Ancient India and Hinduism/Buddhism Concepts

Harappa

• Ancient city from the northern area of the Indus River Valley.

• A modern city in Pakistan.

• A famous archaeological site in Egypt.

• A historical figure from ancient India.

Mohenjo-Daro

• Indus Valley city laid out in a grid pattern with a complex irrigation and sewer system.

• A famous ancient Egyptian pyramid.

• A city known for its large amphitheater and gladiatorial games.

• A medieval castle in Europe.

Vedas

• Ancient Sanskrit writings brought by the Aryans that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.

• A collection of ancient Greek philosophical texts.

• The first written laws of ancient Mesopotamia.

• A series of epic poems from ancient Rome.

Upanishads

• A collection of ancient Indian epics

• A group of writings sacred in Hinduism that explored the Vedas and the religious issues that they raised.

• A philosophical text on the nature of reality

• A historical account of the life of Buddha

Moksha

• Becoming liberated from the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism.

• A state of eternal bliss in Buddhism.

• A ritual performed during the Hindu wedding ceremony.

• A form of meditation practiced in Jainism.

OM

• Principle symbol of Hinduism. Visual and oral representation of Brahman.

• A sacred text of Buddhism.

• A type of meditation practice in Jainism.

• A festival celebrated in Sikhism.

Karma

• The belief that actions in this life, whether good or bad, will decide your place in the next life.

• A concept that suggests all events are predetermined and inevitable.

• A philosophy that emphasizes the importance of meditation and mindfulness.

• A religious doctrine that promotes the idea of reincarnation without moral implications.

Four Noble Truths

• Life is suffering, suffering is caused by our desires, ending our desires will end suffering, cure for suffering is follow the Eightfold Path

• Life is a journey, and happiness is the destination

• Suffering is an illusion created by the mind

• Desires are the root of all happiness, and we should pursue them

Reincarnation

• Belief shared by both Hinduism and Buddhism, that souls are reborn.

• A concept exclusive to Christianity regarding eternal life.

• A scientific theory about the origin of life on Earth.

• A philosophical idea that denies the existence of the soul.

Dharma

• A type of meditation practice

• In Hindu belief, a person's religious and moral duties, right way of living

• A festival celebrated in India

• A sacred text of Hinduism