Diwali Symbolism Quiz & Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What festival is celebrated in the fall between October 15 and November 15?

Kumbh Mela

Thread ceremony

Holi

Diwali (correct)

During which Hindu festival do families light lamps called diyas?

Holi

Weddings

Kumbh Mela

Diwali (correct)

What is the purpose of the thread ceremony observed during adolescence in Hinduism?

To celebrate a wedding

To show devotion (correct)

To wash away sins

To invite good luck

What symbol is commonly placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts?

Aum Signup and view all the answers

What event involves millions of Hindus gathering to bathe in a sacred river?

Kumbh Mela Signup and view all the answers

In Hindu weddings, what is arranged by the couple's parents?

Marriage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the swastika symbol in Hinduism?

To signify truth and stability Signup and view all the answers

Which Hindu denomination primarily practices Jnana yoga?

Shaivism Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of worship for Shaktas?

The goddess Shakti/Devi Signup and view all the answers

Which Hindu denomination is known for its deeply devotional practices?

Vaishnavism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the tika symbol in Hinduism?

To give the wearer a feeling of sacredness and reveal their worshiped deity Signup and view all the answers

Which Hindu denomination is known for its liberal approach to worship?

Smartism Signup and view all the answers

What did the ascetic monk impress upon Siddhartha?

The tranquility and renouncing of material things Signup and view all the answers

What did Siddhartha do after renouncing his status and caste?

He lived in the forest, clothed in yellow robes Signup and view all the answers

How long did Siddhartha practice religious strictness and self-deprivation?

For 6 years Signup and view all the answers

What did Siddhartha realize about the life of deprivation practiced by the five ascetics?

It was no better than a luxurious life Signup and view all the answers

Where did Siddhartha attain his enlightenment?

Seated beneath the pipal tree (bo or bodhi tree) near Bodh Gaya Signup and view all the answers

What did the 500 leading and enlightened disciples of Siddhartha convene to do in 486 BCE?

Compile Siddhartha's teachings Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for recalling the Vinaya Pitaka according to the text?

Upali Signup and view all the answers

When were the Sutras written during the schism between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?

200 BCE - 200 CE Signup and view all the answers

Who recited the Sutta Pitaka, which includes discourses between Buddha and his disciples?

Ananda Signup and view all the answers

Which Buddhist council was responsible for determining the contents of the Tripitaka?

First Buddhist Council Signup and view all the answers

What is the Abidhamma Pitaka focused on?

Views on the nature of the universe Signup and view all the answers

Which Buddhist scripture serves as the principal source for the life and teachings of Buddha?

Tripitaka Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Heart Sutra?

Explaining the concept of nirvana and ultimate reality Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary teaching of the Land of Bliss Sutra?

The teachings about Amitabha Buddha, the celestial Buddha Signup and view all the answers

According to Theravada Buddhism, what is the role of a savior or God?

Buddhism has no place for a savior or God, as salvation is achieved through one's own efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of anatman or anatta in Buddhism?

The perception that there is nothing permanent in this world Signup and view all the answers

According to the Mahayana tradition, what was Siddhartha's status?

Siddhartha was a benevolent celestial being, not just a mere human being Signup and view all the answers

What are the three fundamental structures of Buddhism, known as the Triratna or Tiratana?

Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hindu Festivals and Ceremonies

Diwali, celebrated between October 15 and November 15, involves families lighting lamps called diyas to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
The thread ceremony, or Upanayana, marks adolescence, symbolizing the beginning of formal education and spiritual development in Hindu society.
Commonly placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts is the Om symbol, representing the primordial sound and the universe.
Kumbh Mela is an event where millions of Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river, believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
In Hindu weddings, matchmaking is typically arranged by the couple's parents, emphasizing familial roles and traditions.

Symbols and Denominations

The swastika symbol serves as an auspicious sign in Hinduism, representing good fortune and well-being.
Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge, is primarily practiced by followers of the Advaita Vedanta school of thought.
Worship among Shaktas focuses on the Divine Feminine, often worshipping goddesses such as Durga and Kali.
Bhaktas engage in deeply devotional practices, centering their worship on a personal relationship with a deity.
The tika symbol, usually marked on the forehead, is used for blessings and protection in Hindu customs.

Categories and Teachings

The liberal approach to worship is primarily seen in the Brahmo Samaj, which emphasizes rationalism and ethical living.
An ascetic monk taught Siddhartha about the importance of meditation and contemplation for achieving spiritual insight.
After renouncing his status and caste, Siddhartha adopted a life of asceticism and self-discovery, initially striving for enlightenment through deprivation.
Siddhartha practiced strictness and self-deprivation for six years before realizing that such extremes were unhelpful.
Enlightenment was attained by Siddhartha at Bodhi Gaya, under the Bodhi tree, leading to his realization of the Middle Way.

Buddhist Councils and Texts

In 486 BCE, the 500 leading disciples of Siddhartha convened to organize and clarify the teachings of the Buddha.
The Vinaya Pitaka was recalled by Ananda, one of Buddha's closest disciples, overseeing the rules of monastic discipline.
The Sutras were written during the schism between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, capturing diverse interpretations and teachings.
The Sutta Pitaka, which includes discourses between Buddha and his disciples, was recited primarily by Ananda as well.
The First Buddhist Council determined the contents of the Tripitaka, the traditional scriptures of Buddhism.

Focus of Scriptures

The Abhidhamma Pitaka focuses on the philosophical and psychological analysis of the teachings of the Buddha.
The Pali Canon serves as the principal source for understanding the life and teachings of Buddha and the foundation of Buddhist practice.
The Heart Sutra emphasizes the concept of emptiness, central to Mahayana Buddhism.
The Land of Bliss Sutra teaches about the Pure Land and the role of Amitabha Buddha as a savior figure offering rebirth in a blissful realm.

Core Concepts

In Theravada Buddhism, a savior or God does not play a role; focus is primarily on individual effort toward enlightenment.
The concept of anatman or anatta refers to the doctrine of no-self, denying a permanent, unchanging soul.
In the Mahayana tradition, Siddhartha is viewed as a Bodhisattva, who has the potential to attain Buddhahood and save others.
The Triratna or Tiratana consists of three fundamental structures: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of practitioners).

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Test your knowledge on the Diwali celebrations, including the pranks played by Krishna, the significance of bonfires, colored water throwing, and the welcoming of Prince Rama and his wife with diyas. Learn about the festival's traditions and customs.

Diwali Festivities Quiz

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