Hinduism: Important Vocabulary Terms (***for REL 125: refer to "Exam Review" links at bottom of REL 125 syllabus)

Aryan
Artha
Ashrama
Atman
Bhagavad Gita
Bhakti
Brahma
Brahman
Caste
"Churning of the Ocean"
Circular Time
Darsan
Dharma
Hindu
Indra
Indus River Valley Civilizations
Ishtadeva
Jati
Kama
Karma
Krishna
Maya
Moksha
Purusartha
Samsara
Shahkti
Shruti
Shiva
Smriti
Trimurti
Upanishads
Veda, Vedic
Vishnu
Yoga

Discussion Questions  (***for REL 125: refer to "Exam Review" links at bottom of REL 125 syllabus)

1.What are the components of the trimurti of Hinduism? What are their functions, both separately and interactively? What does their collective nature express about Hinduism's perception of energy, time and the universe?

2. Define the word darsan and explain how the experience of darsan is central to the Hindu perception of a) creation, b) the sacred/holy image, and c) other human beings.

3. In what ways can Hinduism be described as an ongoing creative tension between "world affirmation" and "world renunciation?"  How and why are both present?  What examples of this tension can you provide from Hindu thought and practice?

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