Comparative World Religions Midterm
Friday, October 1, 1999
- Why do religions exist? Give at least three possible reasons, and defend them with good arguments.
- List, and briefly describe, five characteristics that are typically associated with a religion.
- What are the four Vedas about? Describe them in detail.
- Define the concept of maya, and describe the impact of this concept on the Hindu understanding of death.
- Describe three of the yogas and explain how they function within Hindu practice.
- List the Four Noble Truths. Explain how they illustrate the practical nature of Buddhist teaching.
- Describe two typical practices associated with Zen and explain how they relate to the goal of achieving enlightenment.
- Explain the yin and yang, using examples as necessary to illustrate your explanation.
- What is the Tao Te Ching and what role has it played in the Taoist religion?
- Explain the ideal of wu wei.