Shared Origins
Offer some general comparisons and contrasts between Jainism and Sikhism.

Jainism—Background
Describe some features Jainism shares with Buddhism.

Mahavira and the Origins of Jainism

1. What is some of the symbolism behind the image of the twenty-four tirthankaras?
2. Discuss the traditional life story of Mahavira.

Worldview

1. What are the philosophic arguments Jainism uses to defend its atheism?
2. How does Jainism conceive time?
3. Explain the dualism found in Jainism and how it shapes understanding of human beings.
4. How are human beings different from other things composed of matter and spirit?
5. Discuss the Jain goal and the understanding of karma and rebirth.
6. What role do superhuman beings occupy in Jainism?

Jain Ethics

1. Explain ahimsa and how this ethical recommendation is lived out.
2. Briefly describe the ethical recommendations of nonlying, nonstealing, and chastity.
3. Discuss the importance of nonattachment for Jains.
4. Explain how a "holy death" fits into the Jain religion.

The Development of Jainism and Its Branches

1. Discuss similarities and differences between Buddha and Mahavira.
2. What beliefs distinguish the Digambara branch?
3. What features distinguish the Shvetambara branch?
4. Describe the beliefs of the Sthanakavasi branch.
5. What features characterize the reformist Terapanthis branch?

Jain Practices

1. How do Jains understand the role of devotional practices?
2. Describe the basic features of a Jain puja.
3. Name some key Jain pilgrim sites.

Jain Scriptures
Describe some of the general contents of Jain canonical and noncanonical scriptures.

Jain Art and Architecture
How are the features of Jain statues interpreted?

Sikhism—Background

1. What are some of the chief differences between Hinduism and Islam?
2. What are the few things Hinduism and Islam share?

Nanak and the Origins of Sikhism

1. What was Nanak's revelation and how did it occur?
2. How did Nanak convey his teachings?

The Worldview and Teachings of Nanak

1. Describe features of Hinduism that Nanak accepted.
2. Which characteristics of Hinduism did he reject?
3. What was Nanak's teaching about God?

The "Five K's" of the Sikh Khalsa
Briefly describe the five practices originally adopted by members of the Khalsa.

The Development of Sikhism

1. What defines the earliest stage of Sikhism?
2. Describe important features of the second stage of consolidation and religious definition.

Sikh Scriptures

1. What is the general content of the three parts of the Adi Granth?
2. How is the Adi Granth viewed and treated?
3. Describe various ways the Adi Granth is used.

Sikhism and the Modern World

1. Describe the dislocations and antagonisms experienced by Sikhism.
2. Where have Sikhs established communities and attracted converts outside India in its third and final stage of development?