The Concept of Ishvara in Indian Philosophy

Description: The concept of Ishvara, or God, is a central theme in Indian philosophy. This quiz will test your understanding of the different ways in which Ishvara is conceived of in Indian thought.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian philosophy theology metaphysics
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which of the following is NOT a name for God in the Upanishads?

  1. Brahman

  2. Atman

  3. Ishvara

  4. Maya


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Maya is the concept of illusion or unreality in Indian philosophy. It is not a name for God.

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

  1. They are identical.

  2. They are different.

  3. They are both real.

  4. They are both unreal.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Advaita Vedanta teaches that Brahman and Atman are one and the same. This is known as the doctrine of non-duality.

In the Bhagavad Gita, what does Krishna say is the purpose of human life?

  1. To achieve moksha.

  2. To perform dharma.

  3. To enjoy pleasure.

  4. To gain knowledge.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Moksha is the state of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is the ultimate goal of human life according to the Bhagavad Gita.

Which of the following is NOT a quality of Ishvara according to the Nyaya school of thought?

  1. Omniscience

  2. Omnipotence

  3. Benevolence

  4. Finiteness


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of thought holds that Ishvara is infinite and all-pervading. Therefore, finiteness is not a quality of Ishvara.

According to the Mimamsa school of thought, what is the primary duty of humans?

  1. To perform rituals.

  2. To study the Vedas.

  3. To meditate on Brahman.

  4. To practice ahimsa.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mimamsa school of thought emphasizes the importance of performing rituals as a means of fulfilling one's dharma.

Which of the following is NOT a type of Ishvara according to the Vaishnava tradition?

  1. Vasudeva

  2. Narayana

  3. Shiva

  4. Vishnu


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Shiva is a deity in the Shaiva tradition, not the Vaishnava tradition.

According to the Samkhya school of thought, what is the ultimate goal of human life?

  1. To achieve moksha.

  2. To perform dharma.

  3. To enjoy pleasure.

  4. To gain knowledge.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Moksha is the state of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is the ultimate goal of human life according to the Samkhya school of thought.

Which of the following is NOT a quality of Ishvara according to the Yoga school of thought?

  1. Omniscience

  2. Omnipotence

  3. Benevolence

  4. Impersonality


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Yoga school of thought holds that Ishvara is a personal God. Therefore, impersonality is not a quality of Ishvara.

According to the Vedanta school of thought, what is the nature of Brahman?

  1. It is transcendent.

  2. It is immanent.

  3. It is both transcendent and immanent.

  4. It is neither transcendent nor immanent.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Vedanta school of thought teaches that Brahman is both transcendent and immanent. This means that it is both beyond the universe and present within it.

Which of the following is NOT a type of Ishvara according to the Shaiva tradition?

  1. Shiva

  2. Parvati

  3. Ganesha

  4. Vishnu


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vishnu is a deity in the Vaishnava tradition, not the Shaiva tradition.

According to the Nyaya school of thought, what is the primary means of gaining knowledge?

  1. Perception

  2. Inference

  3. Testimony

  4. Analogy


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Nyaya school of thought emphasizes the importance of inference as a means of gaining knowledge.

Which of the following is NOT a quality of Ishvara according to the Vaishnava tradition?

  1. Compassion

  2. Mercy

  3. Justice

  4. Wrath


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Wrath is not a quality of Ishvara according to the Vaishnava tradition.

According to the Samkhya school of thought, what is the relationship between purusha and prakriti?

  1. They are identical.

  2. They are different.

  3. They are both real.

  4. They are both unreal.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Samkhya school of thought teaches that purusha and prakriti are two distinct entities.

Which of the following is NOT a type of Ishvara according to the Advaita Vedanta school of thought?

  1. Brahman

  2. Atman

  3. Ishvara

  4. Maya


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Maya is the concept of illusion or unreality in Indian philosophy. It is not a type of Ishvara.

According to the Yoga school of thought, what is the primary means of achieving moksha?

  1. Meditation

  2. Yoga

  3. Bhakti

  4. Jnana


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Yoga school of thought emphasizes the importance of meditation as a means of achieving moksha.

- Hide questions