Hinduism Vocab

One of the world’s oldest religions, originating in India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation, karma, dharma, and many gods.

• Buddhism

• Hinduism

• Islam

• Jainism

The single, unifying universal spirit or reality in Hinduism; all deities are seen as aspects of it.

• Atman

• Vishnu

• Brahman

• Shiva

The individual soul or essence, believed to be part of Brahman.

• Atman

• Dharma

• Moksha

• Varna

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth of the soul (reincarnation) in different bodies over many lifetimes.

• Karma

• Moksha

• Samsara

• Dharma

The law of cause and effect; a person’s actions in this life influence their future lives.

• Karma

• Moksha

• Dharma

• Jati

One’s moral duty or obligation based on caste, age, and stage in life; following it improves karma.

• Karma

• Moksha

• Dharma

• Brahman

Liberation from the cycle of reincarnation; union of the atman with Brahman.

• Moksha

• Dharma

• Nirvana

• Puja

Belief in many gods. Hinduism includes many deities, though all are aspects of one divine reality.

• Monotheism

• Polytheism

• Animism

• Pantheism

A Hindu act of worship, which can take place at home or in temples.

• Puja

• Vedas

• Jati

• Brahma

The oldest sacred Hindu texts, written in Sanskrit; contain hymns, rituals, and spiritual knowledge.

• Upanishads

• Bhagavad Gita

• Vedas

• Quran