Download File

Hinduism and Buddhism Vocab
Hinduism – Religion of India that grew out of the beliefs of the
ancient Aryan and Harrapan peoples. It stresses that one main
force connects all of life.
Vedas – In Hinduism, the ancient books of sacred songs upon which
much of Hindu religious belief is based.
Caste system – Social system in Hindu society in which a person's place and duty are
determined by the rank of the family into which he or she is born.
Reincarnation – Hindu belief that people move in a constant cycle of life, death and
rebirth.
Dharma – In Hinduism, the laws and duties that guide the behavior of caste members.
Karma – In Hinduism and Buddhism, the end result of all a person's good or bad acts: a
force which determines his or her rebirth.
Siddhartha Gautama – Ancient Indian religious leader known as the
Buddha, or Enlightened One, who founded Buddhism.
Buddhism – religion founded in India by Siddhartha Gautama which
teaches that the most important thing in life is to reach peace by
ending suffering.
Monk – a man who devotes his life to a religious group often giving up all he owns.
Four Noble Truths – In Buddhism, the foundational principles that rule life and promise
an end to suffering.
Eightfold Path – In Buddhism, the basic rules of behavior and belief that lead to an end
of suffering.
Middle Way – In Buddhism, a way of life that is neither too strict nor too easy and that
results from following the Eightfold Path.