The Foundations of Hinduism
Who is the founder of Hinduism?
Hinduism has no one founder.
What was the Buddha’s name before he reached Enlightenment?
Prince Siddhartha Gautama.
What is the definition of nirvana?
A state of perfect peace and happiness (or a feeling of perfect happiness).
Which branch of Buddhism views the Buddha as a god?
Mahayana Buddhism.
What was the name of the main teacher of Jainism?
Mahavira (known as "the Jina").
Explain the relationship between dharma and karma.
Dharma is your personal duty; following it creates good karma, which determines your next life.
What shocking discovery led Siddhartha to leave his palace life?
He was shocked to see that most people were poor and suffering.
What is the primary goal of following the Eightfold Path?
To stop wanting worldly things and reach nirvana.
What is a bodhisattva?
Enlightened people who stay on Earth to help others reach nirvana instead of going to heaven.
What does the term ahimsa mean?
Nonviolence toward all living things; never harming any living creature.
How would the belief in reincarnation influence a person’s daily behavior?
They would likely follow their jati rules strictly to ensure a better rebirth in the next life.
According to the text, how does one stop "desiring things"?
By following the Eightfold Path (the rules for right living).
If a person follows "Right Speech" (Rule 3), what specific things should they avoid doing?
They should avoid telling lies, gossiping, and speaking badly of others.
If you believe the Buddha was a "great teacher but not a god," which branch do you follow?
Theravada Buddhism.
How would a strict follower of ahimsa treat an insect in their house?
They would not kill it, as they believe in not killing even insects or worms.
Why did the idea of reincarnation give hope to people in lower jatis?
It provided a path to eventually move up in the social system or reach Brahman through good karma.
Why was Buddhism particularly popular among the "Untouchables"?
Because Buddha disagreed with the jati system and taught that everyone could reach nirvana.
How does Rule 1 (Know/Understand the Four Noble Truths) serve as the foundation for the other seven?
It provides the understanding of suffering that motivates a person to change their lifestyle and actions.
How did the role of the Buddha change as the religion spread to different regions?
In some areas (Mahayana), he became a deity to be worshipped; in others (Theravada), he remained a philosopher.
How did Mahandas Gandhi apply Jainist principles to political history?
He used ahimsa (nonviolent protest) to lead India to independence from the British.
How does the concept of Brahman unify the various beliefs within Hinduism?
It suggests all living things and even gods are part of one universal spirit, creating a single ultimate reality.
Contrast Siddhartha’s path to truth with the Hindu path of following one's jati.
Siddhartha left his social role to find truth through meditation, while Hinduism emphasizes staying in one's role.
Is the Eightfold Path more focused on internal thoughts or external actions? Explain.
Both; it includes external acts (not killing) and internal focus (meditation and mind control).
Which branch might be more appealing to someone who feels they need active help to reach enlightenment?
Answer may vary.
In what ways are Jainism and Buddhism similar in their view of "worldly things"?
Both religions teach that people should stop wanting worldly things to reach a state of peace/nirvana.