Philosophy - Functions, Paths, History

Question 1

4 functions of the mind

Answer 1

Citta
Buddhi
Manas
Ahamkara

Question 2

Citta

Answer 2

Memory bank

One of the four functions of the mind

Question 3

Buddhi

Answer 3

Intelligence

One of the four functions of the mind

Question 4

Ahamkara

Answer 4

Ego / i-Maker

One of the four functions of the mind

Question 5

Manas

Answer 5

Processing mind / sensory mind

One of the four functions of the mind

Question 6

4 paths of yoga

Answer 6

Bhakti yoga
Jnana yoga
Karma yoga
Raja yoga

Question 7

Bhakti yoga

Answer 7

Path of Devotion
Liberation through love

Devotional love, surrender to the divine and whole creation

Question 8

Jnana yoga

Answer 8

Path of Knowledge
Liberation through intellect

Philosophical path, reflective, attaining self-knowledge through study, logic and reason

Question 9

Karma yoga

Answer 9

Path of Service

Liberation through self transcending action

Question 10

Raja yoga

Answer 10

Royal Path
Liberation through meditation

8-fold limb method, self-discipline, path of meditation and techniques

Question 11

3 Universal energies (Gunas)

Answer 11

Tamas
Rajas
Sattva

Everything that we see and experience is a combination of these Gunas

Question 12

Sattva

Answer 12

Essence

One of the three universal energies (Gunas)

Question 13

Rajas

Answer 13

Activity

One of the three universal energies (Gunas)

Question 14

Tamas

Answer 14

Inertia

One of the three universal energies (Gunas)

Question 15

5 periods of Yoga

Answer 15

Vedic Yoga
Pre-classical Yoga
Classical Yoga
Post-classical Yoga
Modern Yoga

Question 16

Vedic Yoga

Answer 16

• also called Archaic Yoga
• ritualistic way of life
• people turned to Rishis / Vedic yogis for illumination & vision of supreme reality
• text: The Vedas

Question 17

The Vedas

Answer 17

Oldest scriptures in the world.
Earliest known recordings of yogic teaching and the origin of Vedic Yoga.

4 books of rituals and hymns in praise of God:

• Rig Veda
• Sama Veda
• Yajur Veda
• Atharva Veda

Question 18

Pre-Classical Yoga

Answer 18

• Manuscripts: 200 Upanishads
• Defining verse scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, contains written references to yoga. Central teaching: To do ones’ duty and not expect the fruit of the action.
• Introduction of 6 schools of Indian philosophy

Question 19

Classical Yoga

Answer 19

• 195 Aphorisms: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the first systematic recording of yoga as a practice

Question 20

Post-Classical Yoga

Answer 20

• teaching yoga emerged from oral tradition to more standardized teachings
• yogic practices to rejuvenate the body and prepare for meditation
• Emergence of Hatha Yoga (text: Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
• Emergence of Tantra Yoga

Question 21

Non-duality

Answer 21

Advaita = not two, oneness of life

There is only One Consciousness or Self

Question 22

Duality

Answer 22

Dvaita = two, where two principles (truths) or realities are set forth to exist simultaneously and independently

Philosophy of Mind (western mind/body)

Question 23

6 schools of Indian Philosophy

Answer 23

1. Samkhya
2. Yoga
3. Vedanta
4. Vaisheshika
5. Nyaya
6. Mimamsa

Question 24

Samkhya

Answer 24

• Translation = enumeration
• Rational insight into the nature of reality (strong dualistic)
• Universe is composed by two basic realities:
  1. Realm of Pure Spirit Consciousness (Purusha)
  2. Realm of Material Phenomenon - Matter (prakriti)
• creation as we know it comes by a conjunction of the two

Question 25

Yoga

Answer 25

Union, control of the mind and senses (dualistic & non-dualistic). Yoga is a practice to facilitate the awareness and experience of the body, mind and spirit integration.

Set of techniques that have the imposing goal of helping human beings to become aware of their deepest nature

Question 26

Vedanta

Answer 26

Contemplative self-inquiry (non-dualistic)

Question 27

Vaisheshika

Answer 27

Physical science, naturalism school

Question 29

Nyaya

Answer 29

Logical realism or reasoning, analytics

Question 29

Mimamsa

Answer 29

Freedom through rituals

Question 30

Foundations of Modern Yoga

Answer 30

1. Understanding belief systems - empowering your attitude
2. Physical practice - postures to strengthen your body
3. Meditation - focusing your mind
4. Nutrition - boosting your energy

Question 31

Samyama

Answer 31

The meditative practices of dharana, dhyana and samadhi

Question 32

Japa

Answer 32

Repetition of a phrase or sound (in mantra meditation)

Question 33

Trataka

Answer 33

The practice of fixing the gaze upon a candle flame (object meditation)

Question 34

Vipassana

Answer 34

Buddhist meditation practice, using the breath as a focus point.

Also referred to as ‘insight’ or ‘mindfulness’ meditation.

Vipassana = to see clearly, look deeply

Question 35

OM

Answer 35

sound incarnation of Absolute Truth. No direct translatable word in english (or has many meanings). It is believed to be the sound of the Universe, referred to as the cosmic vibration

Question 36

Shanti (3x)

Answer 36

Shanti = Peace

Peace in divine forces, peace in all beings, peace within oneself

Question 37

Om Shanti

Answer 37

Calls for universal peace

Question 38

Sanskrit

Answer 38

meaning: “perfected, cultivated or purified”

one of the oldest human languages (2nd millennium BCE)

Each Sanskrit word is believed to have its own consciousness, and pronouncing that word is said to tap you into that consciousness. This is especially true for mantras, chants to purify the mind.