Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil terms helpful in understanding caste Hindus and bringing them the good news of Jesus. With Special Vocabulary Lists and Bibliography. Dedicated to all Jesu Bhaktas.
Compiled by Marko Malyj, 2002-2003.
Quotes from R.C.Das
The Kingdom of God is a spiritual and invisible empire, the reign of God in human hearts and social relationships....
Christianity is rather like leaven, qualifying, vitalizing and reshaping the whole system of Hindu thought, emotion and activity....
Living Hinduism can easily and normally pass into living Christianity without serious loss to either....
Outwardly the evangelist should live the Hindu life in obedience to essential Christian principles. This will not only disarm opposition and melt prejudice but will also remove the harmful idea that Christian conversion is mere change of outward community....
The moral and spiritual truths of Hinduism are of a piece with the gospel and lead to a final surrender and shelter in Christ....
If the Holy Spirit continues his work outside the church frame, there may come, sooner than later, a time when Hindus as a community will awake to find that they are truly Christian in faith though Hindu in religion (culture and life)....
We do not confront Hindus with ideas and doctrines, we share our experiences with him and communicate our life to him, and he recognizes us if we are true followers of the humble Nazarene who came to 'seek and save that which was lost'....
(R.C.Das, pp. 72, 128, 132, 218, 283-4.)
The radical goal for Hindu devotees of Christ and for India itself is to be truly Hindu and fully biblical....
(H.L.Richard on N.V.Tilak, p. 107.)
Vocabulary
AARTI, lighting and circular waving of a lamp to honor the celebrant of worship.
ABHANG, a religious song or hymn written in the traditional metre used by the Indian Poet-saints, to express their devotion to God.
ACHARYA, spiritual teacher, lord, could be used as a term for "pastor" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS. (compare PADRI)
ADHARMA, sin (compare DHARMA).
ADHUNIK GEET, modern songs. (compare GEET)
AGNI DIKSHA, Holy Spirit baptism. (see also SNANA DIKSHA)
AHIMSA, nonviolence, impartiality. AHIMSA points to the love and humility of Jesus, according to R.C.Das. (see also VARUNA, VISHNU, SWAHIMSA)
ANANYABHAKTI, undivided devotion to God. (see also BHAKTI)
ANANYATVA, the unitive spiritual experience.
ANASAKTI, aka SAMATA, SANYAS.
ANGON, aka CHABUTRA.
ANNAM, rice, could possibly be used to represent the body of Christ, according to R.C.Das. In Sanskrit means life. (see also JALAM)
ANNAPRASHNA, rice-eating ceremony, a Hindu practice observed by many JESU BHAKTAS.
ANTARYAMIN, "inner controller", God as immanent within each person.
ANUBHAVA, ANUBHABA, experience, experience of reality, direct religious experience.
ANURAGA, love, loyalty.
ARADHANA, adoration or consecration in silence.
ARATI, waving of a lamp, also a service of lights by waving of lamps, incense around an alter, offering of flowers, etc., usually in the evening (see also BHAJAN, KIRTAN, SATSANGH)
ARCHANA, worship with flowers, a Hindu act of devotion.
ARTHA, wealth, one of the things Hindu society strives for (see also DHARMA, KAMA, MOKSHA)..
ASHRAM, 1) stage of life, of which there are four for Hindus, 2) a quiet place of retreat for the third stage, the stage of contempletion, retreat from the busyness of life, denial of enjoyment, and renunciation and sacrifice. Roman Catholics have set up many Hindu Christian ashrams. (see also BHOG, TYAG)
ATMA, spirit.
ATMAN, soul, spirit, self.
AUM, logos, Word.
AVATAR, an incarnation of a deity, examples include Rama, Krishna. Literally 'descent'. "Stripped of its historical association with Hinduism, it is the most appropriate term to express the meaning and implication of the incarnation." - R.C.Das
AVIDYA, aka MAYA.
BAJANAI, a form of carolling which is practiced on full-moon nights and festivals.
BANDHAM, fetters, bondage.
BARAYANAM, repetition of scripture verses, a Hindu act of devotion.
BEEJMATRA, creeds.
BHAGAVAN, BHAGWAN, god, "blessed one", used to describe AVATARA like Rama and Krishna, could be used for Jesus to mean "blessed Lord", or instead of "God" or "Yahweh". (compare PRABHU, SRI, see also BHAJ, BHAKTI, BHAKTA, BHAJAN)
BHAJ, adoration, worship. (see also BHAKTI, BHAKTA, BHAJAN, BHAGAVAN)
BHAJANS, devotional songs addressed directly to God, more specifically a traditional antiphonal musical chant between a guru and his disciples, a type of corporate worship, group songs which start in the evening, can last till the small hours of the morning (see also ARATI, KIRTAN, SATSANGH,
BHAJ, BHAKTI, BHAKTA, BHAGAVAN, NAN JAP, compare GEET, GHAZAL) performed in the temple.
BHAKTA, devotee, selfless devotion to a personal concept of God, usually the AVATARS Krishna or Rama. Salvation is by fellowship with and enjoyment of God, and is by grace and love, free of cost. (compare JNANI, see also BHAJ, BHAKTI, BHAJAN, BHAGAVAN)
BHAKTI, devotion, devotional. (see also ANANYABHAKTI, BHAJ, BHAKTA, BHAJAN, BHAGAVAN)
BHAKTI MARGA, the way of devotion. "BHAKTI MARGA is devotion to a Person" (E.Stanley Jones). See also JNANA MARGA, KARMA MARGA.
BHOG, denial of enjoyment.
BHUT, evil spirit.
BHUTI, ash worn on the forehead by most Indian widows. (aka VIBHUTI)
BINDI, aka KUNKU, POTTU, SINDHUR, TILAK.
BRAHMACHARI, student.
BRAHMACHARYA, self control, continence, and the discipline of bodily passions leading to physical and mental purity and building up of character, a training for the young.
BRAHMASTHITI, abiding in God.
BRAHMAVAKYA, infallible scripture.
BUDDHI, one's nature.
CHABUTRA, open or protected courtyard within a Hindu temple. (aka ANGON)
CHARANAMRITAM, consecrated drink.
CHELA, disciple.
DAKSHINA, voluntary gifts offered in gratitude.
DALIT, literally "the oppressed", politically correct term for outcaste, low-caste. scheduled caste.
DARI, a thick carpet.
DARSHAN, DARSAN, an image or representation of a god, vision of a god.
DARSANA, the nature of reality, vision of the ultimate.
DASA, servant.
DEVA, God.
DHARMA, eternal law, righteousness, the Hindu word for religion or spirituality, following one's duty to live in harmony with the universe, one of the things Hindu society strives for; the privileges, duties and obligations of a man, his standard of conduct as a member of the Aryan community, as a member of one of the castes, as a person in a particular stage of life (PV Kane) (see also ARTHA, KAMA, MOKSHA, SADHANA DHARMA, SAMAJ DHARMA).
DHARMIKTA, term that could be used by JESU BHAKTAS instead of DHARM.
DHYANA, contemplation, religious exercises and preparation in order to find truth and peace. (aka SADHANA)
DIKSHA, DEEKSHA, "initiatory sign", a ceremony instead of "baptism" that could be used by JESU BHAKTAS to publicly confess faith in Christ. (see also SANSKARA)
DIWALI, the Hindu festival of Lights, observed one day near the beginning of November.
DUKH, sorrow and pain. Universal DUKH is a consequence of original sin.
DVIJA, regenerate, one of the three twice-born castes. The sacred thread ceremony initiates a boy from the three twice-born castes into a Brahmanical school. (see also SUDRA, VARNA)
GAIRIK, colored robe worn by a SANYASI, a sign of utter consecration to truth and non-attachment to the world.
GEET, indigenous worship song, akin to the Western hymn form, having many long verses, usually speaking about God rather than to God. (compare GHAZAL, BHAJAN, see also ADHUNIK GEET)
GHAZAL, love song, usually secular, some are towards a divine being, popular in the Hindu film industry. Most Indian church hymnbooks have a section of GHAZALS. (compare GEET, BHAJAN)
GIRIJA, word for "church", but not meaningful to Hindus. (compare MANDIR, SABHA)
GURU, venerable person, religious teacher, spiritual guide, spiritual preceptor, cult leader, a channel through which God communicates himself to man. Also their followers, who preached and propagated the essence and doctrines of their sects, were also called GURUS. (see also SHISHYA)
GURUDEV, a title for Jesus Christ.
GURUJI, term of endearment for a GURU by his followers.
GURUSHRUTI, incarnation.
GYANA MARGA, the way of knowledge, salvation is by losing one's self through meditative supra-rational realization and moving to an abyss beyond personality. (aka JNANA MARGA)
HARIJAN, literally "people of God", Gandhi's term for outcaste, low-caste. scheduled caste.
HARMONIUM, an Indian musical instrument.
HINDUTVA, literally "Hindu-ness", also refers to a Hindu nation.
HOLI, a Hindu festival.
HOMA, sacrifice, as of fat, flesh, cakes or drink (compare TYAG)
HRIDAYA, heart.
ISAI DHARM, a term equivalent to "Christianity", but not meaningful to Hindus. (compare KHRIST YESU PANTH)
ISAYEE, a term equivalent to "Christian", but not meaningful to Hindus. (compare KHRIST BHAKTA, JESU BHAKTA, MASIHI)
ISHTA DEVATA, ISHTADEVATA, a personal, chosen deity among the many gods, the concrete form in which the Godhead established contact with the worshipper. As such, it is a sign of divine election rather than the reverse.
JALAM, water, could possibly be used to represent the blood of Christ, according to R.C.Das. In Sanskrit means life. (see also ANNAM)
JAMINDAR, landlord.
JAPA, meditation.
JATI, caste. There are thousands of JATI. (compare VARNA)
JEBAMALA, garland of prayer.
JEPALAYA, Hindu temple of worship. a feature of some Christian ashrams.
JESU BHAKTA, a devotee or disciplined disciple of Jesus, non-baptized believer in Christ (NBBC). (compare KHRIST BHAKTA, MASIHI, ISAAYI)
JESUS JAYANTI, term that could be used by JESU BHAKTAS instead of "Christmas".
JIJNASA, spiritual searching.
JIWAN MUKTA, one who has found living salvation.
JNANA MARGA, the way of knowledge. "JNANA MARGA is devotion to an Idea" (E.Stanley Jones). MOKSHA is understood to be the realization of this essential unity of ATMAN and BRAHMAN in JNANA MARGA. (aka GYANA MARGA) See also BHAKTI MARGA, KARMA MARGA.
JNANI, JNANIN, philosopher, sage, one who follows the way of meditation and knowledge. (compare BHAKTI) KALEKSHEPAM, aka KIRTON, KIRTAN.
JUTTU, growth of long hair.
KAMA, pleasure, one of the things Hindu society strives for (see also DHARMA, ARTHA, MOKSHA).
KARADAYAN NONBU, day of fasting when married women who are not married perform PUJA for their TALI.
KARMA, the law of cause and effect active in the moral realm.
KARMA MARGA, the way of works. "KARMA MARGA is devotion to a Code" (E.Stanley Jones). See also BHAKTI MARGA, JNANA MARGA.
KAVI, saffron dress, worn also by SADHUS.
KHRIST BHAKTA, a devotee or disciplined disciple of Jesus, non-baptized believer in Christ (NBBC). (compare JESU BHAKTA, MASIHI, ISAAYI)
KHRIST JESU PANTH, could be used as a term equivalent to "Christianity" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS. (compare ISAI DHARM)
KIRTAN, KIRTON, a form of religious service, combining music, poetry, story-telling, and humor. Conducted by a single leader with a small choir singing in unison assisting him, in which hymns in praise of God alternate with sermons describing His doings when incarnate in human form (aka KALEKSHEPAM, also see ARATI, BHAJAN, SATSANGH), performed in the temple.
Kneeling, in the Hindu tradition is a gesture confined to mourning.
KOLAM, a ricepowder decoration put by the women in front of the door each morning and evening traditionally to welcome the good spirits to the house.
KOLUVA, worship.
KSHAMA, forbearance.
KUNKU, aka BINDI, POTTU, SINDHUR, TILAK.
KUTUVILAKKU, oil lamps, used in worship. Candles are not used.
LAKH, hundred thousand.
MAHATMA, great soul.
MANDAPAM, covered rest area in front of a temple.
MANDIR, could be used as a term for "church" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS. (compare GIRIJA, SRI KHRIST BHAKT MANDALI, SABHA)
MANES, spirits of the dead.
MANGALYAM, aka TALI.
MANJAL, yellow sandal paste to make a woman's complexion fairer.
MANTRA, a phrase on which one meditates in order to invite a particular deity to enter you.
MASALA, priestly robe, heirarchical titles, religious formalism, etc.
MASIHI, a term equivalent to "Christian", but not meaningful to Hindus. (compare KHRIST BHAKTA, JESU BHAKTA, ISAYEE)
MATHAM, organized religion.
MAYA, ignorance, illusion. (aka AVIDYA)
MOKSHA, liberation, release, one of the things Hindu society strives for (see also DHARMA, ARTHA, KAMA).
MOUNAM, corporate silence, a Hindu act of devotion.
MUMUKSHA, spiritual searching.
MUNI, silent seeker, saint.
MUTT, MUTH, monastery.
NAADOPASANA, music worship.
NAMARUPA, "names and forms", to a typical Hindu all NAMARUPA representing the invisible God are idols.
NAMA SADHAN, recitation of the names of God (or Jesus) in versified Sanskrit, to foster concentrated devotion and self-surrender to him.
NAMASKARAM, a motion with hands raised.
NAMASTE, hello, goodbye, literally "the God in me greets the God in you".
NAN JAP, a type of BHAJAN whose lyrics are made up exclusively of the names of god, or even a single name. (see also BHAJAN, KIRTAN, SATSANGH)
NAMRATA, humility.
NISHKAMA KARMA, "desireless work", working without being concerned about any reward that might follow on good works, taught in the BHAGAVAD GITA.
NISHKAM SEVA, selfless service.
NITYA SATYA, eternal truth.
OM, the eternal, used by some Hindu believers to express the idea of the eternal logos.
PADRI, word for "Christian pastor", but not meaningful to Hindus. (compare ACHARYA)
PANCHANGA PRANAM, semi-prostration during worship.
PANDA, a type of professional priest, often connected with a pilgrimmage center or temple.
PANDIT, also Hindu word for Christian priest.
PAPI, sinner.
PARAMATMA, supreme spirit.
PARAMU, heaven.
PARIPRASHNENA, informal free discussion by questions and counter questions.
PINDA, balls of wheat or rice offered to the MANES (spirits) of fathers or other relatives who have died but who have not been released. Especially during the ten-day-long funeral ceremony.
PONGAL, a Hindu festival, three days in January, primarily a social event of nonreligious nature involving a whole community.
POTTU, aka BINDI, KUNKU, SINDHUR, TILAK.
PRABHU, "Lord", term for Jesus used by non-Hindu Christians. (compare BHAGAVAN, SRI)
PRABHU BHOJ, term for holy communion used by non-Hindu Christians. (compare RAA BHOJ, PRASAD)
PRADAKSHIN, PRADAKSHINA, circumambulation, a Hindu practice observed by many JESU BHAKTAS, going round the church in a procession with lights or flowers or branches in hand and singing praises on special occasions.
PRAJAPATI, Lord of creatures in RIGVEDA who divided his body as a sacrifice of propitiation of sins of men and gods, an idea that points to the sacrifice of Jesus the Son of God.
PRAMAANA, evidence.
PRASAD, consecrated food placed in the presence of an idol and shared with others , literally"grace", could be used as a term for "holy communion" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS. (compare PRABHU BHOJ, RAA BHOJ)
PRASADAM, consecrated food.
PRAVACHAN, religious discourse.
PUJA, worship, particularly a ceremonial service performed in the temple or home, for example, a naming ceremony. The core ritual of popular theistic Hinduism. Pujas are characterized by various offerings, for example of incense, bananas, bits of coconut, flowers, milk, garlands, sweets, offered as sweet-tasting food for the worship of deities.
PUJA room, where puja is offered.
PUJARI, performer of religious ritual, in a Hindu's eyes carrying same level of authority as a church leader in a Protestant's eyes.
PUNARJANMA, doctrine of reincarnation.
PURUSA, person, personality (compare UTTUMA PURUSA)
PURUSHA, sacrifice.
PUT, the hell to which a Hindu man goes if his son does not perform the final rites.
PUTRA, the title a son receives for performing the final rites, so delivering his father from PUT.
RAA BHOJ, term for holy communion used by non-Hindu Christians. (compare PRABHU BHOJ, PRASAD)
RAKHI, RAKSABANDAN, a Hindu festival.
RAGA, a "melody-type" of Indian classical music. The RAGA used in a
BHAJAN should reflect the meaning of the text. Ideally, certain RAGAS would be sung in a certain season of the year and time of day.
RAM RAJYA, "the kingdom of God", also the name of a (former?) movement in India.
RISHI, truth seeker, sage.
RIYAAZ, music practice.
SABHA, the Church. (compare GIRIJA, MANDIR)
SACCHIDANANDA, reality, intelligence and bliss (see also SAT, YOGA)
SADHAN, cultivation, self-effort.
SADHANA, contemplation, religious exercises and preparation in order to find truth and peace. (aka DHYANA)
SADHANA DHARMA, points to the way to reach salvation. SADHANA DHARMA leaves the Hindu free to choose any way or MARGA that appeals to him. (see also SAMAJ DHARMA)
SADHU, ascetic, or more generally, a saintly man (see also SADHUNI, SAMNYASIN, SANYASI, KAVI). In the New Testament all believers are called saints.
SADHUNI, a saintly woman. (see also SADHU, SAMNYASIN, SANYASI)
SADHUTWA, sainthood.
SAIVISM,a Hindu practice prevalent in South India, and according to R.C.Das "a successful form of Hindu Christianity".
SALOKATA, association, expresses the traditional way of union with the Supreme through BHAKTI. (see also SAMIPATA, SARUPATA, SAYUJYTA)
SAMAJ DHARMA, the rules regarding social life, for example, regarding bathing, dressing, eating, etc. A Hindu is bound by the SAMAJ DHARMA (see also DHARMA, SADHANA DHARMA)
SAMATA, aka ANASAKTI, SANYAS.
SAMIPATA, nearness, expresses the traditional way of union with the Supreme through BHAKTI. (see also SALOKATA, SARUPATA, SAYUJYTA)
SAMNYASIN, aka SANYASI, SANNYASI, SADHU, SADHUNI.
SAMPRADAYA, Hindu religious order, sect, or denomination.
SAMSARA, the law of reincarnation.
SAMSKARA, sacrament, Hindu ceremony, always a family and community celebration, comparable to Christian marriage ceremonies, funerals, child baptism/dedication, confirmation.
SANSKARA, a term for sacrament acceptible to Hindus. (see also DIKSHA)
SANSAR, the world, worldly concern.
SANYAS, SANNYASA, renunciation, other worldliness, non-attachment. (aka ANASAKTI, SAMATA)
SANYASI, SANNYASI, literally "one who has renounced", a homeless wanderer or monk, the fourth ashram (stage) in the life of a Hindu. Jesus Christ waa the truest type of a SANYASI. (aka SADHU, SADHUNI, SAMNYASIN)
SARUPATA, likeness, expresses the traditional way of union with the Supreme through BHAKTI. (see also SALOKATA, SAMIPATA, SAYUJYTA)
SASTRI, pundit.
SAT, the infinite real (see also SACCHIDANANDA, compare MAYA)
SATSANGH, a type of corporate worship (see also ARATI, BHAJAN, KIRTAN) performed in the temple as an evening service; also, the informal gathering of truth-seekers for sharing and fellowship.
SATYA, truth.
SAYUJYTA, SAYUJATA, yokedness, union, expresses the traditional way of union with the Supreme through BHAKTI. (see also SALOKATA, SAMIPATA, SARUPATA)
SHAKTI, power of God.
SHANTI, the traditional spiritual quest of a Hindu is spiritual growth, to attain peace of mind and a pure heart, used as a term of greeting or farewell as in "Shalom".
SHASHTANGA NAMASKARAM, prostration for adoration, a Hindu act of devotion.
SHISHYA, student of a GURU.
SHUDDHI, (adj) cleansing.
SHUDRA, menial caste, background castes.
SINDHUR, aka KUNKU, POTTU, BINDI, TILAK.
SNANA DIKSHA, immersion, a Hindu form of initiation into religious life under the guidance of a MARG or GURU. (see also AGNI DIKSHA)
SRI, "lord", as in SRI KHRIST BHAGAVAN. (compare BHAGAVAN, PRABHU)
SRI KHRIST BHAKT MANDALI, could be used as a term for "local church" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS. (compare GIRIJA, MANDIR)
SRTI, SHRUTI, SRUTI, ancient writings, equivalent to revealed scripture.
STUTI, praise.
SUDRA, unregenerate. The lowest caste, descended from aboriginals brought under Brahmin authority. (see also DVIJA, VARNA)
SUT, being, or an overwhelming power of goodness that impels one to holiness.
SUTTEE, a widow burned on her husband's funeral pyre, also a righteous woman. (see also SUT)
SWAHIMSA, immolation of self for the good of others. (see also AHIMSA)
TABLA, an Indian musical instrument.
TALI, wedding chain, worn as a symbol of marriage. (aka MANGALYAM)
TAPASYA, simple life.
TATASTU, Hindu version of "Amen" (Muslims say "Amin") or "let it be so".
TELIVI, truth.
TILAK, the red dot on the forehead worn by most Indian women, symbolizing good fortune being in wedlock. (aka KUNKU, POTTU, BINDI, SINDHUR)
TUM, informal name for God, in the singular, indicating God's closeness.
TYAG, renunciation, sacrifice (compare HOMA)
UPANAYANA, ceremony marking the beginning of student life, a Hindu practice observed by many JESU BHAKTAS.
UPAVASA, fasting.
UTTUMA PURUSA, perfect personality; God is perfect personality (compare PURUSA)
VAIRAGYA, giving up the world.
VAISHNAVISM,the Hindu way of love and grace (originally through VISHNU), prevalent in North India, and according to R.C.Das "a successful form of Hindu Christianity".
VARNA, caste. There are only four castes. "When the church will act like the VARNA system, it will lose its foreignness, every Christian will have a place, a status and security." - R.C.Das on spiritual gifts in the church. (compare JATI)
VARNASHRAM DHARMA, duty to God according to caste and stage of life, the principle of the law and order of society. This strongly witnesses to Christ, the head of the ordered society of the redeemed, according to R.C.Das.
VARUNA, the righteous god of the VEDAS. VARUNA points to the truth and justice of Jesus, according to R.C.Das. (see also AHIMSA, VISHNU)
VEDA, literally "knowledge".
VESHTI, skirt-like cloth worn by men.
VIBHUTI, aka BHUTI.
VIRAFA, detachment.
VISHNU, the god of love and grace who is concerned with the welfare of his devotees and incarnates himself from age to age. This points to the most satisfying incarnation of Christ, according to R.C.Das. (see also AHIMSA, VARUNA)
YAJNA, sacrifice, to propitiate for some sin, or as thanksgiving fo deliverance from some immediate calamity.
YOGA, a physical and mental discipline that is practiced for the purpose of spiritual liberation or empowerment and experience of SACCIDANANDA. Reality is conceived as a source of spiritual substance rather than the creation of a personal God.
YOGESWARA, lord of yoga.
YUKTI, rational thought, reason.
ZENANA, Hindu women staying inside the house.
Special Vocabulary Lists
- Authority - BHAJ - BHAKTI - Consecrated Things - DHARMA - Fellowship - Festivals - JATI (Castes) - Lord - Music - Sacraments - Sacrifice - Seekers - Union - Values - Ways or paths of salvation -
- Authority -The four standards of Christian faith, according to A. J. Appasamy:
SRUTI, the Scriptures.
SABHA, the Church.
YUKTI, Reason.
ANUBHAVA, Experience.
- BHAJ -ARATI, a service of lights by waving of lamps, incense around an alter, offering of flowers, etc., usually in the evening
BHAJ, adoration, worship.
KIRTAN, KIRTON, a form of religious service, combining music, poetry, story-telling, and humor. Conducted by a single leader with a small choir singing in unison assisting him, in which hymns in praise of God alternate with sermons describing His doings when incarnate in human form (aka KALEKSHEPAM), performed in the temple.
Kneeling, in the Hindu tradition is a gesture confined to mourning.
PANCHANGA PRANAM, semi-prostration during worship.
PANDA, a type of professional priest, often connected with a pilgrimmage center or temple.
SATSANGH, a type of corporate worship performed in the temple as an evening service; also, the informal gathering of truth-seekers for sharing and fellowship.
- BHAKTI -ANANYABHAKTI, undivided devotion to God.
BHAKTI, devotion, devotional.
- Consecrated Things -ANNAM, rice, could possibly be used to represent the body of Christ.
CHARANAMRITAM, consecrated drink.
JALAM, water, could possibly be used to represent the blood of Christ, according to R.C.Das. In Sanskrit means life.
JEBAMALA, garland of prayer.
PINDA, balls of wheat or rice offered to the MANES (spirits) of fathers or other relatives who have died but who have not been released. Especially during the ten-day-long funeral ceremony.
- DHARMA -ADHARMA, sin.
DHARMA, eternal law, righteousness, the Hindu word for religion or spirituality, following one's duty to live in harmony with the universe, one of the things Hindu society strives for (see also SAMAJ DHARMA)
SADHANA DHARMA, points to the way to reach salvation. SADHANA DHARMA leaves the Hindu free to choose any way or MARGA that appeals to him
SAMAJ DHARMA, the rules regarding social life, for example, regarding bathing, dressing, eating, etc. A Hindu is bound by the SAMAJ DHARMA
- Fellowship -KHRIST JESU PANTH, could be used as a term equivalent to "Christianity" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS.
MANDIR, could be used as a term for "church" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS.
SRI KHRIST BHAKT MANDALI, could be used as a term for "local church" that would be meaningful to JESU BHAKTAS.
- Festivals -DIWALI, the Hindu festival of Lights, observed one day near the beginning of November.
HOLI, a Hindu festival.
PONGAL, a Hindu festival, three days in January, primarily a social event of nonreligious nature involving a whole community.
- Lord -BHAGAVAN, god, "blessed one", used to describe AVATARA like Rama and Krishna, could be used for Jesus to mean "blessed Lord", or instead of "God" or "Yahweh".
PRABHU, "Lord", term for Jesus used by non-Hindu Christians.
SRI, "lord", as in SRI KHRIST BHAGAVAN.
- Music -
ADHUNIK GEET, modern songs.
BHAJANS, devotional songs addressed directly to God, more specifically a traditional antiphonal musical chant between a guru and his disciples, a type of corporate worship, group songs which start in the evening, can last till the small hours of the morning, performed in the temple.
GEET, indigenous worship song, akin to the Western hymn form, having many long verses, usually speaking about God rather than to God.
GHAZAL, love song, usually secular, some are towards a divine being, popular in the Hindu film industry. Most Indian church hymnbooks have a section of GHAZALS.
NAN JAP, a type of BHAJAN whose lyrics are made up exclusively of the names of god, or even a single name.
- Sacraments -AGNI DIKSHA, Holy Spirit baptism.
SNANA DIKSHA, immersion, a Hindu form of initiation into religious life under the guidance of a MARG or GURU.
- Sacrifice -
AHIMSA, nonviolence, impartiality. AHIMSA points to the love and humility of Jesus, according to R.C.Das
SWAHIMSA, immolation of self for the good of others.
- Seekers -BHAKTA, devotee, selfless devotion to a personal concept of God, usually the AVATARS Krishna or Rama. Salvation is by fellowship with and enjoyment of God, and is by grace and love, free of cost.
GURU, spiritual guide.
JESU BHAKTA, a devotee or disciplined disciple of Jesus, non-baptized believer in Christ (NBBC), aka KHRIST BHAKTA.
JNANI, JNANIN, philosopher, sage, one who follows the way of meditation and knowledge.
KHRIST BHAKTA, aka JESU BHAKTA.
SHISHYA, student of a GURU.
- Union -Terms that express the traditional way of union with the Supreme through BHAKTI:
SALOKATA, association.
SAMIPATA, nearness.
SARUPATA, likeness.
SAYUJYTA, yokedness, union.
BRAHMASTHITI, abiding in God.
- Values -
Four things Hindu society strives for:
ARTHA, wealth
DHARMA, the Hindu word for religion or spirituality, following one's duty to live in harmony with the universe.
DHARMIKTA, term that could be used by JESU BHAKTAS instead of DHARM.
KAMA, pleasure.
MOKSHA, liberation, release.
- VARNA (the four great castes)
The great castes
Brahmins (priests),
Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors),
Vaisyas (agriculturalists),
DVIJAS (regenerate, twice-born), one of the above three castes
SUDRAS (unregenerate, aboriginals brought under Brahmin authority).
Also the outcastes beyond the pale of Brahmin service.
- Ways or paths of salvation -
BHAKTI MARGA, the way of devotion. "BHAKTI MARGA is devotion to a Person" (E.Stanley Jones).
GYANA MARGA, the way of knowledge, salvation is by losing one's self through meditative supra-rational realization and moving to an abyss beyond personality.
JNANA MARGA, the way of knowledge. "JNANA MARGA is devotion to an Idea" (E.Stanley Jones).
KARMA MARGA, the way of works. "KARMA MARGA is devotion to a Code" (E.Stanley Jones).
NISHKAMA KARMA, "desireless work", working without being concerned about any reward that might follow on good works, taught in the BHAGAVAD GITA.
Bibliography
Dayanand Bharati, Living Water and Indian Bowl; An Analysis of Christian Failings in Communicating Christ to Hindus, ISPCK, Delhi, 1997, reprinted 2001.
R.C.Das, Evangelical Prophet for Contextual Christianity, H.L.Richard ed., CISRS, Bangalore, ISPCK, Delhi, 1995, reprinted 1999.
C. H. Dikran, Hindi Christian Bhajans: A Survey of their use by Christians and a Critique by Hindu Professionals in the Music World, http://www.aradhnamusic.com/, 2000,
Richard L. Hivner, Exploring the Depths of the Mystery of Christ: The Life and Work of K. Subba Rao of Andhra Pradesh, South India, with Special Reference to His Songs, Submitted in fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the subject of Religious Studies at the University of South Africa, Nov 2003.
Herbert E. Hoefer, Churchless Christianity, William Carey Library, Pasadena, CA, 2001.
Herbert Hoefer, The Burden of the Past, in Reaching Hindus, Mission Frontiers, special edition, U.S.Center for World Missions, Pasadena CA, 2000. p.12.
E. Stanley Jones, The Christ of the Indian Road, Abingdon Press, New York, 1925.
Rev. George Matthew, Enculturation of Liturgy in the Indian Context, http://www.marthomachurch.com/OurLiturgies/indian-context-liturgy.htm, 2003.
Radhakrishan. The Hindu View of Life, HarperCollins, New Delhi, 1993, originally published 1927.
H.L.Richard, Christ-Followers in India Flourishing-But Outside the Church, in Reaching Hindus, Mission Frontiers, special edition, U.S.Center for World Missions, Pasadena CA, 2000. p.16.
H.L.Richard, Following Jesus in the Hindu Context; The Intriguing Implications of N.V.Tilak's Life and Thought, William Carey Library, Pasadena, California, 1998.
Hans Staffner, Dialogue Stimulating Contacts with Hindus, Gujarat Sahitya Prakash, Anand,1993.
M.M.Thomas, P.T.Thomas, Towards an Indian Christian Theology, Christava Sahitya Samithi, Tiruvalla, 1998.
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