Theme 4: Religious Practices that Shapes Religious Identity (Pt1)

Question 1

What is the literal translation of ahimsa?

Answer 1

To be without harm (non-violence)

Ahimsa is a fundamental concept in Jainism and Hinduism, emphasizing non-violence towards all living beings.

Question 2

What is the foundational belief behind the Jain concept of ahimsa?

Answer 2

All living beings are worthy of respect

This belief leads Jains to practice vegetarianism as part of their commitment to non-violence.

Question 3

What phrase is often inscribed on Jain temples regarding ahimsa?

Answer 3

“Ahimsa paramo dharmah”

This phrase translates to ‘Non-violence is the highest duty.’

Question 4

How do Jain monks demonstrate their commitment to ahimsa?

Answer 4

They sweep their temples to avoid crushing insects

This reflects their strict adherence to non-violence.

Question 5

What is the aim of following ahimsa in Jainism?

Answer 5

To prevent the accumulation of harmful karma

Jains believe that harmful actions lead to negative karma, affecting one’s soul.

Question 6

Who was Parshva and what did he establish?

Answer 6

The earliest Jain leader who founded the community

Parshva lived in the 8th century BCE and his followers practiced the ‘Fourfold Restraint.’

Question 7

What is one aspect of the disagreement between Jains and other religions?

Answer 7

Jains accused Buddhists and Hindus of not practicing ahimsa diligently

This disagreement arose from differing interpretations and applications of non-violence.

Question 8

What is forbidden in Jainism regarding the killing of animals?

Answer 8

Killing animals is forbidden, even for food

Jains practice strict non-violence towards all living beings.

Question 9

Can violence in self-defense be justified in Jainism?

Answer 9

Yes, violence in self-defense can be justified

Jains acknowledge that military duty may require acts of violence.

Question 10

What does ahimsa mean in Hinduism?

Answer 10

Without violence, showing compassion, love, forgiveness, and support of peace

Ahimsa is integral to Hindu philosophies and practices.

Question 11

Is ahimsa considered the highest virtue in Hinduism?

Answer 11

Yes, it is considered one of the highest virtues

Many practitioners view it as essential for spiritual growth.

Question 12

What are some exceptions to the practice of ahimsa in Hinduism?

Answer 12

• War
• Hunting
• Law enforcement
• Capital punishment

Different scriptures may outline varying degrees of emphasis on non-violence.

Question 13

What are Hindu festivals integral to?

Answer 13

Hindu festivals are integral to celebrations and worship, providing structure, singing, and community engagement.

Question 14

What do Hindu festivals emphasize more than their religious aspect?

Answer 14

Hindu festivals emphasize cultural and familial significance rather than solely their religious aspect.

Question 15

Which texts condemn violence against domestic animals?

Answer 15

The Bhagavata Purana and the Chandogya Upanishad condemn violence against domestic animals except in the case of ritual slaughter.

Question 16

What does the Mahabharata support regarding hunting?

Answer 16

The Mahabharata supports hunting only by the kshatriya (warrior) varna.

Question 17

What tension exists within Hinduism regarding ahimsa and meat consumption?

Answer 17

There is a tension between supporters of ahimsa and meat eaters, particularly concerning ritual slaughter and hunting.

Question 18

What is the relationship between humans and animals in Hinduism?

Answer 18

In Hinduism, there is no substantial difference between the soul of a human and the soul of an animal; both are considered divine.

Question 19

What are the karmic consequences of violence in Hinduism?

Answer 19

The karmic consequences of violence suggest that a person who kills an animal will be eaten by an animal in a future existence.

Question 20

What does Gandhi say about ahimsa?

Answer 20

“Ahimsa is the highest duty. Even if we cannot practise it in full….refrain as far as is humanly possible from violence.”

Question 21

How did Gandhi reinterpret ahimsa?

Answer 21

Gandhi reinterpreted ahimsa as a political strategy in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.

Question 22

What influence did Jesus’ teachings have on Gandhi’s concept of ahimsa?

Answer 22

Gandhi’s interpretation of ahimsa was influenced by Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about practicing agape love.

Question 23

What does Gandhi believe about non-violence?

Answer 23

Gandhi believed that non-violence was an active concept requiring opposition to evil and injustice through non-violent means.

Question 24

What is the positive aspect of ahimsa according to Gandhi?

Answer 24

“Ahimsa is not merely a negative state of harmlessness, but it is a positive state of love….even to the evil-doer.”

Question 25

What is Satyagraha?

Answer 25

Satyagraha is a teaching developed by Gandhi that means 'holding onto truth' and resistance to evil.

Question 26

How did Gandhi define Satyagraha?

Answer 26

Gandhi stated, 'Satyagraha is a weapon of the strong; it admits of no violence under any circumstance whatever; and it always insists upon truth.'

Question 27

What is the relationship between truth and Satyagraha?

Answer 27

Satyagraha is based on the idea that truth has an inherent force, giving strength and authority to those who act on it.

Question 28

When did Gandhi first employ Satyagraha?

Answer 28

Gandhi first employed Satyagraha in 1906 in response to a discriminatory law against Asians in South Africa.

Question 29

What was the first Satyagraha campaign in India?

Answer 29

The first Satyagraha campaign in India was mounted in 1917 in the indigo-growing districts of Champaran.

Question 30

What principles of Satyagraha did Gandhi explain in Young India?

Answer 30

Gandhi emphasized principles such as not showing anger, not resisting arrest, and protecting opponents from attack.

Question 31

What does Gandhi say about non-violence?

Answer 31

'Non-Violence is a power which can be wielded equally by all... When non-violence is accepted as the law of life, it must pervade the whole being.'

Question 32

What does Manu 5:38 state about violence?

Answer 32

Manu 5:38 states that those who kill without lawful reason will suffer a violent death in future births.

Question 33

What is the implication of ahimsa for racial equality?

Answer 33

Ahimsa implies that all people should be treated with equal respect, promoting interdependence and tolerance among different races.

Question 34

What is Sarvodaya?

Answer 34

Sarvodaya is the principle of upliftment of everyone, regardless of class, caste, religion, region, or sex.

Question 35

Who are examples of leaders that used non-violence?

Answer 35

Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela are notable leaders who employed non-violence.

Question 36

What did Nelson Mandela say about making peace?

Answer 36

"To make peace with an enemy one must work with that enemy and that enemy becomes one's partner."

Question 37

What is a criticism of ahimsa in the modern world?

Answer 37

Many believe ahimsa is impractical against extremism, terrorism, and oppressive dictatorship.

Question 38

What does 'Si vis pacem, para bellum' mean?

Answer 38

'Si vis pacem, para bellum' translates to 'if you want peace, prepare for war.'

Question 39

What does the term 'Puja' mean?

Answer 39

Puja is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to reverence or worship, referring to the worship Hindus perform.

Question 40

What are Murtis in Hindu worship?

Answer 40

Murtis are considered to be God or the deity they represent, serving as mediational aids.

Question 41

How is a Murti treated during Puja?

Answer 41

In the home or temple, Murtis are decorated, and a bell is rung to awaken the deity.

Question 42

What is the nature of Puja in Hinduism?

Answer 42

Puja is immensely diverse, reflecting various approaches to and aspects of the divine.

Question 43

Are there specific days of worship in Hinduism?

Answer 43

There are no specific days of worship, though certain deities are associated with specific days.

Question 44

What is the significance of Sunday for Hindus in the UK?

Answer 44

In the UK, Sunday has become the most important worship day due to work schedules.

Question 45

What is the typical setting for home Puja?

Answer 45

Hindu homes feature a colorful shrine with offerings of food, water, fragrance, and light.

Question 46

Who typically performs home Puja?

Answer 46

Home Puja is usually performed daily by the senior woman in the household.

Question 47

What are common elements of Puja?

Answer 47

Common elements include bathing and dressing the deity, offering items like water and flowers, and lighting candles or incense.

Question 48

What is the aarti ceremony?

Answer 48

Puja ends with offering vegetarian food, followed by the aarti ceremony.

Question 49

What are some devotional acts included in Puja?

Answer 49

Devotional acts include inviting the spirit of God into the Murti, washing the Murti's feet, and offering clothes and food.

Question 50

What similarities exist between home and Mandir Puja?

Answer 50

Both involve worshipping deities with offerings and end with the aarti ceremony.

Question 51

What are the main features of a Mandir?

Answer 51

All temples have a Murti or symbol of the deity, a canopy over the deity, and a priest to care for the sacred image.

Question 52

How is worship conducted in Mandirs?

Answer 52

Mandir puja involves a priest, and worship often has men and women sitting separately.

Question 53

What is the havan ceremony?

Answer 53

The priest begins by lighting a sacred fire and performing the havan ceremony to purify individuals before approaching God.

Question 54

What are the differences between home and Mandir Puja?

Answer 54

Home Puja is private and performed daily, while Mandir Puja is communal and led by a priest.

Question 55

What do scriptures and law books provide in Hinduism?

Answer 55

They provide guidelines, but following them is an individual choice.

Question 56

What is the significance of preparing and offering food to deities?

Answer 56

It allows many Hindus to serve God (seva) and express their sense of devotion and love.

Question 57

What is bhakti marga?

Answer 57

It is a path that develops a passionate, personal relationship between devotee and deity.

Question 58

What is Personal Puja?

Answer 58

Personal Puja focuses on an individual's relationship with the deity, encouraging personal expression, prayer, and offerings.

Question 59

What is an example of Personal Puja?

Answer 59

A devotee performing daily puja at home with flowers, incense, and prayers to a Murti of Vishnu or Shiva.

Question 60

What is Congregational Puja?

Answer 60

Congregational Puja involves worship in groups, typically in Mandirs or public spaces, led by a priest or guru.

Question 61

What is an example of Congregational Puja?

Answer 61

A group participating in a large Durga Puja at a temple.

Question 62

What are the three main places Hindus worship?

Answer 62

Mandir (Temple), Home Shrines, and Outdoor Public Spaces.

Question 63

What is the significance of personal worship?

Answer 63

Some believe it represents intimate communication with the divine, strengthening one's dharma and self-purification.

Question 64

What is the significance of communal worship?

Answer 64

Others emphasize it, believing the collective energy magnifies spiritual impact and strengthens community ties.

Question 65

What does darshan mean?

Answer 65

Darshan comes from the Sanskrit word 'darsana,' meaning sight or vision.

Question 66

What is the significance of receiving darshan?

Answer 66

It is believed to open the heart, providing peace, blessings, and divine energy (Shakti).

Question 67

What is Pradakshina?

Answer 67

A temple ritual where devotees walk around the garbha griha, keeping the shrine to their right.

Question 68

What does the word 'Pradakshina' mean?

Answer 68

It means 'to the right' in Sanskrit and is done in a clockwise direction.

Question 69

What is Prashad?

Answer 69

Food offered to God during worship, representing gratitude for life.

Question 70

What is Charanamrit?

Answer 70

A special form of Prashad, consisting of water or milk used to wash the feet of the Murti or a holy saint.

Question 71

What do the offerings of Prashad symbolize?

Answer 71

They represent the five senses and five elements, symbolizing the devotee offering their heart to God.

Question 72

What is the relationship between Murtis and Saguna Brahman?

Answer 72

Murtis represent God with attributes.

Question 73

How does love and devotion in Puja relate to Bhakti Yoga?

Answer 73

It reflects practices of Bhakti Yoga.

Question 74

What did Ramakrishna do to seek darshan of the Goddess Kali?

Answer 74

He began an all-consuming day and night meditation until Kali eventually appeared to him.

Question 75

What is Holi often referred to as?

Answer 75

Holi is often referred to as the 'Festival of Colours.'

Question 76

What does Holi mark the arrival of?

Answer 76

Holi marks the arrival of spring, symbolising renewal, fertility, and devotion.

Question 77

Who said, 'Holi is a festival which teaches us to forget and forgive'?

Answer 77

Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Holi is a festival which teaches us to forget and forgive.'

Question 78

What does Rumi suggest we do on Holi?

Answer 78

Rumi suggests we open our hearts and embrace the beauty that surrounds us.

Question 79

What story is represented in some Hindu traditions during Holi?

Answer 79

The story of Holika and Prahlada is represented in some Hindu traditions during Holi.

Question 80

Who was Holika?

Answer 80

Holika was the sister of Hiranyakasipu, the King of the demons.

Question 81

What did Hiranyakasipu demand from the people?

Answer 81

Hiranyakasipu demanded that people stop worshipping the gods and start praying to him.

Question 82

What happened to Prahlada when he continued to pray to Vishnu?

Answer 82

Prahlada was poisoned, trampled by elephants, and faced various attempts on his life but remained unharmed.

Question 83

What did Holika attempt to do to Prahlada?

Answer 83

Holika attempted to kill Prahlada by walking into fire with him.

Question 84

What saved Prahlada from the fire?

Answer 84

Prahlada prayed to Vishnu for protection and was saved.

Question 85

What is the significant theme reflected in the story of Holika and Prahlada?

Answer 85

The theme of dharma overcoming adharma (righteousness prevailing over wickedness) is reflected in the story.

Question 86

What does the Vishnu Purana say about those who oppress the virtuous?

Answer 86

The Vishnu Purana states, 'He who, forsaking the injunctions of the Vedas, oppresses the virtuous, shall be destroyed by the very means he employs.'

Question 87

What is Holika Dahan?

Answer 87

Holika Dahan is a ritual in modern Holi celebrations where large bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi to symbolize the destruction of evil.

Question 88

What does Holika Dahan symbolize?

Answer 88

Holika Dahan symbolizes the destruction of evil and is a reminder of moral duty and divine justice.

Question 89

What role does fire (Agni) play in Hinduism?

Answer 89

In Hinduism, fire (Agni) is seen as a purifier, and newborns are blessed through a fire ritual (yajna).

Question 90

What does the story of Holika and Prahlada teach?

Answer 90

The story teaches that unwavering devotion (bhakti) and righteousness (dharma) lead to divine grace.

Question 91

How do some Hindus celebrate Holi in memory of Krishna?

Answer 91

Some Hindus celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder (gulal) and water at each other, recalling Krishna's playful pranks on the gopis.

Question 92

Who is Radha in relation to Krishna?

Answer 92

Radha is recognized as the loveliest of the cowgirls and is considered Krishna's consort, symbolizing divine love.

Question 93

What is the significance of Radha waiting for Krishna?

Answer 93

Radha's faithful waiting for Krishna represents the purity of divine love, even as Krishna fulfills his duties.

Question 94

What does the story of Radha and Krishna represent?

Answer 94

The story represents prema (divine love) and the joyous spirit of devotion.

Question 95

What does the Bhagavata Purana say about Krishna's love?

Answer 95

According to the Bhagavata Purana (10.32.2), 'Krishna's love is boundless, his play is divine, and through his joyous pastimes, the universe rejoices.'

Question 96

What does the throwing of colored powders during Holi symbolize?

Answer 96

The throwing of colored powders symbolizes the breaking of societal and physical barriers, promoting the idea that love transcends superficial differences.

Question 97

What does David Kinsley say about the story of Radha and Krishna in Holi?

Answer 97

David Kinsley explains that the story dissolves distinctions between the divine and human, allowing participants to embody the sacred through play and joy.

Question 98

What is the significance of the Lathmar Holi tradition?

Answer 98

The Lathmar Holi tradition involves women playfully chasing men with sticks, reenacting Radha and Krishna's teasing interactions.

Question 99

How does Holi function in terms of social structure?

Answer 99

Holi serves as a social leveller, temporarily dissolving caste and gender divisions.

Question 100

What spiritual significance does Holi highlight in Hinduism?

Answer 100

Holi highlights the significance of bhakti (devotion) in Hinduism.

Question 101

What ethical principles does Holi remind devotees of?

Answer 101

Holi serves as a reminder of seva (selfless service) and karuna (compassion).

Question 102

What does Ramesh Menon say about Holi?

Answer 102

"Holi is a sacred invitation to become Radha-absorbed in love, forgetting the self, and embracing the divine with open arms."

Question 103

What does the playful tradition of Holi reaffirm for Hindus?

Answer 103

Through Holi, Hindus reaffirm their devotion to God and embrace the lila (divine play) of life.

Question 104

How is the highest form of love in Vaishnavism symbolically represented?

Answer 104

It is symbolically represented as the bond between the wife and husband or beloved and lover. ## Footnote Subharmony Das

Question 105

What does Rama do to invoke Durga's blessing?

Answer 105

Rama completes chanti-puja to invoke Durga's blessing to kill Ravana.

Question 106

What was the outcome of Rama's invocation of Durga?

Answer 106

Rama succeeded in killing Ravana and returned victorious to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman. ## Footnote This victory is celebrated at Diwali.

Question 107

Who was Mahishasura and what was his blessing?

Answer 107

Mahishasura was given a blessing by Shiva that only a woman could kill him.

Question 108

What did Mahishasura do with his blessing?

Answer 108

He began a reign of terror over the universe and defeated the gods.

Question 109

How was Durga created?

Answer 109

The Trimurti focused their power at one point, creating Durga with features from Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Question 110

What is the purpose of the story of Durga in relation to the Ramayana?

Answer 110

It reinforces Durga's role as a force that empowers devotees in times of struggle.

Question 111

What do the worship of Durga during Navratri and Durga Puja symbolize?

Answer 111

They symbolize the need for divine strength and guidance in overcoming adversity.

Question 112

What role does Durga play in the lives of her devotees?

Answer 112

Durga is worshipped as the ultimate protector who removes negativity and empowers her devotees.

Question 113

Who were the Pandavas?

Answer 113

The Pandavas were five brothers who fought evil forces with a set of distinctive weapons.

Question 114

What did the Pandavas do before going into exile?

Answer 114

They abandoned their weapons and went into exile for one year.

Question 115

Where did the Pandavas hide their weapons?

Answer 115

They hid their weapons in a Shami tree.

Question 116

What did the Pandavas do after returning from exile?

Answer 116

They found their weapons at the same place and worshipped the tree before going into battle, which they won.

Question 117

What does Durga's presence in the Mahabharata signify?

Answer 117

Durga's presence highlights her role as the divine force behind righteous wars, reinforcing the idea that good must actively combat evil.

Question 118

How is the belief in Durga reflected in celebrations?

Answer 118

This belief is echoed in Durga Puja celebrations, where the goddess is venerated as a protector and guide.

Question 119

Who was Kautsa?

Answer 119

Kautsa was the son of a Brahmin called Devdatt and lived in Paithan.

Question 120

Who educated Kautsa?

Answer 120

He was educated by his guru, Varatantu.

Question 121

What was the guru's response to Kautsa's desire to give a present?

Answer 121

The guru told him that it was not appropriate and that seeing his disciple succeeding was enough of a reward.

Question 122

What does Durga Puja symbolize?

Answer 122

The narrative symbolizes the balance between material prosperity (artha) and spiritual duty (dharma), reminding devotees of the ethical use of wealth.

Question 123

What is the significance of the festival in terms of giving?

Answer 123

The festival serves as a time for giving, reflecting the belief that devotion to Durga brings both spiritual enlightenment and material well-being when used for righteous purposes.