[b]Agnitra[/b] - the protector of the fire; the keeper of the fire; he that holds the fire; Vedic Shrautin; yajna-dharma The agnitra is a common theme in the Vedas. It is a compound term that literally means [i]the keeper of the fire[/i], where the fire is understood to be that present in the [b]yajna[/b]. [url=http://vyapak.org/images/Surya%20yajna%20vyapak.jpg]Illustration[/url] (Warning: big picture, established to be online as of 2014-04-29). [b]Arya Dharma[/b] A traditional name for Hinduism. Often seen with a degree of caution because it may bring unfortunate associations with the "Aryan Race" ideal as espoused by Nazi philosophy. [b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aryan_invasion_theory]Aryan Invasion Theory[/url][/b] The [i]Aryan Invasion Theory[/i] is a hugely controversial idea that many current Hindus feel to be both discredited and inconvenient, even dangerous. It deals with the supposed ethical and cultural origins of Indian people and, at least to a degree, of Hinduism. [b]Astika[/b] In simple terms, [i]Astika Dharma[/i] is a Hinduism proper, a Dharma that attempts to follow the teachings of the Vedas. Those include Samkhya, Mimamsa and Vedanta. [b]Atheism[/b] A controversial subject within Hinduism, not so much in Jainism and Buddhism. A popular view is that it is not possible to take the Vedas at all seriously, or to attain Sat-Chit-Ananda, without at least a modicum of faith on the existence of the Deva as literal supernatural beings. Another, irreconciliable one is that the Devas are largely symbolic and/or inspirational and literal belief in their existence has never been needed for Hindu religious practice. The general trend is clearly towards being at least unconfortable with (and often very critical of) Atheism, though. [b]Avatar[/b] [b]Buddha Dharma[/b] - see [i]Buddhism[/i]. [b]Buddhism[/b] Buddhism is a Dharmic religion originated loosely around year 600 BC. It is usually considered [i]Nastika Dharma[/i] by Hindus. A minority yet sometimes emphatic view insists that it is in some ways an extension of Hinduism. Syncretism with Hinduism is not unheard of, although often challenged. It is often understood that the Vajrayana schools of Tibetan Buddhism have been significantly influenced by Hinduism. [b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C4%81rv%C4%81ka]Cārvāka[/url][/b], also known as [i]Charvaka[/i] and as [i]Lokāyata[/i], is a historically Indian system of beliefs that is generally considered to be extinct and atheistic, materialistic and skeptical in nature. While it has on occasion been considered part of Hinduism, that is definitely a minority opinion, and possibly a complete classification error. [b]Daoism[/b] - see [i]Taoism[/i] [b]Deva[/b], plural "Devas", feminine "Devi" [b]Hinduism[/b] [b]Jain Dharma[/b] - see [i]Jainism[/i]. [b]Jainism[/b] Jainism is a Dharmic religion originated loosely around year 600 BC. It is usually considered [i]Nastika Dharma[/i] by Hindus. It is known to strongly emphasize the concept of [i]Ahimsa[/i] (non-violence) that it shares with Hinduism. [b]Nastika[/b] In simple terms, [i]Nastika Dharma[/i] is a religious doctrine that has inherited concepts and cultural influence from Hinduism and may (or may not) be largely compatible and in harmony with Hinduism, yet claims no duty to follow the teachings of the Vedas. It is generally agreed that Charvaka, Jainism and Buddhism are Nastika schools - at least according to Hinduism. Some or all of those movements might prefer to be regarded as religions of their own. [b]Sanatana Dharma[/b], also known as Sanatan Sikh [list=1] [*][i]As generally understood[/i], Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Dharma, loosely translated as Eternal Doctrine) is a traditional name for Hinduism. See also [b]Vaidika Dharma[/b] (a name that references the Vedas) and [b]Arya Dharma[/b] (which references the Arya people). [b]Perceived advantages[/b] of that interpretation include its undeniable demographic success and lessened potential for unintentional confusion and misundestandings. [b]Perceived disadvantages[/b] include a lack of expression of desire to reach out for doctrines, practices and teachings that are not generally understood as Hindu. In some contexts that may be undesirable. It has been noted that this is basically the flip side of the perceived advantages above. [*][i]An alternate interpretation[/i] of the expression, often used in contexts where it is desired to express approval and/or admiration for the efforts of religious groups, teachers or authors, is that any valid and constructive religious action may be considered in harmony with the deepest goals of Hinduism and should therefore be praised as part of Sanatana Dharma. It amounts to a deliberate blurring of the boundaries between Hindu teachings and non-Hindu teachings, as a display of respect and/or appreciation. [b]Perceived advantages[/b] of this interpretation are the expression of trust and good will, which are understood to encourage mutual respect and understanding, which are of course universally desired. [b]Perceived disadvantages[/b] of this interpretation are the potential for confusion, often unintended and even well-meaning but nevertheless undesirable. Anedoctal evidence exists of at least one instance where it led to a misunderstanding, with a Catholic ending up believing that Catholicism is seen by Hindus as an universal religion while also being fundamentally distinct from Hinduism. That episode is generally understood as being a benign yet regrettable stance of undue extrapolation. It should also be noted that deciding to label people as Sanatana Dharmi (practicioners of Sanata Dharma) without their approval, agreement, consent or sometimes even without their knowledge is generally understood as an unwise, adharmic action since it so easily leads to ill feelings for no good reason. It has also been stated that it is, by definition, invasive. [*][i]Another alternate interpretation[/i] says that some or all religions generally understood to have a Dharmic approach (most often Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, sometimes Taoism or even Confucionism; opinions may vary) are to be considered as part of Sanata Dharma as well. Historical links, well-documented or speculative, are often mentioned as part of the justification for this interpretation. [b]Perceived advantages[/b] of this interpretation are mainly of a syncretic bent. It is favored by those who have a high regard for reaching out for other Dharmas. [b]Perceived disadvantages[/b] include the potential for creating conflict due to perceived or real misunderstandings. It must be noted that efforts at communicating with other Dharmas are not without dangers of their own. Under some circunstances, attempting to present a common legacy or origin may easily be seen as disrespectful and/or invasive. [/list] [b][url=http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Sanatan_Sikhi]Sanatan Sikhi[/url][/b] A movement of a minority of Sikhs who view Sikhism as part of [i]Sanatan Dharma[/i] as opposed as a separate Dharma of its own. [b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satcitananda]Sat-Chit-Ananda[/url][/b] Also known as [i]Satcitananda[/i] and other variant spellings. While Sat (loosely translatable as "truth", "absolute" or "unchangeable"), Chit ("true/pure consciousness") and Ananda ("beauty", "happiness" or "pleasure") are all individual words, this composite is a traditional name for the superlative experience of Brahman, and a very important concept of Hinduism. [b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism]Sikhism[/url][/b] Sikhism is a 15th century religion that is both revealed, emphatically monotheistic and Dharmic. [b]Tao[/b] [b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism]Taoism[/url][/b], also known as [i]Daoism[/i] A traditional religion of Chinese origin, arguably Dharmic in nature. Unlike most Dharmic faiths, Taoism has no clear historical relationship to Hindu beliefs and may not always be considered Dharmic. [b]Vaidika Dharma[/b] Literally the Dharma from (or of) the Vedas. An alternative name for Hinduism. [b]Vedas[/b] The main (or at least the most ancient) scriptures of Hinduism. Not necessarily the most read or the most influential, though; notably, the well-regarded [i]Bhagavad Gita[/i] and its parent text, the [i]Mahabharata[/i], are [b]not[/b] Vedas, at least in the traditional sense. [b]Yana[/b] In Buddhism, the Yanas are the three main branches of teachings. Traditionally expressed as Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Some controversy exists about the propriety of naming Theravada (the only remaining non-Mahayana school) as Hinayana, which is often seen as a pejorative word. Vajrayana or Esoteric Buddhism is sometimes considered a subset of Mahayana.