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Sanātana Dharma Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Foundational Concepts of Hinduism

Cheat Sheet:
Foundational Concepts of Hinduism Study Guide

Foundational Concepts: Dharma and Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma is a term exclusively used for the duties of the warrior class (Kshatriya).

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is factually inaccurate. *Sanatana Dharma* denotes the eternal duties applicable to all adherents of Hinduism, rather than being exclusively confined to the responsibilities of the Kshatriya (warrior) class.

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The literal translation of "Sanatana Dharma" from Sanskrit is "new way."

Answer: False

Explanation: The literal translation of "Sanatana Dharma" from Sanskrit is approximately "eternal law" or "eternal way," not "new way."

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The word "Dharma" in "Sanatana Dharma" originates from a Sanskrit root meaning "to destroy."

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "Dharma" originates from the Sanskrit root "dhṛ," which signifies "to sustain" or "to uphold," rather than "to destroy."

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*Sanatana-dharma* refers to duties specific to an individual's material nature, class, and stage of life.

Answer: False

Explanation: This description pertains to *Varnashrama-dharma* (or Svadharma), which refers to duties specific to an individual's class and stage of life. *Sanatana-dharma*, conversely, refers to universal, eternal duties based on one's spiritual identity.

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According to the text, *Varnashrama-dharma* should take precedence over *Sanatana-dharma* in cases of conflict.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text indicates that one's specific duties according to their *varna* (social class) and stage of life (*Varnashrama-dharma*) should take precedence when they conflict with *Sanatana-dharma*.

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The eternal and intrinsic inclination of the living entity, according to *sanatana-dharma*, is to accumulate wealth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text identifies the eternal and intrinsic inclination of the living entity, according to *sanatana-dharma*, as the performance of *seva* (service), not the accumulation of wealth.

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*Sanatana-dharma* represents laws that are considered transcendental and beyond temporary belief systems.

Answer: True

Explanation: The concept of *Sanatana-dharma* is presented as representing universal and axiomatic laws that are considered transcendental and not contingent upon transient belief systems.

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The Pali term *Dhammo Sanātano* is unrelated to the Sanskrit term *Sanatana Dharma*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pali term *Dhammo Sanātano* is the direct equivalent of the Sanskrit term *Sanatana Dharma* and carries the same meaning of "eternal law" or "eternal way."

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What is the primary meaning of "Sanatana Dharma"?

Answer: The absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus

Explanation: The primary meaning of "Sanatana Dharma" is the eternal set of duties and religiously prescribed practices that are universally incumbent upon all adherents of Hinduism, irrespective of their social standing or specific beliefs.

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Which Sanskrit root does the word "Dharma" originate from, and what does it mean?

Answer: Root 'dhṛ', meaning 'to sustain'

Explanation: The word "Dharma" originates from the Sanskrit root "dhṛ," which signifies "to sustain." This implies that dharma is that which upholds and supports existence, referring to intrinsic duties and principles.

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In the context of *dharma*, what does *Sanatana-dharma* specifically refer to?

Answer: Universal duties based on one's spiritual identity as atman

Explanation: *Sanatana-dharma* refers to the universal and eternal duties that are based on the inherent spiritual identity (*atman*) of an individual, transcending specific social classes or life stages.

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Which of the following is an example of a universal duty associated with *Sanatana-dharma*?

Answer: Practicing virtues like honesty and mercy

Explanation: Practicing virtues such as honesty and mercy are cited as examples of universal duties inherent to *Sanatana-dharma*, applicable to all individuals regardless of their specific social or life circumstances.

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According to the *Bhagavad Gita* example cited, when should *Varnashrama-dharma* take precedence over *Sanatana-dharma*?

Answer: When Sanatana-dharma duties conflict with one's specific class or life-stage duties

Explanation: The text suggests that *Varnashrama-dharma* (one's specific duties) should take precedence when it conflicts with *Sanatana-dharma* (universal duties), citing the example of a warrior's duty in the *Bhagavad Gita*.

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What is identified as the eternal and intrinsic inclination of the living entity according to the notion of *sanatana-dharma*?

Answer: To perform service (seva)

Explanation: According to the principles of *sanatana-dharma*, the eternal and intrinsic inclination of the living entity (*atman*) is to engage in *seva*, which translates to service.

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What does the Pali term *Dhammo Sanātano* signify?

Answer: Eternal law or eternal way

Explanation: The Pali term *Dhammo Sanātano* is the equivalent of the Sanskrit *Sanatana Dharma* and signifies "eternal law" or "eternal way."

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Hindu Philosophical Frameworks

The Trimurti in Hinduism consists of deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesha.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement is incorrect. The Hindu Trimurti comprises the principal deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, representing creation, preservation, and destruction, respectively. Ganesha, while a significant deity, is not part of the Trimurti.

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Brahman is described as the individual soul or self in Hindu philosophy.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Hindu philosophy, Brahman represents the Absolute Reality or the ultimate, unchanging principle, while the individual soul or self is referred to as *Atman*.

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Maya, Samsara, and Karma are key concepts related to liberation (*moksha*) in Hinduism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Maya (illusion), Samsara (cycle of birth and rebirth), and Karma (action and consequence) are indeed fundamental concepts that are intricately linked to the pursuit of liberation (*moksha*) in Hindu philosophy.

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The *Guṇas* are deities representing the primary forces of creation in Hindu cosmology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Guṇas* (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) are not deities but rather fundamental qualities or modes of nature that influence the characteristics and actions of beings within the cosmos.

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The principal deities associated with the Trimurti in Hinduism are:

Answer: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Explanation: The Trimurti, a fundamental concept in Hinduism, comprises the principal deities Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

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In Hindu philosophy, what does Brahman represent?

Answer: The Absolute Reality or the Unifying Force

Explanation: Brahman is understood in Hindu philosophy as the Absolute Reality, the supreme, unchanging, and all-pervading principle that is the source and substratum of all existence.

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What is *Maya* in the context of Hindu philosophy and liberation?

Answer: Illusion that obscures reality

Explanation: *Maya* refers to the cosmic illusion or phenomenal world that obscures the true nature of reality (Brahman) and the self (*Atman*), thus keeping beings bound to Samsara.

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The *Guṇas* (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) represent fundamental qualities related to:

Answer: Modes of nature influencing beings

Explanation: The *Guṇas* are the three fundamental modes or qualities of nature (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) that influence the characteristics, actions, and experiences of all beings.

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The six orthodox (*Āstika*) philosophical schools include all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Buddhism

Explanation: The six orthodox (*Āstika*) philosophical schools of Hinduism are Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta. Buddhism is considered an *nastika* (heterodox) school.

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What is the significance of the *Om* symbol as suggested by its inclusion in the article's navigation?

Answer: It symbolizes the primordial sound and ultimate reality

Explanation: The *Om* symbol is a sacred icon in Hinduism, widely understood to represent the primordial sound from which the universe emanates and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

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Human Life and Goals

The four *Puruṣārthas* are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, representing the goals of human life.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement accurately identifies the four *Puruṣārthas* (goals of human life) in Hinduism: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire/pleasure), and Moksha (liberation).

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The four *Āśramas* are student life, householder life, retired life, and the life of a warrior.

Answer: False

Explanation: The four traditional *Āśramas* (stages of life) are Brahmacharya (student life), Gṛhastha (householder life), Vānaprastha (retired life), and Sannyasa (renounced life). The life of a warrior is associated with *Varna*, not *Ashrama*.

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Karma yoga is the path of liberation through knowledge.

Answer: False

Explanation: Karma yoga is the path of liberation through selfless action. The path of liberation through knowledge is known as Jnana yoga.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the four *Puruṣārthas* (goals of human life) in Hinduism?

Answer: Nirvana (liberation)

Explanation: The four *Puruṣārthas* are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Nirvana is a concept primarily associated with Buddhism and Jainism, though it shares similarities with Moksha.

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What are the four *Āśramas* (stages of life) in Hindu tradition?

Answer: Student, Householder, Retired, Renounced

Explanation: The four *Āśramas* are Brahmacharya (student life), Gṛhastha (householder life), Vānaprastha (retired life), and Sannyasa (renounced life).

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Which path to liberation (*moksha*) is primarily associated with devotion?

Answer: Bhakti yoga

Explanation: Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion, is primarily associated with achieving liberation (*moksha*) through love and surrender to a chosen deity.

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Sacred Texts and Literature

The phrase *dharma sanātana* is found in modern philosophical treatises but not in classical Sanskrit literature.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase *dharma sanātana* is indeed found in classical Sanskrit literature, specifically cited in the *Manusmrti* and the *Bhagavata Purana*.

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The *Upanishads* are primarily known for their collection of hymns and prayers.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Vedas contain hymns and prayers (Samhitas), the *Upanishads* are primarily known for their profound philosophical and metaphysical teachings concerning Brahman and Atman.

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The *Vedangas* are six auxiliary disciplines related to Vedic study, including grammar and phonetics.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Vedangas* constitute six auxiliary disciplines essential for the proper understanding and recitation of Vedic texts, encompassing fields such as phonetics, meter, grammar, etymology, ritual, and astronomy.

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The *Ramayana* and the *Bhagavata Purana* are the two major Hindu epics mentioned in the text.

Answer: False

Explanation: The two major Hindu epics mentioned in the text are the *Ramayana* and the *Mahabharata*. The *Bhagavata Purana* is a significant Purana, not an epic.

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The phrase *dharma sanātana* can be found in which classical Sanskrit texts?

Answer: The Manusmrti and the Bhagavata Purana

Explanation: The phrase *dharma sanātana* is documented in classical Sanskrit literature, specifically appearing in the *Manusmrti* and the *Bhagavata Purana*.

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Which part of the Vedas is known for containing philosophical teachings about Brahman and Atman?

Answer: Upanishads

Explanation: The *Upanishads* are recognized as the philosophical and speculative portions of the Vedas, delving deeply into concepts such as Brahman (Ultimate Reality) and Atman (the Self).

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Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the four main divisions of the Vedas?

Answer: Puranas

Explanation: The four main divisions of the Vedas are the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. The Puranas are a separate genre of Hindu literature.

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The *Vedangas* are described as:

Answer: Six auxiliary disciplines or limbs of Vedic study

Explanation: The *Vedangas* are six auxiliary disciplines that aid in the understanding and interpretation of the Vedas, covering areas such as phonetics, meter, grammar, etymology, ritual, and astronomy.

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Which two major Hindu epics are mentioned in the text?

Answer: The Ramayana and the Mahabharata

Explanation: The two principal Hindu epics discussed in the text are the *Ramayana* and the *Mahabharata*.

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Which of the following is a subsidiary Vedic text (*Upaveda*) related to the science of medicine?

Answer: Ayurveda

Explanation: Ayurveda is recognized as an *Upaveda*, a subsidiary Vedic text, specifically concerned with the science of life and medicine.

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Social Structure and Ethics

Honesty, mercy, and generosity are examples of duties associated with *Varnashrama-dharma*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Honesty, mercy, and generosity are cited as examples of universal duties associated with *Sanatana-dharma*, not specifically with *Varnashrama-dharma*, which pertains to class- and stage-of-life-specific duties.

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*Ahimsa* means the practice of strict adherence to caste rules.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Ahimsa* is a core ethical principle in Hinduism that signifies non-violence or non-injury towards all living beings. It is distinct from adherence to caste rules.

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What is the core meaning of *Ahimsa* in Hinduism?

Answer: Non-violence or non-injury towards all living beings

Explanation: *Ahimsa* is a paramount ethical principle in Hinduism, signifying the practice of non-violence and non-injury towards all sentient beings, encompassing thoughts, words, and deeds.

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What are the four main *Varnas* in the traditional Hindu social system?

Answer: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra

Explanation: The traditional Hindu social system is structured around four main *Varnas*: Brahmin (priests and scholars), Kshatriya (warriors and rulers), Vaishya (merchants and farmers), and Shudra (laborers and service providers).

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What does *Dvija* mean in Hinduism?

Answer: One who is 'twice-born'

Explanation: *Dvija*, meaning "twice-born," refers to members of the upper three *Varnas* (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya) who undergo an initiation ceremony (Upanayana) and are considered spiritually reborn.

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Worship and Ritual Practices

*Puja* is a ritualistic sacrifice involving offerings into a sacred fire.

Answer: False

Explanation: While ritualistic sacrifices involving offerings into a sacred fire are known as *Yajna* or *Homa*, *Puja* refers to a central form of worship that involves various rituals, offerings, and devotion to deities, typically performed in homes or temples.

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What is *Puja* in the context of Hindu practice?

Answer: A central form of worship involving rituals and offerings

Explanation: *Puja* is a fundamental aspect of Hindu worship, involving a series of rituals, prayers, and offerings made to deities, typically performed in domestic shrines or temples.

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Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

The term "Sanatana Dharma" was revived in the early 20th century primarily to align with Western philosophical concepts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The revival of the term "Sanatana Dharma" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was primarily motivated by a desire to counter the influence of Christian missionaries and avoid the exonym "Hindu," rather than to align with Western philosophical concepts.

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Currently, "Sanatana Dharma" is used to refer to a broad range of Indian spiritual traditions, not exclusively Hinduism.

Answer: False

Explanation: In contemporary usage, the term "Sanatana Dharma" is primarily and exclusively associated with Hinduism.

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The term "sanatana dharma" today is often used to emphasize a progressive and modern outlook within Hinduism.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "sanatana dharma" is frequently employed today to signify a "traditional" or "eternalist" perspective, often in contrast to more progressive or reformist movements within Hinduism.

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The concept of *Sanatana Dharma* is viewed by some as inherently rigid and exclusive.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text suggests that *Sanatana Dharma* is viewed by some as inherently inclusive and adaptable, rather than rigid and exclusive, capable of incorporating diverse knowledge.

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Competition between traditionalists ("Sanatanis") and reformist groups like the Arya Samaj has never caused divisions within Hindu society.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that competition between traditionalists (Sanatanis) and reformist groups has indeed caused significant divisions within Hindu society, as exemplified by schisms observed in communities like South African Hindus.

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The Arya Samaj, a reformist movement, supported traditional idol worship practices.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Arya Samaj is characterized as a reformist and revivalist movement that actively opposed traditional idol worship, which is a practice found in certain streams of Sanatana Dharma.

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Orthodox Hindu groups, known as Sanatanis, did not engage in counter-reform efforts against movements like the Arya Samaj.

Answer: False

Explanation: Orthodox Hindu groups, referred to as Sanatanis, actively engaged in counter-reform efforts. Organizations such as the Sanatana Dharma Rakshini Sabha were established to propagate orthodox beliefs in response to reformist movements.

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"Sanatanis" is a term used for individuals who follow the teachings of the *Bhagavad Gita* exclusively.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "Sanatanis" refers to those who identify as followers of the 'eternal dharma' (*Sanatana Dharma*). While the *Bhagavad Gita* is a central text, the term "Sanatanis" is not exclusive to its followers but rather to adherents of the broader traditional Hindu path.

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What was a primary motivation for the revival of the term "Sanatana Dharma" in the late 19th century?

Answer: To counter the influence of Christian missionaries and avoid the exonym 'Hindu'

Explanation: A significant motivation behind the revival of "Sanatana Dharma" was to provide a self-designated term for Hindu traditions, thereby countering the use of the exonym "Hindu" and addressing the proselytizing efforts of Christian missionaries.

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How is the term "sanatana dharma" often used today in contrast to certain movements?

Answer: To highlight a traditional or 'eternalist' outlook

Explanation: In contemporary discourse, "sanatana dharma" is frequently utilized to underscore a traditional or "eternalist" perspective, often serving to differentiate it from reformist or socio-political interpretations of Hinduism.

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Which of the following groups historically competed for adherents with traditionalists known as Sanatanis?

Answer: Reformist groups like the Arya Samaj and Radha Soamis

Explanation: Traditionalists known as Sanatanis have historically competed for adherents with various reformist movements, including the Arya Samaj and Radha Soamis, leading to notable divisions within Hindu society.

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The Arya Samaj is described in the text as a movement that:

Answer: Was reformist and revivalist, opposing idol worship

Explanation: The Arya Samaj is characterized as a reformist and revivalist movement that actively opposed idol worship and sought to reform Hindu practices, diverging from traditional Sanatana Dharma in certain aspects.

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