Short Answer Section Flashcards
What are the four traditional castes in India?
Varnas (castes) Brahmin - priests Kshatriyas - warriors Vaishyas - skilled traders, merchants Shudras - unskilled workers
What are some of the social and political implications of the caste system?
There is actually one more caste in the system, but it is actually the lack of a caste. The Dailit, or the Outcaste do not even have a place in the caste system because they’re seen as unclean.
The Caste System represents a division of labor based on birth right justified by moral and religious concepts. It stood against the democratic ideal that everyone was equal, undermined the abilities and aspirations of other people, and influenced suppression of the lower castes by the higher castes.
Briefly describe Zen Buddhism incorporating at least three terms from the “Zen Terminology” sheet.
Zen Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana (Great Vehicle) Buddhism that holds a deep admiration for the Buddha’s solitary quest for enlightenment and burning desire to cure the world’s suffering. Through various types of meditation, Zen Buddhists try to achieve a mindfullness that carries them throughout their lives in hope of a Kensho which will end their samsara and allow them to reach enlightenment
What is a “koan”?
a paradoxical anecdote or riddle, used in Zen Buddhism to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and to provoke enlightenment.
A koan is a riddle or puzzle that Zen Buddhists use during meditation to help them unravel greater truths about the world and about themselves.
Give an example of at least one traditional koan.
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it still make a sound?
Compare and contrast Taoism (Daoism) and Confucianism. Incorporate the concepts of “yin” and “yang.”
Confucianism is very authoritative in nature, and it has structures and rules that the Tao Te Ching (A Taoist text) attempts to balance out. In terms of yin and yang, Confucianism is very yang: active, dominant, and sharp in nature, while the Taoist message is more akin to being peaceful and passive.
How does Tai Chi relate to Daoism?
The philosophy of Tai Chi (as a movement art) is based on Taoism and the notion that softness or naturalness can prevail over hardness and rigidity. Students are taught to meet yang with yin.
