The Advaita Vedanta School

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the Advaita Vedanta School, a prominent school of Hindu philosophy. The questions cover various aspects of Advaita Vedanta, including its metaphysics, epistemology, and soteriology.
Number of Questions: 15
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Who is considered the founder of the Advaita Vedanta School?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adi Shankara, an 8th-century philosopher, is widely regarded as the founder of the Advaita Vedanta School.

What is the central concept of Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Brahman

  2. Atman

  3. Maya

  4. Karma


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the central concept of Advaita Vedanta. It is described as infinite, unchanging, and the source of all existence.

According to Advaita Vedanta, what is the relationship between Brahman and Atman?

  1. They are identical.

  2. They are separate but connected.

  3. They are completely different.

  4. They are mutually exclusive.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta teaches that Brahman and Atman are identical. This is known as the doctrine of non-duality (advaita).

What is Maya in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. The world of illusion.

  2. The power of Brahman.

  3. The individual soul.

  4. The cycle of birth and rebirth.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Maya is the world of illusion that veils the true nature of reality. It is the source of all suffering and bondage.

What is the goal of Advaita Vedanta?

  1. To attain moksha (liberation).

  2. To gain knowledge of Brahman.

  3. To perform rituals and sacrifices.

  4. To accumulate wealth and power.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta is to attain moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth and the realization of one's true nature as Brahman.

What is the method prescribed by Advaita Vedanta for attaining moksha?

  1. Jnana yoga (path of knowledge).

  2. Bhakti yoga (path of devotion).

  3. Karma yoga (path of action).

  4. Raja yoga (path of meditation).


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Jnana yoga, the path of knowledge, is the primary method prescribed by Advaita Vedanta for attaining moksha. It involves the study of scriptures, contemplation, and meditation to gain insight into the true nature of reality.

Which Upanishad is considered the most important scripture in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

  2. Chandogya Upanishad

  3. Katha Upanishad

  4. Mundaka Upanishad


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is considered the most important scripture in Advaita Vedanta. It contains key teachings on the nature of Brahman, Atman, and Maya.

What is the concept of 'neti neti' in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Not this, not that.

  2. This and that.

  3. Neither this nor that.

  4. Both this and that.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Neti neti' is a Sanskrit phrase that means 'not this, not that.' It is used in Advaita Vedanta to negate all positive and negative attributes of Brahman, as it is beyond all conceptualization.

Which philosopher is known for his commentary on the Brahma Sutra, called the Brahma Sutra Bhashya?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adi Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutra, known as the Brahma Sutra Bhashya, is a seminal work in Advaita Vedanta.

What is the concept of 'avastha-trayi' in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. The three states of consciousness.

  2. The three worlds.

  3. The three gunas.

  4. The three stages of life.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Avastha-trayi refers to the three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

Which philosopher is known for his theory of 'bhedabheda,' or difference and non-difference?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Ramanuja, a prominent philosopher of the Vishishtadvaita school, is known for his theory of bhedabheda, which posits that Brahman and the individual soul are both distinct and non-distinct.

What is the concept of 'jiva' in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. The individual soul.

  2. The cosmic soul.

  3. The world of illusion.

  4. The cycle of birth and rebirth.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Jiva refers to the individual soul, which is a reflection of Brahman.

Which philosopher is known for his theory of 'dvaita,' or dualism?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school, is known for his theory of dvaita, which posits that Brahman and the individual soul are completely separate.

What is the concept of 'ishvara' in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. The personal God.

  2. The impersonal Brahman.

  3. The world of illusion.

  4. The cycle of birth and rebirth.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ishvara refers to the personal God, who is a manifestation of Brahman and the object of devotion.

Which philosopher is known for his theory of 'achintya-bhedabheda,' or inconceivable difference and non-difference?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Nimbarka, the founder of the Nimbarka school, is known for his theory of achintya-bhedabheda, which posits that Brahman and the individual soul are both different and non-different in an inconceivable way.

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