World Religions Chapter 2: Hinduism Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the first thing people want on the Path of Desire?

Pleasure

Which of the following are main ideas of Hinduism? (Select all that apply)

Exclusive beliefs

Soulness/oneness with the universe & God (correct)

Many paths - one goal (correct)

You reap what you sow - cause & effect (correct)

What is the second thing people want on the Path of Desire?

Wealth, fame, power

When do you start on the path to Renunciation?

When you realize you want more than the Path of Desire Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing people want on the Path of Renunciation?

Community/duty/purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is the second thing people want on the Path of Renunciation?

To be, to know, & be happy Signup and view all the answers

What does Atman refer to?

The hidden self (like a soul) Signup and view all the answers

What must be eliminated to reach perfection? (Select all that apply)

Physical pain Signup and view all the answers

What does Yoga mean?

The path to God/enlightenment; means 'yoke' Signup and view all the answers

What is Jnana yoga?

The way to God through knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is Bhakti yoga?

The way to God through love Signup and view all the answers

What does Karma yoga focus on?

The way to God through work Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways to approach work in Karma yoga? (Select all that apply)

Lovingly (bhakti) Signup and view all the answers

What does Japam refer to?

Seeing God in everyday life Signup and view all the answers

What is Ishta?

Worship of one of Hinduism's representations of God/Brahman Signup and view all the answers

What does Raja yoga involve?

The way to God through psychophysical exercises Signup and view all the answers

Match the layers of our minds with their definitions:

Bodies = Physical form Conscious part of our minds = Awareness and thoughts Individual subconscious = Personal inner experiences Being = Eternal self, God Signup and view all the answers

Match the stages of life with their descriptions:

Student = Focus on learning and knowledge Householder = Focus on first three wants Retirement = Renunciation, reflection Signup and view all the answers

Match the stations of life with their roles:

Brahmins/seers = Intellectual & spiritual leaders Administrators/kshatriya = Governance and protection Producers/vaishya = Economic and agricultural roles Unskilled laborers/shudra = Basic manual labor Signup and view all the answers

What are the rewards for being at each station of life? (Select all that apply)

Respect Signup and view all the answers

What does Jivas refer to?

Individual souls that move up the stations of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the first principle in learning to speak to God?

Learn what not to say ('neti...neti') Signup and view all the answers

What does Brahman refer to?

The Godhead figure; 'God' in Sanskrit Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Sat, chit, ananda' mean?

Being, awareness, bliss Signup and view all the answers

What is Nirguna Brahman?

God without finite attributes Signup and view all the answers

What is Saguna Brahman?

God with attributes Signup and view all the answers

What are finite symbolic forms of Brahman? (Select all that apply)

Shiva Signup and view all the answers

What does Om represent?

Sound of the universe Signup and view all the answers

What does the Karmic cycle consist of?

Birth, life, death, repeat Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Samshara' mean?

Wandering Signup and view all the answers

What does Moksha refer to?

Release Signup and view all the answers

What are the aspects of our world according to Hinduism? (Select all that apply)

Lila Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Path of Desire

First desire: Pleasure is pursued within moral boundaries.
Second desire: Wealth, fame, power; these are limited, narcissistic, and impermanent.

Path of Renunciation

Transition to Renunciation occurs when seeking deeper fulfillment beyond the Path of Desire.
First focus: Community, duty, and purpose.
Second focus: Being true to oneself, acquiring knowledge, and achieving happiness.

Key Concepts of Hinduism

Core belief: Many paths lead to one goal, embracing inclusivity.
Fundamental principles: Soulness and oneness with the universe, and the law of karma (cause and effect).

Atman and Brahman

Atman: The hidden self or soul.
Brahman: The absolute and infinite God, representing the Godhead; seen in Nirguna (without attributes) and Saguna (with attributes) forms.

Yoga and Paths to Enlightenment

Yoga signifies a 'yoke' and represents various paths to God/enlightenment.
Jnana yoga: Achieving God through knowledge via learning and reflection.
Bhakti yoga: The path of love, recognizing God as separate and worshiping Him through different forms.
Karma yoga: The way to God through work, approached reflectively or lovingly.
Raja yoga: Involves psychophysical exercises aimed at understanding God and the eternal self.

Mind Layers

Comprises physical body, conscious mind, individual subconscious, and eternal self (being).

Life Stages and Stations

Stages of life: student, householder (focus on desires), and retirement (reflection and renunciation).
Stations of life: Brahmins (intellectuals), Kshatriya (administrators), Vaishya (producers), Shudra (laborers).
Rewards of each station include respect, power, wealth, and freedom.

Spiritual Communication

First principle in communicating with God: use 'neti...neti' (not this...not this) to understand what not to say.

Creative Divine Forms

Finite symbolic forms of Brahman include Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer).

Concepts of Existence

Om: Represents the sound of the universe; symbolizing unity and the essence of existence.
Karmic cycle: Birth, life, death, and rebirth; life's journey as a bridge to various worlds.
Maya: Not entirely "real"; reflects the illusory nature of the world.
Lila: Describes the divine play of God.
Moksha: Represents release from the cycle of samsara (wandering).

Essence of Existence

"Sat, chit, ananda": Translates to being, consciousness, and bliss which signifies the ultimate experience of divinity.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Hinduism with these flashcards derived from Chapter 2 of Huston Smith's 'The Illustrated World's Religions'. Explore key concepts such as the Path of Desire and the main ideas of Hinduism, including the oneness with the universe. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this rich tradition.