The Origins of Hinduism

1. What features of geography might have contributed to Hindu religious sensibilities?
2. Explain one of the analogies of comparison that the author uses to understand Hinduism (a great river or a palace added to over centuries). Both convey the idea that nothing is ever lost in Hinduism.
3. What features have enabled Hinduism to develop freely in many directions?

The Earliest Stage of Indian Religion
What is noteworthy about the ancient Harappa culture?

The Religion of the Vedic Period

1. Describe the main theories that have sought to explain the origins of the Vedas and the religion they describe.
2. What were the chief features of Vedic religion?

The Vedas
Briefly describe the content or focus of the Vedas.

The Upanishads and the Axis Age
What were some of the questions posed during this period?

Brahman and Atman

1. Define the term Brahman and relate an illustration from the Upanishads seeking to explain it.
2. Explain what is meant by Atman and discuss its relationship to Brahman.

Maya

1. How does maya fit into the Upanishadic explanation of the world?
2. Why is death not a tragedy, according to the Upanishads?

Karma

1. Explain the relationship between karma and rebirth.
2. Discuss the benefits and liabilities of embracing such a view as karma and rebirth.

Moksha

1. Describe the different aspects of liberation contained in the goal of moksha.
2. How does kindness to all and detaching oneself from pleasure and pain relate to the attainment of moksha?

Living Spiritually in the Everyday World
The Bhagavad Gita

1. Describe the general setting or plot of the Bhagavad Gita.
2. How have Gandhi and others interpreted the call to war in the Gita?

The Caste System

1. How is the caste system justified or explained in the Gita?
2. Briefly describe the five main social classes found in India.

The Stages of Life
Highlight the four stages of life shaped by the ancient upper-caste ideal.

The Yogas

1. Why are there different types of yoga?
2. Summarize the goals and viewpoint of jnana, or knowledge, yoga.
3. Besides stressing activity, what is of key importance in karma, or action, yoga?
4. Describe the various ways one can practice bhakti, or devotion, yoga.
5. Describe some of the types of meditation found in raja, or royal, yoga.
6. What is hatha yoga?
7. Describe the goals of kundalini yoga.

Hindu Meditation (Box Feature)
Why do you think that Patanjali's eight steps necessary for meditation begin with ethical practices (self-control)?

Devotional Hinduism

1. Why have intensive study and the practice of meditation had limited appeal for the majority of Hindus?
2. How is bhakti, or devotional, yoga expressed in daily life?

The Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

1. Which major gods constitute the Trimurti and what interlinked forces do they represent?
2. How is Brahma portrayed and why might he be less popular in devotional Hinduism?
3. Convey the major features or stories of either Rama or Krishna, two of the avatars of Vishnu.
4. Discuss some of the significant features associated with Shiva.

Worship of the Divine Feminine: Devi

1. Describe features of one of the popular goddesses in Hinduism, or how the Great Mother is worshiped.
2. Explain the concept of a female consort of a deity.

The Guru as Object of Devotion

1. Discuss the role and significance of a guru in Hindu spirituality.
2. Why do Hindus believe that one need only be in the presence of a guru to gain benefits?

Devotion to Animals

1. Account for the kindness to animals displayed in Hinduism.
2. Why does the cow receive special consideration?

Other Forms of Religious Devotion
What role do pilgrimage and festivals occupy in common religious expression?

Hinduism and the Arts

1. Give some examples of multiplicity within Hindu art and explain their purpose.
2. How does Hinduism use symbolism in art?

Hinduism: Modern Challenges

1. Summarize the relationship between Hinduism and Islam in India.
2. Highlight the historical appeal of Islam in India.
3. What beliefs and practices were challenged through the British presence?

Mohandas Gandhi

1. What were the influences that shaped Gandhi's philosophy?
2. Highlight the key ideas and methods employed by Gandhi.

Contemporary Issues

1. Discuss the current status of untouchables and the caste system.
2. How has the role of women changed through time?
3. What are the sources of conflict between Hindus and Muslims?
4. Describe contemporary values most often associated with the West that are causing tension with India's traditional values.
5. (Box Feature) Discuss contributing factors to the rise of Hindu fundamentalism.

Hindu Influence beyond India

1. Where are some of the areas outside India where Hinduism is practiced?
2. Discuss the four waves of Hindu influence in the West.