Hinduism Flashcards
T/F The term Hinduism is not in fact problematic
False, it is problematic because it refers to a geographical reference.
What are the 4 Vedas?
Rig Veda: for priests
Sama Veda: chants for priests
Yajur Veda: used for prayers
Artharva Veda: used for everyday life
What types of sacrifices were performed in the Vedic Religion?
Animal sacrifices: to God of earth and sky
Fire sacrifices: offering of milk and butter
What are the dates for the Vedic Religion?
1500 BCE to 500 BCE
What is the difference between shruti and smirti?
Shruti: what is revealed (comes from God)
Smirti: what is remembered (comes from people, possibly made up)
What are the two books from the Classical Religion (500 BCE to 500 CE)?
Ramayan and Mahabharata
Under which ruler (of the Mughal period) were Hindus “tolerable”?
Akbar
Who was the most important reformer during the British Raj?
Mahatma Gandhi
What was the post-partition of India?
When the British separated India’s continent into two countries (Pakistan and Hindustan)
What is Satyagraha?
A concept made by Gandhi where we use passive resistance instead of violence
What are the two major categories of scriptures?
Shruti and Smirti
What do Hindu priests use when they are seeking an explanation of sacrifices?
Brahmanas
What drink according to Rig Veda produces immortality?
Soma
At what stage of life may one prepare for Samadhi?
Sannyasin
The way of knowledge as salvation is the basis of which yoga form?
Jnana yoga
The control of the self, one of the virtues of Hinduism is known as
Damyata
Who is the god in human disguise that drives the chariot for Arjuna?
Krishna
Samsara is the Hindu term for…
reincarnation
According to karma yoga, the motivation for work should be
duty
Shankara was known for his introduction of
Advaita
A Hindu who chooses a life goal of Kama is in search of
pleasure
What is the name given to Hindu sacred “revealed” writings?
Shruti
The form of yoga that trains the physical body so that the soul can be free is called
Raja
How did Gandhi respond to British violence in India
He resorted to Ahimsa and Satyagraha
In what year did India gain independence from Britain?
1947
The 2nd stage of life in Hinduism is known as
Grihasta
The God in rig Veda who wields a thunderbolt and controls storms and monsoons is
Indra
What did the Laws of Manu represent?
an ideal code of behavior
The sama veda would be referred to when a priest
requires chants for the sacrifices
Which dualistic philosophical system explains the universe without employing gods
Sankhya
In which holy book would one find the yogic paths to salvation?
Bhagavad gita
A person who teaches their insights and reasoning is known as
Guru
During the earliest times (1000 BCE) why did varna play a part in making the Aryans superior to the natives of India?
the light skinned aryans were the conquerors
The phrase you reaps what you sow can summarize
the law of karma
The Hindu concept, samsara, refers to..
the wheel of rebirth which turns forever
T/F the word Upanishads means sitting near a guru
True
T/F THe yoke of work in Hinduism is bhakti
True
T/F The advaita system is strictly monistic
True
T/F Puja is worship through the use of murtis
False
T/F according to the upanishads, there is an absolute end for humankind and the universe
True
Soma, an intoxicating drink, was used recreationally but not in Hindu worship
False
Another word for goddess is devi
True
In post-partition India, there are no conflict among the many different religious groups living there
False
What are the major gods of popular Hinduism? What are their roles?
Brahma: Creator
Vishnu: Preserver
Shiva: creator and destroyer
What are the rig veda gods?
Indra: god of monsoons and storms
Varuna: the god of sky
Agni: god of fire
What is soma?
a ritual drink
What is the Caste system levels? (higher to lower class)
- Brahmins (priest)
- Kshatriyas (warriors, generals)
- Vaishyas (merchants)
- Shudras (laborers)
- Untouchables (outsiders)
What are some of the concepts covered from the Upanishads?
1: idea of supreme being called Brahman.
2: idea of soul that comes from Brahman, called Atman
3: idea that those who do not agree with the laws of Hinduism are in a state of illusion called Maya
4: Karma the idea that for every action there is a reaction
5: Samsara, is the wheel of life, where the soul goes back to Brahman.
6: Moksha is freedom of the soul, liberation
What are the stages of life? Who do they apply to?
1: (ages 8-24) Student- Bramchari
2: (24-about 60) Householder (Grihasta)
3: Retirement (Vanaprashta)
4: Sannyasin
These only apply to the top 3 tiers of the varna (brahmins, kshatriyas and vaishyas)
What are the four goals of life?
1: Dharma (duty/righteousness)
2: Artha (wealth/ success)
3: Kama (pleasure)
4: Moksha (liberation)
Control of the self is known as..
damyata
The act of being generous is known as…
datta
compassion to all is known as..
daydhvam
another word for human ignorance is..
avidya
In Sankhya, what are the terms for matter and nonmatter respectively?
Matter: Prakriti Non matter: Purusha (spirit)
Who is Agni?
The God fo fire (vedic religion)
What is Artha?
goal of life to be successful.
What is an avatar?
god in an earthly form
What is bakhti?
devotion and worship of a god/goddess
What is the difference between Brahma, Brahman Brahmanas and Brahmin?
Brahma: the god of creation
Brahman: the ultimate reality
Brahmanas: Guidelines and explanations of sacrifice
Brahmin: Highest, priestly caste of the the Varnas
