Chinese Philosophy and Religion Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four schools of Chinese Buddhism?

Zen (correct)

Chan

Huayan

Tiantai

Who received a revelation from Laozi in 142 CE during the late Han Dynasty?

Laozi

Zhang Daoling (correct)

Confucius

Zhang Zai

What new practice was added to Religious Daoism as a communal activity?

Meditation

Confession of sins (correct)

Internal alchemy

Divination

What characterized the new sect of Religious Daoism known as Supreme Clarity that arose in the 4th century CE?

Revelations claimed to come from a higher level of gods Signup and view all the answers

In what significant year did the Han Emperor make sacrifices to both Laozi and Buddha?

166 CE Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of Confucianism as taught by Confucius?

Achieving human goodness (ren) Signup and view all the answers

Which figure defined human goodness as 'sympathetic compassion'?

Mencius Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of Philosophical Daoism?

Wu wei, or not acting against the dao Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Xunzi’s belief is correct?

He thought education could improve human nature. Signup and view all the answers

Which text is associated with Philosophical Daoism?

Dao De Jing Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ relate to?

Political legitimacy Signup and view all the answers

What approach to knowledge does Philosophical Daoism advocate?

Using experiential learning Signup and view all the answers

How did Confucius wish his disciples to behave?

To embody the qualities of a gentleman (junzi) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of discerning the 'principle' in Neo-Confucianism?

To reach Sagehood Signup and view all the answers

What were the Four Books reduced from according to Neo-Confucianism?

The Thirteen Classics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a key characteristic of Numinous Treasure?

Integration of Buddhist deities Signup and view all the answers

Who established Neo-Confucianism during the Southern Song Dynasty?

Zhu Xi Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used in Neo-Confucianism to refer to the ultimate 'principle' of the world?

Dao Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Popular Chinese Religion is drawn directly from Buddhism?

Understanding of the afterlife Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is emphasized in Neo-Confucianism as a means to understand the 'principle'?

Quiet sitting Signup and view all the answers

In Chinese Popular Religion, which tradition is primarily associated with the understanding of morality in public life?

Confucianism Signup and view all the answers

Which epic tells the story of Rama's battle against the demon Ravana?

Ramayana Signup and view all the answers

What do the stories in the Mahabharata primarily reflect regarding familial relationships?

The discord between the Pandavas and Kauravas Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Hindu epics, who is primarily regarded as the god of society?

Vishnu Signup and view all the answers

What has largely replaced food sacrifices in Hindu worship as noted in the evolution of practices?

Pilgrimage to sacred sites Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following embodies the cycles of the universe mentioned in the Hindu epics?

Cycles of creation, preservation, destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily associated with the concept of yugas in Hindu tradition?

Cosmic time-cycles Signup and view all the answers

Which deities are commonly paired together in Hindu mythology?

Vishnu and Lakshmi Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in Hindu religious practices regarding puja?

Replacement of fire sacrifices Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Tamil bhakti-saints and what was their contribution?

Composers of hymns expressing devotion Signup and view all the answers

In Hinduism, what role did brahmin priests transition into?

Temple-based puja experts Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Hindu practice of pilgrimage?

It is an expression of religious devotion. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT true about Vishnu according to Hindu beliefs?

He is always viewed as the highest god. Signup and view all the answers

The Puranas in Hinduism primarily consist of what?

Anthologies of mythology Signup and view all the answers

What is the core premise of the Path of the Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?

It is based on the teachings of historical buddhas in past-life stories. Signup and view all the answers

Which celestial bodhisattva is specifically mentioned in connection with the Lotus Sutra?

Avalokiteshvara Signup and view all the answers

What does the teachings of Amitabha Buddha offer to his followers?

Guaranteed rebirth in the Pure Land (Sukhavati) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the historical fate of Buddhism in India by the 13th century CE?

It faced competition and persecution that led to its decline. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Six Perfections practiced by a Bodhisattva?

Wealth Signup and view all the answers

Why did Buddhism manage to survive despite its decline in India?

It spread widely outside of India before the 13th century. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of early Chinese religion during the Shang and Zhou dynasties?

Animism and sacrifices to gods/spirits. Signup and view all the answers

What unique role did Confucianism play in Chinese religion?

It emphasized moral behavior and social harmony. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

RS 1023E (570) Midterm Exam Review

Exam Dates & Times:
- Saturday, December 21, 2024
- 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- W 170
- 3 hours in length
Exam Format:
- Two parts
- Part 1: 40 multiple choice/true-or-false questions (1 point each = 40 points total)
- Part 2: 4 written answer questions (15 points each = 60 points total)
- Multiple choice questions follow the same format as the Indian Religions Quiz
- Written answers should focus on content rather than style. Each written-answer question is worth 15 points, so detailed answers are essential.

Resources

Course Reader in Asian Religions (OWL)
Lecture Notes (including PowerPoint slides on OWL)
Mid-Term Exam Study Guide (OWL)

Four Broad Sections

Introduction to Religion, RS and Secular Humanism
Religions of India (Hinduism & Buddhism)
Religions of China (Confucianism & Daoism [Buddhism])
Religions of Japan (Shinto [Buddhism])

Mental Maps

Start with a broad overview (map) of each topic
Fill in details as understanding develops

A Major Theme in the Course

Religions change over time
The course follows a largely chronological structure
Focus on the centuries when key developments occurred
Students are not required to memorize exact dates, but should know the correct century for important events

Secular Humanism

Definition of Secular Humanism
Freud's perspective: religion as a coping mechanism for fears of nature and the repression of civilization.
Maslow's view: religiousness as a response to peak experiences.
Dawkins' view: religion as an evolutionary byproduct of gullible minds.

Religions of India

Hinduism: 1400 BCE to present (3500 years)
Buddhism: 500 BCE to 1300 CE (1800 years)

Hinduism - Main Topics

Introduction to India and Indian Religions
Vedic Period
Origin of Hinduism and the Fire Sacrifice
Upanishads
Post-Vedic Period
Hindu Dharma, the Laws of Manu, and Rites of Passage/Funerals
Hindu Epic Mythology, the Epics in Brief, and the Bhagavad-Gita
Explosion of Hindu Mythology (in the Puranas) and New Religious Practices

Hinduism - Vedic Period

Early/Middle Vedic Period (1400-700 BCE): Hymns (Rig Veda), fire sacrifices to gods (e.g., Indra, Agni, Soma), texts of ritual theory. Focus on social participation for heaven.
Late Vedic Period (700-500 BCE): Upanishads, reincarnation, law of karma, samsara, moksha (atman = brahman). Focus on world renunciation and spiritual liberation.

Hinduism - Dharma

Cosmic dharma vs. social dharma
Dharma as a solution to the inner tension between duty in the world and renouncing the world for spiritual liberation
Laws of Manu (1st c. BCE – 2nd c. CE): dharma according to social class and life stage; includes theology of debts
Bhagavad-Gita (1st c. CE): physical participation in society with mental renunciation (through yoga)

Hinduism - The Epics

Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata (200 BCE-400 CE)
Cultural products created by Valmiki and Vyasa
Stories can be read as human-centered or cosmically
Good (gods) triumphing over evil (demons)
Vishnu's avatars as Rama and Krishna
Importance of dharma
Ramayana: Rama's killing of demon Ravana, who kidnapped his wife Sita
Mahabharata: Righteous sons of Pandu (Pandavas) overcoming evil cousins (Kauravas) to win the Kuru Kingdom
New Universe of the Epics: rise of Vishnu & Shiva (and Brahma), demotion of Vedic gods. Vishnu as god of society, Shiva as god of renunciation
Devotion largely replaces food sacrifices
Institution of pilgrimages
Cycles of creation, existence, destruction
Existing world through repeated cosmic time-cycles (yugas)

Hinduism – Explosion of Mythology

Puranas (300-1500 CE): anthologies of mythology continuing trends of the Epics
Stories of many new gods and goddesses
Vishnu or Shiva as the highest god based on context

Hinduism - New Religious Practices

Puja: Production of sacred images of epic/puranic deities, temples to house sacred images, ritual worship (puja) replacing fire sacrifices
Brahmin priests transformed from Vedic sacrificial experts to temple-based puja experts
Temples become a new sphere of public worship, devotees visit temples for darshan
Pilgrimage: A religious activity dating to the Mahabharata, expressing a devotion to sacred places where divine activity takes place

Hinduism - Devotion (bhakti)

Tamil bhakti-saints arise in South India (6th c. CE)
Composed hymns of devotion to Vishnu or Shiva.
Salvation through devotion; anti-ritual; anti-caste
Spirit of bhakti spreads north to embrace all of India

Buddhism – Topics

Life of the Buddha & Early Scriptures;
Early Buddhist Teachings/Doctrines;
Historical Development & Origins of Mahayana;
Growth and Practice of Mahayana Buddhism;
Becoming and Being a Buddhist.

Buddhism – Life of Buddha

Three sources: early scriptures, later biographies, past-life stories
Born in 5th c. BCE in northeast India (Shakya clan)
Named Siddhartha (of the) Gautama (lineage),aka Shakyamuni (sage of the Shakya clan).
Married; had a son
Renounced as a shramana (around ages 29-30).
Trained with two teachers
Practiced harsh asceticism for years.
Arrived at a Middle Path, Enlightenment (around 35)
Preached for 45 years
Gathered community(monks, nuns, laity)
Died at the age of 80; cremated
Remains distributed as relics in stupas.
Scriptures (collected at First Buddhist Council): Monastic Code (Vinaya) and Sermons/Conversations (Sutras).

Buddhism – Early Doctrines

Three characteristics of existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, lack of self
Five Aggregates (skandhas): form, feeling, perception, karma formations (including personality traits), consciousness
12-Link Chain of Dependent Origination: traces the ultimate cause of suffering (duhkha) to ignorance; removing ignorance removes duhkha.
The Four Noble Truths: duhkha (suffering), cause of duhkha (craving), end to duhkha (nirvana), path to the end of duhkha (Eightfold Path)
Eightfold Path: Wisdom (Right View, Right Intention), Morality (Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood), Meditation (Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration).

Buddhism - Becoming and Being a Buddhist

Becoming a Buddhist: The Three Refuges ("I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha")
The Five Precepts (for all Buddhists, including laypeople): abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, taking intoxicants
Additional precepts for novices
Full Vinaya for monks (225 rules) and nuns (320 rules)

Buddhism – Historical Development

Division into 18-20 schools (nikayas) after the Buddha's death. Theravada (Path of the Elders) survives to present with its Pali Canon.
Emperor Ashoka (3rd c. BCE): converted to Buddhism; sent missionaries (Theravada into Sri Lanka)
Addition of Abhidharma to Scriptural Canon after schools split off.

Buddhism – Origins of Mahayana

'Maha-yana' ('Great-Vehicle') as a reform movement in the 1st c BCE
Labelled existing practice as 'Hina-yana' ("Lesser-Vehicle")
Critiques of Hinayana: selfish Arhat path, Buddha vanishing, obsession with Abhidharma
New Proposals: Path of the Bodhisattva, Buddha as supreme being beyond space and time, Doctrine of Emptiness
Presented ideas in New Mahayana Sutras.

Buddhism – Mahayana Buddhism

Why did the Buddha teach the Path of the Arhat if the Path of the Bodhisattva was the true path?
Why did the Buddha suggest he would leave the world behind forever if it wasn't true?
Lotus Sutra (2nd c. CE): Buddha's skilful means (upaya), teaching to the level of the audience,.
Path of the Bodhisattva as always the True Buddhist Path; based on Buddha's own path outlined in past-life stories (Jatakas).
Cults of advanced Bodhisattvas (e.g., the cult of Avalokiteshvara).
Buddhas in millions of world systems. Amitabha Buddha and his Pureland (Sukhavati)
Life as a Bodhisattva: Six Perfections (charity, morality, patience, vigour, meditation, wisdom); Shantideva’s Essence of Enlightened Conduct.

Buddhism – Fate in India

Buddhism effectively wiped out from India by 13th c. CE
Reasons: stiff competition from Hinduism, persecution by Islamic rulers.
Continued to live in the world outside India

Religions of China

The "Three Teachings": Confucianism (500 BCE – present), Daoism (500 BCE – present), Chinese Buddhism (1st c. CE – present).

Religions of China - Main Topics

Introduction to China and Chinese Religions
Confucianism
(Philosophical) Daoism
Coming of Chinese Buddhism
(Religious) Daoism
(Neo-)Confucianism
Chinese Popular Religion.

Intro to China and Chinese Religions

Early Dynasties in China: Xia; Shang (1600–1050 BCE); Zhou (1050–221 BCE), including the Warring States Period
Features of Early Chinese Religion during Shang & Zhou: animism (sacrifices to gods and spirits, ancestor veneration), divination; Shangdi as high god, Tian (Zhou); Mandate of Heaven
Warring States Period.

Confucianism

Confucius (551–479 BCE): born into “common” class in State of Lu; tried politics; wandered as teacher; studied past (e.g., early Zhou Dynasty, Duke of Zhou); taught the Way (Dao) of the Ancients.
Confucianism: aimed at achieving human goodness (ren). Goodness through ritualistic human interactions and cultivating moral force (de).
Disciples became Gentlemen (junzi); sought rulers to follow teacher’s ideas. Early thinker of Warring States Period.
Disciples collected Confucius' sayings (Analects).
Mencius (372 - 289 BCE): defined human goodness as "sympathetic compassion." Believed goodness innate in all humans, developed through education
Xunzi (312-230 BCE): believed humans naturally wicked; education necessary for goodness. Xunzi-style Confucianism adopted under Han Dynasty.

(Philosophical) Daoism

Two kinds of Daoism: Philosophical (Warring States); Religious (late Han Dynasty).
Texts on Philosophical Daoism: Dao De Jing (Laozi); Zhuangzi (Zhuangzi)
Principles of Philosophical Daoism: yin-yang; the dao as a natural force coursing through the world; the dao guides the world as it should be; wu wei (not acting against the Dao)
Distrust of words; book learning, direct experiential learning better. Do nothing that causes contention. Freedom is preferable to wealth and status.

Chinese Buddhism

Enters China (1st c CE) via Central Asia
Confuse with Daoism (initially)
In 166 CE, Emperor made sacrifices; four major schools (Tiantai, Huayan, Jingtu, Chan).
Influenced development of Religious Daoism and Neo-Confucianism

(Religious) Daoism

142 CE, Zhang Daoling, revelation from god Laozi
Forms Way of Celestial Masters
Incorporated earlier Chinese practices: internal/external alchemy; Fangshi (shamanistic practices, healing, exorcism); divination; yin-yang based cosmologies
New practices: communal scripture chanting; confession of sins; feasts; marriages, etc.; pantheon of Daoist Gods and immortals
4th C CE, Supreme Clarity sect: claimed higher revelation; less communal, focused on internal cultivation, opened monasteries.
5th C CE, Numinous Treasure sect: more communal again, incorporated Buddhist deities, monasteries, karma, and reincarnation

(Neo-)Confucianism

Established by Zhu Xi (1130-1200 CE) during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279 CE).
Trained in Chan/Zen Buddhism for ten years; returned to reform Confucianism.
Reduced 13 Confucian Classics to Four Books: The Great Learning, The Analects, The Doctrine of the Mean, The Mencius.

Chinese Popular Religion

Examined "Three Teachings" as separate traditions; free to mix elements of traditions.
Common elements: morality and behaviour (Confucianism); gods and immortals (Religious Daoism); understanding of afterlife and deities (Buddhism); understanding of the soul (folk religion).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the four schools of Chinese Buddhism, key figures in Daoism and Confucianism, as well as significant historical events in Chinese philosophy. This quiz covers various aspects of Religious Daoism, Philosophical Daoism, and Confucian teachings. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these profound cultural traditions.