| A | B |
|---|
| Samsara | The cycle of karma driven birth. |
| Karma | Actions are seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results. |
| Mantra | Word or formula to be recited or sung. |
| Caste | A social hierarchy ordering marriage and social roles. |
| Brahmins | Scholarly elite, long associated with the priesthood. |
| Kshatriyas | Ruling and military class. |
| Vaisyas | Merchants and farmers. |
| Sudras | The peasantry. |
| Untouchables | Lowest posistion of caste. Outlawed in India's Constitution. |
| Aum | Syllable for Supreme Reality. |
| Janana Yoga | Yoga of the mind. Emphasizes meditation. |
| Bhakti Yoga | Yoga that emphasizes directing your devotion/love towards God. |
| Raja Yoga | Combines elements of Janana,Bhakti,Karma and Hatha Yogas. |
| Hatha Yoga | Yoga that stresses body control. |
| Brahma | A speicific creator god. |
| Brahman | Ultimate Reality/World Soul. |
| Nihilism | Philosophy that stresses distate for life. Life has no purpose. |
| Ahisma | Reverence for life. |
| Samhitas | Basic Vedas. Rig Veda,Samaveda,Vajurveda,Atharaveda. |
| Veda | Sanskrit for knowledge. |
| Indus River Valley | Located in present day Pakistan. |
| Vishnu/Purushottama/Narayana | The preserver. The ideal in masculinity. |
| Shiva | The Destroyer. 3rd Eye of wisdom/annihilation. |
| Saraswati | Goddess of knowledge and learning. Wedded to Brahma. |
| Lakshmi | Goddess of Weatlh/Prosperity. Consort to Vishnu. |
| Uma/Parvati/Durga/Kali | Goddess of Power/Strength and Energy. 9 Forms. Shiva's consort. |
| Ganesha | Remover of obstacles. Son of Shiva and Parvati. |
| Hanuman | Know for total single minded loyalty to Rama and Sita. |
| Krishna | Incarnation of Vishnu. Object of devotion and unfailing love. |
| Rama | Incarnation of Vishnu. Known as "God incarnate as morality." |
| Infant Welcoming Ritual | Places great importance on the point where a child consumes solid food. |
| Krishna Janmashtami | Marks the birthday of Krishna. |
| Rama Navami | Holiday centered on the veneration of god Rama. |
| Durga Puja | Observance of the triumph of good over evil. |
| Marriage Ceremonies | Usually arranged between families. |
