Rituals and Materials
Which animal is revered and even worshipped by Hindus worldwide?
the cow
What does is the most popular Hindu text, and what does it's title translate to?
the Bhagavad Gita, means "Song of God"
What is a yoga?
What is one's "ethical duty"?
What is the highest "caste" in the social hierarchy of India?
the brahmin (priestly) caste
What is the name of the practice of cremating a widow along with her deceased husband?
sati
What is the most prominent avatar of Vishnu, who appears to Arjuna in the "Bhagavad Gita"?
Krishna
What is goal of the exercise yoga, the meditative state that one may reach?
samadhi
What is the cosmic scale that determines one's status in the next life, which also means "deeds" or "works"?
karma
What are two aspects of a woman's dharma?
1. obey father
2. be loyal to her husband
3. listen to son
4. take care of her family and home
What is arguably the greatest Hindu temple erected?
the Taj Mahal (king's wife's tomb)
Angkor Wat (temple of worhsip to deities)
Who are the three major deities (and their titles) in the Hindu tradition?
Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer)
What is artha and kama? How do fit into a Hindu's lifestyle?
artha refers to "material wealth" and kama refers to "pleasure"
What is the name for the cycle of reincarnation in which we are doomed to repeat?
samsara
What are two typical aspects of a Hindu marriage?
1. the bride and groom are arranged by family
2. they last for several days
3. they are monogamous as prescribed by the doctrine set forth in sacred texts (Vedas)
What river may be collected by the Hindu faithful or used as part of a bathing ritual? Why?
What is the oldest text that comprises the Hindu faith
the Vedas
What are the three "margas" and their translations?
bhakti (worship), karma (works/deeds), and jnana (knowledge)
What is maya?
because they were believed to have earned poor karma; therefore, their place was earned
What is the most sacred syllable in the Hindu tradition, and how is it used?
"Om" (the international symbol of the religion Hinduism) is often repeated as a mantra to assist in one's meditation/yoga
What are three other deities from the Hindu tradition and their "realm" of power?
Ganesha (overcoming obstacles and war)
Kali (death and time)
Lakshmi (arts and education)
etc.
What is the "school" within jnana marga, which is faithful to the concept of monism in the Hindu faith ?
Vedanta
What is the philosophical concept that all things and creations are technically of one source?
monism
What are the four stages of life (for twice-born men)?
1. the youth/student phase
2. the married/adulthood phase
3. the "forest wanderer" phase (after first grandchild)
4. the sannyasin phase (renunciation of world ties)