GHS World Religions: Hinduism

A fashion statement representing Indian cultural heritage

Stage in which one undertakes responsibility for earning a living and supporting a family

Symbol of good fortune and protection

Laborers and servants

Henna painted on the hands and feet of a bride

The soul of an individual

Hindu temple

A spiritual teacher, a guide, a mentor

Priestly caste who serve with their minds using their spiritual and intellectual gifts

What is done in present life will affect the quality of future lives

The Source of everything, Ultimate Reality, the World Soul

Sacred river whose water purifies all it touches

Visual & oral representation of God; the universal name of the Lord that surrounds all creation

Symbol of nature as generous, asks little yet gives much

Ultimate moral balance of all things. A place for everything and everything in it's place.

Reincarnation, the cycle of life, death, and rebirth

The Destroyer

Coming-of-age ceremony for a boy when he is mature enough to learn sacred scriptures

Ancient Hindu holy texts focusing mainly on rituals and sacrifices for the gods

Hindu New Year; the Festival of Lights

One whose life is dedicated to spiritual austerity and self-discipline

Symbol of the birth of the universe or the birth of the Creator

Warrior caste who serve with their arms using their strength and courage

Release from the cycle of reincarnation; a state of eternal bliss with Brahman

Worship, usually through meditation, lighting incense, offering food

Stage of retreat from physical and material comforts; focus again on studying scriptures and prayer

Skilled laborers and farmers who serve with their specialized talents and skills

Carries messages to the gods through sacrficial fires

The Creator

Spring Festival; the Festival of Colors celebrating good defeating evil

Third eye of spiritual consciousness reminds us to look at others with spiritual vision

The Preserver

Lord of Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles of both material and spiritual kinds.

Ancient Hindu holy texts about finding god within the self

Stage in which one focuses on attaining spiritual and practical knowledge from a guru