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RELG 350 > Exam 2 - African Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism > Flashcards

Exam 2 - African Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism Flashcards

1
Q

What are the religions in Africa?

A

Christianity (400 million), Islam, Hindu, Tribal/Folk Religion

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2
Q

Characteristics of African Traditional Religion?

A
  1. Belief in a high God
  2. Lesser gods and spirits
  3. Ancestor Worship
  4. Sacrifice
  5. Rites of Passage
  6. Religious Leaders
  7. Syncretism
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3
Q

How many percent of India is Hindu?

A

80%

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4
Q

Is there known originator and datable beginning? (Hinduism)

A

No

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5
Q

Where did Hinduism originate?

A

Indus Valley, Aryan Invaders.

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6
Q

What are the periods (Hinduism)

A

Aryan (sacrifice) -> Vedic (one reality, meditation, devotion) -> post-Vedic (more development)

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7
Q

Hinduism is always _________. More as a ________ than a _______.

A

changing, culture, creed

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8
Q

Brahman is the …

A

divine, absolute, infinite, unknowable cosmic spirit

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9
Q

We can only know Brahman through ….

A

other gods, they are “reincarnation” of Brahman

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10
Q

All things are ___ ____ the ________ (Hinduism)

A

one with the universe

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11
Q

“Atman is one with Brahman.” = Atman, definition?

A

The individual soul or self which keeps being reincarnated. [The divine part of human being that is part of Brahman]

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12
Q

Two key characteristics of Hinduism?

A

Assimilation, Syncretism

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13
Q

Assimilation definition …

A

Process where one group takes on the characteristic (religious, cultural traits) of another group

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14
Q

Syncretism definition …

A

Blending of religious ideas and practices

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15
Q

What are some examples of Hinduism’s Sacred Writings?

A

Shruti, Smruti, Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana

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16
Q

Shruti

A

Large collection of primary scriptures (Mantram Braahmana, Aaranyaka, Upanishad)

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17
Q

Smruti

A

Large collection of secondary scriptures (Ramayana, Mahabharata)

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18
Q

Vedas

A

Collection of oral texts, Foundation of Hindu’s scripture, Eternal truth revealed to the great sages

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19
Q

What are the three parts of Vedas

A

Rig (general knowledge), Yajur (knowledge of action), Saam (knowledge of worship)

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20
Q

Upanishads

A

Influential basis of Hindu philosophy (metaphysical discussion)

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21
Q

Bhagavad Gita

A

story of Arjuna and Krishna, Famous chapter from Mahabharata - longest story in the world - 4x the length of NT - most common

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22
Q

Ramayana

A

Epic poem, defines the laws of dharma

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23
Q

Summarize Bhagavad Gita

A

Arjuna (warrior) has a dilemma. there’s a war with family on both sides and he doesn’t want to kill either. Krishna (Arjuna’s charioteer) advised to follow the path of duty

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24
Q

3 Key Messages Bhagavad Gita:

A
  1. Life does not last, neither life does death.
  2. We create meaning by giving shape to emptiness.
  3. We create right and wrong. (We create truth and let it define us.
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25
Q

In Hinduism god/divinity is in ______

A

All things, all things are part of the cosmic divine force

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26
Q

Brahman “______ __________” (universal soul), he is an _________ ___, can only be known through ______ _____

A

divine consciousness, impersonal god, other gods

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27
Q

Maya

A

Illusion: We are not conscious(aware) of the the fact that we are one with Brahman

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28
Q

Samsara

A

Reincarnation cycle (cycle of life and death)

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29
Q

Moksha

A

escape or release from samsara

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30
Q

Enlightenment

A

The process by which one may escape maya and discover one’s truth and identity

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31
Q

Karma Yoga

A

Action & Acceptance

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32
Q

Bakti Yoga

A

Devotion & Surrender

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33
Q

Gyana Yoga

A

Knowledge & Understanding

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34
Q

Death as understood in Hinduism:

A

Reincarnation; at death only the body dies.
Atman lives in successive bodies until Moksha,
Cremation - entrance to the next reincarnation

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35
Q

Family Life (Hinduism), Female roles?

A

Domestic responsibility

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36
Q

Family Life (Hinduism), Male roles

A

Provide pool income

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37
Q

Family Life (Hinduism), Elders (men) role?

A

Key decisions, guide younger members

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38
Q

Property passes from ______ to ____

A

Father to son

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39
Q

Family Life (Hinduism), Extended family?

A

cares for elderly, children, disabled, etc.

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40
Q

Interdependence (Hinduism)

A

Parents support children, then later children expected to repay & care for parents

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41
Q

What does Buddhism rejects the ______ is one with the ____

A

The individual soul (atman); universal source of life (brahman)

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42
Q

Marriage in Hinduism?

A

Marriage has broad social and religious obligation, not just a personal decision between partners.

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43
Q

Buddhism rejects the Hindu ______

A

Holy Writings

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44
Q

Classical Buddhism denies the existence of ____ or ____ (atheistic)

A

God or gods

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45
Q

Buddhism began as a _____ _____ within Hinduism in the __ Century BC

A

reform movement; 6th

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46
Q

What is the goal of Transcendental Meditation?

A

Goal is to empty the mind of thoughts so that one can experience enlightenment

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47
Q

Transcendental Meditation is a form of ________

A

Spiritual meditation

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48
Q

What’s Buddha’s real name?

A

Siddharta Gautama

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49
Q

Buddha means _______ One

A

Enlightened

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50
Q

“Be still and know that I am God” (Hinduism)

A

man and woman should find divinity within themselves

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51
Q

Buddha was born ____ BC in Northeastern India

A

560 (not accurate)

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52
Q

“Aum” or “OM” is the

A

sacred symbol of Brahman, most elemental expression, more primal than speech.
The “divine oneness” syllable, essential part of meditation/yoga

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53
Q

Buddha was the son of a ____ and he grew up in ______ _______; in other words he was a spoiled, sheltered, and isolated prince

A

Rajah; isolated luxury

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54
Q

Yoga is

A

Physical and mental discipline to achieve a state of spiritual super-consciousness

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55
Q

What happened to him at the age of 16?

A

He was married, had a son, and a harem

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56
Q

Yoga involves _____ and _______ to

A

Breathing exercises and postures to center oneself & become one w/ the universe
(Radically opposite to Christian meditation which is filling the mind w/ spiritual thoughts)

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57
Q

Purity involves _______

A

Personal cleanliness

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58
Q

Buddah’s materialism left him ____ and _____

A

Chained and unhappy

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59
Q

3 Major Pollutants (Hinduism)

A

Blood, Waste Matter (feces), Contact w/ the Dead

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60
Q

What were the four realities of life Buddha shouldn’t have seen?

A
  1. An old man
  2. A diseased man
  3. A dead man
  4. A hermit monk
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61
Q

Purity effects of diet

A

Vegetarianism, respect for life and blood, reverence for animals

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62
Q

Ganges River (Hinduism)

A

Sacred river, cleanse soul, cures

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63
Q

Karma from past existence determines ___________________

A

one’s place in society in this life

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64
Q

What did Gautama realized from his journeys at 29?

A
  1. Tragedy of suffering
  2. Religion failed
  3. Concluded that Hinduism is a failure

The condition of humanity

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65
Q

In early Vedic hymn, the social order is reflected in the ____

A

body of Parusha - the gigantic one who pervades the universe

66
Q

Purusha’s mouth became the _________; his two arms were the _________; his two thighs were ________ & _________; his two arms were __________

A

Brahmins (priests); warriors; merchants & worker; servants

67
Q

4 Major Castes (Hinduism)

A
  1. Brahmin: priests & philosopher
  2. Kshatriyas: nobles & warriors & vassals
  3. Vaishyas: farmers & merchants - generate economy
  4. Shudras: manual laborers & artisans
68
Q

Dalit

A

Outcasts - untouchables, polluted

69
Q

Woman:

A

Identity as daughter, wife, mother [the lighter color you are, the more noble]

70
Q

Festivals

A

“keeps us close to gods” - signifying victory over evil, celebration of diversity

71
Q

How many gods in Hinduism?

A

330 million, polytheistic

72
Q

What happened in Gautama’s 4th journey?

A

Saw a wandering hermit monk

73
Q

Brahman

74
Q

Avatar

A

gods that have taken human form

75
Q

At what age did Gautama realize humanity’s true condition?

76
Q

Hindu deity represents _________

A

An aspect of the Supreme Being

77
Q

Holi

A

Celebration for Krishna

78
Q

gods are worshipped through ________

A

representatives

79
Q

Brahma

A

Creator god, 4 faces - represents time, 4 arms - represents direction

80
Q

Vishnu

A

Preserver god

81
Q

Krishna

A

Human embodiment of Vishnu

82
Q

Rama

A

Warrior incarnation of Vishnu (7th)

83
Q

Kalkin

A

the end of time, will come in a white horse to punish the wicked (10th)

84
Q

Shiva

A

Constructive “destruction”, cosmic dancer, consorts = kali, parvati, others…

85
Q

Hanuman

A

example of the power of devotion, monkey diety, loves flying, could be BIG or small, devotion to Rama in war w/ evil, worshipped on Tuesdays/Saturdays by fasting, offering. Goddess wanted herb, he brought the tip of the mountain.

86
Q

Rama

A

Ideal man, embodiment of dharma

87
Q

Lakshmi

A

Wife of Vishnu, devoted, goddess of fortune, fertility

88
Q

Ganesha

A

gods of success, removes obstacles. Shiva(dad), Parvati(mom). Appearance: beheaded by dad

89
Q

What did Gautama conclude as vain and worthless?

A

All life’s pleasures and attachments

90
Q

What matters in Buddhism?

A

True “knowledge”

91
Q

Shakti

A

Female divine force, mother goddess - source of eternal female energy, also known as: Devi, Sati, Parvati, Durga, Kali

92
Q

What is the Great Renunciation?

A

Prince into “seeker” (wandering monk)

93
Q

Kali (Shakti)

A

goddess, uses love to take away darkness, demonic forces, impurity

94
Q

Hindu’s view of time:

A

Moves through endless cycle, the world of peace & abundance (Brahma), world of decay, despite Vishnu’s intervention, corrupt world destroyed by Shiva, creating space for reincarnation

95
Q

“Puja”

A

Rituals of worship, the way you express Bhakti

96
Q

Prasada

A

“eating with the god”

97
Q

Murti

A

worship of sacred image

98
Q

Murti

A

Interlocking gaze between devotee and diety - great blessing, central of Hinduism, 19th cent. reform opposed

99
Q

Darsan

A

the core of worship at temple

100
Q

At what age did Gautama leave his him and became a homeless wanderer; spiritual seeker?

101
Q

Gurus

A

Spiritual teachers, oral transmission, Vedas, ideal for individual/small group

102
Q

Hindu practices arise from:

A
  1. Vedic tradition
  2. Ascetic tradition
  3. Popular culture tradition
  4. Devotional tradition
103
Q

What quest did Gautama embark on?

A

Truth and enlightenment

104
Q

Maha Kumbh Mela (largest human gathering)

A

Fight for nectar of immortality (Kumbh), cleansing the sins of your lifetime and also 88 generations, moksha, every 144 yrs, largest gathering of sadhus (holy men)

105
Q

Four stages of life

A
  1. Celibate student stage
  2. Married householder stage
  3. Retirement - “forest dweller”
  4. Sannyas Stage - “renouncer”
106
Q

What was Buddha concerned about in society?

A

The suffering of the poor

107
Q

Popular/Folk Hinduism, nature?

A

Surya (sun god): brings clarity

108
Q

Rites of Passage

A

16 rites of passage, change identity, purify soul

109
Q

Ritual of sacred thread

A

boy in puberty, eat w/ mom, over left shoulder, under right arm

110
Q

3 Virtues of Hinduism

A

Restraint, Generousity, Compassion

111
Q

What was Gautama’s early life primarily composed of? (This was his first extreme path)

A

Indulgence; materialism, pleasure-seeking, and selfish desires.

112
Q

Valuable insights of Hinduism

A

Respect life, 3 virtues, value of nature, worth of extended family, devotion to religious practice, respect for diversity & complexity, life is a journey of spiritual truth

113
Q

Hinduism and Christianity, major differences?

A
  • Pantheistic, not atheistic
  • Religion of escape not fulfillment
  • No grace, grace
  • All religions are valid path to God
  • Syncretism
  • Different view on death
  • Christian Faith
114
Q

After the ineffectiveness of the self-indulgence path, what extreme path did Gautama try instead?

A

Path of extreme self-denial; extreme fasting, yoga, etc.

115
Q

4 Noble Truths

A
  1. Suffering exists
  2. The cause of suffering is human desires & passions
  3. Suffering ceases when you eliminate all human desires
  4. Freedom from suffering is achieved by following the “Eightfold Path”
116
Q

The Noble Eightfold Path

A
  • Right Knowledge
  • Right Attitude
  • Right Speech
  • Right Action
  • Right Occupation
  • Right Effort
  • Right Mindfulness
  • Right Composure (concentration)
117
Q

Middle Path

A

A middle ground between self-indulgence and self-denial

118
Q

Mara

A

one of the Hindu devils

119
Q

How did Buddha found solution to becoming enlightened?

A

Gautama looked within himself

120
Q

Buddha’s 3 Temptations

A

by Mara

  1. Flesh (3 beautiful women invited him to follow them)
  2. Spirit (ferocious demon tried to frighten him out of his meditation)
  3. Pride (your spiritual growth & wisdom is too profound for normal people so don’t teach them)
121
Q

What did Gautama perceive with his “divine eye?”

A

The Eightfold Path

122
Q

Core of Buddha’s teaching: (4)

A 
Nothing exists independently
“Non-self” - anatman
Goal is to let go of attachments since all is impermanent
Rebirth, not reincarnation
Nothing is eternal
123
Q

Meditation (Buddhism)

A

Primary means of enlightenement

124
Q

Samatha

A

Focus on a single object of concentration such as breathing. Calm abiding which brings tranquility

125
Q

Vipassana

A

insight, mindfulness moved beyond ordinary distraction to recognize true nature of reality

126
Q

3 Habits that blind human perceptions and prevent enlightenment:

A

Desire, Anger, Ignorance

127
Q

The Five Precepts (Buddhism)

A
  1. No killing
  2. No stealing
  3. No sexual misconduct
  4. No lying
  5. No intoxicants
128
Q

Three Jewels Refuges

A
  1. I take refuge in Buddha
  2. I take refuge in the Dharma (path of enlightenment)
  3. I take refuge in the Sangha (community of the Buddhist faithful)
129
Q

Dharma

A

Law or teaching (path of enlightenment)

130
Q

Dharma includes ____

A

moral and physical laws and knowledge

131
Q

Source of knowledge? (Buddhism)

A

Within found through enlightenment

132
Q

Dharma regulates 4 essential elements:

A

Earth, Fire, Water, Air

133
Q

Dependent Co-Arising:

A

Everything is always changing; nothing is permanent

134
Q

Is there underlying reality?

A

No. No god, noCreator, no eternal being

135
Q

5 skandas

A

Consciousness, Sensation, Feeling, Thinking, Intuition - components of human being

136
Q

Ethics: the importance of intention… The three poisons?

A

Greed, Hatred, Delusion

137
Q

Karma

A

The cosmic law of cause and effect; Determines the quality of the works and action of one’s life.

138
Q

Karma establishes ______

A

The order of universe. Human beings are in bondage to this cycle of good and evil actions.

139
Q

Liberation of Karma can be achieved through ___

140
Q

Nirvana

A

“Blowing out” the flame of desire until you reach the ultimate state without desires

141
Q

Ultimate goal is enlightenment, _________

A

Liberation from samsara (become non-self). Self is extinguished.

142
Q

Life is ______

A

Temporary, sorrowful and full of selfishness

143
Q

4 Basic Buddha Positions:

A

Seating (Meditate), Standing(Ready), Walking(Living), Reclining(Resting)

144
Q

Does “Classical Buddhists” believe in God?

A

No. They honor Buddha but as an enlightenment human being, not a savior or redeemer.. Pay homage to the spirits of nature and and the spirits of ancestors

145
Q

Monks

A

the ideal life, only monks have time to complete the eightfold path

146
Q

What are monks belongings?

A

3 Robes, Belt, Bowl, Water Strainer

147
Q

How many rules does the monks have?

A

227 rules -respect for all life

148
Q

Worship (Buddhism)

A

Pagoda (3 baskets - left, Buddha statues - middle, stupa [represents enlightenment] - right,bowls)

149
Q

Prayer wheel

A

Pray to ancestors (spin)

150
Q

Sacred writings of Buddhism?

A

Three baskets. Sutras(sermons, dialogues), rules for monks, statements about doctrines

151
Q

The most important biographical accounts of Buddha’s life were not written until about _______ year father this death

152
Q

3 Divisions Within Buddhism

A

Mahayana, Theravada, Zen

153
Q

Mahayana

A

believe enlightenment is available for all, pray to Buddha for grace and deliverance, believe celestial being (bodisattvas - postpones nirvana to help others). Have reservoirs for Karmic merit, emphasis on compassion

154
Q

Theravada

A

Enlightenment for select few (monks). Buddha is the human ideal; enlightenment attained only through one’s own efforts

155
Q

Zen

A

“Meditation” - most popular form of Buddhism in West. Enlightenment is totally dependent upon self-effort (meditation)

156
Q

“Koan”

A

A phrase, question, unsolvable problem

157
Q

Objective of Koan?

A

Push one’s mental abilities into a non-thinking mode by repeating/meditating on koan

158
Q

“Staori” (Nirvana) [Zen]

A

The end of rational thought, desires & passions, includes the cancellation of individual identity. Detachment from everything that causes pain, stress, anxiety. Look within for spiritual insight & peace of mind

159
Q

Buddhism is the #___ largest religion in the world

160
Q

The Appeal of Buddhism in the West

A
  • Appreciation for form and beauty
  • It appears to be tolerant - “I don’t need to answer or obey God”
  • It provides a religion acceptable to skeptics and atheists
  • It appeals to sense of works and justice, more “natural” than grace
  • High moral & ethical emphasis (5 precepts)
161
Q

5 Rememberance

A
  1. I am subject to aging
  2. I am subject to ill health/disease
  3. I am subject to death
  4. Everyone & everything that I love will change
  5. My only true possessions are my actions and cannot escape consequences

RELG 350 (4 decks)

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