What you'll learn
Core Hindu beliefs about ultimate reality and the goal of life, and how Hindus worship.
Key beliefs
- Brahman: the one ultimate reality, expressed through many deities (e.g. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).
- Atman: the eternal soul, part of Brahman.
- Samsara: the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (reincarnation).
- Karma: actions have consequences that shape future lives.
- Moksha: liberation from samsara — the ultimate goal.
- Dharma: religious and moral duty.
Practices
- Puja: worship at a home shrine or mandir (temple), using images (murti), light, food and offerings.
- Festivals such as Diwali (festival of light) and Holi.
- Pilgrimage to sacred sites (e.g. the Ganges).
Exam tips
- Learn the Sanskrit key terms and link them (karma affects samsara; moksha is release from it).
- Reference sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita.
Common mistakes
- Saying Hindus worship 'many gods' without explaining these as forms of one Brahman.
- Confusing moksha with heaven.