Hindu concepts

Atman

Atman means 'eternal self'. The atman refers to the real self beyond ego or false self.

Dharma

In Hinduism Dharama means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society.

Varna

The class system is a model or ideal of social order that first occurs in the oldest Hindu text, the Rig Veda and the present day caste (jati) system may be rooted in this.

Karma and Samsara

Karma is law that every action has an equal reaction. Samsara is the process of reincarnation.

Purushartha

Purusharthas are goals determined by a person's stage of life and position.

Brahman and God

Brahman is a Sanskrit word which refers to a transcendent power beyond the universe. Most Hindus believe in God but what this means varies in different traditions.

Guru

The terms guru and acharya refer to a teacher or master of a tradition.