Hinduism
a religion that developed in India over many centuries; it traces its roots to older traditions, such as Vedic beliefs and Brahmanism
Vedas
a collection of ancient writings viewed as sacred by many Hindus
Sanskrit
an ancient Indian language
Brahmanism
ancient ritual traditions in which Brahmins played a key role; it grew out of older Vedic religious beliefs and helped lead to Hinduism
caste
a class, or group, in Hindu society
dharma
a belief found in Hinduism and other Indian traditions that a person has a duty or obligation to live an honorable life
karma
a belief found in Hinduism and other Indian traditions that the good and evil done in a past life determines the nature of that person's next life
reincarnation
the belief that a person's soul is reborn into a new body after death
pilgrimage
a journey to a holy place
