ᯓ★ Hindu Dharma

• What is the historical origin of Hindu Dharma?

  Roots of Hindu Dharma could be seen as far as 3000 BCE.
• What titles has Hinduism gained due to its age?

  It is known as The Cradle of Spirituality and The Mother of All Religions.
• What does the term "Hindu" derive from?

  It comes from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu," meaning "of the Indus valley."
• What should students be able to explain by the end of the lesson on Hinduism?

  Students should be able to explain the origins of Hinduism.
• What is the ultimate reality in Hinduism?

  The ultimate reality is Brahman, the source of all.
• What are the parts of Hindu sacred text that students should categorize?

  Students should categorize the parts of Hindu sacred texts into Shruti and Smriti.
• What is the function of the Trimurti in Hinduism?

  The Trimurti represents the three aspects of Brahman: creation, preservation, and destruction.
• Who were the original inhabitants of the Indus valley?

  The original inhabitants were the dark-skinned Dravidians.
• What significant event occurred around 1750-1200 BCE in the Indus valley?

  A nomadic tribe of light-skinned warriors, the Aryans, migrated to India.
• Where did the Aryans come from?

  They came from present-day Iran.
• What does "Aryan" mean in the language of ancient Indians?

  In Sanskrit, "Aryan" means Noble.
• What is the title given to the leader of the Aryan tribe?

  The leader is referred to as Raja.
• What social structure emerged due to the Aryans' migration?

  A social hierarchy in the form of the caste system emerged.
• What is the significance of the Veda in Aryan culture?

  The Veda is considered sacred lore recording the practices of the Aryans.
• What type of religion did the Aryans practice?

  The Aryans practiced a polytheistic and animistic religion.
• What does the term "Shruti" refer to in Hindu sacred texts?

  Shruti refers to the highest form of sacred texts containing eternal truth from the gods.
• What does "Smriti" refer to in Hindu sacred texts?

  Smriti refers to lesser sacred texts handed down by mere humans.
• What is the Rig-Veda?

  The Rig-Veda is a collection of over a thousand mantras or hymns to Aryan gods.
• What is the significance of the Four Books of Vedas?

  The Four Books of Vedas are considered sacred and foundational texts of Hindu Dharma.
• What does the Yajur-Veda provide guidance for?

  The Yajur-Veda is a guide for Brahmins assisting at ritual sacrifices.
• What does the Sama-Veda consist of?

  The Sama-Veda consists of chants or holy songs condensed from priestly hymns in the Rig-Veda.
• What does the Atharva-Veda contain?

  The Atharva-Veda contains domestic rituals, popular prayers, and magic spells to ward off evil.
• What are the four sections of the Vedas?

  The four sections are Mantras, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.
• What do Mantras consist of?

  Mantras consist of hymns of religious poetry addressed to the deities.
• What do Brahmanas explain?

  Brahmanas provide explanations of sacrifices and guidelines for rituals.
• What are Aranyakas in the context of the Vedas?

  Aranyakas are material for ascetic hermits and considered later parts of the Brahmanas.
• What do Upanishads represent in Hindu texts?

  Upanishads are Brahmin philosophical commentaries on Vedic teachings.
• What do the Laws of Manu contain?

  The Laws of Manu contain a traditional code of ideal behavior and the caste system.
• What is the Ramayana about?

  The Ramayana is a love story of Vishnu and his wife Sita, containing themes of human life and dharma.
• What is the Mahabharata known for?

  The Mahabharata is the world’s longest epic poem consisting of stories of war involving gods and their incarnations.
• What does the creed of Hindu Dharma acknowledge?

  The creed acknowledges the polarities of energy, where everything has its counterpart or opposite.
• What is Brahman in Hinduism?

  Brahman is the source of all, formless, genderless, and eternal.
• Why do adherents turn to gods with physical forms?

  They seek a more personal connection to the divine that cannot be achieved through the unperceived Brahman.
• What is Saguna Brahman?

  Saguna Brahman is Brahman with person-like features, represented by the Trimurti.
• Who are the three deities of the Trimurti?

  The three deities are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
• What does Brahma represent in Hinduism?

  Brahma is the uncreated creator, usually shown with four faces and four arms.
• What is Vishnu known for?

  Vishnu is known as the preserver of the universe and is often depicted as a playful lover.
• How is Shiva represented in Hinduism?

  Shiva is represented as the destroyer and dancer, often depicted with a trident and erect lingam and yoni.
• What do the female consorts of the Trimurti represent?

  The female consorts acknowledge the polarities in nature and complement the male gods.
• Who is Sarasvati in Hinduism?

  Sarasvati is the wife of Brahma and the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, speech, and poetry.