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Questions and Answers
What time period is generally accepted as the origin of Hinduism?
What time period is generally accepted as the origin of Hinduism?
Which civilization is closely associated with the early development of Hinduism?
Which civilization is closely associated with the early development of Hinduism?
What does the term 'Hinduism' represent?
What does the term 'Hinduism' represent?
When was the term 'Hinduism' first used?
When was the term 'Hinduism' first used?
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Which of the following cities was NOT part of the Indus Valley Civilization?
Which of the following cities was NOT part of the Indus Valley Civilization?
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What geographic feature is central to the location of the Indus Valley Civilization?
What geographic feature is central to the location of the Indus Valley Civilization?
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The term 'Hinduism' was used for thousands of years before its formal introduction. What does this imply?
The term 'Hinduism' was used for thousands of years before its formal introduction. What does this imply?
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How did scholars view the term 'Hinduism' in relation to the history of the religion?
How did scholars view the term 'Hinduism' in relation to the history of the religion?
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What is the state a person reaches to achieve right aspiration?
What is the state a person reaches to achieve right aspiration?
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What characterizes naturalistic nirvana?
What characterizes naturalistic nirvana?
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Which of the following actions is discouraged under right speech?
Which of the following actions is discouraged under right speech?
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What should one avoid in terms of right means of livelihood?
What should one avoid in terms of right means of livelihood?
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Which aspect is a primary focus of right conduct?
Which aspect is a primary focus of right conduct?
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What does metaphysical nirvana concern itself with?
What does metaphysical nirvana concern itself with?
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What is required for right endeavor?
What is required for right endeavor?
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Which is NOT considered a characteristic of a person who has attained nirvana?
Which is NOT considered a characteristic of a person who has attained nirvana?
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What term did Buddha use to describe the fundamental problem of human existence?
What term did Buddha use to describe the fundamental problem of human existence?
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What does the term 'Vajrayana' translate to in English?
What does the term 'Vajrayana' translate to in English?
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Which statement accurately describes the nature of Buddhism in relation to gods?
Which statement accurately describes the nature of Buddhism in relation to gods?
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What is identified as the cause of suffering according to the Second Noble Truth?
What is identified as the cause of suffering according to the Second Noble Truth?
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How is Theravada Buddhism's stance towards the existence of a god best described?
How is Theravada Buddhism's stance towards the existence of a god best described?
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Which branch of Buddhism is known as an esoteric school and is often confused with Tibetan Buddhism?
Which branch of Buddhism is known as an esoteric school and is often confused with Tibetan Buddhism?
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What does the term 'Tanha' signify in the context of Buddhism?
What does the term 'Tanha' signify in the context of Buddhism?
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What is the primary focus of Vajrayana Buddhism compared to other branches?
What is the primary focus of Vajrayana Buddhism compared to other branches?
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Which aspect of Buddhist practice emphasizes moderation in actions?
Which aspect of Buddhist practice emphasizes moderation in actions?
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What is the primary focus of Chinese thinking according to the content provided?
What is the primary focus of Chinese thinking according to the content provided?
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Which of the following periods experienced significant socio-political-economic confusion?
Which of the following periods experienced significant socio-political-economic confusion?
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What are the ideals associated with Chinese thinking mentioned in the content?
What are the ideals associated with Chinese thinking mentioned in the content?
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Which statement best describes the state of China during the chaos in the Zhou Dynasty?
Which statement best describes the state of China during the chaos in the Zhou Dynasty?
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What does 'Prajna' in Buddhism signify?
What does 'Prajna' in Buddhism signify?
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Which virtue is NOT directly mentioned as part of the ideals in Chinese thinking?
Which virtue is NOT directly mentioned as part of the ideals in Chinese thinking?
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What does the quote 'Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.' suggest?
What does the quote 'Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.' suggest?
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What time period is referred to as the Chun Qiu period?
What time period is referred to as the Chun Qiu period?
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Which of the following is NOT considered part of the Classical Age of Chinese civilization?
Which of the following is NOT considered part of the Classical Age of Chinese civilization?
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What geographical feature is known as the birthplace of Chinese civilization?
What geographical feature is known as the birthplace of Chinese civilization?
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Which major philosophical systems emerged during the Chun Qiu and Zhan Guo periods?
Which major philosophical systems emerged during the Chun Qiu and Zhan Guo periods?
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Which Chinese scholar is recognized as the most influential thinker?
Which Chinese scholar is recognized as the most influential thinker?
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What is the most famous book attributed to Confucius?
What is the most famous book attributed to Confucius?
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During which period did the most remarkable prose and poetry get composed?
During which period did the most remarkable prose and poetry get composed?
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What is a significant characteristic of the socio-political system in Ancient China?
What is a significant characteristic of the socio-political system in Ancient China?
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Study Notes
Philosophical Disposition
- Ancient civilizations (Greek, Chinese, Indian) had different philosophical questions
- Greeks asked “Where am I?”
- Chinese asked “What am I?”
- Indians asked “Who am I?”
Introduction of Hinduism
- The term “Hinduism” was first used in the 18th century, but its traditions are ancient.
- It encompasses various religions and traditions originating in the Indian Civilization.
- The term "Hinduism" is a modern term, used to encompass diverse traditions in the Indus region.
Origin and History of Hinduism
- Hinduism arose around 2000 BCE in the Indus Valley.
- The Indus Valley civilization is near the Indus River, which sustained its inhabitants.
- Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were two major cities in the Indus Valley.
- The Indus Valley civilization was characterized by uniformity.
Vajrayana Buddhism
- A sub-branch of Mahayana Buddhism, known as Tibetan Buddhism or Zen Buddhism.
- Means "thunderbolt or diamond vehicle."
- It is considered an esoteric school due to its specialized knowledge.
Non-God
- Buddhism does not recognize personal gods or deities, frequently seen as an atheistic religion.
- Theravada Buddhists do not deny the existence of gods, they simply claim to have no knowledge of them.
Second Noble Truth: Samudāya
- Buddha attributed human suffering to the yearning for sensual pleasure, rebirth, and the end of life.
- Tanha, or desire, causes suffering due to attachment.
- Spiritual desires are not exempt from this concept.
Theravada on Non-God
- The Theravada Buddhist position on the existence of gods is best described as agnosticism.
Right Aspiration
- Achieving the right purpose or thought.
- Exhibiting kindness and compassion towards everyone.
Right Speech
- Refraining from using language for useless purposes.
- Avoiding false witness, gossip, and harsh words.
Right Conduct
- Avoiding actions that harm other living beings.
- Promoting peaceful, honorable, and moral conduct.
Right Means of Livelihood
- Not pursuing professions that cause harm.
- Avoiding occupations involving killing, commerce or services for hire, trickery, and deception.
Right Endeavor
- Pursuing meaningful and beneficial actions.
- Acting with moderation.
Right Mindfulness
- Paying attention to one's actions.
Right Meditation
- Achieving concentration and mental clarity.
Prajna (Wisdom)
- Right Belief
- Right Aspiration
Introduction to Confucianism
- Confucianism originated in ancient China along with Taoism.
- Chinese philosophers were interested in discovering "what it means to be human."
- This philosophy sought practical truths to achieve harmony, cohesion, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, peace, and prosperity.
- The ancient Chinese civilization was advanced regarding technology and social structures.
The Ancient Chinese Civilization
- Historians believe that Chinese civilization may have originated outside of China, in countries such as Mesopotamia, America, and Egypt.
Chinese Civilization
- The Chinese civilization was governed by an emperor with dynasties determining the right to rule.
- This civilization invented the monetary economy and advancements in production methods.
- Notable Chinese scholars like Kong Zi, Lao Zi, Sun Zi, Meng Zi, etc., emerged during this period.
Huanghe River - "Yellow River"
- This river is the cradle of Chinese Civilization.
The Zhou Dynasty
- Reigned from 1046 to 256 BCE.
- This period experienced socio-political-economic instability.
Chaos in the Zhou Dynasty
- There was a 500-year period of chaos in the Zhou Dynasty.
- States fought for dominance, leading to a breakdown of social classes.
Chun Qiu & Zhan Guo
- Known as the Classical Age of Chinese Civilization and the Golden Age of Chinese Philosophy.
- This period is credited with the most remarkable prose and poetry in Chinese history, including the "Spring and Autumn Period" (Chun Qiu) and the "Warring States Period" ( Zhan Guo).
- This era gave rise to Confucianism and Taoism.
Origin and History of Confucius
- Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and the most influential thinker in China.
Traditions
- The Analects or Lun Yu is one of the most famous books attributed to Confucius.
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Description
Explore the philosophical questions posed by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Chinese, and Indians. This quiz covers the origins of Hinduism, its historical context starting around 2000 BCE, and also touches on Vajrayana Buddhism, a significant branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Delve into the diverse traditions and philosophies that shaped these influential religions.