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The Illustrated World's Religions--Chapter II

Chapter II ("Hinduism") Questions to Guide Your Study:

1. According to Hinduism, what are the four things people want (page 18, 22)? Do you agree? If not, what’s been missed?
2. What are the four problems of worldly success (page 18-19)? Are these views of Hinduism compatible with your personal beliefs?
3. Do you see parallels between the Hindu Path of Desire and the Path of Renunciation and  “the Way” or path of Christianity (page 20-21)? What about “adult life cycles?” Do you see any parallels?
4. What’s the meaning of the yogi’s response to the man of the world as quoted on page 21?
5. Do you agree with the quote “all true religion begins with the quest for meaning and value beyond oneself. It renounces the ego’s claims to finality” (page 21)?
6. What’s meant by the “hope and history” quote on page 21? Do you agree?
7. According to Hinduism, what is it we really want? How is that reflected in the Simone Weil quote on page 22?
8. What are the three imperfections of life according to Hinduism that can be transcended (page 24)?
9. What are the four Paths to the goal according to Hinduism and what are their primary purposes (page 26)? Do you see any similarities between the four paths and Corinne Ware’s four spirituality types?
10. According to Hinduism, what are the four stages of life (page 40)? Does Christianity have an equivalent view of the stages of life? Would this approach to life’s stages work in American society?
11.  What is the cardinal tenet (belief) of Hinduism (page 43)? Do you agree? Does Christianity recognize this tenet? How does this Hindu tenet bear on the individual’s “station in life?”
12. Consider the Hindu view of God (Brahman), God within (Atman), the soul (Jiva), the singularity or plurality of God/gods (Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu), and the attainment of spiritual oneness with God and the universe (Moksha)—see pages 22, 47-50. In Hinduism’s view, must all people view God the same? Do those of the Hindu faith believe in one God or many? Does Christianity have parallel beliefs?
13. What are the six aspects of the world that Hinduism would identify when asked, “What kind of world do we have?” See pages 52-55.
14. What do you view as the most significant contribution of Hinduism to the world’s religions? Does any aspect of Hinduism speak to your spiritual needs?