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Indian Religions
Hinduism and Buddhism Questions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Vedic Age | Period around 1500 BCE when the earliest Vedas were written and the Caste System was developed |
| Vedas | Oldest and sacred writings of the Vedic Age, ancient scriptures of Hinduism |
| Caste System | Also known as Varnas. These were the four major social classes that Hindu society was divided into |
| Brahman | the eternal being, universal spirit |
| Reincarnation | Pattern or cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Also known as samsara |
| Karma | Universal law of cause and effect |
| Moksha | Escape the cycle of reincarnation |
| Atman | the individual soul, being, or spirit |
| Dharma | Spiritual duties or obligations; virtuous, appropriate behavior |
| Siddhartha Gautama | The Buddha; Enlightened One. Founder of Buddhism |
| Enlightenment | Spiritual understanding and awareness of all things |
| Yoga | a series of integrated physical and mental exercises teaching people how to focus their bodies and minds |
| Four Noble Truths | Four Central Truths about understanding and overcoming both suffering and desires |
| Eightfold Path | Series of steps Buddhists take that leads to enlightenment and salvation |
| Nirvana | State of perfect peace, end of the cycle of suffering, leads to enlightenment |
| Middle Way | Basic teachings of the Eightfold Path. Advises people to live in moderation, avoiding extremes in the search for nirvana |