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The Philosophy of Shankara and His Concept of Maya

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of the philosophy of Shankara and his concept of Maya. Shankara was a renowned Indian philosopher who lived in the 8th century CE. He is considered one of the greatest exponents of the Advaita Vedanta school of Hinduism. His philosophy is based on the idea that the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is pure consciousness and bliss. Maya is the illusion that creates the appearance of a separate world of objects and individuals.
Number of Questions: 10
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Tags: indian philosophy shankara advaita vedanta maya
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What is the central idea of Shankara's philosophy?

  1. The ultimate reality is Brahman, which is pure consciousness and bliss.

  2. The world is an illusion created by Maya.

  3. The individual soul is identical with Brahman.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shankara's philosophy is based on the idea that the ultimate reality is Brahman, which is pure consciousness and bliss. He also believed that the world is an illusion created by Maya, and that the individual soul is identical with Brahman.

What is Maya?

  1. The ultimate reality.

  2. The illusion that creates the appearance of a separate world of objects and individuals.

  3. The individual soul.

  4. None of the above.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Maya is the illusion that creates the appearance of a separate world of objects and individuals. It is the power of Brahman that makes us believe that the world is real, when in fact it is only an illusion.

What is the relationship between Brahman and Maya?

  1. Brahman is the creator of Maya.

  2. Maya is the power of Brahman.

  3. Brahman and Maya are identical.

  4. None of the above.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Maya is the power of Brahman that makes us believe that the world is real, when in fact it is only an illusion.

What is the goal of Shankara's philosophy?

  1. To attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

  2. To realize the true nature of Brahman.

  3. To experience the bliss of Brahman.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The goal of Shankara's philosophy is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, to realize the true nature of Brahman, and to experience the bliss of Brahman.

What is the method that Shankara prescribes for attaining liberation?

  1. Meditation.

  2. Self-inquiry.

  3. Study of the scriptures.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shankara prescribed a variety of methods for attaining liberation, including meditation, self-inquiry, and study of the scriptures.

What is the role of the guru in Shankara's philosophy?

  1. The guru is a teacher who helps the disciple to understand the scriptures.

  2. The guru is a guide who helps the disciple to meditate and practice self-inquiry.

  3. The guru is a spiritual friend who helps the disciple to overcome obstacles on the path to liberation.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The guru plays a vital role in Shankara's philosophy. The guru is a teacher, a guide, and a spiritual friend who helps the disciple to progress on the path to liberation.

What is the significance of Shankara's philosophy in the history of Indian thought?

  1. Shankara's philosophy is one of the most influential schools of thought in Indian history.

  2. Shankara's philosophy has had a profound impact on the development of other schools of Indian philosophy.

  3. Shankara's philosophy has been a source of inspiration for many spiritual seekers.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shankara's philosophy is one of the most influential schools of thought in Indian history. It has had a profound impact on the development of other schools of Indian philosophy, and it has been a source of inspiration for many spiritual seekers.

What are some of the criticisms of Shankara's philosophy?

  1. Shankara's philosophy is too abstract and difficult to understand.

  2. Shankara's philosophy is too pessimistic and denies the reality of the world.

  3. Shankara's philosophy is too individualistic and does not emphasize the importance of social responsibility.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shankara's philosophy has been criticized for being too abstract and difficult to understand, for being too pessimistic and denying the reality of the world, and for being too individualistic and not emphasizing the importance of social responsibility.

How has Shankara's philosophy been interpreted and reinterpreted over time?

  1. Shankara's philosophy has been interpreted and reinterpreted in a variety of ways over time.

  2. Some interpreters have emphasized the mystical and devotional aspects of Shankara's philosophy.

  3. Other interpreters have emphasized the rational and philosophical aspects of Shankara's philosophy.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shankara's philosophy has been interpreted and reinterpreted in a variety of ways over time. Some interpreters have emphasized the mystical and devotional aspects of Shankara's philosophy, while others have emphasized the rational and philosophical aspects of Shankara's philosophy.

What is the relevance of Shankara's philosophy in the contemporary world?

  1. Shankara's philosophy can offer insights into the nature of reality and the meaning of life.

  2. Shankara's philosophy can help us to overcome suffering and achieve lasting happiness.

  3. Shankara's philosophy can inspire us to live more ethical and compassionate lives.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Shankara's philosophy can offer insights into the nature of reality and the meaning of life, help us to overcome suffering and achieve lasting happiness, and inspire us to live more ethical and compassionate lives.

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