Unit 2: Classical India

Question 1

What are the Four Noble Truths?

Answer 1

The truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

Question 2

What does the First Noble Truth identify?

Answer 2

The presence of suffering.

Question 3

What is the Second Noble Truth concerned with?

Answer 3

Determining the cause of suffering.

Question 4

In Buddhism, what lies at the root of suffering?

Answer 4

Desire and ignorance.

Question 5

What does desire refer to in the context of suffering?

Answer 5

Craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality.

Question 6

What is the relationship between ignorance and suffering?

Answer 6

Ignorance relates to not seeing the world as it actually is, leading to vices.

Question 7

What does the Third Noble Truth signify?

Answer 7

The end of suffering, either in this life or through achieving Nirvana.

Question 8

What is Nirvana in Buddhism?

Answer 8

A transcendent state free from suffering and the worldly cycle of birth and rebirth.

Question 9

What is the Fourth Noble Truth?

Answer 9

The method for attaining the end of suffering, known as the Noble Eightfold Path.

Question 10

List the steps of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Answer 10

• Right Understanding
• Right Thought
• Right Speech
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration

Question 11

What are the three themes of the Noble Eightfold Path?

Answer 11

• Good moral conduct (Understanding, Thought, Speech)
• Meditation and mental development (Action, Livelihood, Effort)
• Wisdom or insight (Mindfulness and Concentration)

Question 12

What does karma refer to in Buddhism?

Answer 12

Good or bad actions a person takes during her lifetime.

Question 13

What are examples of good actions in Buddhism?

Answer 13

• Generosity
• Righteousness
• Meditation

Question 14

What are examples of bad actions in Buddhism?

Answer 14

• Lying
• Stealing
• Killing

Question 15

What conditions determine the weight of actions in karma?

Answer 15

• Frequent, repetitive action
• Determined, intentional action
• Action performed without regret
• Action against extraordinary persons
• Action toward those who have helped one in the past

Question 16

What is neutral karma?

Answer 16

Karma derived from acts such as breathing, eating, or sleeping, having no benefits or costs.

Question 17

True or False: The Buddhist interpretation of karma refers to preordained fate.

Answer 17

False

Question 19

What is Hinduism?

Answer 19

A belief system that originated in the Indus River Valley without a single founder or date of creation.

Question 20

What is the sacred text of Hinduism?

Answer 20

The Vedas, a collection of hymns and ritual texts compiled over a long period.

Question 21

How many followers does Hinduism have worldwide?

Answer 21

Over 900 million followers.

Question 22

What are some unifying concepts of Hinduism?

Answer 22

• Brahman
• Reincarnation
• Caste
• Dharma
• Karma

Question 23

When was the Rig Veda written?

Answer 23

At least 6,000 years ago.

Question 24

How were the stories in the Rig Veda passed down before being written?

Answer 24

They were memorized and chanted.

Question 25

What is the Mahabharata known for?

Answer 25

It is the world's longest epic and centers on a massive war in ancient India.

Question 26

What is the Bhagavad Gita?

Answer 26

A dialogue between commander Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the day of battle.

Question 27

How many deities are estimated to exist in Hinduism?

Answer 27

More than 33,000 deities.

Question 28

What is Brahman in Hinduism?

Answer 28

The ultimate reality, seen as the same god in different forms.

Question 29

What is reincarnation?

Answer 29

The idea that the individual soul (atman) is reborn in a different form after death.

Question 30

What does Dharma refer to in Hinduism?

Answer 30

One's duty according to their caste.

Question 31

What is Karma?

Answer 31

The sum of one’s good and bad actions during life.

Question 32

What are the four major castes in Hinduism?

Answer 32

* Brahmins * Kshatriyas * Vaisyas * Sudras

Question 33

Who are the Dalits in Hindu society?

Answer 33

The lowest group, considered 'Untouchables' and required to do 'unclean work.'

Question 34

Fill in the blank: The goal of life in Hinduism is to achieve _________.

Answer 34

[moksha]

Question 35

True or False: Hinduism is considered a monotheistic religion.

Answer 35

True, because many gods are seen as different forms of the same ultimate reality.

Question 36

What are the Upanishads?

Answer 36

Sections of the Vedas that deal with philosophy, meditation, and the nature of God.

Question 37

What is the significance of Karma in the afterlife?

Answer 37

It determines whether a person will be reborn into a higher or lower caste.