
Definition

literally means “delusion”. The Upanishadic culture identified this as the cause of human suffering because desire cannot bring permanent pleasure, thus resulting in conflict.

Term
Atman/Brahman
Definition
Atman- (Sanskrit)- the soul; the soul never changes. Brahman- absolute reality, beyond changing, the nature of the cosmos. When you see beyond identity and definition, you see unity.
Term

Yoga

Definition

Discipline of the body and the mind. Similar to the word yoke- to tie up and control, w/o distinction. A purification of the self. Renunciation of society, prosperity, material pleasure. To strip everything away that is false: social rolls & identities, celibacy, food, material objects, water. The purification of the mind is based on control of the lightest breathing form. The control of the life force: internal-based on control of breathing, means control of body & mental self mastery- to see through reality. False consciousness- everything you believe to be yourself to have the purification of the mind.

 

 

Term

Dharma Shastras

 

Definition

The Dharma Shastras were created in 400 BC to unify Vedic and Upanishadic culture. It outlined an ideal sacred order for society to follow by way of a caste system. The four castes are Brahmins priests who teach the Vedic hymns to children, Warriors who’s duty it is to protect society, Merchants and farmers who produce material goods for society, and the servants who are required to serve others so they can carry out their respective duties. The Dharma system only works if everyone performs his sacred duty

Problem: society is disorderly. Adarma (chaos)

Cause: Samsara(desire and impermanence,) and maya.

Solution: ending conflict by means of the caste system. the caste reduces harmony.

Means: in order for everyone to do their sacred duty they must go through the 4 stages of life and seek the 4 goals of life. goals and stages go together.


Term
Dharma/adharma
Definition

Dharma literally means “sacred order”. When people carry out their sacred duty there is no ahdarma that literally means “chaos”.

Term
Varna/Jati
Definition

Varna is the caste one is born into and Jati is the sub-caste to which he belongs. This concept exemplifies the idea that the Dharma system is an ideal system that cannot exist in reality.

Term
Outcastes/Untouchables
Definition
these people are considered too impure to be part of the Dharma system. They are often people who clean bathrooms and deal with dead bodies
Term

Four Stages of Life

Definition

These are student-hood, when one is meant to learn, house-holder, when one is meant to seek artha(wealth) and produce offspring, hermit, when one is meant to remove himself from the center of social order and renounce maya, and finally the renuncient when one is completely removed from society fully renouncing maya and seeking moksha.

 

Term
Four goals of life
Definition

1. Dharma- social duty; 2. Artha- social duty and wealth; 3. Karma- sense desire (of the flesh); 4. Moksha- freedom from desire and conflict. Each goal is meant to be sought out at each respective stage in life.

Term
Twice Born
Definition
Boys in the upper three castes are taught the Vedic hymns when so they can perform the fire sacrifice in their families. Once they are taught this they are considered born again. Only Brahmin priests can perform the fire sacrifice for others.
Term
Myth of Purusha
Definition

- This is a creation myth about a man who was sacrificed at the beginning of time to create the universe. His body formed the social structure outlined in the Dharma Shastras; his mouth became the Brahmin caste, his arms became the warrior caste, his loins became the merchant/farmer caste, and his feet became the servant caste. The idea of this myth is that society should strive to perfectly resemble the sacred order of the universe.

Term
-“Where there are seven Brahmins there will be seven cooking fires”- 
Definition

the fire sacrifice is separate because of sub-castes & impurities. 

Term

Bhagavad-Gita

 

Definition

Between 400BC and 400AD, the Mahabharata was composed. The Gita is a small part of this epic. Krishna is the lord in this excerpt, he is the embodiment of Brahman and teaches the prince Arjuna how he can carry out his sacred duty with detachment.

Problem: dharma vs. Adharma, order vs order

Cause: rejecting ones duty, in the gita arjuna refusing to kill his cousins although it is his duty.

Solution: one must carry out his duty. In the Gita krishna says this and that the atman cant die. 

Method: yoga

Term
Pandavas/Kauravas
Definition
A conflict between two families. The rightful rules are the Pandavas, but the Kauravas want the kingship. P- has five sons/descendents: Arjuna- great warrior. K- has 100 sons: Duryodhana. Fighting cousins for kingship. Krishna is a friend of Arjuna, his advisor. Arjuna faced w/ a moral dilemma, has to decide to kill his cousins or renounce his duty. Killing one’s family member one will never reach moksha.
Term
Arjuna
Definition
The son of king Pandu, of the Pandavas family, a great warrior, who is good w/ a bow and arrow. Arjuna does not want to kill his family and friends, so he refuses to fight in the battle. But by rejecting his duty, as a warrior, he is rejecting dharma. One cannot renounce action. Krishna tells Arjuna that what you kill can never die; the autman cannot die, for it was not born. Realize that one must do their duty with detachment. Dharma and Moksha are not opposing, this is how they can be achieved together. Once you reject samsara, but you are in it, you cannot escape samsara.
Term
Krishna
Definition

An avatar of Vishnu, who is known as Shima, which means the dark one, since he is depicted in the color range of blue to black. A deity/ the embodiment of Brahman. By offering sacrifices and devoting everything to Krishna one will be free of maya and realize the unchanging reality of Brahman.

Term
Three Yogas
Definition

Jnana: same as the Upanishads, discipline of knowledge, but says the seeking of Moksha must be done in society, seeking/finding knowledge of purification of the mind. 2. Karma: Action burns away Karma. The discipline of action, by being detached from praise or blame. Be attached from the fruits of action; do not be attached to in-action for that has results/consequences too. Do not be motivated by praise or blame. 3. Bhakti: The highest form of yoga, the yoga of devotion, anyone can practice it no matter gender or caste.

 

Term
Avatar
Definition
Incarnation of Brahman; the eternal takes shape/form. A living embodiment of a divine being, ex: Krishna
Term

Bhakti Tradition

Definition

- The highest form of yoga as outlined in the Gita, anyone can practice it, it is the yoga of devotion. You give everything to Krishna- thoughts, food, prayers, actions, etc. You give till you have nothing left, except your autman. Even violent criminals can attain Moksha, by having the capacity to love Krishna. Also, having devotion and discipline to control desire. 

Term

Bhagavata Purana

Definition

Traditions of the lord, 500A.D./C.E. - 900A.D./C.E. (Krishna). His birth-> generated from a divine conception. His youth-> very naughty, love butter, but loveable, had a strong bond with his mother. His adolescence-> cow herder, and master flute player. His adulthood (maturity) -> very handsome, master flute player. His lifetime is called vrindaban.

Problem: seperation from brahman

Cause: maya/samsara:delusion

Solution: increase desire and direct desire towards that which is divine to attain moksha.

Means: HAIL KRISHNA!!!!!!!

Term
Gopis
Definition
Dairy maids (they love Krishna). Krishna plays hard to get to draw out their love for him. Krishna separates himself from the Gopis, so they are sad and long for him, but they don’t realize he is always there, in Maya and Samsara. The solution is the same as the cause, desire/ human love. By seeking to break separation, one does not renounce desire, they increase it and let it consume and destroy them, which brings them to Krishna, a.k.a. Brahman.
Term
Radha
Definition
Krishna’s main squeeze, she loves him the most. She is known as the dairy queen.
Term

Five relationships

(to Krishna)

Definition
1. Amorus: Human love/devotion. 2. Parental: The love Krishna has for his mother (push & pull). 3. Friendship: Gita- friend/ advisor. 4. Servitude: The devotee, as an honored guest (icon worship/embodiment). 5. Peaceful regard: Contemplating Krishna’s ultimate nature = Brahman
Term
Five Methods of Bhakti
Definition
1. Song-bhajan- songs dedicated to Krishna. 2. Dance- lila- to form a union w/ the beloved. 3. Worship- puja- to worship/make an offering to an icon/image of Krishna, which then becomes the embodiment of Krishna. 4. Prayer- remembering Krishna at all times 5. Pilgrimage- vraj/vrindaban (N. India/actual place)- the place where Krishna was (believed to be) born, lived, & appeared. To visit that place is to come closer to Krishna’s presence.
Term
Ras Lila
Definition
Dance play (in honor of Krishna).
Term
Prasad
Definition
Blessed food, sacrificed to form a relationship with the gods by way of taste
Term
Puja
Definition
to worship/make a offering to an icon/image of Krishna, which then becomes the embodiment of Krishna. 
Term
Mirabai
Definition

A women poet, who became a saint for writing poems about Krishna, and spent her life in worship and devotion to him. She neglected the typical woman roles, which was learning housekeeping skills, getting married, and having sons.

Term
Vrat
Definition

(A domestic religion)- a religious vow or oath to the gods, made by a woman, she makes a promise and in exchange asks for a blessing, like a contract or a bond between the woman and the god. Made for the sake of her family. The promise she makes is usually to pray to that god more, make more offerings, go on a pilgrimage for that god, etc

Term
Kali-ma
Definition

(Mother Kali/goddess/ Kali = Brahman/ a fickle mother)- Side of violence, disorder, destruction, the dark side of samsara. She takes only fresh blood offerings. Violence is everywhere in samsara. It comes from internal forces- uncontrolled/ human violent nature, and external forces- ambiguous- violence is not good or evil, b/c it is in dharma and adharma, and nature is unpredictable. Kali is invoked for protection, plague, earthquakes, and nature; also, invoked for violence and destruction, so you give fresh blood offerings. But she is uncontrollable; she could turn on the invoker, and that is the mystery of samsara, because you never now when.

Term
-Darshan
Definition

to see & be seen. To see an image of god and have god looking back. This is why the eyes on icons are open, because people form relationships with eye contact. The icon is a living image, it is not an icon, symbol, image, it is the god. (The god’s identity/ spirit is infused in the icon.).

Term
Idolatry
Definition

(icons)- Judeo-Christian, Islamic beliefs say that god does not have form and is the worship of idols and images is prohibited. In Hindu traditions, the gods are embodied in idols and those idols are considered manifestations of the gods, and are treated as such. “Good night Krishna”

Term
Patron Deities
Definition

Saraswati, Ganesh, Laxmi: are used for everyday life, anyone can worship, and not large or complex offerings are made, ex.: tea, incense, fruit, & flowers, etc. Saraswati- known as the goddess of the arts: the protector & blesser of the one who does arts or teachers, promonent in schools, artists, musicans, & teachers, etc. Schools have small festivals before the school year. Ganesh/a- elephant patron deity- the remover of obsticales, provides blessing/ protection when you start out on a new journey, popular w. Taxi Drivers. Delightful b/c he loves sweets. People make offerings of sweets. Everyone worships Ganesh, even devotes of other gods. Laxmi- She provides wealth & material gains, popular w/ merchants, business people, etc. Their arms refer to their divine powers, and difference from mortals, but the number of arms has no significance. Don’t know if these deities are embodiments of Brahman b/c there is not one bible in Hinduism. (Except Ganesh is sometimes worshiped as the embodiment of Brahman).

Term

Classical Theology

 

Definition

This is a way academics attempt to classify the millions of deities in relation to Brahman.


 

Term
-Nirguna/saguna-
Definition
Nirguna: means w/o form. Saguna means w/ shape & characteristics (female- devi/male- tri-murti)
Term
Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva
Definition

(tri-murti: 3 faces/aspects of ultimate reality)- Brahma- creator of samara. Vishnu- Sustainer of the cosmos; avatars- Krishna & Ramai. Shiva- the destroyer of the cosmos. He lives in the Himalayas. He is the lord of yoga, he stores up his tapas, when samsara goes through destruction, then Vishnu destroys the cosmos through sacred dance. He uses a double-sided drum, which he beats, which engulfs the universe into flames. This cycle of creation-> sustaining-> destruction, goes on forever.

Term
Devi
Definition

goddess- divine female shape: Kali, Durga, Saraswati, Laxmi, Radha.

 

Term
Problem cause solution method
Definition

Problem: society is disorderly. Adarma (chaos)

Cause: Samsara(desire and impermanence,) and maya.

Solution: ending conflict by means of the caste system. the caste reduces harmony.

Means: in order for everyone to do their sacred duty they must go through the 4 stages of life and seek the 4 goals of life. goals and stages go together.

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