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| Vaisnava | ||
| Follower of the god Vishnu and of the devotional (bhakti) tradition of Vaisnavism. Vishnu is mainly worshipped in the form of one of his incarnations. Vaisnavites wear three markings in a V formation on their foreheads. | ||
| varnas | ||
| ("color"). Four categories of Hindu society dating from the time of the Vedas: Brahmans, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras. The varnas are ordered according to occupation, whereas castes (jati) are based on social status into which one is born, but the two systems are historically related. |
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| Vedanta | ||
| ("End of the Vedas"). System of Hindu philosophy based on the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and the Bhagavad-Gita. Includes both dualist (dvaita) and nondualist (advaita) schools as well as others, but all believe in transmigration (samsara), the desirability of escape from it, the authority of the Vedas, Brahman as the cause of the universe, and the law of karma. |
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| Vedas | ||
| ("knowledge"). Collection of Hindu scriptures regarded as sacred and authoritative by all Hindus. See Vedas. | ||
| Vishnu | ||
| ("pervader"). Major deity and member of Hindu trinity with Brahma and Shiva. Seen as the preserver of the universe and embodiment of goodness and mercy. To Vaisnavites, Vishnu is the supreme deity (Isvara) who becomes incarnate in times of crisis and declining dharma. Vishnu is usually depicted standing, holding weapons, or reclining on a serpent. |
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