Polytheism

Belief in many gods.

Vishnu

A Hindu god considered the preserver of the world

Brahma

A Hindu god considered the creator of the world

Shiva

A Hindu god considered the destroyer of the world.

Untochables

LOWEST LEVEL OF INDIAN SOCIETY; not considered a real part of the caste system; often given degrading jobs; their life was extremely difficult.

Karma

( Hinduism and Buddhism ) The effects of a persons actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation.

Meditation

The focusing of attention to clear one's mind and produce relaxation

Caste system

A Hindu social class system that controlled every aspect of daily life.

Enlightenment

A movement in the 18th century that advocated the use of reason in the reappraisal of accepted ideas and social institutions.

Reincarnation

The rebirth of a soul in a new body.

Vedas

Ancient Sanskrit writings that are the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism.