Questions and Answers
What does Hinduism emphasize regarding individual identity?
Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary values in Hinduism?
What is the core belief that unites all expressions of Buddhism?
How does Buddha characterize the world in his teachings?
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Siddhartha Gautama is known for founding which major Eastern tradition?
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What potential does every individual possess according to Buddhism?
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Which of the following virtues is included in Hinduism's spiritual value of duty?
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What is the primary purpose of the Summa Theologica?
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What is the ultimate spiritual value emphasized in Hinduism?
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What distinguishes humans from animals according to Thomas Aquinas?
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Which work of St. Augustine is recognized as his most popular?
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What concept did Christian philosophers develop concerning the nature of human actions?
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What does the title 'Buddha' mean?
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What does the term 'transcendence' primarily refer to in the context of this content?
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According to the philosophies discussed, what is considered the deepest essence of humanity?
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What is the primary quest of human beings in Hinduism, according to the content?
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What does the 'Aum' (Om) symbolize in Hinduism?
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What is the main religious problem reflected in the Old Testament narratives?
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Which of the following best describes the dual nature of human beings in Hinduism?
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What does Merton suggest is necessary to regain awareness of our own spirituality?
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In what context did early Christians first direct their preaching?
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How does the content characterize the relationship between Brahman and the soul in Hinduism?
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According to Augustine, what is the ultimate aim of philosophy?
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How does Augustine view wisdom in relation to God?
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Which three major religions are highlighted in the content as focusing on human spirit and soul?
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What characterizes Augustine's view on the relationship between faith and knowledge?
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What does Augustine believe is necessary for achieving a fuller knowledge of God?
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Which aspect of Christianity is emphasized in the teachings of Augustine, Aquinas, and St. Anselm?
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What philosophical idea does Augustine associate with happiness?
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According to Augustine, what is the one undeniable fact we cannot doubt?
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Which philosopher emphasized the practical and moral aspect of knowledge?
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What does the quote 'I am the vine; you are the branches' signify?
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In terms of knowledge progression, what is the most basic form of knowledge according to the content?
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How does Thomas Aquinas view the role of human beings among creatures?
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What does Augustine mean by 'only the pure in heart shall see God'?
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In the context of mysticism, what follows from the love and intuition of God?
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What does the phrase 'a bit lost' imply in the context of human existence without God?
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Study Notes
Transcendence in the Global Age
- Information Age creates an imbalance between human existence and conditions, fostering unprecedented problems.
- Reflection on the past is necessary to envision the future; seek the divine image within.
Philosophy of Transcendence
- "Transcendental" means to "climb or go beyond" with different interpretations across cultures.
- Major philosophies: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity emphasize mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects.
Hinduism: The Pursuit of Absolute Truth
- World's oldest organized religion, practiced for approximately 5,000 years.
- Central to Hinduism is the quest for unity between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal spirit (Brahman).
- Trimutri consists of three gods: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer).
- The Aum (Om) symbolizes the universe, emphasizes sound over sight as the basis of reality.
- The Bhagavad Gita teaches the oneness of reality; only Brahman is real, while everything else is illusion.
- Four primary values include wealth and pleasure, spiritual duty, enlightenment, and the release from existence's cycle.
Buddhism: From Suffering to Enlightenment
- Buddhism is a universalist philosophy emphasizing that nothing exists without a cause.
- Teaches potential Buddhahood, promoting equality and brotherhood among all beings.
- Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), who lived from 560 to 477 BC.
- The Buddha viewed the world as ephemeral, using poetic imagery to illustrate impermanence.
Christianity: Philosophical Insights
- Monotheistic belief in one God; Christianity affirms God's existence through Jesus Christ.
- Early Christian efforts were directed towards Jews, later addressing various philosophies.
- Augustine regarded philosophy as love for wisdom, linking happiness to the divine.
- Philosophy viewed as fundamentally religious; knowledge and love of God are intertwined.
- Augustine emphasized faith as the guide to understanding the world and divine characteristics.
Key Philosophers and Concepts
- Augustine's theory of knowledge integrates speculation and moral action; understanding God leads to fulfillment of the soul.
- Thomas Aquinas highlighted human beings' unique moral agency and their ability to improve themselves.
- Aquinas' significant works: Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles, focusing on defending and explaining Christian faith.
Reflections on Compassion and Generosity
- Reflect on Scriptures that emphasize compassion, envisioning a loving God communicating these values personally.
Application of Buddhist Principles
- The Eightfold Path serves as a guide for ethical living, important for familial and social relationships.
Key Questions to Explore
- Common flower associated with Buddhism.
- Identification of the world's oldest organized religion.
- Term for the oldest Indian sacred texts.
- Constituent deities of the Trimutri.
- Ultimate goal of Buddhism.
- Meaning of the title "Buddha."
- St. Augustine's renowned work, "Confessions."
- Prominent works of Aquinas.
- Concept developed by Christian philosophers.
- Belief in the cycle of birth and rebirth.
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Description
Explore the imbalances of human existence in the Information Age. This quiz delves into the challenges we face and reflects on our past to understand our future. Drawing on Thomas Merton's insights, we seek to discover the divine image within ourselves.
