World Religions Pt 2

Who was the founder of Zoroastrianism, and what nationality was he?

Zarathustra (“yellow camel) - Persian, specifically Iran - (Zoroaster - Greek)

Though the date of Zarathustra’s birth is technically unknown, the most common and probable date for his birth was approximately when?

8,000 BCE -583 BCE, most common, probably 1000 BCE

What was the “Terrible Conflict,” how long did it last, and how many questions were posed by the Aryan priests during this “conflict”?

Gather him in an aryan temples, give him 33 questions over three days - Could answer and give them follow-up questions they can’t answer

In an effort to not give the impression that they worship Zoroaster, many Zoroastrians prefer to refer to their religion why what name?

Good Religion

When Zarathustra came up out of the river, he was met by a bright light, and in that light was what being?

Vohu Manah? God- Ahura Mazda

A major emphasis in Zoroastrianism is on nurturing what?

Good thoughts/ good mind - vohu manah

According to our in-class discussion, God (in Zoroastrian thought) is surrounded by how many “radiant beings” or “divine emanations”?

6 - Good thoughts or good mind - Health or wholeness - Best truth or fullness of truth - Or devotion or piety - Abundance of good or love - Immortality or eternal life

What are Zoroastrians called in India, and what does that name mean?

Parsis (meaning Persians)

According to our in-class discussion, Zoroastrianism went through a significant change (in beliefs and praxis) beginning around when?

During the Achaemenid Empire / later periods of integration and reform

Zoroastrian scriptural texts talk about “gods” of the days, months, and years. So, are Zoroastrians Polytheists, Monotheists, Monists, Modalists, or Monolatrists?

Monotheists (worshiping Ahura Mazda as the supreme creator, with subordinate divine entities/emanations)

Who is Gayomard and what is he responsible for creating?

Ahura Mazda’s son, created Mashye and Mashyane - first human beings

In the Zoroastrian story of the Fall, the first humans (Mashye & Mashyane) began life as what kind of a plant?

Rhubarb, morphs into ppl - Symbol of fidelity & need to accept bitter w/ sweet

Do Zoroastrians believe in one devil or many devils?

Yes, numerous

Why did Zoroastrians originally call their religion the “Good Religion”?

Fixated on good thoughts, good words, good deeds

According to Zoroastrianism, who judges us at the judgement day?

OURSELVES. (like our conscious.)

When you first die, what happens to your spirit (according to Zoroastrian thinking)?

We all can get to heaven, we get to choose - choose good over evil - You go to a bridge or something idk… it’s kinda complicated. - Non-righteous: Something about your spirit being a hag and the bridge gets thinner and falling off into garbage. - Righteous: Your spirit appears as a beautiful lady. Or something idk.

At the “Bridge of Judgement” (AKA “Bridge of Separator,” or “Chinvat Bridge”) the righteous and the wicked are greeted by their conscience—but in what form does their conscience appear?

A HAG. (I think.)

According to our in-class discussion, what did Zarathustra mean when he said, “heaven and hell are the products of the human mind”?

At the judgement of your spirit, your mind creates the heaven or hell that you will live in for eternity…or something idk he talks rly fast.

According to traditional Zoroastrian thought, who are the only beings who do not receive some degree of reward or glory in the next life?

Demons. They go to outer darkness, where they disintegrate until they disappear.

According to our in-class discussion, what do we know about Saoshyant?

Born from a virgin, like Zarathustra - The redeemer or Savior - Then there’s another one: Jesus prolly

What, according to our in-class discussion, do we know about the Zoroastrian scriptural canon?

Yasna - zarathustra’s hymns for worshipping - Visparad - hymns for praise and sacrifice - Yashts - sacrificial hymns which pre-date Zarathustra - Vendidad - laws against the demons and ritual impurity

In class, I mentioned two events that led to the reduction of the size of the Zoroastrian canon. What were those two events?

In fourth century BCE alexander the great conquers new world, many destroyed - Zoroastrians chased out of Iran later, much destroyed then

In a traditional Zoroastrian wedding, what do the bride and groom throw at each other? And why do they do so?

Throw rice, to say that throughout married life they will shower each other with blessings and needs and wants

Why are a Zoroastrian bride and groom encircled with a rope or cord when they marry?

Represent relationship is tied together

In our in-class discussion, how did we define what the Navjote ceremony is?

The initiation/admission ceremony into the Zoroastrian religion for children (usually around age 7-10) where they receive the sudreh and kusti.

What does the term “sudreh” mean?

Protection, undergarment w/ bag/purse of righteousness

What does the term “kusti” mean?

Belt, woven out of 72 threads (one thread for every chapter)

What are you supposed to do with the pocket in your sudreh?

Metaphorically fill w/ good thoughts, words, deeds

According to our in-class discussion, why do Zoroastrians wrap their kusti around their waist three times?

Once for good thoughts, good words, and good deeds - Reminds you to control sexual desires

What do Zoroastrians call their places of worship, and why is that what they call them?

Fire temples - Keep a flame burning constantly, as it is a symbol of the spiritual essence of God - Different levels, highest level: only 9 of them in world

What is the “most important act of worship” in Zoroastrianism?

Prayer

How many times a day do observant Zoroastrians pray?

5 times a day (impacted Islam) - Untie belt while praying, to think about covenants - Pray standing in front of fire

What is the most powerful thing in fighting off the influence of the devil according to Zoroastrian thought?

Talking to god, via prayer, keeps devil away

Why do Zoroastrians not fast?

Fast from committing sin, not from food

According to our in-class discussion, what is the central or most important symbol of Zoroastrianism?

Fire - Represents God, associated with 2nd of divine emanations: Righteousness, which can dwell in you

What was the explanation we gave about the various symbolic elements of the Faravahar, and what each represents?

Central figure: God, holding a ring to symbolize God and truth are eternal - Facing Right, towards Spenta Mainyu - 6 sets of feathers - Boundary in middle: bad thoughts words, deeds - Wings: good thoughts, words, deads - Right end of kusti: turning toward Spenta Mainyu - Left End of kusti: turning away from Angra Mainyu

What is the role of Zoroastrian priests?

Not to preach or preside, but to tend the sacred fire so it’s not corrupted, polluted, put out

Who are the “twin sons” of Ahura Mazda, and what do we know about each of them?

Spenta & Angra mainyu - Spenta, supported father’s plan, is righteous - Angra, becomes devil, chose to fight against God - Ignorant, totally evil, seeks to lead away from God and bring chaos to world - Both entice humans

What are the three “good creations” that Zoroastrians believe we should not allow to be contaminated?

Soil, fire, water - sacred - Very careful about contaminating

How do traditional Zoroastrians (particularly the Parsis living in India) dispose of the bodies of their deceased?

Dhakma: wash body, place on top of tower to be fed to vultures - Last good deed is to donate corpse to animals - Neozoroastrians argue that it's similar to donating to science - Did not bury, cremate, or sending it out to sea

How many official denominations of Zoroastrianism are there?

0. Survived without fracturing. - Around 112,000 worldwide - 11,000 in North America

Who was the founder of Taoism, and what do we know about him?

Lao Tzu - Keeper of archives & worked for the government, married his child?? - Not sure of he actually existed

According to official Taoist teachings (not scholarly opinion), who was the author of the Tao Te Ching? Why do scholars question the “official” view?

Lao Tzu, not sure if he existed

The founder of Taoism became disillusioned by what things happening in his day, and what did that disillusionment ultimately lead to?

Government & society - Lao Tzu left China, recorded his thoughts

The Tao Te Ching is said to be a summary of what?

83 scrolls, dictating each of their philosophy

According to our in-class discussion, the black ox was an ancient symbol for what? What is therefore implied by Lao Tzu and his ox disappearing?

Symbolizes untamed animal nature - Implies it can be overcome

According to tradition, who did Lao Tzu appear to (in 142CE/AD), and what was the result of that appearance?

Zhang Doaling - Appears as a the Tao, orders him to write the Tao Te Ching - Leads to development of Religious Taoism, creating a more systematic organized institution - Not a prophet, but just given this task

Which of the two main denominations of Taoism (Religious and Philosophical) came first? And, according to our in-class discussion, where did the younger of the two denominations come from?

Philosophical (older) - Religious - Comes from visitation, Zhang given commission, ancient folk religion merged with philosophical

Out of Yin and Yang, which is religious, and which is philosophical? Which is passive and which is aggressive?

Yin: philosophical, passive - Yang: religious, aggressive

Are there Taoists who believe in God? Are there ones who do not believe in God? Which denomination believes in what?

Religious Taoists more likely to believe in God - Can be contradictory, like being polytheistic sometimes - Nature worship common place - Zoolatry also commonly practiced - Don’t think in terms of Father or Overseer → Tao is the only “overseer” - Philosophical Taoists more likely to be agnostic, atheistic

Based on our in-class discussion, what is “filial piety”?

Parents take care of children, eldest child (son) take care of them - Respect, duty, service to elderly - Elders reason for existence and have knowledge/wisdom, owed respect - Ensure stories are shared, annual sacrifices on behalf, shrines

How important is soteriology (i.e., theology about the next life and how one obtains salvation) in Taoist tradition?

There is not much, not very important - Focus more on mortal life, how you are now

What is the purpose of life in Taoism?

Wrapped up in Yin and Yang, complimentary natural forces - To live in harmony with the Tao, can’t do that if unbalanced

What are the elements of Yin and what are the elements of Yang?

Yin - Negative, feminine, maternal, intuitive, dark, cold, earthly, weak, deathly - Yang - positive, masculine, paternal, intellectual, light, warmth, heavenly, strong, lifely

While Wu-wei is sometimes rendered as “inaction,” what (during our in-class discussion) did we say would be a better translation of the term Wu-wei?

"Inaction" or "Unattached Action"

According to Lao Tzu, “The Tao that can be explained is not” what?

"The Tao that can be explained is not the eternal Tao" (or constant Tao)

Which Taoists embrace Wu-wei, and which ones reject it?

Philosophical Taoists embrace it, while Religious Taoists generally reject it (focusing instead on active measures like elixirs, longevity practices, and rituals).

Which branch (or branches) of Taoism seek(s) to prevent death, extend life, discover the proverbial “fountain of youth,” and thereby ultimately achieve immortality?

Religious Taoism

What branch of Taoism developed herbal medicine, from which grew our modern science of pharmacology?

Religious Taoism

According to our in-class discussion, how large is the Taoist scriptural canon?

Over 1,000 volumes (one of the largest canons of any world religion)

According to our in-class discussion, how does the Taoist canon continue to grow?

Through ongoing revelations, commentaries, and texts added over time by various masters and sects.

What is the most important Taoist text? And what is the second most read Taoist text?

Tao Te Ching (first) and the Chuang-tzu (second)

How does the I Ching work (or, in other words, how is it used)?

Used for divination and revelation through casting coins or yarrow stalks to interpret hexagrams.

When drawn properly, the dot of contrasting color in the Yin/Yang symbol represents what?

That within every extreme lies the seed of its opposite.

According to our in-class discussion, why is water such a great symbol for the Tao?

Lowest possible position, can be very powerful, futile to struggle against it, conform to it or be destroyed.

What is the role of priests or monks in Religious Taoism?

To perform rituals, lead community ceremonies, conduct exorcisms, and guide followers in health and longevity practices.

Which branch of Religious Taoism has practitioners who either don’t drink wine, don’t eat meat, don’t eat grains, or don’t eat solid foods?

Certain ascetic or internal alchemy (Neidan) sects of Religious Taoism.

According to some Religious Taoists, the 36,000 gods that live in you don’t like what?

Immoral behavior, bad diet, and unwholesome thoughts/actions.

Wu-hsing (not to be confused with Wu-wei) has five elements. What are those five elements?

Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire.

According to our in-class discussion, the combination of Yin & Yang, and the cyclical interplay between the five elements of Wu-hsing, highlight what?

The natural harmony, balance, and interconnected patterns of the universe.

According to our in-class discussion, why do Religious Taoists practice regular exorcisms?

To cast away malevolent spirits (Kuei) and restore spiritual balance and health against disruptive influences.

According to our in-class discussion, why do Taoists use fireworks, bonfires, drums, and even the Chinese New Year dragon?

To drive away evil spirits, cleanse spaces, and celebrate cosmic renewal and energy.

When Jains speak of “god,” to what are they referring?

Beings that are temporarily off the wheel or working on their salvation, moved beyond karma-matter but have to be human again to get off the wheel

While some think Jainism can’t be a religion since it has no God—it being essentially non-theistic. However, we pointed out (in class) several reasons why others consider it a religion. What were the various reasons I shared as to why it actually is a religion?

Rites, practices, ordinances, priests, canon, temples - Functions as a religion

What does the Sanskrit word “Jainism” mean?

“To conquer” - conquer ourselves, things like attachment, bad emotions

Jainism is a spinoff of what religious tradition?

Hinduism

When was Jainism founded?

6th century BCE

According to our in-class discussion, what was the “Axial Age” or “Axial Era”?

Period of philosophical and bizarre religious activity - Higher percentage today of practice of religions from that age, many founders

Who was the founder of Jainism?

Vardhamana Mahavira - Vardhamana -”increasing” or one who “increases” - Mahaavira - “great hero” or “great victor” - Nataputta - name of his birth “clan”

How old was the founder of Jainism when he began his quest for truth and enlightenment?

30 yrs old

What monastic practice has resulted from the fact that Mahavira ripped out his hair prior to throwing himself into monasticism?

Every sixth months, another monk/nun rips out your hair for the rest of your life - Connects you to Mahavira - Overcome attachment to comfort

Why did Mahavira wander about naked for approximately 12 years?

Shedding karma-matter by removing himself from worldly attachment to clothes, shame, control sexual appetites and desires - Doesn’t walk around as to not step on insects or something and kill it - No eye contact, no lust or communication - Begging bowl receives alms or food, doesn’t have to work

Upon enlightenment, Mahavira became known as a “Jina,” meaning what?

Omniscient, knowledge of past, present, and future for all beings - “Conqueror”

How old was Mahavira when he died, and how did he die?

Dies at 72 via voluntary starvation because he moves beyond attachment or craving, thus no desire to consume

What are “Tirthankaras” and how many of them are there? Which Tirthankara is the most important one for Jains living today?

Incredibly spiritual, prophetic figures - By the time they come to earth, already left wheel - have come to help us out - 24 of them - Mahavira

Though Jains and Buddhists would disagree with this, Hinduism considers Buddhism and Jainism as what?

As denominations of Hinduism

In addition to traditional approaches to ahimsa, Jains also speak of what form of ahimsa (not traditionally discussed in other Dharmic religions)?

Purpose of life: first, to renounce materialistic needs to eventually achieve bliss and second, ahimsa - never kill anything if possible - Ahimsa: non-violence - Ahimsa of the mind - nonviolent thoughts

According to Jain thinking, what’s worse; violent actions or violent thoughts? And why?

Violent thoughts are worse, because intentions are what precede actions

Hinduism doesn’t teach that we have an individual soul. Where are Jains on this? Do they believe in an eternal soul, or are they more like Hindus in this regard?

Believes that individuality is retained - we have a soul or Jeva? - for eternity → transmigration - All of us in our last existence will be in human form

What is the difference between “karma” and “karma-matter”? And what does acting out of desire cause “karma-matter” to do to the person guilty of acting out of desire?

Karma is the cosmic moral law of cause and effect, whereas karma-matter is a physical, sticky substance that accumulates on the soul through actions driven by desire, weighing it down and trapping it in samsara.

Jainism teaches three “Ethical Tools” or “Jewels” that aid one’s release from the cycle of transmigration. What are those three “tools” or “jewels”?

Right knowledge - an accurate understanding of reality - Right Faith - belief in the principles of jainism - Right Conduct - living how Jainism teaches one should, incl Right penance

Why can’t a Jain monastic pluck an apple from a tree or eat a carrot?

Vows - Ahimsa: protect all life - Satya- speak truth - Asteya - avoid theft, greed, exploitation - Aparigraha - detachment from material things - Brahmacharya - chastity

Why do most Jain monastics move daily, sleeping in a different spot each night?

Aparigraha - no attachment

What is the official Jain position on scripture?

Authoritative for monks and nuns, not layjains - Mahavira is the source, but didn’t write them - released sacred sounds that were passed down orally

Jainism’s scriptures are intended for what group of Jains?

Monks and nuns

Much like Jews (who marry under a chuppah), Jains are married under a canopy called a what?

Mandap

Like Buddhists and Hindus, Jains have temples that they visit, often to meditate. However, Jains don’t worship in their temples. Why is that?

Because they reject a creator God, so temples are used for meditation, venerating the Tirthankaras, and spiritual reflection rather than petitionary worship.

According to our in-class discussion, the two most important holidays in Jainism are what?

Paryushana (and Mahavira Jayanti)

Since Jains reject animal sacrifices, what kinds of sacrifices do they make, and to whom do they make them?

They make internal spiritual sacrifices, renunciation, and offerings of pure items (like rice, fruit, or flowers) before images of the Tirthankaras.

What is the symbolism behind the swastika—so often used by Jains, but also by some Hindus and Buddhists?

“Swastika” is Sanskrit and means “all is well”. The four arms represent the four states of existence (heavenly beings, human beings, hellish beings, and sub-human beings like plants/animals).