Religion Study Guide – Hinduism1.The Vedas– (means knowledge or wisdom) Scriptures of the HindusMost holy, most spiritual, and oldest scripturesFour books:o1) Rig VedaHymns to ancient godso2) Sama VedaChants and hymns for sacrifices… purifies listenerso3) Yajur VedaDirections for rituals and sacrificeso4) Arthava VedaSelf-help with evil and negative emotions2.The Bhahavad Gita– “Song of the Blessed Lord”Pandavas vs. KauravasArjuna and Krishna (Family vs. Dharma)Samsara, Avatar3. Dharma– a.k.a. the Path of Renunciation … Religion of dutyRenouncing the now for the futureChanging focus from the self to the universe4.Moksha– the release of the soul from a cycle of rebirths; one of the four goals of life5.Atman– the essence of Brahman that is present in individuals (the universal self)6.Brahman– the name of the highest deity, the Absolute7.Brahma– ultimate reality; the creator8.Vishnu