0

Indian Philosophy of Class: The Advaita Vedanta

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the Advaita Vedanta school of Indian philosophy.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian philosophy advaita vedanta non-dualism brahman atman
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

According to Advaita Vedanta, what is the ultimate reality?

  1. Brahman

  2. Atman

  3. Maya

  4. Samsara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Brahman is the ultimate reality in Advaita Vedanta, representing the universal, infinite, and unchanging consciousness that pervades all existence.

What is the relationship between Brahman and Atman?

  1. They are identical.

  2. They are separate.

  3. They are different aspects of the same reality.

  4. They are unrelated.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta teaches that Brahman and Atman are ultimately identical. The individual soul (Atman) is not separate from the universal consciousness (Brahman), but rather a manifestation of it.

What is the role of Maya in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. It is the ultimate reality.

  2. It is an illusion.

  3. It is the cause of suffering.

  4. It is the path to liberation.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Maya, in Advaita Vedanta, refers to the illusion that creates the appearance of a separate individual self and a world of objects. It is considered to be the root cause of suffering and bondage.

What is the goal of Advaita Vedanta?

  1. To attain liberation from suffering.

  2. To achieve union with Brahman.

  3. To gain knowledge of the ultimate reality.

  4. To experience the world of objects.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

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

Who is considered to be the founder of Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Adi Shankara

  2. Ramanuja

  3. Madhvacharya

  4. Nimbarka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Adi Shankara is widely regarded as the founder of Advaita Vedanta. He lived in the 8th century CE and is known for his influential commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutra, and Bhagavad Gita.

What is the central teaching of Advaita Vedanta?

  1. The world is an illusion.

  2. The individual self is an illusion.

  3. Brahman is the only reality.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta teaches that the world is an illusion (Maya), the individual self (Atman) is an illusion, and Brahman is the only reality. These three teachings are interconnected and form the core of Advaita philosophy.

What is the method of inquiry used in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Meditation

  2. Devotion

  3. Intellectual inquiry

  4. Rituals


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta emphasizes the use of intellectual inquiry and logical reasoning to understand the nature of reality. This method is known as jnana yoga, or the path of knowledge.

What is the role of the guru in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. To provide spiritual guidance.

  2. To teach the scriptures.

  3. To help the disciple realize their true nature.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The guru plays a crucial role in Advaita Vedanta. They provide spiritual guidance, teach the scriptures, and help the disciple realize their true nature as Brahman.

What is the significance of the Upanishads in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. They are considered to be the foundation of Advaita philosophy.

  2. They contain the teachings of Adi Shankara.

  3. They are a collection of sacred texts.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Upanishads are considered to be the foundation of Advaita philosophy. They contain the teachings of Adi Shankara and are a collection of sacred texts that explore the nature of reality and the relationship between Brahman and Atman.

What is the meaning of the term 'neti neti' in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. Not this, not that.

  2. The world is an illusion.

  3. Brahman is the only reality.

  4. The individual self is an illusion.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The term 'neti neti' means 'not this, not that' in Sanskrit. It is used in Advaita Vedanta to negate all descriptions and attributes of Brahman, emphasizing its ineffable and transcendent nature.

What is the relationship between Advaita Vedanta and other schools of Indian philosophy?

  1. It is opposed to all other schools.

  2. It is compatible with some schools.

  3. It is a synthesis of all schools.

  4. It is unrelated to other schools.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta is compatible with some schools of Indian philosophy, such as Yoga and Vedanta, which share similar metaphysical and spiritual teachings.

How does Advaita Vedanta influence other aspects of Indian culture?

  1. It has influenced Indian art and literature.

  2. It has influenced Indian music and dance.

  3. It has influenced Indian religious practices.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta has influenced various aspects of Indian culture, including art, literature, music, dance, and religious practices. Its teachings on the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual and the universe have had a profound impact on Indian culture and thought.

What is the significance of the concept of 'maya' in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. It is the ultimate reality.

  2. It is an illusion.

  3. It is the cause of suffering.

  4. It is the path to liberation.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Advaita Vedanta, 'maya' refers to the illusion that creates the appearance of a separate individual self and a world of objects. It is considered to be the root cause of suffering and bondage.

What is the central teaching of Advaita Vedanta regarding the nature of the individual self?

  1. The individual self is an illusion.

  2. The individual self is separate from Brahman.

  3. The individual self is a manifestation of Brahman.

  4. The individual self is the ultimate reality.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta teaches that the individual self, or 'jiva', is an illusion created by 'maya'. The true self is Brahman, the universal consciousness that pervades all existence.

What is the role of meditation in Advaita Vedanta?

  1. It is a means to attain liberation.

  2. It is a way to connect with Brahman.

  3. It is a method for self-inquiry.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Meditation plays a significant role in Advaita Vedanta. It is seen as a means to attain liberation, connect with Brahman, and engage in self-inquiry, which is the process of investigating the nature of the self and reality.

- Hide questions