caste
A division in Hindu society based on one's position in life, determined by birth into that group.
Hinduism
The basic religion of India, marked by contemplation and self-denial for religious reasons.
Brahman
For Hindus, the transpersonal ultimate divine reality (or the Absolute, or the Godhead), primal source of the universe and ultimate goal of all beings.
Brahma
The Hindu god who is the Creator.
Vishnu
The Hindu god who is the Preserver.
Shiva
The Hindu god who is the Destroyer.
panentheism
Belief that the whole of reality is in God.
Upanishads
A collection of philosophical and mystical texts dealing with Atman and Brahman; they are appended to the Vedas and are a major part of the Hindu Scriptures considered to have divine origin.
Atman
The true self or soul of each individual, the soul being divine and eternal and beyond the ego or personality.
nirvana
In Hinduism, a state in which a person is united with his or her deepest self, Brahman.
reincarnation
Rebirth into a higher or lower form of life according to how well or how poorly a previous life was lived.
moksha
Release from the endless cycle of rebirth.
law of karma
The moral law of cause and effect; the Hindu connection between how one acts and the consequences for those actions.
yoga
A system of physical and mental discipline designed to achieve a spiritual purpose.
yogi
Practitioner of yoga.
guru
A spiritual director, teacher, or guide, in the Hindu tradition.
Krishna
A popular and important incarnation of Vishnu in Hinduism.
Kali
The Hindu goddess who destroys evil.
Vedas
Four collections of religious material containing prayers, ritual, liturgy, hymns, and spells and charms of a popular nature.
Brahmanas
A collection of writings for priests containing directions for sacrifice.
Bhagavad Gita
A book of Hindu Scripture containing the story of Lord Krishna, who is the source of the manifestations of Vishnu.
samskaras
Hindu sacred life-cycle rituals.