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UNIT 2
4 Mark
Do you think that the Vedas are the most important holy book for Hindus?
Yes I Agree
3. They are the most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in the sacred language of the
scriptures, Sanskrit
No I don't agree
1. They are written using ancient language, and ancient imagery and therefore not
relevant in modern times
2. Most Hindus today regard the Vedas as irrelevant and don't follow them
3. There are other scriptures that are more important, such as BG and other smriti
texts
Do you think that the Upanishads are the most important holy book for Hindus?
Answers which think everyone should follow the Upanishads are:
Do you think that the Shruti are the most important holy books for Hindus?
Yes I agree
1. It is still the basis of many ritual, ceremonies & samskars
No I Dont Agree
3. Smurti scriptures such as the Bhagwat Gita are more popular and more easily
understandable
Do you think that everyone needs the help of a swami?
Yes I agree
1. They are important exemplars
No I Dont Agree
Do you think that the Bhagvad Gita is the most important book for Hindus?
Yes I agree
2. Some groups treat the book as their most important holy book
3. It deals with the most important aspects of Hindu teaching
No I Dont agree
1. They can never be out of date as they are Sanatan eternal truths relevant to all
times & places
2. Some aspects of Vedas are becoming increasing popular e.g. Vedic medicine
3. They are divinely revealed by Brahman himself
Do you think that we can learn more from modern science than from ancient
Holy Books?
Reasons for:
2. Ancient holy books are written in ancient language and difficult to understand and
not relevant in modern society
Reasons against:
1. Ancient truths are often divinely revealed and are eternal we cant always test for
some of the truths given in ancient holy books
2. We can learn more from ancient books, as they are Sanatan eternal truths
relevant to all times & places.
No I Dont agree
1. All the knowledge that they hold is now available to us from other sources
3. Some gurus may not actually be truly God realised i.e. FAKE
No I dont agree
1. They are important exemplars to all Hindus
2. They provide spiritual guidance and knowledge and the information that they give
can be adopted to suite modern times
3. They are important figureheads, and for people to look up to
Yes I Do Agree
2. Their knowledge and teachings are based on the ancient scriptures and so are
not relevant
3. All the knowledge that they hold is now available to us from other more modern
types of sources such as Internet etc.
8 Mark
Explain how attitudes to caste are changing?
1. Traditional occupational divisions do not relate easily to the demands of modern
industry
2. It is difficult to observe caste divisions in an urban environment
3. Discrimination by caste is forbidden by Indian law
2. The division of society into functional groups has practical benefits (efficiency)
3. Varnas allow people to measure their progress towards moksha
6. Many Hindus see the Varna system as more natural and equitable that the caste
system which is fraught with confusion and privilege
Explain why Brahmins are important for many Hindus?
1. As priests they conduct important rituals
1. Many Hindus regard the jati into which a person is born to be indicative of their
relative position in society
2. It may be indicative of the progress of the atman towards moksha
4. Jati may influence social interactions such as who one might marry
4. It contains reference to very popular & revered deities (more modern movements)
5. The heroes, e.g. Arjun & Ram, are exemplars for all Hindus It contains philosophical
Outline the role of swamis.
1. They provide spiritual guidance
2. They give advice and teaching about sacred texts and the Hindu tradition
3. They may set up ashrams or colleges where people can study and/or meditate.
4. They may behave as exemplars to other Hindus
4. Talk about the nature of self (atman), god (Brahman), and the world
2. He restored righteousness and hence defeated evil, therefore should be respected &
Devoted
3. Allows devotion targeted to the supreme Lord, not just avatars (para-bhakti)
3.
2.
4.
5.
6.
They have knowledge of Sanskrit and can access and interpret the sacred texts
They have an important role as teachers
5.
6 Mark
Should everyone follow the teachings of the Upanishads
Answers which think everyone should follow the Upanishads are :
1. The system has been one of the factors that has helped preserve Hinduism
2. The basis of the system is set out in the Vedas
3. The four Varnas are a basic part of the Hindu way of life
Gurus are no longer needed
1. All the knowledge they hold is now available to us from other sources
2. They are no more likely to be wise or insightful than the rest of us
3. They do not have sufficient awareness of the modern world
Should everyone follow a swami
Yes:
1. All the knowledge that they hold is now available to us from other sources.
2. They are no more likely to be wise or insightful that the rest of us.
3. They do not have sufficient awareness of the modern world.
1. They were written in ancient times, using ancient language, Sanskrit, ancient
references and old imagery so today are meaningless.
2. The lives of most Hindus do not follow the direction of the Vedas
Reasons against:
1. They can never be out of date as they are Sanatan eternal truths relevant to all
times & places
2. Some aspects of Vedas are becoming increasing popular e.g. Vedic medicine
All humans are born equal do you agree?
Yes
1. All babies are born equal in terms of wealth and status they no know no
difference.
2. In eyes of Brahman all are equal.
3. You cannot change whom you are born as, we all have atman within us.
No
3. ISKON believe that as Krishna is the supreme lord then his book is also the most
important
No I dont
1. There are other scriptures such as the Vedas which contain the basis of Hindu
ethics and therefore are more important
2. Other religions have more important scriptures
3. The Upanishads contradict themselves