What doctrine says all reality is ultimately one? Give an analogy that describes it.
Monism; All rivers, lakes, and streams all flow into one ocean. Rivers, ponds, lakes and oceans appear to be quite distinctive, yet the share a common essence; they are all made up of water.
Explain the meaning of the term moksha.
The Hindu term for “liberation” is moksha, a Sanskrit word that also means “release”.
Define Brahman and Atman. How are the two related?
Brahman is the ground of existence and the source of the universe. Atman is the eternal self.
What is the general function of Hinduism’s many deities?
Those are divine or perfect. The important thing for Hindus is to deal with the universe as it is, to seek salvation through liberation from the world’s bonds.
Give a brief explanation of the doctrine of samsara.
The wheel of rebirth, the individual soul is reincarnated until Moksha is received.
What is the name of Hinduism’s most popular sacred text?
Bhagavad-Gita
According to Hinduism, what are the two principles that connect the dicing to this world? Briefly explain each.
Karma a moral law of cause of affect which says that every action has a justified affect and Dharma is ethical duty based on the divine order of reality; one of the four goals of life
Name the four classes of the caste system and describe the people who belong to each.
- Brahmin (priest) 2. Kshatriya(warriors and administrators) 3. Vaishya(farmers- merchants and artisans) 4.Shurdra (servants and labor)
In the Bhagavad-Gita, why does Krishna encourage Arjuna to engage in war?
It is his moral duty. Krishna reminds Arjuna that is his sacred duty to engage in battle.
Identify and briefly explain the four stages of life.
intense study of the Vedas and other sacred literature
Name and describe the four goals of life.
Kama: pleasure is sought but in the limits of Dharma. Artha: which are the material success and the social power and prestige the accompany it. Dharma: Harmony with life; Living a moral life is a primary concern. Moksha: The goal is to achieve the infinite being , awareness and bliss of liberation
Identify the three paths to liberation. Which type of person is best suited for each path?
Karma Marga: the path of works , Jnana Marga: the path of knowledge and Bhakti Marga: the path of devotion
What are the three most important schools of Hindu philosophy? What is the basic task that concerns all three?
Vendanta, Sankhya and Yoga. Their basic task is the attainment of knowledge over the ignorance that binds the self to samsara.
Identify three important gods or goddesses of Hinduism.
Vishnu, Shiva, and Kali
What is an avatar? Name two important Hindu figures identified as avatars.
An incarnations or living embodiment of a deity. Kirshnu and Rama
What Hindu text is most closely associated with bhakti marga?
The Bhagavad Gita
Identify three aspects of Hindu devotional life.
Household and village rituals, Pilgrimage to holy places and veneration of cows
How did Mahatma Gandhi influence Hinduism?
He stood up to oppression through noniolence and civil disobedience
What significant changes in the caste system took place in the 20th century?
1948 - forbade discrimination against outcastes
What is sati? What is its status today?
Burning of a widow. Today it is forbidden.
What significant Development occurred in relations between Hindus and Muslims in 1947?
The Muslim community forced the partitioning of India to form the divided nation of Pakistan, thus providing a Muslim homeland. This turned into a bloody ordeal in which many followers of both religions were killed.
