WC Reading Quiz #2
Moksha
liberation from samsara
Brahmins
Hindu priests; highest social class
Kama
the pursuit of artistic, recreational, and sensual pleasure
Dharma
pursuit of righteousness
Artha
pursuit of material and political wealth
What are the three primary male forms of Brahman?
1) Brahma the Creator
2) Vishnu the preserver
3) Shiva the Destroyer
How are Brahman and Atman related?
Atman is part of Brahman
How are karma, samsara, and moksha related?
Karma determines when people achieve moksha and are liberated from samsara.
What are the four main castes and what type of people/jobs fall into each?
1) Brahmins: Priests, scholars, teachers
2) Kshatriyas: Rulers, Warriors, administrators
3) Vaishyas: farmers, merchants (working class)
4) Shudras: laborers, servants
What is the fifth group in the caste system?
Asprishya (Unmentionables); people "kicked out of society"
What are the four life pursuits for a hindu
1) Brahmacarya
2) Grihastha
3) Vanaprastha
4) Sannyasa
What do temples have in them?
Public shrines
What are temples used for?
Used for a place of worship
What could be included in a home shrine?
A murti of a god or goddess and flowers of fruit
What is the most sacred place for Hindus?
The Ganges River
Why is the Ganges river sacred?
It is considered as the symbol of life without end