Study Guide - Hinduism - Religion Study Guide Hinduism 1....

Religion Study Guide – Hinduism
1. The Vedas – (means knowledge or wisdom) Scriptures of the Hindus
 Most holy, most spiritual, and oldest scriptures
 Four books:
o 1) Rig Veda
 Hymns to ancient gods
o 2) Sama Veda
 Chants and hymns for sacrifices… purifies listeners
o 3) Yajur Veda
 Directions for rituals and sacrifices
o 4) Arthava Veda
 Self-help with evil and negative emotions
2. The Bhahavad Gita – “Song of the Blessed Lord”
 Pandavas vs. Kauravas
 Arjuna and Krishna (Family vs. Dharma)
 Samsara, Avatar
3 . Dharma – a.k.a. the Path of Renunciation … Religion of duty
 Renouncing the now for the future
 Changing focus from the self to the universe
4. Moksha – the release of the soul from a cycle of rebirths; one of the four goals of life
5. Atman – the essence of Brahman that is present in individuals (the universal self)
6. Brahman – the name of the highest deity, the Absolute
7. Brahma – ultimate reality; the creator
8. Vishnu