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_______________________________________________ _______________
( Student’s Name) ( Class Time )
REL 243 “World Religions”
Worksheet Packet #2C – 150 points
Chapter 3 - Hinduism
( IMPORTANT! ) Before you print . . .
For optimum results in printing this worksheet packet, please follow the subsequent directions. Sometimes students will use
the default settings on their Microsoft Word 2003 or Microsoft Works 2007 program. This will result in an unsightly packet that may
skip over questions.
TABS (Microsoft Word 2003) – Using your mouse, left-click on “Format” at the top of the page and scroll down to “Tabs”
and left-click. At the top right of the “Tabs” box, set your “Default tab stops” at “0.35”.
TABS (Microsoft Word 2007) – Using your mouse, left-click on “Page Layout” at the top of the screen. At the “Paragraph”
section, left-click the little box at the bottom-right that will take you to the “Paragraph dialog box.” Then, left-click the “Tabs” button
at the bottom of the “Paragraph” box. At the top right of the “Tabs” box, set your “Default tab stops” at “0.35”.
PAGE SETUP (Microsoft Word 2003) – Using your mouse, left-click on “File” at the top of the page and scroll down to
“Page Setup.” Set the top, bottom, left, and right margins at “0.5”.
PAGE SETUP (Microsoft Word 2007) – Using your mouse, left-click on “Page Layout” at the top of the screen. At the
“Page Setup” section, left-click on “Margins.” You may now either left-click on the “Narrow” option or the “Custom Margins”
option, and then set the top, bottom, left, and right margins at “0.5”.
Worksheet Explanation . . .
On the following pages of this packet are your worksheet questions. At the end of each question, a number or letter will be
given within brackets ( [ ] ) which will assist you in finding the answer to that particular question.
A number, such as [ 2 ], will denote the chapter in the Molloy textbook where the answer can be found.
An [ L ] notation means the answer will be given in one of the class lectures.
A [ www ] means the answer can be found on one of the Internet sites listed below.
An asterisk [ * ] means that you are on your own in answering these questions, but dictionaries, internet search engines
(remember, “Google” is your best friend), and good common sense will help you out.
Internet Sites . . .
The information you will receive in this course will come from three sources – my lectures, the Molloy textbook, and from
various Internet sites. On page 2 of this packet are listed several of these sites that not only will assist you in finding answers to the
packet’s questions, but, hopefully, the information on these sites will also further your understanding of these religious traditions.
On the left side of page 2 are the Internet addresses to the various webpages; on the right side are the titles of these webpages.
(These sites were all operational as of August 2011 – let me know as quickly as possible if you are unable to access any of these sites.)
In accessing these webpages, please type the entire address to go directly to that webpage (for example, type in
adherents.com/rel_USA.html to go directly to “The Largest Religious Families in the United States” webpage).
IMPORTANT – There may be an occasion where you will type in the full Internet address, but will not be able to screen up the
desired webpage. If this happens, first go to the website’s main address (for example, adherents.com) and then type in the remaining
address (/rel_USA.html). You may also use the website’s own search engine or you may have to simply view the home page for
directions to getting a particular webpage. You may also go to Google and type in quotation marks the title of the webpage in
question (for example, “The Largest Religious Families in the United States”).
Worksheet Packet #2C (2/13)
A - hinduism.about.com/od/basics/a/dharma.htm “What is Dharma?”
B - hinduism.about.com/od/basics/a/karma.htm “What is Karma?”
C - hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm “Hinduism for Beginners”
D - hinduism.about.com/od/diwalifestivaloflights/a/diwali.htm “Diwali: Festival of Lights”
E- hinduism.about.com/od/godsgoddesses/tp/deities.htm “Top 10 Hindu Deities”
F- hinduism.about.com/od/hinduism101/a/definition.htm “How Do You Define Hinduism?”
G - hinduism.iskcon.org/concepts/102.htm “Reincarnation and Samsara”
H - hindunet.org/quickintro/hindudharma/hindu_three_debts.htm “Three Debts During Life”
I - religionfacts.com/hinduism/glossary.htm “Glossary of Hinduism”
J - religionfacts.com/hinduism/holidays/holi.htm “Holi”
K- religionfacts.com/hinduism/practices/temple.htm “The Hindu Temple”
L - religionfacts.com/hinduism/sects/vaishnavism.htm “Vaishnavism”
M - religionfacts.com/hinduism/things/bindi.htm “Bindi”
N - religioustolerance.org/hinduism2.htm “Hinduism: A General Introduction”
O - uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/hinduism/HCOSMOS.HTM “The Hindu Cosmos”
P - uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/hinduism/HGLOSSRY.HTM “Hinduism Glossary”
Q - uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/hinduism/HORGS.HTM “Social Organization”
R - uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/hinduism/HRLIFE.HTM “Hinduism: Living the Religious Life”
True – False . . . (2 points each)
Now, I do my true/false questions a bit different from the usual practice. In each statement a particular word or phrase will be
written in italics. If there is anything that would make the statement true or false, it will fall in the italicized word/phrase – consider
the un-italicized words as being true and accurate.
If the statement is true, place a clear CAPITAL “T” in the appropriate place. If you are correct that the statement is true, you
will receive 2 points. If the italicized word/phrase causes the statement to be false, place a clear CAPITAL “F” in the appropriate
place. If you are correct that the statement is false, you will receive 2 points.
IMPORTANT! This is where I do things a bit differently. If the statement is false because of the italicized word/phrase, cross
out the italicized word/phrase, and if you are able to insert a word/phrase that would then make the statement true, you will receive +1
extra-credit point that I will add to your score at the end of the packet in the “Score” textbox. Extra-credit points are GOOD !!
Make sure your “T” and “F” answers are clearly written – if I find it difficult to determine your response, I will mark your
answer as “incorrect.” Just print your answers clearly and we won’t have any problems, okay?
___ 001 The textbook notes that the Ganges River is the most sacred river in all of India. Not only is the flow of water from the
river regular and dependable, it has also given the Indian culture a sense of security, protection, and even care, which has
led to the popular name of the river, “Ganga Ma” (“Mother Ganges”). [ 3 ]
___ 003 According to the textbook, the worship of the ancient Vedic gods in India took place at outdoor fire altars. [ 3 ]
___ 005 According to the author of the textbook, at the worship of the ancient Vedic gods, the priests would set apart a certain
area, purify it with water, and construct a place for sacrifice. The usual offerings were milk chocolate, clarified rum
butter, coffee beans, and tobacco. A special horse sacrifice, believed to confer great power on a king, occurred on rare
occasions. [ 3 ]
___ 007 The textbook states that the Upanishads, the oldest of the sacred books of Hinduism, are considered by scholars to be
written 3500 years ago, but devout Hindus consider them to be far more ancient, that scriptures were revealed to “rishis”
(holy men of the distant past), who did not create the Upanishads but heard them and transmitted them to later
generations. [ 3 ]
___ 009 The author of the textbook relates that although several interpretations of the name “Upanishads” have been proposed, it
is commonly thought to derive from words that mean “sitting near.” If this is correct, it would suggest disciples sitting
near a master, learning techniques for achieving religious experience. This is emphasized in its ideas that spiritual
discipline and meditation can lead to experiencing the spiritual reality that underlies everything. [ 3 ]
Worksheet Packet #2C (3/13)
___ 011 The textbook notes that unlike much of the earlier material of the Vedas, which states that only hereditary priests can
be religious masters, authorized to teach others, the Bhagavad Gita declares that anyone who has the necessary
experience, priest or not, can become a spiritual master. [ 3 ]
___ 013 According to the textbook, the Sanskrit word “Brahman,” the divine reality that is at the heart of all things, is a masculine
noun and comes from the ancient derivative, “to be great.” [ 3 ]
___ 015 According to the textbook, the terms “Brahman” and “Atman” both signify the divine oneness of all things and, may, on
certain occasions be used interchangeably, usually “Brahman” refers to the experience of the sacred in nature and the
universe, and “Atman” refers to the experience of the sacred within oneself. [ 3 ]
___ 017 According to the author of the textbook, the term maya, usually translated as “illusion,” does not mean that the world
we live in isn’t real and doesn’t exist, but rather it is real, but not quite the way most people assume. [ 3 ]
___ 019 According to the author of the textbook, the Upanishads teach that there really is no such thing as an individual, separate
and apart from others, but rather we all are manifestations of the Divine Spirit, which doesn’t end when the individual
dies. For about 2500 years, Hinduism has adopted the belief that every living thing has its own life force and that every
life force, when it loses one form, is reborn into another. This process is known as reincarnation. [ 3 ]
___ 021 The textbook states that Hinduism has generally adopted the belief in reincarnation, or rebirth, that every living thing has
its own life force and that every life force, when it “dies” or loses one form, is reborn into another. Rebirth can move in
either direction, from “lower” life like animals and insects to the “higher” form, the various social levels of a human
being. This human stage in life is a dangerous one, because each human being must then make dramatic choices about
how to live life. That which determines the direction of one’s rebirth is called dharma. [ 3 ]
___ 023 The textbook notes that the term samsara refers to the wheel of life, the circle of birth, life, death, and rebirth, and it
strongly suggests that the everyday world is full of change as well as struggle and suffering. [ 3 ]
___ 025 The Mahabharata, a spiritual classic, recalls ideas from the Upanishads, but it also tries to strike a balance between
mysticism and the practical needs of everyday life. Good actions and adherence to duty are approved and can even be
thought of as a spiritual path. [ 3 ]
___ 027 According to the textbook, society is divided into separate social classes called castes. These castes may also be
subdivided into hundreds of subcastes. The caste system dissuades members of different castes from intermarrying.
The caste system remains strongest in the countryside and in more conservative southern India, but it is weakening in the
cities, where people regularly eat together in restaurants and travel together in buses and trains. Although an
individual cannot change the caste into which one is reborn, it is believed that a good life in one’s present caste will
guarantee rebirth in a higher caste or better circumstances. [ 3 ]
___ 029 According to the textbook, Vishnu, one of the gods of the Trimurti, is linked with destruction. Whereas in some
religions associate destruction with divine punishment for wrongdoing, in Hinduism destruction is considered to be
simply another part of the divine energy at work in the world. Destruction is a type of recycling, the necessary loss of
form, which occurs so that new forms may appear; and death is always thought of as leading new life. [ 3 ]
___ 031 According to one of the particular websites, Hinduism describes dharma as the natural universal laws whose
observance enables us to be content and happy, and to save ourselves from degradation and suffering. Dharma is the
moral law combined with a sense of spiritual discipline that guides our lives. Hindus consider dharma the very
foundation of life itself. [ www ]
Worksheet Packet #2C (4/13)
___ 033 According to one of the websites, the theory of karma is essentially the same as Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Physics
which states for every action there is a reaction. Hinduism declares that every time we think or do something, we create a
cause which, in time, will bear its corresponding effects. Therefore, every person is responsible for his/her actions. This
even includes the involuntary and reflex actions of the body. [ www ]
___ 035 According to one of the websites, the word “Hinduism” is not to be found anywhere in the Hindu scriptures, but rather is
a word introduced by foreigners who referred to people living near the Indus River in northern India, around which the
Vedic religion is believed to have originated. [ www ]
___ 037 According to one of the websites, Hindus do not refer to their religion as “Hinduism.” Rather, Hindus refer to their
religion as Sanatana Karma, which means “everlasting or eternal religion/truth/rule.” [ www ]
___ 039 According to one of the websites, Holi is probably the least religious, but most popular, of all Hindu holidays. During
this autumn festival, Hindus attend public bonfires, spray friends with colored powders and water, and generally go a bit
wild in the streets. [ www ]
___ 041 According to one website, Hinduism has a deserved reputation of being highly tolerant of other religions. In fact, Hindus
have a saying which may be translated, “The truth is One, but different sages call it by different names.” [ www ]
___ 043 According to one of the websites, Christianity holds that God is near all human beings (perhaps God’s spirit is in the air),
but God is not in physical objects; God created, but God is not God’s creation (for example, God is not a chair nor is God
in a chair). Hinduism, however, provides a radically different idea. Brahman (God) IS Brahman’s creation. Brahman’s
essence lies in all created objects, including human beings. This means that the multiplicity of the cosmos – with all its
gods, humans, animals, and other beings and objects – is actually a unity, all one and the same. [ www ]
Multiple Choice . . . (1 point each)
Clearly mark the choice that best answers the question.
045 According to the author of the textbook, which of the Vedic texts (the most important) has an account of the origin of the
universe? [ 3 ]
A Atharva Veda
B Rig Veda
C Sama Veda
D Yajur Veda
046 The period of the 8th-6th centuries BCE is known as the “Axial Age,” in that all over the world new changes were taking
place as well as new ways of looking at the human-divine relationship. In India, this was the time of the great spiritual
teachers, such as the Buddha and Mahavira. In Hinduism, this was the beginning of a new direction in spirituality that
would be presented in the sacred writings known as the Upanishads. The author of the textbook mentions other
teachers/people who rose to prominence during this historical period. Which one of the following people is NOT
specifically mentioned in the textbook? [ 3 ]
A Confucius, in China
B Early philosophers, in Greece
C Hebrew prophets, in Israel and Judah
D Lamanites, in America
Worksheet Packet #2C (5/13)
047 During the “Axis Age” (8th-6th centuries BCE) in India, many people began to question the Vedic religious beliefs and
practices, including the ancient belief in many gods, and would see instead a single divine reality that might be the
source of everything. From the Hindu sacred literature, the “Aranyakas,” we find that certain people would abandon
social life to live in the forests of India. According to the textbook, why did these people seek solitude? [ 3 ]
A To escape religious persecution
B To get away from the commercialism of society
C To give themselves more time for thought and religious experimentation
D To remove themselves from the hypocrisy of the civil government
048 According to the textbook, which one of the following is the Hindu ultimate goal for human life? [ 3 ]
A Ananda
B Dharma
C Guru
D Moksha
049 Throughout its history, Indians have been primarily a rural, agricultural people. Today, India has a population of
more than 1 billion people and includes some cities of more than 10 million people. According to the textbook, how
many Indians continue to live in the rural areas of the country? [ 3 ]
A 15 %
B 45 %
C 60 %
D 85 %
050 According to the author of the textbook, the great majority of Hindus today practice which one of the following religious
disciplines? [ 3 ]
A Bhakti marga
B Jnana marga
C Karma marga
D Raja marga
051 According to the textbook, the god Brahma has four faces, each looking in one of the four directions, and eight arms,
each holding symbols of power. He is also considered to be the special patron of which one of the following Indian
castes? [ 3 ]
A Business, merchant
B Civil government, military
C Priest
D Worker, peasant
052 According to the textbook, the god Brahma has four faces, each looking in one of the four directions, and eight arms,
each holding symbols of power. He is often pictured with which one of the following companions? [ 3 ]
A A cow
B An elephant
C A goose
D A monkey
053 According to the textbook, the god Brahma is often pictured with the two other gods of the Trimurti, as the worship of
Brahma alone has declined in India where he is thought of as grandfatherly and distant. However, the worship of
Brahma remains quite active in which one of the following countries? [ 3 ]
A Bangladesh
B Cambodia
C Thailand
D Vietnam
Worksheet Packet #2C (6/13)
054 Because Vishnu is associated with loving kindness, it is believed that he can appear on earth at different times and in
various physical forms to help those in need. Ten major incarnations of Vishnu are commonly listed, of which one is yet
to come. Some previous incarnations were in animal form. According to the textbook, which one of the following is
NOT one of Vishnu’s animal incarnations? [ 3 ]
A A boar
B An elephant
C A fish
D A tortoise
055 Because Vishnu is associated with loving kindness, it is believed that he can appear on earth at different times and in
various physical forms to help those in need. Ten major incarnations of Vishnu are commonly listed, of which one is yet
to come. Some previous incarnations were in human form. According to the textbook, which one of the following is
NOT one of Vishnu’s human incarnations? [ 3 ]
A Krishna
B Rama
C Shankara
D The Buddha
056 The “Ramayana,” an epic tale as well-known in southern Asia regardless of religious background as is the Superman
story is in America, describes the prince Rama, with the help of Hanuman, the monkey king, rescuing his wife from the
evil demon Ravana. According to the textbook, what was the name of Rama’s wife? [ 3 ]
A Devi
B Durga
C Radha
D Sita
057 The textbook notes that this particular person is often pictured as having blue skin – blue to signify the color of the sky
and heaven, indicating this person’s true otherworldly nature. Who is this supernatural person? [ 3 ]
A Buddha
B Ganesha
C Krishna
D Rama
058 The textbook states that Islam came into power in India in the 13 th century and for the next 500 years (and continuing
today) would have a great impact upon Indian history. One impact was Muslim architecture. Which one of the
following famous buildings is an example of this Muslim influence? [ 3 ]
A The Alhambra
B The Golden Temple
C The Great Mosque
D The Taj Mahal
059 The textbook reminds us that for more than 400 years, European powers would settle colonies in various areas of India.
Though each of these imperial forces would make an impact on Indian society, which one of the following would have
the greatest impact on India, an influence seen in modern India’s government, education, architecture, rail
transportation, and military life? [ 3 ]
A France
B Great Britain
C Portugal
D Spain
060 Throughout his lifetime the Indian reformer Mohandas Gandhi believed and practiced non-violence because he felt that
it gave great power to its adherents and would sway those who were cruel, thoughtless, and violent. According to the
textbook, what did Gandhi call this empowering and, at the same time, shaming power? [ 3 ]
A Ahimsa
B Maya
C Moksha
D Satyagraha
Worksheet Packet #2C (7/13)
061 The Hindu holiday “Holi” is associated with a loosening of social restrictions normally associated with caste, sex, status,
and age. It thus bridges social gaps and brings together people of all castes. It is also characterized by the loosening of
social norms governing polite behavior and the resulting general atmosphere of licentious merrymaking and ribald
language – much like the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans or the Carnaval celebration in Rio de Janeiro.
According to this particular website, there is a common saying heard during this celebration offered as an excuse for this
uncharacteristic lack of manners? What is this common saying? [ www ]
A “Aw, c’mon, it’s only for one night”
B “Don’t feel offended, it’s Holi”
C “Don’t sweat it, I’m just having fun”
D “Holy Holi Holy”
062 One of the celebratory practices of the Holi holiday is throwing colored powders and water at others, leading to surprise,
laughter, and general merrymaking. According to this particular website, what does this practice symbolize? [ www ]
A A celebration of all of the colors of humanity
B A time when humans and nature alike throw off the gloom of winter and rejoice in the colors and liveliness of spring
C The resurrection of Vishnu, changing the darkness of death to the colors of eternal life
D The seasonal colors of the harvest festival
063 One of the most recognizable items in Hinduism is the “bindi,” a red dot on women’s foreheads. Traditionally, the bindi
is worn on the forehead of married Hindu women. Although bindi styles often vary depending upon the different
regions in India, according to this website, what is the traditional symbolism of the bindi? [ www ]
A It symbolizes female energy and is believed to protect women and their husbands
B It symbolizes the color of Krishna, the patron of monogamous marriages
C It symbolizes the submission of women to men
D There is no symbolism – it is simply a cosmetic device to make women more attractive to men
064 In India, society is based upon a caste system based upon a hierarchy of four classes (“varnas”), in which there are strict
rules governing private and public behavior. Each of these varnas, in turn, are divided into many different sub-castes.
According to one website, what are these sub-castes called? [ www ]
A Ashrams
B Jatis
C Satyas
D Suttees
065 The Hindu social system separates the members of the different castes by a complex system of purity – the higher the
caste in society, the higher a level of purity they must maintain; the lower the caste, the more likely they are to transmit
impurity. Therefore, there are very strict rules of appropriate behavior in certain situations. One of the websites
mentions three such areas where these restrictions appear most frequently. Which one of the following is NOT
specifically stated on the site? [ www ]
A Food
B Marriage
C Transportation
D Touch
066 One of the websites states that traditional Hinduism promotes four different goals in life. Like other aspects of
Hinduism, the goals are split between those three goals which emphasize the “life is good” perspective, and the one goal
that emphasizes the “life is bad” perspective. Which one of the four goals emphasizes this latter goal? [ www ]
A Artha
B Dharma
C Kama
D Moksha
Worksheet Packet #2C (8 / 13)
067 In Hinduism, there are four main ways to reach toward the divine reality, whether the ultimate goal is a better life,
union with the divine, or a release from life. “Jnana marga” is the path that understands the ultimate reality through
knowledge. One who walks this particular path tries to understand the identity of “Atman” (one’s own soul) with
“Brahman” (the essence of the cosmos). According to this particular website, there are three steps in the Jnana
discipline. Which one of the following is NOT one of these steps? [ www ]
A “Discipline” – One is taught to discipline the temporary physical body in which the true Self is imprisoned. This
discipline is carried out through various means – self-flagellation or whipping, starvation, holding one’s breath under
water, etc.
B “Learning” – One is taught about the identity of Atman and Brahman through instruction, study of holy writings, etc.
C “Thinking” – One is to think about who “I” am really, to dwell seriously about the “me” and “my” that always creeps up
in our speaking. The goal of this stage is to find the ability to separate one’s eternal soul (the self) from the temporary
self within which it is encased.
D “To differentiate oneself from oneself” – One is to become an observer of their temporary body, rather than its partner.
The goal in this step is to completely detach the eternal soul from the temporary one. Once this achieved, then there is
nothing that separates the self (Atman) from the divine (Brahman).
Short Answer . . . (1 point each)
Answer the following questions with a word or phrase. You are not required to answer the questions with complete sentences,
though your answers should be clear in definition and composition – if I think your answer is too short and doesn’t fully answer the
question, I will mark it as “incorrect.” Also, don’t scribble your answers – if I can’t read or understand your answer, I will mark it as
“incorrect.” Remember, clear communication, whether written or oral, is necessary for understanding!
There are certain stages through which each individual passes. In our modern world, we may think of them as childhood,
adolescence, the career years (or parent years), and retirement. Hindus’ “ashrama” is similar – student, householder (parent
or work years), retiree, and in the ideal life, to become a “sannyasin.” To become a sannyasin, which not everyone does,
means to live a life of heightened discipline. The textbook states that there are four reasons for living this kind of lifestyle.
Name them. [ 3 ]
068
069
070
071
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, with over a billion followers today, making it the world’s third largest religion (after
Christianity and Islam). Hinduism is a “pack rat” religion, a conglomeration of religious, philosophical, and cultural ideas
and practices that originated in India, characterized by five major beliefs. According to this particular website, name these
five major beliefs. [ www ]
072
073
074
075
076
Worksheet Packet #2C (9 / 13)
Vaishnavism is the largest Hindu “denomination” and is a branch in which Vishnu or one of his incarnations (usually Krishna
or Rama) is worshiped as the supreme divine. The distinctive religious belief of Vaishnavism is its emphasis on the divine as a
personal being, i.e., someone whom we can come to know and have relationship with. According to this one website,
Vaishnavism often identifies six qualities of the divine. Name them. [ www ]
077 080
078 081
079 082
The Hindu concept of reincarnation, or transmigration, refers to the process of passing from one body to another throughout
all the species of life. Hindus believe that consciousness is present in all life forms. According to one website, the progression
of consciousness is shown throughout six broad “classes of life,” with each successive class becoming more and more aware of
the reality of the soul. Name these six classes of life in order, from “lowest” to “highest” awareness. [ www ]
083 086
084 087
085 088
Hinduism believes that all humans are indebted to the divine for life, to teachers (like your illustrious instructor <blush>) who
have passed on religious teachings and direction in life (chocolate is good!), and to the ancestors who have passed on the moral
and ethical principles of dharma – these are called “The Three Debts.” One’s debt to the divine can be repaid by dedicating
one’s life to the service of the divine. According to one website, name the ten ways in which humans can pay back their debt to
the divine. [ www ]
089 094
090 095
091 096
092 097
093 098
Worksheet Packet #2C (10 / 13)
Matching – Vedic and Hindu Gods and Goddesses [ 3, L, www ] . . . (1 point each)
Please match the following gods/goddesses to their definitions listed on page 11. Please note that there may be more definitions
than deities listed. Answer in clear CAPITAL letters!
_____ 099 Agni _____ 105 Hanuman _____ 110 Parvati _____ 115 Soma
_____ 100 Brahma _____ 106 Indra _____ 111 Rama _____ 116 Surya
_____ 101 Brahman _____ 107 Kali _____ 112 Rudra _____ 117 Umma
_____ 102 Durga _____ 108 Krishna _____ 113 Saraswati _____ 118 Ushas
_____ 103 Dyaus Pitr _____ 109 Lakshmi _____ 114 Shiva _____ 119 Vishnu
_____ 104 Ganesha _____ 120 Yama
Matching – Hindu terms [ 3, L, www ] . . . (1 point each)
Please match the following terms to their definitions listed on pages 11 and 12. Please note that there may be more definitions than
terms listed. Answer in clear CAPITAL letters!
_____ 121 Ahimsa _____ 131 Dharma _____ 141 Prashad
_____ 122 Asceticism _____ 132 Ganges _____ 142 Puja
_____ 123 Ashram _____ 133 Ghee _____ 143 Rishi
_____ 124 Ashrama _____ 134 Guru _____ 144 Sadhu / Sannyasin
_____ 125 Atman _____ 135 Henotheistic _____ 145 Samsara
_____ 126 Aum / Om _____ 136 Jati _____ 146 Sanskrit
_____ 127 Avatar _____ 137 Kama _____ 147 Satyagraha
_____ 128 Brahmin _____ 138 Karma _____ 148 Shakti
_____ 129 Caste _____ 139 Lingam _____ 149 Suttee
_____ 130 Darshan _____ 140 Mantra _____ 150 Untouchables
Worksheet Packet #2C (11 / 13)
Matching Definitions – Vedic and Hindu Gods and Goddesses . . . ( see page 10 )
A – Vedic goddess of the dawn and renewal.
B – Vedic god who is thought to cause altered states of mind and to expand consciousness, he worked through a ritual drink made
from psychedelic mushrooms.
C – Vedic god of the winds.
D – Vedic god of the underworld.
E – Vedic god of the sun.
F – Vedic god of the storm and war, he receives great attention because of the strength his worshipers hope to receive from him.
G – Vedic god of fire, who carries the prayers and sacrifices up to the world of the gods.
H – Vedic Father of the gods, this “shining father” is clearly the same god as the Greek Zeus and the Roman Jupiter.
I – The perfect avatar of Vishnu and the most popular symbol of chivalry and virtue, he is “the embodiment of truth, of morality, the
ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king.”
J – The most powerful and fascinating god in Hinduism, this member of the Trimurti represents the destructive powers of the divine.
K – The most popular of all the avatars of Vishnu, this blue-skinned deity has influenced Indian thought, life, and culture through
literature, dance, music, paintings, and all aspects of Indian folklore. He is the wise hero of the Bhagavad Gita and the
playful god of the Gita Govinda.
L – The mighty monkey who aided Rama in his expedition against evil forces, he is worshiped as a symbol of physical strength,
perseverance, and devotion.
M – The goddess of knowledge and learning, she represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. The goddess of wisdom, art,
and music, she is believed to endow human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning.
N – The “Black Goddess,” she is many times portrayed as a gaunt figure, almost naked, with a fierce face and a long tongue. She
wears a necklace of skulls and snakes, and is pictured holding weapons in her many arms. She represents the divine anger
against, and the desire to, end all wrongdoing.
O – The “White Goddess,” she is portrayed as a slim figure, wearing a bikini top, with a sun-kissed complexion and pierced tongue.
She wears a designer necklace, a bare midriff, and is pictured holding a cellphone and dozens of credit cards. She represents
the divine desire for the accumulation of consumer goods and throw-away lifestyle.
P – The all-pervading Absolute, the supreme soul or energy of the universe, it is indescribable and has no attributes, being neither
male nor female. It sustains the universe and everything in it. It permeates the universe and is present everywhere.
Q – She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. She is the household goddess of most Hindu families,
and is a favorite among Hindu women. She is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or
standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity, and fertility.
R – Personification of the divine reality, he reflects the creative powers of the divine. Although there are very few temples for this
god in India, he is one of the three gods of the Hindu Trimurti and is considered the patron of the priestly caste.
S – One of the Trimurti, this peace-loving god represents the sustaining and preserving power of the divine. As such, when the
virtues of order, righteousness and truth are threatened, he becomes human to restore peace and order on earth. His worshipers
constitute the largest denomination of Hinduism.
T – Goddess who represents the attribute of justice, she rides a tiger or lion and carries the weapons of battle. She is also depicted as
being unafraid to kill in order to reestablish justice.
U – Goddess of love and romance, she is often pictured in union with Shiva, in a representation that has distinct sexual overtones.
V – God who symbolizes the unexpected events in life, reminding people to make the most of this day, since the future is unknown
and anything can happen.
W – Easily recognizable as the elephant-headed god riding a mouse, he is arguably the most popular Hindu gods. He is depicted as
having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and remover of
obstacles. He is also worshiped as the god of knowledge, good luck, and wealth.
X – Aryan / Hindu god of water, who carries the ashes of the dead to the sea.
Y – A wife of Shiva who represents motherhood, she is seen as kind, caring, and nurturing.
Z – A lover of Krishna – the Gita Govinda is a love story of Krishna and this woman, declaring the goodness of romantic love, as well
as the yearning of mortals for that which is divine.
Matching Definitions – Hindu Terms . . . ( see page 10 )
A – “Worship, honor, reverence,” it is the Hindu ceremonial worship. It may include the daily offerings of flowers, water and
incense to images, statues or symbols of a god, or it may include more elaborate rituals in a temple.
B – “Virtue, duty” – it refers to the moral and religious duties of a person’s social responsibilities.
C – “To see, or to be seen,” it may refer to visiting a holy place or a holy person, or it may refer to being “seen” by the deity during
worship.
Worksheet Packet #2C (12 / 13)
D – This refers to the four stages that a twice-born Hindu man may pass through in life.
E – This refers to the five stages that a thrice-born Hindu woman may pass through in life.
F – This is a person who renounces life and all its attachments, he will essentially become a wandering holy man seeking liberation
from the never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
G – The soul or the essence of consciousness, in Hinduism it is the “spark” of the cosmic Brahman that is in every living thing.
H – The religious language of Vedic Hinduism.
I – The recognition that there is one and only one God, but also recognizes that other gods/goddesses are, in fact, just facets, forms,
manifestations, or aspects of that one single, supreme God.
J – The power and moral force of non-violent behavior that will overcome that which is cruel, oppressive or unjust.
K – The most sacred word in Hinduism, it is said to be the word that began the creation of everything and represents the Trimurti.
L – The most sacred river in India, it is said to have come from the toe of Vishnu and to have been caught in the hair of Shiva as it
fell from heaven. The river is a goddess, the daughter of the Himalayas. Pilgrims bathe in its water to wash away evil karma.
The dead are cremated on its banks and their ashes thrown in the river.
M – The modern language of Hindus living in India, Bhutan, and Bali.
N – The Hindu term for “sub-caste,” it refers to the many subdivisions within each class in the caste system.
O – The continuous cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth, it describes the transmigration of the soul through numerous earthly bodies.
P – Social category of people outside the caste system, they are forbidden to marry, eat, or work with higher caste members. They are
forbidden to go to schools and even read the Hindu scriptures. They must live outside villages, work at impure occupations,
such as tanning and the cremation/disposal of bodies. Officially abolished by India’s modern constitution, this caste is still
informally practiced in rural areas.
Q – Social category of people outside the caste system, they are discouraged from marrying for the safety of the human gene pool.
Education is required by their parents, but the knowledge imparted to them by their illustrious instructors just doesn’t sink in,
and so theirs’ is a life of despair, knowing that the midterm exam is not going to be an open-book test and that they are gonna
hafta remember all this stuff.
R – Religious teacher or spiritual instructor who has him/herself attained insight and who initiates his/her pupils and instructs them in
sacred and moral texts.
S – Rare Hindu practice, now outlawed, of a widow throwing herself onto her husband’s funeral pyre.
T – Practices of self-restraint, such as fasting and celibacy undertaken to discipline the body and help the practitioner concentrate on
achieving spiritual perfection and union with the divine.
U – Practices of self-gratification such as feasting and marital bliss undertaken to satisfy the physical wants and help the practitioner
concentrate on achieving the good things in life.
V – Phallic symbol, often a stone cylinder, representing Shiva as the male principle, it is usually ringed by the female symbol,
representing the reproductive energy of life.
W – Originally a training school for Shudra workers, it is now a place where people gather for mocha lattes and double espressos.
X – Originally a training school for priests, it now may refer to a place or school where people gather for spiritual instruction and
meditation.
Y – One of the four ideals or goals in Hindu life, it relates to a successive business life and the respect of co-workers.
Z – One of the four ideals or goals in Hindu life, it relates to the earthly enjoyment of physical and sensual pleasures.
AA – Non-violence or non-harm to all living things, it is such a respect for all life that understands that all life, in whatever form, is
sacred and precious.
BB – Member of the Hindu priestly social class; as a teacher and priest, his duty is to study the Vedas and teach them to others and
also performs sacrifices and other ceremonies.
CC – Food offered to the gods during worship and is later shared among the worshipers.
DD – Female power, especially the power of a god/goddess.
EE – Cowherd girls with whom young Krishna “dallied.”
FF – Common Hindu practice, now outlawed, of a widow throwing herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.
GG – “Coming down,” an incarnation of the divine, such as the earthly form of the god Vishnu.
HH – Clarified butter, it is sometimes used as an offering during worship.
II – Clarified milk, sometimes used in a ritual washing by the worshiper to appear ritually clean before worshiping the divine.
JJ – Beloved white bull, he is commonly associated as a companion of Shiva.
KK – An honorific title given to spiritual teachers, it comes from the titles given to the early scholars responsible for the teachings and
formation of the Vedas.
LL – A social class or class division within Hindu society.
MM – A short phrase of holy words that is repeated over and over; it is used as a tool for meditation.
NN – A doctrine embodying the impartial law of moral cause and effect, this belief states that for every action there is a consequence
that will result, consequences which will affect one’s social position in future lives.
Worksheet Packet #2C (13 / 13)
Extra Credit Questions . . .
You may earn up to 5 extra credit points for answering one of the questions below or up to 10 extra credit points by answering
two, though you may only answer a maximum of two questions. IMPORTANT: Each answer should be 3-4 paragraphs long;
anything less will not receive the full 5 extra credit points. You may either write these answers out or print them out from your
computer. Your answers are due at the same time as this worksheet packet … and no later.
A – Over its long history, Hinduism has demonstrated remarkable religious tolerance and flexibility. What are the implications of
having such a flexible religious system? What are the advantages or disadvantages?
B – List and briefly describe three social practices that were no longer allowed as a result of modern Indian reform movements?
C – Define the concept of Atman. Describe how it is similar to and yet different from the typical Western concept of “soul” or “self.”
D – What arguments can be made for the use of animals to improve human life? What arguments can be made against the use of
animals to improve human life?
Score
______/ 150 Point score ______/ 150 Total Score
__________ Extra Credit Points (typos) ________% Percentage
__________ Extra Credit Points (T/F) __________ Letter Grade
_______/ 10 Extra Credit Points (essay questions)
__________ Lateness Penalty (-20 pts for each class day late)
