Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism

• What is Moksha in Hinduism?

  Escaping the cycle of rebirth
• What are the Vedas?

  Sacred texts of Hinduism
• What is the role of a Guru in Hinduism?

  A religious teacher and expert
• What is the force above all other forces in the universe according to Hinduism?

  Brahman
• Who are the three major gods of Hinduism?

  Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma
• What is Vishnu known as in Hinduism?

  God of preserver
• What is Shiva known as in Hinduism?

  God of destruction
• What is Brahma known as in Hinduism?

  God of creation
• What are the five levels of the Caste system in Hinduism?

  • Brahmin: priest
  • Kshatriya: nobles and warriors
  • Vaishya: merchants
  • Shudra: servants
  • Dalit: untouchables
• What are the five types of yoga in Hinduism and their purpose?

  • Karma: fulfilling duty in caste
  • Jnana: studying the Vedas
  • Raja: meditation and concentration
  • Bhakti: devotion to a deity
• Who was Gandhi?

  A leader for India's independence
• What was one of Gandhi's major contributions?

  Stood up for social rights in India
• Who was Sri Aurobindo?

  A scholar credited for modern Hinduism
• What did Sri Aurobindo contribute to Hinduism?

  Made sacred texts easier to read
• Why does Ganesha have an elephant head?

  • Created by Parvati to guard her
  • Blocked Shiva from entering
  • Shiva cut off Ganesha's head
  • Parvati demanded his revival
  • Shiva replaced his head with an elephant's
• What are the key aspects of Hinduism as summarized in the chart?

  • Founder: unknown
  • Absolute: Brahman
  • Afterlife: Reincarnation, Moksha
  • Sacred texts: Vedas
  • Symbols: Yoga practices
  • Rites of passage: Upanayama, ear piercing
  • View on women: neutral
  • Followers: 1.2 billion
• What is Enlightenment in Buddhism?

  True understanding of the universe
• What is Nirvana in Buddhism?

  The final destination after enlightenment
• What is Mahayana Buddhism?

  Buddhists who help others achieve enlightenment
• What is Theravada Buddhism?

  Buddhists who emulate ascetic practices
• What is a Koan in Buddhism?

  A Buddhist parable for enlightenment
• What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

  Principles outlining the nature of suffering
• What are the Eightfold Paths in Buddhism?

  1. Right view
  2. Right aim
  3. Right speech
  4. Right action
  5. Right living
  6. Right effort
  7. Right mindfulness
  8. Right concentration
• What are the characteristics of Chan Buddhism?

  • Direct experience of enlightenment
  • Teacher to student teachings
  • Direct insight into reality
  • Use of koans
• What are the characteristics of Tendai Buddhism?

  • Uses the Lotus Sutra
  • Belief in Buddha-nature in all beings
  • Involves meditation, chanting, rituals
  • Includes theatrical performances and storytelling
• What is the meaning of the Koan involving Keichu(the calling card)?

  Look past social labels to find self
• What are the key aspects of Buddhism as summarized in the chart?

  • Founder: Siddhartha
  • Absolute: Depends on the Buddhist
  • Afterlife: Nirvana, cycle of rebirth
  • Sacred texts: Tripitaka
  • Symbols: Dharma wheel
  • Rituals: Meditation, chanting
  • Rites of passage: Jukai
  • View on women: Cannot achieve enlightenment
  • Followers: 520 million
• What are the key aspects of Jainism?

  • Founder: Tirthankaras
  • Absolute: Atheistic
  • Afterlife: Nirvana, Moksha
  • Sacred texts: Agamas
  • Symbols: Non-violence, truth
  • Rites of passage: Various
  • View on women: Different roles in sects
  • Followers: Digambaras and Shvetembaras
• What are the five vows of Jainism?

  1. Non-violence
  2. Non-possessiveness
  3. Non-stealing
  4. Truth
  5. Chastity
• What are the key aspects of Sikhism?

  • Founder: Guru Nanak
  • Absolute: Monotheistic
  • Afterlife: Rebirth and unity
  • Sacred texts: Guru Granth Sahib
  • Symbols: The Khanda
  • View on women: Equal roles
  • Followers: 5 K's of clothing
• What are the 5 K's of Sikhism?

  • Kesh: long hair, beard
  • Kangha: comb
  • Kach: short pants
  • Kara: steel bracelet
  • Kirpan: dagger
• How are names chosen in Sikhism?

  • Boys: last name Singh
  • Girls: last name Kaur
  • First name: based on random page of Granth Sahib