Monday, October 15, 2007




Reincarnation - Hinduism is based on the concept that human and animal spirits reincarnate, or come back to earth to live many times in different forms. The belief that souls move up and down a hierarchy depending on the behaviors they practiced in their life. They can come back to life as a higher or lower class based on their behavior in the previous life.

Karma- Usually it is believed to be all that an individual has done, is doing and will do. The effects of all things actively create past, present and future experiences. It makes one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others. Karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well. It's all cumulative.It's a cycle. What determines the state of an individual in the next existence is based off Karma.

Moksha- Release from the changing world and the cycle of birth and rebirth. Moksha is seen as a final release from one's worldly conception of self.Its the peaceful escape from the cycle of reincarnation.

Dharma- Dharma is the path of righteousness and living one's life according to the codes of conduct as described by the Vedas and Upanishads. Correct performance of dharma has a favourable effect on their fate. This may enable them to be reborn to a higher caste.


Brahman- Concept of the supreme spirit or finding morality. Brahma is the creator of the universe and all living beings.

Samsara- A belief that the souls of the dead successively return to earth in new bodies or forms. Can be born into a different caste.

Sources
http://www.spiritual-wholeness.org/faqs/reincgen/hindrein.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma

1 comment:

Judaism said...

Reading this blog has really helped me understand Siddhartha (the book) a lot better! Thanks! These give more indepth definitions than the vocab in my notebook so it's really helpful when I want to know more.
emily d