Brahman
The Hindu name for a supreme power or divine force that is greater than all the other gods.
Dharma
It stands for law, obligation, and duty. To follow one's dharma means to perform one's duties in life.
Karma
It means living life the right way. In Hindu belief, the law of karma governs what happens to a person's soul after death.
Vedas
The Vedas are a large collection of sacred songs, poems, and teachings.
Sanskrit
An ancient language of India.
Caste
A class or group of people in Hindu society. There are four main castes. A fifth one developed over time.
Brahmins
The highest social class in Hindu society. This class consisted of priests and religious scholars.
Kshatriyas
This social class consisted of rulers and warriors.
Vaishyas
This social class consisted of people who worked as herders and merchants.
Shudras
This social class consisted of servants.
Untouchables
The lowest social class in Hindu society. This class consisted of people who had jobs others thought were dirty.
Samsara
The cycle of life: birth, death and rebirth.
Reincarnation
The belief that a person's soul is reborn into a new body after death.
Pilgrimage
The people of India would travel to holy lands to cleanse themselves of their sins.
Polytheism
The belief in more than one god.
Yoga
Yoga is a type of meditation that combines special body positions with deep, slow breathing.