World Religions:: Unit 3 Test Review

Eastern Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Taoism

Where did Hinduism orignate? How old is it?

Originated around the Indus Valley Civilization and is about 4000 years old (one of the oldest religions in the world.

What are the Vedas?

The Vedas are a collection of ancient hymns, chants, prayers, rituals and philosophical teachings.

What do the vedas teach

They teach about worship and rituals, nature and the universe, morality and duty (Dharma), spiritual knowledge and the path to liberation (Moksha).

Why are the vedas important

They’re important because they form the foundation of Hindu philosophy and practice, preserve ancient wisdom and culture, and Guide the spiritual and moral lives of millions of people.
In short, the Vedas are key to understanding Hindu beliefs and traditions.

What is karma

Karma: The law of cause and effect; actions good or bad influence future experiences 

Karma (Action and Consequence)

What is Dharma

Dharma: One's moral and ethical duty according to age, caste, gender and occupation 

Dharma (Righteous Duty) 

• Dharma means duty, righteousness, or the right way of living 

What is Moksha

Moksha is freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (called samsara). It means the soul becomes one with the divine and reaches eternal peace.

Why is Moksha the ultimate goal of Hinduism?

Moksha is the ultimate goal because it ends all suffering and leads to true happiness and spiritual freedom. It is seen as the highest purpose of life in Hinduism.

What is the difference between the Atman and Brahman?

Atman is the soul or the true self inside every person.

Brahman is the supreme, all-powerful spirit that is in everything.
Atman is the individual soul, while Brahman is the universal soul.
In Hindu belief, they are deeply connected — realizing that Atman is the same as Brahman is key to reaching moksha (liberation).

What is the Caste System?

The caste system is a social structure in India that divides people into different groups based on their birth and job.

Brahmins – priests and teachers

Kshatriyas – warriors and rulers

Vaishyas – merchants and farmers

Shudras – workers and servants.

How do hindu holidays show the battle of good and evil

Hindu holidays often celebrate the victory of good over evil. They tell stories where gods or heroes defeat demons or wrongdoers.

• Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return after defeating the demon king Ravana.
  
  

• Holi remembers the burning of the evil Holika and the protection of the good boy Prahlad.
  
  

• Dussehra marks the day Rama killed Ravana, showing that good always wins in the end.

These holidays remind people to live with truth, courage, and kindness.

What are Mantras? What are offerings? Why are they important?

Mantras are sacred words or sounds that are repeated during prayers and rituals to focus the mind and connect with the divine.

Offerings are gifts like flowers, food, water, or incense given to gods during worship.

Mantras and offerings show respect and devotion to the gods. They help people feel closer to the divine and bring peace, blessings, and good fortune.

Where did Buddhism come from?

Buddhism began in India around 2,500 years ago. It was started by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who found a path to end suffering.

how does buddhism differ from hinduism?

• No Caste System: Buddhism rejects the caste system.
  
  

• No Focus on Gods: Buddhism does not worship gods the way Hinduism does.
  
  

• Goal: Buddhism teaches that people can reach nirvana (freedom from suffering) by following the Eightfold Path, not through rituals or sacrifices.
  
  

• Rebirth: Both believe in rebirth, but Buddhism focuses more on actions (karma) and the mind.

In short, Buddhism focuses on ending suffering through wisdom and self-discipline.

Who is the Buddha? What did he do? Why is he so important?

The Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama, a prince from India who lived about 2,500 years ago.

Buddha left his royal life to find the cause of human suffering. After deep meditation, he reached enlightenment and became the Buddha, which means "The Enlightened One." He then taught others how to end suffering.

The Buddha is important because he started Buddhism and showed a path to peace, wisdom, and freedom from suffering. Millions of people still follow his teachings today.

What are the Three Jewels?

The Three Jewels are the three most important parts of Buddhism. Buddhists take refuge in them for guidance and support.

The Buddha – the teacher
The Dharma – the Buddha’s teachings

The Sangha – the community of Buddhists

What are the four truths?

The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life involves suffering, pain, and dissatisfaction.

The Truth of the Cause of Suffering: Suffering is caused by desire, attachment, and ignorance.

The Truth of the End of Suffering: It's possible to end suffering by letting go of desire and attachment.

The Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering: The way to end suffering is by following the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right actions, and right meditation.

These truths guide people to understand and overcome suffering.

What is the purpose of the Eightfold path

The Eightfold Path is a guide to end suffering and achieve nirvana (enlightenment). It teaches how to live a wise, ethical, and mindful life.

1. Right understanding
   
   

2. Right intention
   
   

3. Right speech
   
   

4. Right action
   
   

5. Right livelihood
   
   

6. Right effort
   
   

7. Right mindfulness
   
   

8. Right concentration

By following these steps, Buddhists work toward ending suffering and living a peaceful, balanced life.

What are Mantras? What are offerings? Why are they important?

Mantras are sacred words or phrases repeated during meditation or prayers to focus the mind and connect with spiritual energy.

Offerings are gifts like flowers, incense, food, or light given to Buddha or spiritual figures during worship to show respect and devotion.

Mantras help calm the mind and deepen spiritual practice. Offerings are a way to show gratitude, humility, and the desire to cultivate good qualities like generosity and kindness.

Where did Jainism originate? How old is it?

Jainism originated in India.

Jainism is over 2,500 years old, with its roots going back to the teachings of Lord Mahavira, who is considered the last of the great spiritual teachers.

Who was Mahavira?

Mahavira was the 24th and final Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) in Jainism. He is considered the founder of the Jain faith as it is known today.

Mahavira taught the path of non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and self-discipline. He spent years in meditation and fasting to reach enlightenment.

1. What is Agamas?

Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence. In Jainism, it means not causing harm to any living being through thoughts, words, or actions.

Ahimsa is the core value of Jainism and is practiced by Jains to promote peace, compassion, and respect for all life.

What is Anekantavada?

Anekantavada is the principle of non-absolutism. It teaches that truth and reality are complex and can be understood from different perspectives.

In Jainism, this means that no single viewpoint can capture the full truth, and we should respect different opinions and understand things from multiple angles.

What is Aparigraha?

Aparigraha is the principle of non-possessiveness or non-attachment. It teaches that we should not be attached to material possessions and should live simply.

In Jainism, this principle encourages detachment from worldly things to focus on spiritual growth and inner peace.

Where did Sikhism originate? How old is it?

Sikhism originated in Punjab, which is now part of India and Pakistan.

Sikhism is about 500 years old, founded in the late 15th century.

 Why did Sikhism originate as a separate religion to Hinduism/Buddhism? 

 Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak to address social issues and religious practices of the time. It taught devotion to one God, equality of all people, and rejected rituals, caste systems, and other practices found in Hinduism and Buddhism, establishing itself as a distinct faith.

What is a guru? Why are they important?

 In Sikhism, Gurus are important because they provide wisdom, teachings, and direction. Guru Nanak was the first Guru, and there were ten Gurus in total. The teachings of the Gurus are found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which is considered the eternal Guru after the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

What are the 5 K’s? What do they represent?

The 5 K's are five symbols worn by baptized Sikhs as a sign of their faith. They are:

Kesh – uncut hair, representing holiness and respect for God's creation.

Kara – a steel bracelet, symbolizing the oneness of God and the unity of all people.

Kanga – a wooden comb, symbolizing cleanliness and order.

Kachera – cotton undergarments, representing self-control and modesty.

Kirpan – a small sword, symbolizing the defense of justice and the protection of the weak.

Together, they represent the Sikh commitment to spirituality, discipline, and living a truthful and righteous life.

How do Sikh show the balance of good and evil and the importance of God?

Sikh holidays often celebrate the victory of good over evil and emphasize the importance of God.

• Vaisakhi marks the formation of the Khalsa, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and unity under God's guidance.
  
  

• Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, reminding Sikhs of the importance of living with truth, humility, and devotion to God.
  
  

• Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas) commemorates Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment, symbolizing the victory of good over oppression, with God's protection.
  
  

These holidays highlight the Sikh belief in God's presence, justice, and the importance of living in harmony with divine teachings.

What is Seva? How does that show us how Sikhs choose to live?

Seva is the practice of selfless service to others, done without expecting anything in return.

Seva is a central part of Sikh life. It shows that Sikhs believe in helping others, especially those in need, and living with humility and compassion. It reflects the Sikh values of equality, service, and devotion to God through action.

Is Taoism a Religion or a Philosophy?

• As a religion, Taoism includes rituals, worship of deities, and practices aimed at achieving spiritual harmony and immortality, often through temples and ceremonies.
  
  

• As a philosophy, Taoism focuses on living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), which is the natural order of the universe. It emphasizes simplicity, humility, and balance in life.
  
  

In short, Taoism can be approached as a spiritual practice (religion) or a way of thinking about life and nature (philosophy).

What is the Yin and Yang? What do they help us understand?

Yin is associated with qualities like darkness, passivity, femininity, and cold.

Yang is linked to light, activity, masculinity, and warmth.

Yin and Yang help us understand that everything in the universe is interconnected and balanced. Both forces are necessary for harmony, and they constantly transform into each other, showing the dynamic balance of life.

What is the Tao? How does this show us what Taoists believe?

 The Tao is the natural way or path of the universe. It is the underlying force that flows through all things, guiding them to their proper place and balance.

Taoists believe that to live a good life, one should align with the Tao—living simply, naturally, and in harmony with the world, without forcing or resisting. It emphasizes balance, flow, and the acceptance of life's natural rhythms.

Where did Taoism come from? Who is Laozi?

Taoism originated in China over 2,500 years ago.

Laozi is the ancient Chinese philosopher who is considered the founder of Taoism.

1. What is action through non-action? 

"Action through non-action" (Wu Wei) means going with the flow of life rather than forcing things. It’s about acting naturally, without struggle, and allowing things to unfold as they should. It’s the idea of achieving results effortlessly by aligning with the Tao.

which religion does the dao de jing come from

taoism/daoism

what is sikhisms holy scripture

Guru Granth Sahib.

what are the 5 k’s about

are five items that Khalsa Sikhs are required to wear at all times. They are: Kesh (unshorn hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and Kirpan (small steel sword).

what does ahimsa in jainism mean

means non-violence, non-injury, and the absence of any desire to harm any life form

which of the religions is known to oppose the caste system and practice extreme asceticism

jainism

who is the founder is taoism

lao zi

how have eastern religious beleifs affected the western world

Meditation which originated from buddhism and hinduism have become popular for mindfulness, stress reduction, mental health and self awareness. Meditation is practiced globally regardless of religion.

Yoga originated from hinduism, yoga is now widely practiced in the west or physical fitness and spiritual well being.

Vegetarians and nonviolence which came from Jainism and Hinduism, have influenced western movements which include rights for animals and vegetarian diets.