hinduism beliefs

Question 1

what do hindus believe of brahman

Answer 1

God who is the ultimate reality and beyond human understanding

Question 2

what is nirguna brahman

Answer 2

God has no form or shape

Question 3

what is saguna brahman

Answer 3

the idea that God has form and can be pictured

Question 4

what is used to represent nirguna brahman

Answer 4

the om symbol

Question 5

what is used to represent different concepts of God and by who

Answer 5

parables by religious teachers

Question 6

what are 3 hindu beliefs on the aspect of Brahman

Answer 6

-he is beyond name gender or form
-perfect form(eg perfect human like Jesus)
-family of deities

Question 7

what are the 3 ways hindus think of God

Answer 7

-Antaryami-God as existing in alls heart
-as a non personal God who is everywhere
-a personal God shown through many deities living in vaikuntha(spiritual realm/perfect world)

Question 8

who make up the trimuti and what are their roles

Answer 8

Brahma-creator
Vishnu-preserver
Shiva-destroyer

Question 9

why is brahma shown to have 4 heads

Answer 9

to show he is looking in all directions and is responsible for the creation of the world

Question 10

what are the 4 items Brahma carries

Answer 10

Vedas-earliest Hindu scriptures-guided by them
Spoon-sacrificial ladle in worship showing he is responsible for offerings
mala-string of beads used in meditation
water pot-water of life shows his role in creation

Question 11

how does the lotus brahma sits on show purity

Answer 11

it emerges pure white from river mud

Question 12

what is hindu beliefs on the birth of brahma

Answer 12

-created by vishnu to continue his work of creation in the different worlds
had no mother so is called self born

Question 13

who is the consort of brahma and what does she represent

Answer 13

-saraswati

-represents music knowledge art and learning

rides a swan which is a symbol of spiritual perfection

Question 14

what is brahma considered to be in ranking of the trimurti

Answer 14

the least important as punishment for his obsession

Question 15

who is the deity who is more of a personal present God lives in vaikuntha

Answer 15

vishnu

Question 16

how is vishnu worshipped and what are the 2 most known

Answer 16

through his 10 avatars(animal/human forms he appears as on earth)
Rama and Krishna

Question 17

what are the 4 ways Vishnu is special

Answer 17

-represents soul of whole universe
-birthed brahma who created entire universe
-worshipped through avatars
-enters heart of all living becoming lord within

Question 18

who is the consort of vishnu

Answer 18

lakshmi

Question 19

what are images of vishnu meant to represent

Answer 19

-to remind hindus to follow religious/moral laws and restore moral orders
as he has the power to prevent suffering an disaster

Question 20

What is Vaishnavism and what are the quallities/and what do they base their worship on

Answer 20

followers aim to be kind as vishnu was
-followers of vishnu
-Vedas /Upanishads and Puranas

Question 21

Why do Vaishnavites believe in antaryami

Answer 21

as they believe Vishnu is within them and aim to serve them

Question 22

what is the symbol of shiva and meaning

Answer 22

the linga (male sex organ) as it shows his ability to recreate after destruction

Question 23

what is Shiva known as and who is his consort

Answer 23

lord of dance
Consort is Parvati/gentle godess known as shakti as well

Question 24

what are shaivites often

Answer 24

ascetics(people who live simple lives)aiming for moksha by complete detachment

Question 25

what do many shaivites believe about reality

Answer 25

there is only 1 reality:atman and brahman are one

Question 26

what is the contrast in the beliefs of Shaivas and Vaishnavites

Answer 26

vaishnavites believe atman is seperate from supreme being vishnu
which god is superior

Question 27

why can hindus be monotheist and polytheist

Answer 27

usually favour one God but recognise others and offer sacrifices to the one they deem as right in that moment

Question 28

who are the 3 main female deities

Answer 28

Saraswati,Lakshmi and Parvati

Question 29

what is divali celebrating

Answer 29

The return of Rama and Sita

Question 30

what are the 2 realities and their meanings

Answer 30

purusa which is spirit
prakriti which is matter

the atman is distinct from the material and temporary mind and body

Question 31

what do Hindus argue would fulfil creation and complete the universe

Answer 31

spirit and matter together
or
spirit to conquer matter

Question 32

what is maya

Answer 32

illusion that a person sees when they reach enlightenment

Question 33

what are the 3 stages matter goes through

Answer 33

the triguna
creation maintenance and destruction

Question 34

what is the triguna seen as in human life and what is a persons actions reflective of

Answer 34

passion,goodness and ignorance

reflective of the balance of gunas in their personality

Question 35

what are hindus beliefs on time

Answer 35

the 4 yugas

Question 36

what are some hindu beliefs on brahman and atman

Answer 36

atman is wholly brahman as it is all powerful and present everywhere forever

brahman is only partly atman or else he wouldnt be supreme

Question 37

what is transmigration

Answer 37

transfer of atman to a different body

Question 38

what is another meaning of moksha

Answer 38

salvation and union with God

Question 39

what are the 4 hindu aims of life

Answer 39

dharma
artha-earning living lawfully
moksha
kama-enjoying lifes pleasures

Question 40

what is santana dharma

Answer 40

duties that link eternal soul to God
eternal truth

Question 41

what does santana dharma consist of

Answer 41

always considering rights and wrongs of actions
remembering God in heart and mind
learning more about God and dharma
trying to reach moksha
worshipping God at home or in the temple
caring for the environment
showing respect to elders/needy