[size=5]General or controversial terms[/size] [b]Ahimsa[/b] Non-violence in thought, word and deed. A central concept of [i]Jainism[/i], and the first [i]Yama[/i] of Hinduism. [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]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, irreconcilable 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]Bhajan[/b] A Hindu term for devotional songs, closely related to [i]Bhakti[/i] practice. [b]Bhakti[/b] An important and popular form of religious practice centered on devotion to some form of deity. Usually involves prayer, chanting and/or music. The name comes from the Hindu or Sanatana Dharma tradition, but Bhakti is definitely present and popular with other religions as well, albeit not always under this name. [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]. 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]Dharma[/b] Loosely translated as "doctrine", "religion", or "path", but also as "virtue", "duty" or "morality". The actual meaning is often dependent on context. Dharma tends to value a line of transmission of religious knowledge. It is common and perhaps usual for the value of a Dharma to be understood as a function of the perceived wisdom both of the practicioner and of his or her religious teachers. [b]Guru[/b] Religious teacher. A term typically used in Hinduism and of particularly strong meaning in Sikhism. [b]Henotheism[/b] Belief that while God is ultimately one and supreme, he may well manifest in a variety of aspects that are themselves divine, yet never unconnected or truly distinct from the Supreme God. Typical of Hinduism. May in practice be nearly indistinguishable from Monotheism. [b]Hinduism[/b] Usual name for [i]Sanatana Dharma[/i] in the current times. [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][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niyama]Niyama[/url][/b] Duty or obligation, roughly equivalent in meaning to "virtuous behavior". See also [i]Yama[/i]. In Hinduism there are five or ten (depending on the source) traditional Niyamas. [b]Panentheism[/b] Religious doctrine that describes God as both transcending the material universe and being always strictly linked to it. Panentheism is compatible with a remarkable variety of Faiths, but is particularly noticeable in Sikhism. It can also be held as an autonomous or even custom belief, without necessarily being attached to an organized religion or Dharma. [b]Sanatana Dharma[/b] (also [i]Sanatan Dharma[/i]) [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]Sanatana Dharma[/i] as opposed as a separate Dharma of its own. [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. Sikhism's view of God is markedly panentheistic. [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][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamas]Yama[/url][/b] (Not to be confused with Lord Yama, the [i]Deva[/i] of Death) Behavior restriction, seen as necessary for ethical conduct. See also [i]Niyama[/i]. In Hinduism there are five or ten (depending on the source) traditional restrictions necessary for ethical conduct. [size=5]Typically Buddhist concepts[/size] [b]Metta[/b] [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. [size=5]Typically Hindu concepts[/size] [b]Advaita[/b] One of the (traditionally six) [i]Astika[/i] schools of Hindu thought. [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]Astika[/b] In simple terms, [i]Astika Dharma[/i] is Hinduism proper, a Dharma that attempts to follow the teachings of the Vedas. Those include Samkhya, Mimamsa and Vedanta schools of thought. [b]Avatar[/b] A manifestation or aspect of a Deva as another Deva or (perhaps) as an idealized human or even animal. A popular concept in Hinduism. [b]Deva[/b], plural "Devas", feminine "Devi" A concept somewhat similar to that of deity. Often referenced in the Vedas and other sacred texts of Hinduism and other Dharmic religions. [b]Dvaita[/b] One of the (traditionally six) [i]Astika[/i] schools of Hindu thought. [b][url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%ABm%C4%81%E1%B9%83s%C4%81]Mimamsa[/url][/b] One of the (traditionally six) [i]Astika[/i] schools of Hindu thought. [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]Samkhya[/b] One of the (traditionally six) [i]Astika[/i] schools of Hindu thought. [b]Sat[/b] Truth; being truthful, fair, and righteous. Emphasized in [i]Sikhism[/i]. [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]Vaidika Dharma[/b] Literally the Dharma from (or of) the Vedas. An alternative name for Hinduism. [b]Vedanta[/b] One of the (traditionally six) [i]Astika[/i] schools of Hindu thought. [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. [size=5]Typically Sikh concepts[/size] [b]Chardhi Kala[/b] (also [i]Chardi kala[/i]) Optimism; the ideal of keeping high spirits, being positive even in times of difficulty, stress, pain and suffering. A Sikh is to be like the lotus flower: even in filthy water, it remains unsullied (by bad things), pure and beautiful. [b]Data[/b] Compassion; trying to help others, [i]metta[/i], overlooking people's imperfections and mistakes. [b]Five Thieves[/b] Also known as the five evils. Five negative personal issues that are considered to rob a person of their better, spiritual nature. A Sikh is expected to subdue these thieves, to ascend them. They are lust (kaam), anger (krodh), greed (lobh), attachment (to material things, etc; moh), ahankar (egotism, pride). [b]Five Virtues[/b] These are to fight the five thieves, become a better person, and to reach enlightenment. These are truth (sat), compassion (daya), contentment (santokh), humility (nimrata), and love (pyaar). [b]Kirat karo[/b] One of the Three Pillars of Sikhism. Means earning a living through productive work for the benefit of both the individual and larger society. [b]Kirtan[/b] (also [i]Kirtana[/i], [i]Sankirtan[/i]) A form of religious chanting for purposes of [i]Bhakti[/i] practice. Typical but by no means exclusive of the Sikh Faith where is takes the form devotional singing of [i]Shabads[/i], most often from the [i]Sri Guru Granth Sahib[/i] and forms the bulk of Sikh religious services. [b]Langar[/b] The religious practice of eating in community, in equality of conditions (and often of food) for all, including non-Sikhs. Sufism (an esoteric form of Islamic practice) uses the same word with a slightly different meaning. [b]Manglacharan / Mool Mantar[/b] The first 13 words written in the [i]Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji[/i] (the Manglacharan - from "Ik Onkar" to "Prasad") or the first 13 + the next 12 (the Mool Mantar - from "Ik Onkar" to "hosi bhi sach"). Considered to be a key foundational statement in Sikhi. [b]Naam Japo[/b] One of the Three Pillars of Sikhism. A form of meditation and chanting aimed to reinforce the connection with God. The word or phrases commonly repeated are "Waheguru", "Satnam Sri Waheguru Ji", or the [i]Manglacharan[/i] / [i]Mool Mantar[/i]. [b]Nimrata[/b] Humility; not boasting, not making a big scene, not over-estimating yourself or acting cool. [b]Pyaar[/b] Love; love of God, and love of humankind. Love is one of the biggest parts of Sikhism. [b]Santokh[/b] Contentment; not being jealous, being content and not being jealous or envious of others or their possessions. [b]Seva[/b] (also [i]Sewa[/i]) Selfless service; undertaken by a person that is "doing good for the sake of goodness". Within Sikhism, it's divided into material, mental, and physical service. [b]Vand Chhako[/b] One of the Three Pillars of Sikhism. A practice of sharing of wealth with aspects of reinforcement of community ties. [size=5]Typically Taoist concepts[/size] [b]Tao[/b] [b]My great thanks to:[/b] [list] [*][url=http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/members/vinayaka-27944.html]Vinayaka[/url] for the information about Yamas and Niyamas. [*][url=http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/members/breathe-16244.html]Breathe[/url] for the help with the Sikh concepts. [*][url=http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/members/treks-42258.html]Treks[/url] for the help with the Sikh concepts. [/list]