Review Questions 2

In this second section of the course we have been introduced to the oldest of the world religions that we are studying. What I hope you see in it is the range from polytheistic traditions not that different from those we find in the pre-Christian West to an extraordinary set of mystical teachings. There are many parallels to traditions we are familiar with in the West, but certainly there are extremely important differences. The review questions in part are to alert you to some of the most signficant differences.

1. What is the caste system, and how does it help define what it means to be Hindu?
2. What is the connection between the idea of karma and the idea of reincarnation? How do both fit into the caste system?
4. What do we mean when we refer to some Hindus as "twice-born"?
5. What is the role of women according to traditional Hindu teaching?
6. What are the Upanishads? What is their relationship to the Vedas?
7. The four key values of an ordinary Hindu way of life are said to be dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. What do these terms mean?
8. Who is Krishna? Why do I refer to him as a "Hindu Jesus"?
9. What is the crisis of conscience that Arjuna has in the beginning of the Bhagavad Gita? How does Krishna answer it?
10. What is ahimsa? Would this value fit into the story of the Bhagavad Gita?