RLGA02H3 Final: World religions key terms for final exam.docx
Document Summary
There is no one way to describe oneself as hindu, most people talk of specific caste or sect. This is an alternative word which literally means eternal faith" but is only common in a few parts of indian and in some class of society. The term is seldom used to refer to local manifestations of the faith. They consist of spiritual laws that govern the human existance. It is said that they are eternal laws and existed before the discovery of them by the rishis in the vedic period. E. g. of sanatama darma=dharma(sacred duty of oneself) Tilaka- most common visual sign of hindu culture is forhead mark. Especially red dot (bindi) tradtionally worn by married women. In many parts of india, however, men=ascetics and temple preists also wear various forhead marks in the context of religious rituals. Like many elements in hindu traditions, forhead mark may be interpreted inv arious ways, depending on gender, marital status of person wearing it.