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The East-West Dialogue: Exploring the Influence of Indian Philosophy on Western Thought

Description: The East-West Dialogue: Exploring the Influence of Indian Philosophy on Western Thought
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian philosophy western thought east-west dialogue
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Which Indian philosopher's ideas significantly influenced the development of Transcendentalism in the United States?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Mahatma Gandhi


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Swami Vivekananda's lectures at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 introduced many Western thinkers to the concepts of Vedanta and Yoga, which had a profound impact on the development of Transcendentalism.

What is the central concept in Advaita Vedanta that emphasizes the non-duality of the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman)?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Brahman


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta teaches that Brahman, the ultimate reality, is one and indivisible, and that the individual soul (Atman) is identical with Brahman. This concept of non-duality is a fundamental principle of Advaita Vedanta.

Which Indian concept emphasizes the importance of selfless action and duty without attachment to the fruits of one's labor?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Moksha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Karma refers to the principle of action and its consequences. It teaches that every action, whether good or bad, has a corresponding reaction. The concept of Karma emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to the outcome, as the focus should be on the action itself rather than the results.

What is the term for the illusion or veil of ignorance that conceals the true nature of reality in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Moksha


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Maya is the concept in Advaita Vedanta that refers to the illusion or veil of ignorance that conceals the true nature of reality. It is believed that Maya creates the appearance of duality and separateness, leading to the perception of the world as a collection of individual objects and beings. The goal of Advaita Vedanta is to transcend Maya and realize the underlying unity of all existence.

Which Indian philosopher introduced the concept of 'Satyagraha' or nonviolent resistance, which later influenced the civil rights movements led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Mahatma Gandhi


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mahatma Gandhi developed the concept of 'Satyagraha' or nonviolent resistance as a means of achieving political and social change. This concept, rooted in Indian philosophy, emphasizes the power of truth and nonviolence to overcome oppression and injustice. Gandhi's ideas significantly influenced civil rights movements worldwide, including those led by Martin Luther King Jr.

What is the ultimate goal or liberation sought in Indian philosophy, often associated with the cessation of suffering and the realization of the true nature of reality?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Moksha


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Moksha, also known as liberation or enlightenment, is the ultimate goal in Indian philosophy. It refers to the state of freedom from suffering, ignorance, and the cycle of rebirth. Moksha is often associated with the realization of the true nature of reality, which varies depending on the specific philosophical school or tradition.

Which Indian philosopher's writings on the nature of consciousness and the unity of all existence influenced the development of modern psychology and psychotherapy?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Jiddu Krishnamurti


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jiddu Krishnamurti's teachings on consciousness, self-awareness, and the unity of all existence have had a significant impact on modern psychology and psychotherapy. His emphasis on self-observation and the exploration of the nature of the mind has influenced various therapeutic approaches, including mindfulness-based therapies and transpersonal psychology.

What is the term for the doctrine of non-attachment and renunciation of worldly desires in Indian philosophy, often associated with the path to spiritual liberation?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Vairagya


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vairagya refers to the doctrine of non-attachment and renunciation of worldly desires in Indian philosophy. It is considered an essential aspect of the spiritual path, as it involves letting go of attachments to material possessions, ego, and desires. Vairagya is often seen as a necessary condition for achieving spiritual liberation and realizing the true nature of reality.

Which Indian philosopher's ideas on the importance of self-realization and the cultivation of inner peace influenced the development of humanistic psychology?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Abraham Maslow


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Abraham Maslow, a prominent humanistic psychologist, was influenced by Indian philosophy, particularly the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda. Maslow's focus on self-actualization, the realization of one's full potential, and the importance of inner peace and self-awareness can be traced back to his engagement with Indian philosophical ideas.

What is the term for the concept of interconnectedness and unity among all living beings and the universe in Indian philosophy?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase that translates to 'the world is one family.' It encapsulates the concept of interconnectedness and unity among all living beings and the universe. This idea emphasizes the interdependence of all life forms and the need for harmonious coexistence and compassion towards all beings.

Which Indian philosopher's writings on the nature of reality and the limitations of language influenced the development of postmodernism and deconstruction in Western philosophy?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Jacques Derrida


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jacques Derrida, a prominent postmodern philosopher, was influenced by Indian philosophy, particularly the writings of Sri Aurobindo. Derrida's deconstructionist approach to language and his critique of binary oppositions can be traced back to his engagement with Indian philosophical ideas, which emphasized the fluidity and multiplicity of meaning.

What is the term for the concept of cosmic consciousness or the realization of the unity of all existence in Indian philosophy?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Brahman


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Brahman is a central concept in Indian philosophy, particularly in Advaita Vedanta. It refers to the ultimate reality, the cosmic consciousness, or the unified ground of all existence. Brahman is believed to be the source of all creation and the essence of all beings. The realization of Brahman is the goal of many spiritual practices and is considered the highest state of consciousness.

Which Indian philosopher's ideas on the importance of intuition and direct experience influenced the development of existentialism in Western philosophy?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Jean-Paul Sartre


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, was influenced by Indian philosophy, particularly the writings of Sri Aurobindo. Sartre's emphasis on individual freedom, authenticity, and the importance of direct experience can be traced back to his engagement with Indian philosophical ideas, which stressed the importance of self-realization and the exploration of one's own existence.

What is the term for the concept of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Indian philosophy?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Maya

  4. Samsara


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Samsara is a central concept in Indian philosophy, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by karma and the accumulation of desires. Samsara is considered a state of suffering and bondage, and the goal of many spiritual practices is to break free from this cycle and achieve liberation or enlightenment.

Which Indian philosopher's writings on the nature of the mind and the importance of meditation influenced the development of cognitive science and mindfulness practices in the West?

  1. Rabindranath Tagore

  2. Swami Vivekananda

  3. Sri Aurobindo

  4. Dalai Lama


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Dalai Lama, a prominent spiritual leader and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, has significantly influenced the development of cognitive science and mindfulness practices in the West. His teachings on the nature of the mind, the importance of meditation, and the cultivation of compassion have resonated with many Western thinkers and practitioners, leading to a growing interest in contemplative practices and their potential benefits for mental well-being.

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