Religious Trends in Ancient India
Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks:
1. The principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) is very important in Jainism.
2. An extraordinary feature of Gautama Buddha’s personality is his compassion for all living beings.
2. Short Answers:
(1) What were the teachings of Vardhaman Mahavir?
Answer : Teachings of Vardhaman Mahavir:
- Non-violence (Ahimsa): Do not hurt any living being.
- Truth (Satya): Always speak the truth.
- Non-stealing (Asteya): Do not take anything without permission.
- Non-attachment (Aparigraha): Do not collect too many things.
- Chastity (Brahmacharya): Control desires and live a simple life.
(2) Which famous quote of Gautama Buddha have you read here? What values does it uphold?
Answer : Famous Quote of Gautama Buddha and Its Values:
- “Even the little quail can chirp freely in her nest.”
- It teaches freedom and equality for everyone.
(3) What virtues are emphasized in Judaism?
Answer : Virtues emphasized in Judaism:
- Justice
- Truth
- Peace
- Love
- Compassion
- Charity
- Self-respect
4) What are the teachings of Christianity?
Answer : Teachings of Christianity:
- There is only one God who is kind and powerful.
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God and came to save people.
- Love everyone, including enemies.
- Forgive those who make mistakes.
(5) What are the teachings of Islam?
Answer : Teachings of Islam:
- There is only one God, Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is His messenger.
- Islam means peace and surrender to Allah.
- The Quran Sharif gives guidance for a good life.
- Worship only Allah and live a good, honest life.
(6) What is at the core of Parsee thinking?
Answer : Core beliefs of the Parsee religion (Zoroastrianism):
- Good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
- Fire and water are very important.
- They worship Ahura Mazda (God).
3. Write notes on :
1. Aryasatyas (Four Noble Truths in Buddhism):
- There is suffering in life.
- Suffering has a cause.
- Suffering can end.
- The right path (Ashtangik Path) can end suffering.
2. Panchasheel (Five Rules in Buddhism):
- Do not kill animals.
- Do not steal.
- Do not behave unethically.
- Do not lie.
- Do not use intoxicating substances.
4. Put the following in the proper place in the chart of the Five Great Vows and the Three Jewels.
Answer : Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavratas):
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
2. Satya (Truth)
3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
4. Aparigraha (Non-attachment)
5. Brahmacharya (Chastity)
Three Jewels (Tri-ratna):
1. Samyak Darshan (Right Faith)
2. Samyak Jnan (Right Knowledge)
3. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct)
5. Give reasons :
(1) Why was the name ‘Jina’ given to Vardhaman Mahavir?
Answer : He conquered desires and emotions, so he was called ‘Jina’ (Conqueror).
(2) Why did Gautama Buddha came to be called the Buddha?
Answer : He attained Bodhi (enlightenment), so he was called ‘Buddha’ (The Enlightened One).
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