Comprehensive Guide to Doing and Studying Religion: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism

What does 'doing religion' mean?

Practicing faith from an insider's perspective through devotion, worship, or belief.

What does 'studying religion' entail?

Analyzing and comparing religions from an outsider's perspective in a nondevotional, academic way.

Give an example of 'doing religion'.

A Christian praying the Lord's prayer at Sunday Service.

Give an example of 'studying religion'.

A historian tracing how Christianity spread through the Roman Empire.

Who was Swami Vivekananda?

A Hindu who introduced Hinduism to the U.S. at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions and founded the Vedanta Society.

What was Swami Yogananda known for?

He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship and taught a synthesis of Hindu yoga and Christian spirituality.

What is moksha in Hinduism?

The realization that atman (self-soul) is one with brahman (ultimate reality), leading to liberation from samsara.

What are the three margas in Hinduism?

Jnana yoga (wisdom), bhakti yoga (devotion), and karma yoga (action).

What is the focus of bhakti tradition in Hinduism?

Devotion to a chosen deity aiming for moksha through love and surrender.

What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

1. Dukkha (suffering), 2. Samudaya (origin of suffering), 3. Nirodha (cessation of suffering), 4. Magga (path to cessation).

What is nirvana in Buddhism?

The goal of freedom from craving, ignorance, and suffering, achieved by following the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

What does shunyata mean in Buddhism?

Emptiness; the concept that all things lack a permanent essence.

What is upaya in Buddhism?

Skillful means; the doctrine that the Buddha taught different things to different people based on their needs.

Name a sacred place of Buddhist pilgrimage and its significance.

Bodh Gaya, the place of enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

Who was Dr. Bhagat Singh Thind?

The first turbaned Sikh in the U.S. Army and a significant figure in raising visibility for Sikhs.

What is the significance of Ik Oankar in Sikhism?

It represents the concept of monotheism and the unity of all humans before God.

What are the Five Ks in Sikhism?

Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword).

What contributions did Guru Gobind Singh make to Sikhism?

Founded the Khalsa, declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru, and emphasized martial community and literature.

What is the role of dharma in Hinduism?

Dharma refers to duty and ethical responsibilities, guiding individuals in their actions.

What is the relationship between karma and samsara in Buddhism?

Karma drives samsara (rebirth), with actions influencing future existences.

What is the significance of puja in Hinduism?

Puja is a ritual of worship that expresses devotion to deities.

What does the term 'anatta' refer to in Buddhism?

The concept of 'no-self', denying the existence of an eternal self.

What is the purpose of meditation in Buddhism?

To cultivate mindfulness and insight, aiding in the path to nirvana.

How does the bhakti tradition express devotion?

Through practices like puja, aarti, bhajans, and festivals.

What is the significance of the Autobiography of a Yogi?

A highly influential book by Swami Yogananda that popularized kriya yoga and spiritual teachings.