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aarti
Pronounced AARa-tee. In Hinduism, the most common ritual that is performed in front of the
image of a deity, whether in a temple or in a home shrine. It typically consists of waving, in a
clockwise motion, various items in front of the deity. It is done in conjunction with mantras or
prayers.
Filed in Hinduism
ahimsa
Pronounced ah-HIM-saa. The Sanskrit word meaning non-injury in any form, including action,
thought or speech. This is an important principle of Hinduism and a core principle of Jainism. For
this reason, many Hindus and most Jains are vegetarians, as are significant numbers of Sikhs
and Buddhists.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism
Atman
The essential, eternal self or soul in Hinduism.
Filed in Hinduism
avatar
Pronounced AV-uh-taar. Avatars are incarnations of God, who Hindus believe come to Earth at
various times to promote dharma and righteousness and to alleviate suffering.
Filed in Hinduism
Bhagavad Gita
Pronounced BAH-gah-vahd GEE-tah. One of the most popular Hindu scriptures, it literally
means Song of the Lord.
It is in the form of a conversation between Lord Krishna (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) and Arjuna on
the great battlefield at Kurukshetra just before the famous war in the Mahabharata. In the
conversation, Lord Krishna illuminates Arjuna on righteous action that is conducive to the wellbeing of the world and spiritual liberation (moksha), and instructs him on karma yoga (the path of
self-transcending action), samkhya yoga (the path of discerning the principles of existence
correctly), jnana yoga (the path of wisdom), raja yoga (the path of knowledge) and bhakti yoga
(the path of devotion).
Filed in Hinduism
bhakti
Pronounced BUK-tee. A Sanskrit term meaning loving devotion to God, bhakti inspired major
Indian religious movements, including Sikhism, by focusing on the individuals relationship to the
divine.
Filed in Hinduism, Sikhism

bindi
Pronounced BIN-dhee. The decoration worn on the forehead by many Hindu women. There are
various explanations for the bindi: It can be a blessed symbol that signifies female energy and is
believed to protect women and their husbands; a traditional symbol of marriage; a third eye, the
eye of inner vision or spiritual wisdom; or simply a decoration like jewelry. It is worn by Indians of
all religions.
Filed in Hinduism
Brahma
Pronounced BRAH-maa. In Hinduism, the name used for God when functioning as creator of
the universe. God is referred to as Vishnu when Gods role as preserver is emphasized and as
Shiva when the emphasis is on Gods role as lord of time and change. While God has different
roles in Hinduism, the divine is always understood to be one. See Shiva and Vishnu.
Filed in Hinduism
Brahman
Pronounced BRAH-mun. The name of God or the supreme deity in the Vedas. Brahman is
described as being beyond all dualities, such as gender or form; the transcendent and immanent
absolute reality; the all-pervading energy; and the Supreme Being or primal soul.
It also refers to a member of a Hindu varna (caste) whose traditional family occupation was
priestly or scholarly. Traditionally considered by some to be the highest caste in Indias caste
system, it is also spelled Brahmin.
Filed in Hinduism
caste system
The traditional social, economic and religious structure of Indian society, which divided people
into four broad groups, or castes (varna in Sanskrit), and multiple smaller groups, or subcastes
(jati). While it is believed that the system was once simply a division of labor and guild system,
determined by skills and aptitude, it became a rigid hereditary hierarchy in which restrictions were
placed on ones social mobility, job opportunities, marriage prospects and even whom one could
eat with. Although caste discrimination is illegal in India and most Hindu leaders stress that it is
not sanctioned in Hinduism, it is still practiced among followers of all religions throughout South
Asia. An additional group, the untouchables, was created from the lowest caste for people who
performed tasks considered polluting in a physical or spiritual sense. Since the early 20th
century, the Indian government has called this group the Scheduled Castes. See also Dalit,
Harijan, jati, untouchable and varna.
Filed in Hinduism, Religion and culture
cow
In Hinduism, the cow represents values of selfless service, strength, dignity and ahimsa
(nonviolence). Hindus respect and honor the cow but do not worship it in the same sense they
worship a deity. Also, the avatar Lord Krishna was a cowherd and protected cows. For these
reasons, Hindus traditionally respect and honor the cow and abstain from eating beef. Since
Hindus understand God to exist in all, animals are deserving of respect and compassion.
Filed in Hinduism
Dalit
Pronounced DAH-lit. A term used primarily as a label of self-identity by those from the
Scheduled Castes, or lowest subcastes, who no longer identify themselves as Hindus, be they
converts to another religion or no longer of any religious affiliation. The term was coined in the
1800s but did not come into popular usage until the 1970s, when it was adopted by Scheduled
Caste members who wanted to separate themselves from both the caste system and from
Hinduism altogether. Dalit should not be used to refer to all Scheduled Caste members only
non-Hindus who self-identify that way.

Filed in Hinduism
Devi
Pronounced DEE-vee. In Hinduism, the female aspect of the divine. For some, she is the power
of Brahman, the unqualified absolute. Typically translated as goddess.
Filed in Hinduism
dharma
Pronounced DAHR-muh. The mode of conduct for an individual that is most conducive to
spiritual advancement. It includes universal human values as well as values that are specific to
persons in various stages of life. In Hinduism it also refers to individual obligations in terms of law
and social law. In Buddhism it is the teachings of Buddha from which an adherent molds his
conduct on the path toward enlightenment.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism
Diwali
Pronounced dee-VAH-lee. The Hindu festival of lights is one of the most celebrated in the
Hindu diaspora. It symbolizes the victory of dharma, and good over evil. The word is a variation of
the Sanskrit word Deepavali and refers to the rows of earthen lamps celebrants place around
their homes. Hindus believe that the light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within the
individual that overwhelms ignorance, represented by darkness. Diwali commemorates the return
of the avatar Lord Ram (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu), his wife Sita and brother Lakshman to
their capital, Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile. The residents of Ayodhya, overjoyed at the return of
their beloved king, lit lamps in his honor. Thus, the entire city looked like a row of lights. Diwali is
also observed by Sikhs, who celebrate the release of the Sixth Guru, Hargobind, from captivity by
the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, and Jains, who commemorate the day Lord Mahavira attained
nirvana, or liberation, after his death in 527 B.C.
Filed in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism
dowry
The social practice of a woman bringing money or valuables to her marriage is still prevalent in
South Asia and other parts of the world. It is not a part of Hinduism.
Filed in Hinduism
Durga
Pronounced DOOR-gaa. In Hinduism, one of the principal feminine forms of the divine and
associated, in particular, with the power to overcome evil. She is the consort of Lord Shiva. See
Shiva.
Filed in Hinduism
enlightenment
The goal of life in both Buddhism and Hinduism. For Hindus, it is union with God and selfrealization. For Buddhists, it is realization of the truth about reality, achieved by following a
system of practices (which may especially include meditation), in accordance with the particular
school to which an adherent belongs. See Four Noble Truths.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism
Ganesh
Pronounced guh-NAYSH. The beloved elephant-faced representation of God honored by
Hindus and followers of other Indian religions, Ganesh is the remover of obstacles. He is revered
for his great wisdom and is invoked before any undertaking. He is the son of Lord Shiva and the
goddess Parvati. Also spelled Ganesha.
Filed in Hinduism
guru
Pronounced GOO-roo. Broadly used to refer to a teacher of any subject, but especially of
spiritual matters. In Hinduism, ones spiritual guru is seen to be a representative of the divine,

through whom one is given the teachings and practices necessary for enlightenment. Guru
Gobind Singh: The 10th teacher of the Sikh religion, Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) led Sikhs in
a battle for autonomy and has come to represent the Sikh ideal of the saint-soldier. In 1699, he
formed Sikhs into the Khalsa, a spiritual sister- and brotherhood, and gave them five articles of
faith (the Five Kakaars). He passed the guruship on to the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
Filed in Hinduism, Religious titles, Sikhism
Hanuman
Pronounced HUN-oo-maan. In Hinduism, an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the embodiment of
devotion. Hanuman is generally depicted in a monkey form but can assume any form. He is most
popular among devotees of the avatar Lord Ram and others following a devotional path. There
are more temples and roadside shrines to Hanuman than any other deity in all of North India. For
Hindus, Hanuman is one of the finest exemplars of a life of love and service of God.
Filed in Hinduism
Hare Krishna
Pronounced HA-rey KRISH-na. This Hindu term can refer to a worshipper of Krishna or a
mantra to him. It also can refer to a member of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON), which was founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada and is a sect that focuses on the worship and understanding of God as Krishna.
Filed in Hinduism
Harijan
Pronounced HA-ree-jun. The term literally means people of God and was popularized by
Mahatma Gandhi to refer to those in the untouchable subcastes. Today, Hindu members of these
jatis identify themselves by their sectarian affiliation or with the terms Harijan or Anasuchit Jati
(Scheduled Caste in Hindi). See caste system.
Filed in Hinduism
Hinduism
Indias most popular religious and cultural system and the worlds third-largest religion (after
Christianity and Islam). Most followers live in India, but there are large populations in many other
countries. Its oldest scriptures are the Vedas.
Hinduism, also known as Sanatana Dharma (the eternal natural law), is one of the worlds most
ancient religious and spiritual systems and encompasses a broad spectrum of philosophies,
ranging from pluralistic theism to absolute monism. Followers believe that God (Brahman), the
ultimate reality or truth, can be understood in various ways and often use the two terms
interchangeably. This not only reflects the diversity of practice and perspective in Hinduism, but
also the belief that this infinite reality is beyond the comprehension of undisciplined minds.
Therefore, Hindus celebrate Gods various attributes through different representations. Most
Hindus believe in one God, who is all-pervasive, though he or she may be worshipped in different
forms, in different ways and by different names. As such, Hinduism can be described as
monotheistic and henotheistic: monotheistic in its belief in one God and henotheistic in that any
one God can be worshipped without denying the existence of other forms or manifestations of
God.
A basic belief in Hinduism is that the soul does not die but is reborn into another life form when
the body dies. Under Hinduisms rule of karma, every act and thought affects how the soul will be
reborn. This cycle of birth and rebirth continues until the soul achieves spiritual perfection and is
united with the Supreme Being.
Hindus believe that all living beings have souls, and some are revered as manifestations of God.
These beliefs have evolved over several thousand years and are embedded in ritual, mystical
and ascetic practices. There are many regional variations in Hindu practice.

Hindus have no formal clergy but do have spiritual teachers, or gurus. Capitalize guru before a
name on first reference, and use only the last name on second reference. Swami is a title of
respect and reverence conferred on a religious teacher and, in particular, one who has taken
vows of celibacy and renunciation; it, too, should be capitalized before a name. See Vedas.
Filed in Hinduism
idol
Be cautious in using this word because it can imply that something is a false god. For example,
do not use idol to refer to the representations Hindus use in worshipping. The correct term to use
is murti. For similar reasons, idol worship is also inaccurate.
Filed in Hinduism, Religion and culture
Jainism
Pronounced JI-niz-um. A sect established in India in the sixth century B.C. as a revolt against
Hinduism. It teaches that the way to bliss and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth is to live
a life of harmlessness and renunciation. Jains do not believe in a creator god; God is any soul
who has been liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth. The supreme principle is nonviolence;
Jains believe plants and animals have souls, just as people do, and should be treated with
respect and compassion.
Filed in Hinduism, Jainism
jati
Pronounced JAAH-tee. A subcategory of varna, or caste. Typically, these subcastes are
classified by specific occupations. Initially, jati was not birth-based, but eventually it came to be.
Filed in Hinduism
Kali
Pronounced KAH-lee. In Hinduism, a form of the goddess, one of the many feminine forms of
the divine as mother of the universe. She is the source of protection and liberation.
Filed in Hinduism
karma
In Buddhism and Hinduism, the universal law of cause and effect; the effect (or fruits) of a
persons actions in ones next lifetime. Lowercase in all references.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism
Krishna
Pronounced KRISH-na. One of the most popular representations of God in Hinduism. He is
worshipped as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is best-known as the teacher in the
Bhagavad Gita. For most Krishna devotees, his name refers to the unqualified absolute, or
Brahman.
Filed in Hinduism
Lakshmi
Pronounced LUK-shmee. In Hinduism, the female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, or Gods role as
preserver. She represents light, beauty and prosperity. See Vishnu.
Filed in Hinduism
Mahabharata
Pronounced Ma-haa-BHAA-ra-ta. The worlds longest epic poem is longer than the Iliad and
Odyssey combined. The Bhagavad Gita is one section of it. Known as the Great Epic of India,
the Mahabharata was written by the sage Ved Vyas and revolves around the conflict between two
kingdoms and their great battle more than 3,000 years ago.
Filed in Hinduism
mantra

Pronounced MUN-tra. A syllable, word or phrase with spiritual power, it is chanted or held in the
mind in connection with meditation or ritual. Mantras are commonly used by Hindus, Buddhists
and Jains and are traditionally drawn from Sanskrit scriptures, such as the Vedas. The adherents
of some vernacular texts, such as the Hindi Ramcharitmanas, believe their verses have the
power of mantra as well. Some of the more powerful mantras consist of a single syllable, the
most popular of which is om. See om.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Religion and culture
murti
Pronounced MOOR-tee. In Hinduism, an image or icon of God used during worship. A
manifestation, embodiment or personification of the divine. Do not use the word idol as a
synonym.
Filed in Hinduism
nirvana
Pronounced nir-VAA-nah. In Buddhism and Hinduism, a state of ultimate peace that is the goal
of all beings, which includes freedom from suffering, desire and the cycle of rebirth. The Buddhas
entrance into nirvana at his death is referred to as his parinirvana (pronounced PAH-rih-nir-VAAnah).
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism
om
In Hinduism, the mantra of the divine. The ancient Sanskrit name for the absolute. All mantras
begin with om.
Filed in Hinduism
Parvati
Pronounced PAR-va-tee. In Hinduism, one of many names for the Universal Mother. A
representation of the goddess to whom prayers are offered for strength, health and eradication of
impurities. Hindus believe that she is Lord Shivas consort.
Filed in Hinduism
priest
The term used for ordained clergy of the Roman Catholic, Orthodox or Episcopal faith. Priest also
is used by Wiccans and for some clergy in Buddhism and Hinduism. It is not a formal title and is
not capitalized. Avoid the term minister when referring to Catholic priests. Also, while every priest
has pastoral duties toward the baptized, the term pastor refers to the priest (and in rare cases,
laymen or laywomen) charged by the bishop with overseeing a parish. A pastor may have one or
more assistant pastors.
Most Catholic priests in the United States are diocesan clergy, ordained by and for a particular
diocese. They make promises of celibacy and obedience, but although they are expected to
adhere to a modest lifestyle, they do not take vows of poverty and can own a home, for example,
or a car.
The term religious priests refers to priests who belong to a religious order, such as the Jesuits,
and hold possessions in common.
Filed in Anglican/Episcopalian, Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Orthodoxy
puja
Pronounced POO-ja. In Hinduism, a generic term for any ritual practice. This can be as simple
as an individual saying a prayer or can encompass a complex, multiday ritual involving any
number of individuals and priests. Puja generally incorporates a series of hospitality offerings to
God.
Filed in Hinduism

Ram
Pronounced Raam. In Hinduism, one of the two most popular incarnations of Lord Vishnu and
venerated hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. For most Ram devotees, his name refers to the
unqualified absolute, or Brahman. Rams exemplary life helps to set high standards of dignity and
nobility as an integral part of the Hindu way of life. Sita is his wife.
Filed in Hinduism
Ramayana
Pronounced Raa-MAY-yah-nah. One of the two Hindu epics; the other is the Mahabharata.
Originally written in Sanskrit, it is the story of God taking a human form to destroy evil and teach
the path of righteous behavior. The most popular telling of the story was written by Tulsidas in
Hindi and is called the Ramcharitmanas. It is the predominant scripture in North India and in the
Hindu diaspora.
Filed in Hinduism
reincarnation
The belief that a persons soul is reborn in another body after physical death. It is common in
many Asian traditions including Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism as well as some Native
American traditions. According to Hinduism and Buddhism, incarnation in the next life is
determined by ones previous actions. See karma.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism, Religion and culture, Sikhism
Rig Veda
Of the Hindu scriptures, the Rig Veda is the earliest and among the most revered. See Vedas.
Filed in Hinduism
sadhana
Pronounced SAAD-han-aa. In Hinduism, religious practice that is undertaken on a regular basis
for the purpose of purifying oneself to gain wisdom, devotion or enlightenment.
Filed in Hinduism
sadhu
Pronounced SAA-dhu. A Hindu ascetic who has renounced advancement in the material world
and has dedicated his or her life to the search for wisdom, devotion, God, truth or enlightenment.
There are many different types in India, grouped into orders according to their beliefs and
practices. They may live in monasteries (ashrams) or as hermits and wanderers. They often live
on alms, or provisions and gifts they are given. Sadhvi (pronounced SAA-dhvee) is the female
form.
Filed in Hinduism
Sanskrit
An ancient classical language of India in which most of the texts of Hinduism were written.
Filed in Hinduism
sattva
Pronounced SAHT-vah. In Hinduism, the quality of light and goodness.
Filed in Hinduism
shakti
Pronounced SHAK-tee. In Hinduism, the active power or manifest energy that pervades all of
existence and is represented in feminine names and forms.
Filed in Hinduism
Shiva
Pronounced SHEE-vah. A popular representation of God in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the
lord of time and change. Brahma is the name used for God when Gods role as creator of the

universe is described. God is referred to as Vishnu when Gods role as preserver is emphasized.
The divine is always understood to be one. Shivas consort has the names of Parvati, Kali and
Durga. Also spelled Siva (pronounced SEE-vah).
Filed in Hinduism
Sita
Pronounced SEE-taa. In Hinduism, the wife of the avatar Lord Ram, as depicted in the Hindu
epic Ramayana. For millions of Hindus, Sita represents the perfect mother and expression of
womanly virtue.
Filed in Hinduism
swami
Pronounced SVA-mee. In Hinduism, a title of respect and reverence conferred on a religious
teacher and, in particular, one who has taken vows of celibacy and renunciation. It literally means
one who has self-control. Capitalize before a name.
Filed in Hinduism
swastika
Pronounced SVA-stik-a. It is one of the most popular symbols for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.
The word swastika is derived from Sanskrit words that mean auspicious, luck and well-being.
It is also a sign of the Sun-God Surya and his generosity. The swastika is one of the 108 symbols
of Lord Vishnu and represents the suns rays, without which there would be no life. The swastika
is used in religious and civil ceremonies in India, both public and private.
The swastika used by the Nazis was a perverted version of the ancient Hindu swastika.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism
temple
A building used for worship or religious purposes. Uppercase when part of a formal name or when
referring to the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. The word temple is used differently in different
religious traditions. It is the place of worship for Hindus, Buddhists and Jews, although Orthodox
Jews and many Conservative Jews believe the only temple is the one destroyed in Jerusalem
and so they call their congregational buildings synagogues. In the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, temples are sacred buildings with restricted access; they differ in purpose from
meetinghouses, where weekly worship takes place.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Religion and culture
Transcendental Meditation
A form of meditation made popular by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who introduced it in 1955. TM is
acceptable on second reference.
Filed in Hinduism, Other faiths
untouchable
The traditional English term for members of the lowest rung of the caste ladder in India. The term
is increasingly being replaced in common usage by other terms, and some now regard it as
offensive. In the early part of the 20th century, Mahatma Gandhi began referring to members of
the lowest caste as Harijan (children of God), while the Indian government adopted the term
Scheduled Castes. Since Indian independence, the government has gradually increased the
benefits it provides to members of the Scheduled Castes, as well as the Shudra caste of servants
and menial laborers, known collectively as the Other Backward Classes. See caste system.
Filed in Hinduism
Upanishads
Pronounced oo-PAAN-ish-ud. The Upanishads are the final sections of each of the four Vedas,
or Hindu scriptures. These texts are spiritual dialogues in which teachers and students discuss
ultimate questions of human existence.

Filed in Hinduism
varna
Pronounced VARN-ah. Varna refers to the four broad groups that make up the caste system in
traditional Indian society. They consisted of the Brahman (scholars, teachers, doctors and
priests), Kshatriya (warriors, rulers and lawmakers), Vaishya (business people, traders, farmers,
and artisans), and Shudra (servants, menial laborers). Later, a fifth varna was created, into which
people who performed tasks considered polluting in a physical or spiritual sense were placed.
Members of this new group were called untouchables in English. See caste system.
Filed in Hinduism
Vedas
Pronounced VEH-daas. Hinduisms most ancient scriptures. There are four: Rig Veda, Atharva
Veda, Sama Veda and Yajur Veda. The Vedas include more than 100,000 verses and additional
prose. The term Veda stems from a Sanskrit word meaning knowledge. Many Hindus believe that
the Vedas were revealed by God and/or realized by ancient sages.
Filed in Hinduism
Vishnu
Pronounced VISH-noo. In Hinduism, the name used when Gods role as preserver is
emphasized. Shiva is the name used when the emphasis is on Gods role as lord of time and
change. Brahma is the name used for God when Gods role as creator of the universe is
described. The divine is always understood to be one. For most Hindus, Vishnu is either equated
with or a manifestation of Brahman. Vishnu has many avatars or incarnations, the best-known of
which are Ram, Krishna and the Buddha. His consort is Lakshmi.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism
yoga
Most often associated with body poses, stretching exercises and breathing techniques developed
in India. It is a Sanskrit term that means union; yoga is a discipline found in Hinduism. It is the
philosophy, process, disciplines, and practices whose purpose is the unification of individual
consciousness with transcendent or divine consciousness. One of its eight limbs is referred to
as asana (also known as hatha yoga) and involves various body postures meant to keep the
body physically relaxed and healthy as an important prerequisite for meditation.
Filed in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism
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