Unit 3 - HINDUISM

Question 1

When was Hinduism founded?

Answer 1

Dates back to 1500 B.C.E.

Question 2

Percentage of practicing Hindus in India?

Answer 2

80%

Question 3

Where is the word Hindu derived from?

Answer 3

Sindu River or Indus Valley

Question 4

What is Brahman?

Answer 4

The principle source of the universe. Exists in all beings. Hindu gods and goddesses are manifestations of the one Brahman.

Question 5

What is the Hindu Trinity?

Answer 5

Brahma - creator
Vishnu - preserver
Shiva - Destroyer

Question 6

Define Henotheistic.

Answer 6

Recognize a single deity, and recognizes other gods and goddesses as facets, forms, manifestation.

Question 7

What is reincarnation?

Answer 7

All living beings, from plants to gods, live in a cycle of living and dying.

Question 8

What is the goal of existence?

Answer 8

To reach liberation from the cycle of rebirth and death

Question 9

What is atman?

Answer 9

The human soul

Question 10

What is Maya?

Answer 10

All forms of existence are temporary and illusionary

Question 11

What is Samsara?

Answer 11

Endless cycle of reincarnation

Question 12

What is Karma?

Answer 12

Basic belief of cause and effect (all actions have a consequence)

Question 13

What is Dharma?

Answer 13

Personal conduct and righteous living

Question 14

What is Moksha?

Answer 14

The liberation from samsara and the uniting of Atman

Question 15

What are the Four Varnas in order?

Answer 15

1. Brahmin
2. Kshatriya
3. Vaishya
4. Shudra
5. Dalits (untouchables)

Question 16

What are the Four Ashramas?

Answer 16

1. Brahmacarin (student)
   
   • from second thread ceremony to graduation
2. Grihasthin (householder)
   
   • marriage, family, work.
3. Vanaprasthin (retiree, grandfather)
   
   • live simply with spouse
4. Sannyasa (renounced life)
   
   • wanders freely, living life dependent on God

Question 17

What is the third stage of yoga and what does it do?

Answer 17

Asana: One learns and practices certain bodily postures

Question 18

What is the mundan ritual?

Answer 18

The baby’s first hair cut. Connected to removal of impurities.

Question 19

What is Shilarohan and Laaja Homa?

Answer 19

• Bride walks over stone/Rock
• both walk around fire four times
• brides brother pour some barley into couples hand which is offered to the fire.
• husband marks parting in wife’s hair with kum kum powder

Question 20

What is puja?

Answer 20

Puja is usually preformed individually at home by offering water, fruit, flowers to God and reciting mantras such as Om. It involves images and diagrams of the universe. Preformed three times a day

Question 21

Where did Hinduism originate?

Answer 21

India