Midterm

Question 1

Which of the following is an INCORRECT statement about the 19th-century definitions of religion?
A. It assumes a sharp dichotomy between secular and religious realms.
B. It assumes “belief” to be an essential element in many different religious traditions.
C. It properly takes into account the fact that the concept or term religion is absent in many cultures in the world.
D. It attempts to find a unique or distinctive element of religion that distinguishes it from the remainder of human life.

Answer 1

C. It DOES NOT take into consideration that religion is absent in many cultures.

Question 2

T/F While the Latin term “religio” in ancient Rome did not refer to something that is strictly individualistic, separate from everyday life (politics, society), and concerned with belief, its English derivative “religion,” throughout the Western Christian history (monastic tradition, Protestant Reformation, Christian scholars), gradually began to refer to the domain that is sacred and separate from other secular domains such as politics and society.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Which of the following does NOT describe the general tendency of the 20th-century scholarship in defining and studying religion?
A. It tries to see multiple elements that constitute religious traditions rather than coming up with one single definition of religion.
B. It tries to expand its objects of research by thinking about the family resemblance between what has been typically perceived as religion and what has not.
C. The idea the Apple can be called a religion is totally absurard to the 20th-century scholarship and not worthy of scholarly discussion.
D. It stresses acknowledging the culture and society specific elements in the formation of religous practices and ideas.

Answer 3

D. The idea that Apple or Coca-Cola can be considered a religion is not totally absurd.

Question 4

If there is a picture of the Roman Emperor Augustus presented as the priest of the Roman Empire, what characteristic of the ancient understanding of religous ideas and practices can we find in this presentation?

Answer 4

That religious and secular (including political, economical, etc.) realms were not strictly divided.

Question 5

What is the characteristic of Roman religion that we can observe in a picture of a Roman statue of a religious celebration with a cow present?

Answer 5

Religion is a communal, social, political thing.

Question 6

Which of the following is an incorrect statement concerning the etymology of the English term religion?
A. Throughout the 13-17th century CE, the continuous efforts for the separation between the Catholic church and State (monarchs) contributed to the understanding of “religion” as meaning something distinct and separate from every day lives.
B. It derives from the Latin term religio which refers to “to read over” (secular use possible) or “to revere,” “perform cultic duty”
C. Throughout the Medieval period, monasteries began to use the English term “religion” to refer to the monastic lifestyle distinguished and separated from secular lives.
D. The Protestant reformation and its highlight on “belief” contributed greatly in our use of “religion” throughout modern period, which focuses on individual’s beliefs.
E. All statements are true

Answer 6

E

Question 7

These are some examples of the definitions of religion by 19th century scholars.
“belief in spiritual things”
“the feelings, acts, and experiecnes of indiviudal men in their solitude”
What is the characteristic that we find here, concerning the 19th century definition of religion?

Answer 7

They stressed “individuality” in understanding and studying religion

Question 8

T/F The 19th century definitions of religion and understanding of religions of the world were heavily influenced by Christianity.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the factors that shifted scholars’ understanding and definition of religion at the beginning of the 20th century CE?
A. Scholars began to focus more on the function of religion rather than its origin and essence
B. Scholars began to see that other ancient and/or non-Western cultures that do not have this concept of “religion” as used in the Western Christian world
C. Scholars encountered many religions without theistic, monotheistic views.
D. Scholars began to understand the importance of society, communal practices, and particularities of a culture
E. Scholars began to understand that all religions are in the evolutionary scheme, some religions being inferior and some religions being superior.

Answer 9

E. Scholars are not recognizing religions as being superior or inferior.

Question 10

These are some examples of 20th-century definitions and understandings of religion. Which of the following is NOT one of the tendencies we see in the 20th century CE?

“A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them.”
“Religion is a culture-specific symbolic system in terms of which believers interpret the world and live their lives.”
“Try to define religion and you invite an argument.”
“The very attempt to define religion, to find some distinctive or possibly unique essence or set of qualities that distinguish the religious from the remainder of human life, is primarily a Western concern.”

A. Scholars no longer are obsessed with coming up with a single definition of religion.
B. Scholars pay more attention to the function of a religion, such as creating a moral community.
C. Scholars prioritize belief more than practices
D. Scholars acknowledge the importance of cultures in understanding religions
E. Scholars acknowledge that there can be many different definitions of religion.

Answer 10

C. Scholars are NOT prioritizing beliefs over practices.

Question 11

What is the result of applying the concept of “family resemblance” in the religious studies scholarship?

Answer 11

We can think about other human things that were not traditionally considered “religion” as if they are religions to gain new understanding.

Question 12

Religious diversity

Answer 12

The reality or fact that there are many religions in the world

Question 13

Religious pluralism

Answer 13

The positive attitude towards the diversity of religion in the world

Question 14

Exclusivism

Answer 14

The perspective that there is only one truth (God) and one path (religion) that arrives to the truth

Question 15

Inclusivism

Answer 15

The perspective that there is one truth (God) and one perfect path towards this truth, but other paths are partially valuable.

Question 16

Convergent pluralism

Answer 16

The perspective that theree is one truth (God) but there are multiple paths that you can take to arrive at the truth.

Question 17

Divergent pluralism

Answer 17

The perspective that there are multiple truths (G*ds) and multiple paths are all equally valid

Question 18

What is the perspective towards religious diversity presented in this passage?
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.”

Answer 18

Exclusivism

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT one of the examples of convergent pluralism?
A. Jews and Christians are the people of book, so they can get salvation - it is Allah’s decision.
B. the essential message of all religions is very much the same.
C. …Ahuramazda, Isvara, Allah, Jehovah are different names for one God.
D.There are NO shared goals or hidden truth that all religions share. They are not thinking the same
E. It is possible to climb life’s mountain from any side, but when the top is reached the trails converge…Differences in culture, history, geography, and collective temperament all make for diverse starting points…But beyond these differences, the same goal beckons.

Answer 19

D. There are shared goals and truths that some religions share

Question 20

What is the perspective on religious diversity that best describes this quotation by Dalai Lama “the essential message of all religions is very much the same”

Answer 20

Convergent pluralism

Question 21

T/F The four criteria that Prothero uses to understand a religion are: problem, solution, belief, community

Answer 21

False

Question 22

Which of the following is a correct view held by the perspective on religious diversity as presented in this picture? (Picture is the cover of God is Not One with multiple mountains)
A. The claim that all religions converge into one shared truth is pretentious. We should acknowledge that individual religions have different goals.
B. Other religions may contain some truth, but ultimately there is only one best way to arrive at the true goal.
C. Differences between religions are important, but not as important as seeing the commonalities.
D. There is only one true religion.

Answer 22

A. The different mountains represent the religions not converging together but standing on their own.

Question 23

What is the perspective on religious diversity that is reflected in this passage: “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost.”

Answer 23

Exclusivism

Question 24

What are the four criteria that Stephen Prothero uses in introducing religions in God is Not One?

Answer 24

Problem, solution, techniques, and exemplar

Question 25

Indigenous

Answer 25

anything native to a particular geographical region

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement concerning indigenous religions? A. They often form the earliest layers of various religious traditions. B. Indigenous religion refers to a single official religion like Islam and Christianity. C. The term "indigenous" refers to what is native to a particular geographical region. D.There are some common characteristics between indigenous religions. This is why we can study about "indigenous religions" as a category. E. Indigenous religions are all different one another and we need to acknowledge the differences and variances

Answer 26

B. Indigenous religions are not a single religion

Question 27

Mana

Answer 27

the impersonal spirital power that is present in all lives and things on earth

Question 28

Shaman

Answer 28

the spiritual professionals of indigenous traditions who know how to communivate with spirits, especially by spirit possession

Question 29

Animism

Answer 29

The belief that all lives and things in nature have spirit

Question 30

What is the term relevant to this photo (showing a voodoo shrine with Catholic symbols) that explains one of the characteristics of indigenous religions?

Answer 30

Synthesized form of a religions

Question 31

What is the characteristic of indigenous religions found in this passage by an Indian elder? “Everything we do in life is for the glory of G*d(s). We praise him in the well-swept floor, the well-weeded field, the polished machete, the brilliant colors of the picture and embroidery. In these ways we prepare for a long life and pray for a good one.”

Answer 31

There is no sharp dichotomy between secular and religious realms

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT one of the characteristics of indigenous religions? A.Religion is closely intertwined to the nature in the region. B. There have been much conflicts between indigenous people and colonizers in treating the natural objects that are considered sacred by indigenous groups. C. Many indigenous languages have NO word for “religion” in Western-Christian, 19th century modern sense. D. Many share the belief that all lives, objects, places, and things in nature and universe have spiritual essence and power. E. Most of them are monotheistic, with some having polytheistic beliefs.

Answer 32

E. Most are POLYTHEISTIC and some are MONOTHESITIC

Question 33

Otiose G*d

Answer 33

a divine being or principle who does not interact with humans directly

Question 34

This photo is a Javanese indigenous ritual dance called Kuda Lumping. By observing this photo, what can you learn about the characteristics of indigenous religions?

Answer 34

Many kids and people are watching and listening to songs mantras, and prayers. The religious ideas are primarily transmitted morally and bodily.

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the deities in the Yoruba tradition? A. They are endowed with Olodumare-given spiritual power B. They were involved in the creation of cosmos and human beings, but now all stay detached and do not directly interact with human beings C. Many deities were lost in the process of trans-Atlantic deportation D. They have distinctive personalities, colors, and specialties E. There are definitely more than 5 gods in the Yoruba tradition. But we really don't know how many there are...300? 4000? Don't know.

Answer 35

B. They were involved in the creation of cosmos and human beings, but now ARE still attatched and DO directly interact with human beings.

Question 36

Orishas

Answer 36

Yoruban term for the deities

Question 37

T/F Yoruba creation mythology features many gods, including supreme otiose G*d who does not work actively nowadays.

Answer 37

True

Question 38

T/F Yoruba religion exists in synthesized forms both in West Africa and New World.

Answer 38

True

Question 39

T/F Yoruba religion originated from West Africa called "Yorubaland" probably from pre-historic times.

Answer 39

True

Question 40

T/F Yoruba religion exists in an isolated form in Africa, without being mixed with other religious traditions like Christianity.

Answer 40

False

Question 41

Order these statements according to the history of Yoruba religion: 1. Yoruba religion began to spread in the New World, as developing synthetic traditions such as Santeria, Umbanda, Trinidad Orisha, and Candomble. 2. Yoruba religious practices began in the Yorubaland in Africa, centering around the capital Ile-Ife 3. Many Africans from the west coast of Africa were taken to the Americas through slave-trade, across the Atlantic ocean. 4. Some Yoruba practitioners began to argue for the purification of the Yoruba practices from Christian influences.

Answer 41

2 > 3 > 1 > 4

Question 42

What is the main problem of human beings that Yoruba religious traditions seek to resolve?

Answer 42

Forgetfulness of one's destiny

Question 43

What is the most venerable divination technique in the Yoruba tradition, that uses sixteen palm nuts to creat signs called Odu?

Answer 43

Ifa

Question 44

In the Yoruba divination process, the priests often say to the clients: "You know the mystery...I know nothing." What is the significance of this saying?

Answer 44

That the priests function primarily as helpers so that clients themselves can find the wisdom.

Question 45

What is the name of the god in the Yoruba tradition who functions as the gatekeeper between human beings and gods, as delivering messages and sacrifices from below to the gods?

Answer 45

Eshu

Question 46

What is the term that refers to the Almighty or universal force that allowed human creation and endowed ashe to the deities and human beings in the Yoruba tradition?

Answer 46

Olodumare

Question 47

This is a mythology of creation and flood in Yoruba tradition. What is the name of god who best fills in the blank [BLANK] here? Wave after wave she unleashed, until much of the land was underwater and many of the people were drowned. Those that had fled to the highest land beseeched the god [BLANK] who had been visiting, to return to the sky and report what was happening to them. [BLANK] demanded sacrifice be made to Obatala and himself before he would deliver the message. The people sacrificed some goats, and [BLANK] returned to the sky.

Answer 47

Eshu

Question 48

This is an excerpt from the Yoruba Ifa corpus. What can we learn about Yoruba religion from this passage? Orunmila says: Truth is the character of Olodumare. Truth is the word that cannot fall. Ifa is truth. Truth is the word that cannot spoil. Mighty power, surpassing all. Everlasting blessing. This was divined for the earth. They said the people in this world should be truthful. To enable them to be truthful and honest willingly and comfortably, let the idabo (Ifa medicine) be applied by marking Odu-Osa-Otura on the divining powder. After reciting the above Ifa saying on the powder, mix it with eko (cornstarch gruel) and drink it, or put it in palm oil and eat it, so that it will be easy to be honest and truthful.

Answer 48

Ritual practices are integral part of the religion, not just beliefs

Question 49

What particular yoga path is described in this quotation form Bhagavad Gita? "Whatever you do, eat, offer, give, or mortify, make it an offering to me (Vishnu) and I shall undo the bonds of karma."

Answer 49

Bhakti Yoga

Question 50

T/F Bhakti yoga believes that gods can undo the bonds of karma.

Answer 50

False

Question 51

Sanskrit term for illusion

Answer 51

Maya

Question 52

T/F We have deciphered Indus Valley Script and it describes the details of riturals performed by the priests.

Answer 52

False

Question 53

“In the Vedic tradition, ( A ) refers to the cosmic order or divine law and ( B ) refers to the human behaviors or responsibilities which are in accordance with that cosmic order.” What are the terms for A and B?

Answer 53

A- Rta B- Dharma

Question 54

T/F Formal divisions of the Vedas include Rig, Sama, Ahur, and Atharva.

Answer 54

True

Question 55

T/F The Vedas are considered as smirti scripture.

Answer 55

False

Question 56

What is the term of Hinduism that denotes the actions one performs, which follow the rule of cause and effect?

Answer 56

Karma

Question 57

What term literally means "wandering" or "flowing by" in Sanskrit, and in Hindu yoga traditions (3rd layer) it denotes the vicious cycle of death and rebirth based on the law of karma? (Sanskrit term)

Answer 57

Samsara

Question 58

Does Hinduism have a founder, if yes who?

Answer 58

No

Question 59

Does Hinduism have a canon?

Answer 59

No

Question 60

Is Hinduism mainly polytheistic or monothestic and is the other idea still present?

Answer 60

Mainly polytheistic but there are still monothestic ideas present

Question 61

T/F Hinduism is practiced mostly in the countries in the Indian subcontinent, such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladehs, and Pakistan.

Answer 61

True

Question 62

What is the concept described in this quotation which refers to the Hindu idea that one's soul is reborn as another being?

Answer 62

Reincarnation

Question 63

T/F The term yoga means to yoke, denoting the path or discipline one takes to attain the religous goal.

Answer 63

True

Question 64

T/F A person must adhere to one yoga exclusively

Answer 64

False

Question 65

T/F Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti yogas seek moksha, which is understood as gaining freedom from the cycle of birth-rebirth.

Answer 65

True

Question 66

T/F Karma, Jnana, and Bhakti yogas are based on the Vedic tradition. They, however, reinterpret the Vedic tradition.

Answer 66

True

Question 67

T/F In the Vedic tradition, following your Varna (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and Dalits) is considered as obeying and maintaining the order of the universe.

Answer 67

True

Question 68

What Hindu term denotes the spiritual connection where the divinity sees the worshipper and the worshipper sees the divinity?

Answer 68

Darshan

Question 69

What is the act of worshipping or showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or another aspect of the divine through invocations, prayers, songs, offering incense and flowers, cleaning the statue, and rituals in Bhakti hinduism?

Answer 69

Puja

Question 70

This statement was made by an American musician and Hindu practitioner. What is the Hindu yoga tradition that fills in the blank? "___ isn't something you join, it's love. It meanss falling in love."

Answer 70

Bhakti yoga

Question 71

What is the concept developed and discussed particularly by Bhakti yoga practioner which means the ultimate reality assigned with attributes like gender, personalities, special powers, and stories of interactions with human beings?

Answer 71

Saguna Brahman

Question 72

Which among the following is NOT a correct statement concerning Hindu murti? A. Murti can be made of an element of nature, a sculpture, a painting, etc. B. It is a representation of divinity in a visible form C. Murti functions as a means of communication with gods. D. Hindu practitioners consider the material of murti itself as possessing divine power, thus they worship murti as an idol.

Answer 72

D. The material of murti has not divine power

Question 73

In Bhakti Hinduism, Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) and his partner Radha are often enshrined and worshipped together. According to the Hindu epic scripture, Radha continuously loved and followed Krishna and Krishna vice versa. What is being represented by the relationship of these two deities?

Answer 73

The love between Bhakti yoga practioners and the Hindu gods

Question 74

T/F Some Hindu communities accepted Christian ideas such as congregational worship or "Sunday Schools"

Answer 74

True

Question 75

T/F Some Hindu fundamentalists try to recover the original elements of Hinduism as much as possible, claiming Hinduism to be the national religion of India.

Answer 75

True

Question 76

T/F Bhakti yoga became so predominant so other yoga traditions are almost extinguished.

Answer 76

False

Question 77

T/F Some Hindus highlight the abstract and philosophical aspects of Hinduism so that it can better appeal to non-Hindus in the world.

Answer 77

True

Question 78

Bhakti Yoga

Answer 78

A path of devotion in Hinduism, which strives to attain moksha and worldly blessings through unaltering love for gods.

Question 79

Saguna Brahman

Answer 79

Ultimate reality (Brahman) assigned with attributes and manifest in many forms

Question 80

Avatars

Answer 80

Material appearances of a god to human beings on earth

Question 81

Murti

Answer 81

A representation of a divinity, made usually of stone, wood, or metal, which serves as a means through which a divinity may be worshipped

Question 82

T/F Karma yoga tries to achieve moksha through selfless actions that put others before you.

Answer 82

True

Question 83

T/F In Jnana yoga, Atman refers to the universal principle.

Answer 83

False

Question 84

T/F In Jnana yoga, one tries to achieve moksha by attaining an existential knowledge, that one's true soul (Atman) is the same thing as Brahman.

Answer 84

True

Question 85

T/F To get rid of the dualities created in this world and set up by societies (which are Maya), Jnana yoga practioners sometimes take extreme means that challenge these dualities- death/life, dead body/living body, pure/impure, naked/clothed, etc...

Answer 85

True

Question 86

T/F For the third layer in Hinduism that reinterpreted the Vedic tradition, the problem is "samsara" and the solution is "moksha".

Answer 86

True

Question 87

Samsara is a negative interpretation of the cycle of birth-death-rebirth.

Answer 87

True

Question 88

T/F Moksha is maintaining the Rta of the world and being born as better varna individually.

Answer 88

False

Question 89

T/F The first layer of Hinduism is an indigenous tradition called Indus Valley Religion, which thrived near the Indus River and has archaelogical remaining that show religious activities.

Answer 89

True

Question 90

T/F The second layer of Hinduism is Vedic Tradition based on the scripture Vedas. All scholars agree that this tradition was introduced to India by Aryans from the West, not having any connections to the previous layer of Indus Valley Religions (so-called Aryan Invasion Theory).

Answer 90

False

Question 91

Brahman

Answer 91

The cosmic principle, "the One" in Vedas, the supreme being, all-pervasive spirit

Question 92

Rta

Answer 92

The cosmic order

Question 93

Dharma

Answer 93

Human and god's specific mental and physical behaviors or systems that are considered to be in accord with Rta

Question 94

Karma

Answer 94

Actions that one performs follows the rule of cause and effect

Question 95

Reincarnation

Answer 95

The idea that based on karma, one's soul is reborn as another being, better or worse

Question 96

Varna (caste) system

Answer 96

Social stratification that designates occupation and particular set of socila duties to an inividual for establishing and maintaining society according to Rta

Question 97

1. Then even nothingness was not, nor existence, There was no air then, nor the heavens beyond it. What covered it? Where was it? In whose keeping? Was there then cosmic water, in depths unfathomed? 2. Then there was neither death nor immortality nor was there then the torch of night and day. The One breathed windlessly and self-sustaining. There was that One then, and there was no other. 3. At first there was only darkness wrapped in darkness. All this was only unillumined cosmic water. That One which came to be, enclosed in nothing, arose at last, born of the power of heat. According to this hymn, what was there in the beginning?

Answer 97

Nothingness, Cosmic water, and the One

Question 98

1 The sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched by a hundred sacred ministers and one,— … 3 What were the rule, the order and the model? … What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the God all Deities paid worship? 4 Closely was Gāyatrī (a mantra) conjoined with Agni (fire god), and closely Savitar (sun god) combined with Usnih (Gayatri’s meter). …[numerous gods and mantras, meters] 6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Ṛṣis(rishis), when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. … 7 They who were versed in ritual and meter, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Ṛṣis… -------------------------------------- According to the hymn, what happened after the emergence of the One?

Answer 98

Sacrifices were drawn from the corners of the universe, creating and organizing the world

Question 99

1 The sacrifice drawn out with threads on every side, stretched by a hundred sacred ministers and one,— … 3 What were the rule, the order and the model? … What were the hymn, the chant, the recitation, when to the God all Deities paid worship? 4 Closely was Gāyatrī (a mantra) conjoined with Agni (fire god), and closely Savitar (sun god) combined with Usnih (Gayatri’s meter). …[numerous gods and mantras, meters] 6 So by this knowledge men were raised to Ṛṣis(rishis), when ancient sacrifice sprang up, our Fathers. … 7 They who were versed in ritual and meter, in hymns and rules, were the Seven Godlike Ṛṣis… -------------------------------------- Based on this hymn, what do you think will be the "problem" and "solution" that the Vedic tradition suggests?

Answer 99

Problem- nothingness and chaos Solution- the cosmic order

Question 100

T/F Hinduism refers to a single religion founded by a person named "Sindu"

Answer 100

False

Question 101

T/F There are multiple layers in the religious tradition that we call Hinduism.

Answer 101

True

Question 102

T/F A Hindu practitoner must choose one yoga tradition unless they are going to be considered not pious.

Answer 102

False

Question 103

T/F Scriptures of Hinduism have two categories: Shruti and Smiriti. Shruti is considered to be directly heard from God/gods, thus more authoritative and sacred.

Answer 103

True

Question 104

What are the ways the Vedic religion establishes and sustains the cosmic order?

Answer 104

Sacrifices and Varna system

Question 105

What yoga is this an example of sacfricing your time and energy to help homeless children?

Answer 105

Karma yoga

Question 106

What is the term that fills in the blank? "The secret of ( ) yoga which is to perform actions without any fruitive desires is taught by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita."

Answer 106

Karma

Question 107

What is the term in Hinduism that refers to the underlined concept in this passage? “Whenever righteousness wanes and unrighteousness increases I (Vishnu) send myself forth. For the protection of the good and for the destruction of evil, and for the establishment of righteousness, I come into being age after age.” Underlined- I come into being age after age

Answer 107

Avatar

Question 108

What are the terms that fill in these blanks A and B? ( A ) is the act of showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or another aspect of the divine through invocations, prayers, songs, and rituals in Bhakti yoga. It seeks to have the experience called ( B ), which denotes the spiritual connection where the divinity sees the worshipper and the worshipper sees the divinity.

Answer 108

Puja-Darshan

Question 109

T/F Murti is a representation of a divinity, made usually of stone, wood or metal.

Answer 109

True

Question 110

T/F Hindus never destroy a murti.

Answer 110

False

Question 111

T/F Hindus consider a murti worthy of serving only after the god is invoked in it.

Answer 111

True

Question 112

T/F Hindu practitioners deny that murti is an idol. They do not think that the material itself is divine and sacred.

Answer 112

True

Question 113

What gods consitute the so-called "Hindu Trinity"?

Answer 113

Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti

Question 114

T/F The Four Noble Truths are very practical truths that seek the end of the suffering.

Answer 114

True

Question 115

T/F The four noble truths are the basis of Hindu teachings.

Answer 115

True

Question 116

T/F The four noble truths are the four doctorinal statements.

Answer 116

False

Question 117

T/F The four noble truths are the truths that Buddha realized upon his awakening

Answer 117

True

Question 118

What is the Buddhist idea represented in this picture and the passage below, that there is nothing like your true self but your idea of "self" is an illusion? “All formations are impermanent; all formations are subject to suffering; all things are without a self.” The picture is a headless monk.

Answer 118

Anatman

Question 119

T/F Buddhism originated in northern China by a person named Guatama Siddharta.

Answer 119

False

Question 120

T/F Buddha was born as a poor orphan, who experienced suffering from his youth.

Answer 120

False

Question 121

T/F Buddhism thinks that there is a true self called Atman and you need to find this to arrive at the solution.

Answer 121

False

Question 122

T/F After gaining the awakening, Buddha renounced his earthly life and spent his life in the isolated forests enjoying his freedom from suffering.

Answer 122

False

Question 123

T/F Buddhism is a very practical religion, which seeks to free people from suffering.

Answer 123

True

Question 124

This is Avalokiteshvara, one of the gods worshipped in Mahayana Buddhism. According to the Buddhist story, Avalokiteshvara wanted to help many other beings who are suffering in this world, and thus his body was shattered into numerous hands and heads. What is the Mahayana Buddhist idea that is represented in this god's story?

Answer 124

Compassion for others

Question 125

Which of the following is NOT a correct statement about the Middle Way in Buddhism? A. It is an attitude remaining agnostic to every issues in life. B. Buddha, after attaining his wisdom, came back to the world to practice this Middle Way. C. It is the core of Buddhist philosophy and practices. D. It denotes the balanced way in seeking the religious goal, neither extreme hedonism nor full attachment to the world

Answer 125

A. Buddhism is not an attitude, it is religion

Question 126

Which of the following does NOT constitute the Noble Eighthold Paths in Buddhism? A. Right speech B. Right motivation C. Right asceticism and renouncing family D. Right view

Answer 126

C

Question 127

T/F Buddhism originated in India and spread towards Western Europe.

Answer 127

False

Question 128

T/F Based on this passage, “All formations are impermanent; all formations are subject to suffering; all things are without a self," we learn that Buddhism thinks that the material reality is not real, the conception of "self" is also not real, and the problem of humanity is suffering.

Answer 128

True

Question 129

T/F "Middle way" refers to taking the middle route in everything; This is reflected in Buddha's balance between extreme hedonism and extreme asceticism, as well as his coming back to the secular world to help other people rather than secluding himself in nirvana.

Answer 129

True

Question 130

What is the main problem of human beings that Buddhism presents?

Answer 130

Suffering

Question 131

All things are without a self

Answer 131

Anatman

Question 132

What is the term used in Buddhism that refers to the Buddhist community?

Answer 132

Sangha

Question 133

What is the Buddhist term referring to its ultimate religious goal, which means “blowing out” or “quenching”? Buddha attained this under the tree in Bodhgaya.

Answer 133

Nirvana

Question 134

Where do we see the largest Buddhist population in the world?

Answer 134

China, Mongol, Tibet, Japan

Question 135

This passage describes the exemplary figure/model in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Fill in the blank in this passage: “Ah, happy indeed the ( )! In them no craving’s found. The “I am” conceit is rooted out; confusion’s net is burst. Lust-free they have attained; translucent is the mind of them…”

Answer 135

Arahan

Question 136

This passage describes the exemplary figure/model in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, who stands in contrast to the model in the Theravada Buddhism. Fill in the blank: “A ( ) resolves: I take upon myself the burden of all suffering…I do not turn or run away, do not tremble, I am not terrified…do not turn back or despond. And why?... I have made my vow to save all beings …My endeavors do not merely aim at my own deliverance …”

Answer 136

Bodhisattva

Question 137

Which of the following is not a deity venerated in Buddhism? Buddha, Maitreya, Amitabha, Vishnu, and Avalokiteshara

Answer 137

Vishnu

Question 138

What is the recent trend we see in Buddhism especially in Western countries?

Answer 138

It adopts Christian terms such as church and sunday school

Question 139

What is the main problem of human beings that Buddha found out upon meditating, as expressed in this passage? (focus on the underlined part) Long have you suffered the death of father and mother, of sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. And whilst you were thus suffering, you have indeed shed more tears upon this long way than there is water in the four oceans.”

Answer 139

Suffering