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Hard quiz for serious students of Hindu, Buddhist, and other Eastern philosophical traditions.
1. Which Hindu text systematizes the eight limbs (Ashtanga) of yogic practice?
💡 Patanjali's Yoga Sutras codify the eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga) as a systematic approach to spiritual liberation.
2. What Taoist concept refers to effortless action in harmony with the natural flow of the universe?
💡 Wu Wei describes the Taoist ideal of effortless, natural action aligned with the flow of the Tao.
3. Which school of Buddhist thought, dominant in East Asia, emphasizes rebirth in a Buddha's paradise through faith?
💡 Pure Land Buddhism emphasizes devotion to Amitabha Buddha and rebirth in his Pure Land through faith and recitation.
4. What Zen Buddhist practice uses paradoxical riddles to provoke sudden enlightenment?
💡 Koans are paradoxical riddles or statements used in Zen practice to break down rational thought and provoke sudden insight.
5. Which text is considered the foundational scripture of Chan/Zen Buddhism's emphasis on direct insight?
💡 The Platform Sutra, attributed to the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, is a foundational text of Chan/Zen Buddhism.
6. Which Buddhist logician, along with Dignaga, developed sophisticated systems of epistemology and logic?
💡 Dharmakirti, building on Dignaga's work, developed influential Buddhist systems of logic and epistemology.
7. Which Buddhist school teaches that all phenomena are mere representations of consciousness?
💡 The Yogacara ('mind-only') school teaches that all experienced phenomena are constructs of consciousness.
8. What Hindu concept describes the binding, material nature that obscures pure consciousness in Samkhya philosophy?
💡 Prakriti represents primal matter or nature in Samkhya philosophy, distinct from and binding pure consciousness (Purusha).
9. What is the term for the Jain doctrine of the multiplicity of viewpoints on truth?
💡 Anekantavada is the Jain philosophical doctrine holding that reality is complex and can be viewed from multiple valid perspectives.
10. What is the term for the Jain concept of non-attachment to material possessions?
💡 Aparigraha is the Jain vow of non-possessiveness and non-attachment to material things.
11. Which Hindu school, founded by Madhva, teaches strict dualism between the individual soul and God?
💡 Madhva's Dvaita school teaches a strict dualism, holding that the individual soul and God (Vishnu) are eternally distinct.
12. What Buddhist philosophical school, founded by Nagarjuna, centers on the concept of emptiness (sunyata)?
💡 Nagarjuna's Madhyamaka school developed the philosophy of the 'Middle Way' centered on the concept of emptiness.
13. What is the term for the classical Hindu stages of life, including student, householder, and renunciant?
💡 The Ashramas are the four traditional stages of life in Hindu philosophy, guiding an individual's duties and spiritual development.
14. Which Buddhist concept describes the interdependent arising of all phenomena, with nothing existing independently?
💡 Pratityasamutpada, or dependent origination, teaches that all phenomena arise interdependently, with nothing existing in isolation.
15. What is the term in Samkhya philosophy for pure consciousness, distinct from matter (Prakriti)?
💡 In Samkhya philosophy, Purusha represents pure consciousness, fundamentally distinct from material nature (Prakriti).
16. Which Hindu philosopher's Advaita Vedanta teaches that Atman and Brahman are ultimately identical?
💡 Adi Shankara's Advaita (non-dualist) Vedanta holds that the individual soul (Atman) and ultimate reality (Brahman) are one and the same.
17. Which Confucian virtue refers to benevolence and humaneness toward others?
💡 Ren is the central Confucian virtue of benevolence, compassion, and humaneness toward others.
18. What Hindu philosophical school, founded by Ramanuja, teaches 'qualified non-dualism'?
💡 Ramanuja's Vishishtadvaita, or qualified non-dualism, holds that individual souls are distinct yet inseparable parts of Brahman.
19. Which of the four Purusharthas (aims of human life) in Hindu philosophy refers to spiritual liberation?
💡 Moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is considered the ultimate aim among the four Purusharthas.
20. What Confucian concept refers to a well-ordered, benevolent relationship between ruler and subjects?
💡 Tian Ming, the 'Mandate of Heaven', legitimized rulers who governed benevolently and could be revoked from unjust rulers.