Hindu Dharma

Hinduism is the majority religion of India, with more than seventy percent of the country identifying as Hindu. Which of the following countries also claims a majority Hindu presence?

• Myanmar

• Bhutan

• Nepal

• Malaysia

Which of the following is not an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu?

• Parashurama

• Krishna

• Nataraja

• Vamana

Which of the following deities is the cosmic dancer through the universe’s creation and destruction?

• Brahma

• Vishnu

• Shiva

• Ganesha

Which of the following religious reformers was considered during his lifetime to be an incarnation (avatar) of both the god Krishna and his beloved Radha in one body?

• Shankara

• Chaitanya

• Basavanna

• Ramanuja

Which Vedic (scriptural) genre of texts or commentaries that explore the relationship between atman (the Self) and brahman (the Absolute)? (Select all that apply)

• Grihya-Sutras

• Upanishad

• Aranyaka

• Brahmana

Which of the following is NOT one of the primary sects of Hinduism?

• Vaishnavism

• Shaivism

• Smartism

• Vedantism

What does Sanatana Dharma refer to?

• Another name for Hinduism

•  “Eternal Way”, in Sanskrit

• The traditional fourth stage of life in Hindu thought

• A & B

• B & C

Why are so many Hindu deities depicted in blue?

• Because ancient Hindus often colored their own bodies in blue

• Because blue symbolically represents the limitlessness of the sky

• Because blue was the color associated with peacock

• Because White/Black would not be a wise choice

What is moksha?

•  A tasty dessert served on holidays

• The ultimate goal of Hindu spiritual practice

• The practice of stilling the mind through meditation

• An article of clothing worn by Hindu priests

What does the Sanskrit word ‘Aryan’ refer to or mean?

• A group of people who invaded or migrated to India and established Hinduism

• An adjective describing light skinned ancient Indians

• An adjective meaning noble conduct

• All of the above