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  1. caste
    a hereditary social class among Hindus
    These rituals supported social and gender divisions between classes and castes. (2.2.A)
  2. salvation
    the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil
    In Brahmanism, salvation was attained through a series of reincarnations. (2.2.A)
  3. reincarnation
    a second or new birth
    In Brahmanism, salvation was attained through a series of reincarnations. (2.2.A)
  4. karma
    effects of one's actions that determine his or her destiny
    Karma was associated with fidelity to ritual and ceremony as opposed to moral and ethical behavior. (2.2.A)
  5. fidelity
    the quality of being faithful
    Karma was associated with fidelity to ritual and ceremony as opposed to moral and ethical behavior. (2.2.A)
  6. ethical
    adhering to moral principles
    Karma was associated with fidelity to ritual and ceremony as opposed to moral and ethical behavior. (2.2.A)
  7. sage
    a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics
    In c. 500 BCE, hundreds of Upanishads were written by sages that reflected upon the Vedas to contemplate the ultimate reality of life (brahman). (2.2.A)
  8. contemplate
    think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
    In c. 500 BCE, hundreds of Upanishads were written by sages that reflected upon the Vedas to contemplate the ultimate reality of life (brahman). (2.2.A)
  9. theological
    of or relating to or concerning the study of religion
    Hinduism marked the philosophical and theological shift from brahmin ritualism to a metaphysical and moral focus. (2.2.A)
  10. metaphysical
    pertaining to the philosophical study of being and knowing
    Hinduism marked the philosophical and theological shift from brahmin ritualism to a metaphysical and moral focus. (2.2.A)
  11. intervention
    the act of getting involved
    Religious devotion in Hinduism was demonstrated through personal worship and moral behavior and with less intervention by a priestly class. (2.2.A)
  12. nirvana
    the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation
    Both Upanishadic Hinduism and Buddhism arose as a reaction to the ritualism of Brahmanism. Consequently, both Buddhism and Hinduism shared common notions such as dharma, karma, moksha ( nirvana), and samsara; however, the two religions took on different beliefs and practices regarding these concepts. (2.2.A)
  13. monastic
    relating to life in an isolated religious community
    Monastic organization further aided the spread of Buddhism and its literary and artistic traditions. (2.2.B)
  14. diffusion
    the act of dispersing something
    Monasteries reproduced written copies of Buddhist texts, which enhanced the portability and diffusion of Buddhism. (2.2.B)
  15. exemplar
    a person or thing to be imitated; ideal model
    Monks also served as moral exemplars of appropriate behaviors and right living established in the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. (2.2.B)
  16. tributary
    paying money, as for protection
    On its frontiers, it established tributary relationships with local rulers who maintained local authority. (2.2.C)
  17. patronage
    the act of providing approval and support
    The Gupta also provided state sponsorship and patronage for Hinduism and contributed to its revival. (2.2.C)
  18. revival
    bringing again into activity and prominence
    The Gupta also provided state sponsorship and patronage for Hinduism and contributed to its revival. (2.2.C)
  19. abstraction
    a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance
    The spread of epic literature such as the Ramayana and the Bhagavid Gita popularized the metaphysical abstractions of the Upanishads. (2.2.C)
  20. avatar
    the manifestation of a Hindu deity in human or animal form
    These ethical and religious tales of gods, avatars, and characters became widely known exemplars for moral behavior. (2.2.C)
Created on July 15, 2020 (updated July 15, 2020)

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