Term
|
Definition
| means 'to do no harm,' assoc. w Jainism - practice not harming a living thing (ex. won't wear clothes bc they come from animals or plants), ex. from Ramayana when Valmiki sees bird fall in love and then get shot |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| means 'cosmic axis,' line through an object, surrounded by points for cardinal directions, represent connection from Heaven to Earth, found in sacred/meaningful places |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| top group of Hindu caste system, preistly figures, teach Dharma and conduct religious duties |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| practice of walking a full circle around a temple or holy space, along the way stop and pray at various statues, allowed to pause and reflect spiritually during 'pilgrimage,' ritual showing respect toward gods |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| staff or walking stick in India, symbol of power and importance, come out of the ground in certain sacred spaces, could symbolize axis mundi |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| auspicious seeing between diety and worshipper, help in achieving liberation from cycles of rebirth, visual contact with divine essential for worship, reverent devotional gaze |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
'one's righteous duties,' complete dharma in some way to achieve nirvana, specific rituals, ethical conduct, follows caste system.
right view, intention, conduct, speech, livelihood, endeavor, awareness, contemplation
(very intelligent cats smell like elderly awful crap) |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 'womb chamber' in Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain temple, houses main statue of diety, in alignment with axis mundi and sits in equilibrium, usually darker and less decorated to unify temple |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| cycle of cause and effect, understanding every action has a consequence, supreme god's will is presented according to one's actions, we are the sum of our past individual actions |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| 'warrior' of Hindu caste system, leaders in armies, highly exalted because they protect population, second caste under Brahmin |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| representation of Shiva for worship in temple, interpretation of this include it being an endless pillar or a male form exerting creativity, usually alongside female representation, part of illustration of origination of life |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| outdoor hall with pillars used in religious rituals, passes through entrance and into temple, usually numerous and specifically named and decorated in temples |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| one of largest settlements in Indus Valley Civilization, found along Indus river, expansive land with large urban centers, home of 'Dancing Girl' statue |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Hindu equivalent of nirvana, when person achieves this they are released from pain and suffering in life cycle, highest level of purity, release of atman |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| holy mountain, believed to be residing place of Lord Shiva in meditative state, Hindu temple for Shiva modeled after mountain |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| imporant Shruti text, in congruence with Ramayana and Mahabarata, 33 gods, most important gods = Surya, Agni, Indra, and Shiva |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| means 'continuous flow,' cycle of birth, life, and death, idea present in Hinduism and Buddhism, can only be exited via moksha/nirvana |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| the point and tower directly above the garbhagriha, typical of Hindu temples, referred to as "mountain," prominent on famous Somanathapura temple |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| takes place in story of Nala and Damayanti, girl's father hosts event for daughter to chose her husband, spreads word to attract suitors |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| castes of Hindu society, divided into Kshatriyas, Brahmins, Vishyas, and Shudras, gave everyone places in society, technically outdated version of current caste system |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| maintainer/preserver of holy trinity (him, Shiva, Brahma), several avatars (Rama, Krishnu, etc), Supreme God in Hinduism |
|
|
