ÇAĞDAŞ DÜNYA UYGARLIKLARI

Hinduism and Buddhism are the longest existing systems among significant faiths. Hinduism is believed to have formed around 1500 BCE. Hinduism was probably born following the arrival of the Aryans before 1500 BCE, maybe even centuries earlier. Between 2500–1500 BCE the Indus River Valley civilization developed and flourished. Evidence of early Hindu practice dates archaeologically to this vanished culture. The correct answer is C.

Caste was based on a number of factors—for example, lighter-skinned Aryans were more prominent in the upper castes than were the Dravidians. The idea of Dharma (or duty to one’s caste, occupation, bias) developed. The Mahabharata was built around the notions of karma (past deeds can determine future destiny), moksha (release from the cycle of existence), and samsara (the cycle of existence). However, its main theme is Dharma, duty; the path to dharma conveys the right way of living, righteousness. The Buddhist highlighting of dharma, or performance of duty in whatever sphere an individual was placed, has been extremely compatible with Confucianism, too.  The correct answer is B.

Hinduism tends to be polytheistic (belief in many gods), but it maintains belief in one universal force, absolute monism, which however appears in three major forms — Brahma, the creator deity; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer (meant to be ridding the old for the new). These also exist in other forms called avatars (different aspects of the deities). Vishnu and Shiva have more avatars as Brahma, as the Creator, has completed his role. The correct answer is A.

Both religions disdain the material world in favor of the attainment of complete spirituality. Both have the primary goal of release from the cycle of existence (Moksha in Hinduism and Nirvana in Buddhism). The highest level for of the latter is to achieve oneness with the universal spirit and thus be released from the earthly desires of existence. The correct answer is E.

Hindus believe that music is central to worship; it facilitates feelings of spirituality. Chanting repetitively is also a link to spirituality and may include the word “om” as used in yoga meditation; this is “I am” and constitutes part of the link to mankind. Followers of yoga chant “om” -- I am -- as a symbol of one divinity. The correct answer is D.

Theoretically, Varna had its origin in the sacred texts of the Vedic Period and the Epic Period, dated from before 1000 BCE to 200 BCE. During this long era, the ritualistic aspect was formulated. Since at that time, people lived a relatively simple agrarian existence, and there was originally a simple three-caste structure:

By the time of the Gupta period (ca. 320-550 CE), Brahmanism and the caste system returned in full force. Sudras received punishment for insulting Brahmins; reportedly, this included the pouring of hot oil into ears and the cutting out of the tongue. There were still examples of caste intermarriage, but they were rare. Untouchability now reached full bloom as Untouchables were forced to live apart and make their living in “unclean” occupations such as butchering. Occasionally, a Sudra might become an artisan or trader, and thus move up the caste ladder. However, primary social mobility was within the caste. The Vaisya caste has had dozens of occupations under the jati or sub-caste system so that success in business might lead to improved economic, if not social, status.

The correct answer is E.

Sattvic or ascending meals, meant for those of higher castes equivalent to their stage of spiritual development. These consisted of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and they werev thought to promote transcendence associated with Brahmins. Next was the food of the middle castes. They were to consume onion, garlic, mushrooms, fish, and eggs, considered to be less spiritual and to encourage intellect and passion at the expense of meditation. Finally, there were foods for the lower castes, called Tamasic, such as meat and fermented alcohol, supposed to be linked to dullness and inertia. The correct answer is C.

There is a visible sign of Hindu influence still present among observant Hindus. This is the dot, usually red, placed in the middle of the forehead or between the eyes. It is called bindi in the Hindi language, bindu in Sanskrit. However, in the largest language of the Dravidian south, Tamil, it is called pottu. The dot is a religious symbol and is meant to signify the world beyond the physical. It implies spiritual wisdom that goes beyond the world around us and encourages the individual to understand the forces beyond the immediate environment. All the other choices are pieces of clothing. The correct answer is A.

The Buddha initially maintained that there were three truths about life in this world: sickness, old age, and death.  The correct answer is B.

Theravada Buddhism corresponds to the original version of Buddhism. It places emphasis on attaining nirvana in a later life via a monastic life in the interval. It is a “council of elders” which places the focus on the first Buddhist or Pali Canon as the accepted scripture. Hence, the sobriquet of the lesser vehicle is given. As recounted, this type of Buddhism is practiced throughout southeast Asia.

The original version of Buddhism, known as Theravada Buddhism (sometimes also called the Lesser Vehicle), prevails in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Cambodia. It tends to be more philosophical and monastic. This school maintains that only a relatively few people can reach the final stage of nirvana or release from the cycle of birth or rebirth. These individuals are known as arhats, or perfected saints, and they come from the class of monks or nuns. It is not open to non-specialists who if they lead holy lives can only ascend to the monastic stage. The correct answer is D.