Hinduism

Question 0

The divine–monism, Brahman

Answer 0

• god, universe, humans, and everything is all one thing(monism) that share one essence (Brahman)
• worship many gods and goddesses, thought of as the various masks of god

Question 1

Ultimate goal of all Hindus–moksha

Answer 1

Salvation through liberation from the constraints of the human condition (Moksha)

• a distant goal, not to be attained in this lifetime
• reincarnation until achieved

Question 2

Upanishads and Brahman

Answer 2

Philosophical texts that form the basis of Hindu doctrines, teach that Brahman is not this, not that

Question 3

Atman

Answer 3

The ultimate reality within

The eternal self

Question 4

Brahman and atman

Answer 4

Are one and the same

Question 5

Cycles of creation–samsara

Answer 5

Chart time and creation in ongoing cycles

• the universe undergoes long periods of creation and destruction that repeats itself endlessly
• samsara the individual is reincarnated from one life form to another

Question 6

Bhagavad Gita

Answer 6

Most popular sacred text

Question 7

Karma and dharma

Answer 7

K: functions with samsara, determines nature of each reincarnation
D: ethical duty based on the divine order of reality,way to live life in an ethical way

Question 8

Caste system

Answer 8

4 classes based on heredity  
Brahmin, priests
Kshatriya, warriors admin
Vaishya, farmers merchants artisans
Shudra, servants laborers 
Outcasts: untouchables

Question 9

4 stages of life

Answer 9

Student-studying sacred literature until marriage
Householder-pursuing career and raising family
Forest dweller-marked by birth of first grandchild. The man retreats from worldly bonds to engage in spiritual quest (May ask wife to accompany)
Sannyasin/ascetic- forest dwellers return but remain detached from normal social life

Question 10

4 goals of life

Answer 10

Sensual pleasure-Kama, limits within dharma
Material success-artha, material success and social power and prestige
Harmony with dharma-ethical duty
Bliss of moksha-infinite being, awareness

Question 11

3 paths to liberation

Answer 11

• Karma marga, the path of works, for the active. Attitude towards unselfishness, live by dharma
• Jnana marga, the path of knowledge, for the philosophical. Shortest but steepest path, devote time to learning and meditation. Most practical Brahmin class. Attain knowledge over ignorance of the nature of reality. Schools of philosophy: Vedanta: monism of Hinduism, sankhya: reality is matter and an inifinite number of eternal selves, strives for freeing of eternal self from bondage of personality. Yoga: spiritual practice, emphasizes physical and psychological
• goal of all schools is to attain knowledge over the ignorance that binds self to samsara
• Bhakti marga/ the path to devotion, for the emotional. Choose one god or goddess to devote yourself to, avatar: incarnation, living embodiment of a deity sent to accomplish a divine purpose, Bhagavad Gita favors this path, daily devotion: practice, temple, shrine, ritual, Holy places, veneration of cows

Question 12

Hinduism in the modern world

Answer 12

Religious leaders, mahatma Gandhi

Contemporary issues: caste system, women, Hindus vs Muslims