Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism

Which of the following best describes the concept of **Dharma** in Hinduism?

• The cycle of death and rebirth

• The moral law and duty that governs right behavior

• The ultimate state of spiritual liberation

• The collection of Hindu sacred texts

In Buddhism, the **Four Noble Truths** begin with the truth of suffering (Dukkha). Which of the following correctly identifies the **Second Noble Truth**?

• Suffering can be ended by following the Eightfold Path

• Suffering is caused by desire and attachment

• Suffering is a permanent state of human existence

• Suffering is ended through meditation alone

The festival of **Diwali** is celebrated in Hinduism. Which of the following best describes what Diwali represents?

• Festival of Colors

• Festival of Lights/

  The victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama

• The birthday of Lord Krishna

• The beginning of the Hindu New Year calendar

In Sikhism, the **Five Ks** are physical symbols worn by initiated Sikhs. Which of the followings is/are part of the Five Ks? Check all that apply

• Kesgarh Sahib

• Kara (a steel bracelet)

• Kirpan (a small sword)

• Kanga (wooden comb)

In Hinduism, the concept of **Karma** is closely related to the cycle of rebirth. Which of the following best explains how Karma affects a person's next life?

• Good karma leads to immediate spiritual liberation regardless of past actions

• The actions performed in this life determine the conditions of the next life

• Karma only affects a person's current life and has no impact on rebirth

• Karma is determined solely by the caste a person is born into

The **Third Noble Truth** in Buddhism states that suffering can be ended. Which of the following correctly identifies the state achieved when suffering is completely extinguished?

• Samsara

• Dharma

• Nirvana

• Moksha

In Sikhism, the **Kesh** (uncut hair) is one of the Five Ks. Which of the following best explains why Sikhs keep their hair uncut?

• It is a fashion tradition passed down from ancient warriors

• It represents acceptance of God's will and natural form

• It is a symbol of mourning for the ten Sikh Gurus

• It helps Sikhs identify enemies during times of conflict

A student is comparing **Hinduism** and **Buddhism**. Both religions share the concept of **Karma** and **rebirth**, yet they differ in their ultimate spiritual goals. Using your knowledge of both religions, which of the following best explains a key difference between the two?

• Hinduism seeks Nirvana while Buddhism seeks Moksha as the ultimate liberation

• Hinduism aims for Moksha (union with Brahman) while Buddhism aims for Nirvana (freedom from suffering and rebirth)

• Both religions have identical goals but use completely different methods to achieve them

• Buddhism believes in a permanent soul while Hinduism denies the existence of a soul

The **Four Noble Truths** of Buddhism form a logical framework for understanding and overcoming suffering. If a Buddhist were to apply this framework to a real-life situation — such as feeling unhappy because they always want the latest video game — which option below is the most likely answer?

• The unhappiness exists → it is caused by wanting the game → letting go of the desire can end the unhappiness → The Eightfold Path shows one the right actions to follow

• The unhappiness exists → work harder in order to obtain the game → the desire will disappear →

• The desire causes unhappiness → the unhappiness can never end → one must accept suffering forever

• The unhappiness exists → it is caused by bad karma → rebirth will resolve the unhappiness → good karma will automatically follow in your new life

A Sikh student explains to their class that the **Five Ks** are not just physical symbols but carry deep spiritual meaning. Using your understanding of Sikhism, which of the following best explains how the **Kirpan** (a small ceremonial sword) reflects Sikh values?

• The Kirpan represents the Sikh belief in violence as the primary solution to conflict

• The Kirpan symbolizes the duty to defend justice, protect the weak, and stand against oppression

• The Kirpan is worn purely as a decorative cultural artifact with no spiritual significance

• The Kirpan represents the Sikh rejection of all other religions and their symbols