Belief System Test

1. Life is full of suffering.

2. The desire for possessions causes suffering.

3. Elimination of desire will stop one's suffering.

4. Following the Eightfold path will lead to Enlightenment.

These statements are key to the belief system of:

• Buddhism

• Confucianism

• Hinduism

• Shintomism

Shinto, meaining "the way o fthe spirits," is the name of the formal state philosophy in Japan. It was founded sometime in 600BCE, though it has no known founder or creator and no specific sacred texts. Unlike most religions, Shinto is a set of beliefs that teaches its followers to respect and appreciate the beauty of nature and the spirits (kami) that live within it. Shintoists stress a harmony with nature, and look to have al lthey do work towards that goal. What conclusion can be drawn from this short description of Shinto beliefs?

• Animism can be seen in Shinto beliefs.

• Shintoism began as an offshoot of Islam.

• Shintoism began as a rejection of Christianity.

• Chinese beliefs had a major influence in Shintoism.

Which country had the MOST spiritual influence on classical China?

• India

• Japan

• Korea

• Mongolia

A basic tenet of Hinduism is th belief that

• devas cannot be portrayed in art

• the founder of Hinduism is Vishna

• it is impossible to acheive moksha

• everything in the world is an aspect of Brahman

In Hinduism, a person's dharma - or set of spiritual duties and obligations - is based on

• the Vedas

• bad karma

• dedication to Vishnu

• their caste and station in life

Which statement BEST describes the Japanese attitudes towards religion in the First Millennia CE?

• Coming from China, Buddhism conflicted with Japanese values and culture.

• Both Shinto and Buddhism were practiced widely, often by the same people

• Shinto was followed mainly by the elite, while peasants flocked to Buddhism

• Buddhism was practiced only in the west where missionaries from China had settled.

According to Hindu beliefs one's position in the caste system is determined by

• your chosen profession

• your deeds in a previous life

• a test you tke when you are 15

• the caste system of your husband or wife

This diagram shows four of the most important texts of

• Buddhism

• Confucianism

• Hinduism

• Judaism

Choose all the elements that describe the beliefs of Buddhism.

• Yahweh

• Samsara

• Four Noble Truths

• Noble Eightfold Path

According to Indian religious and philosophical practices, people must fulfill a moral duty which is called

• Brahma

• Dharma

• Karma

• Sati