Lesson 5: Various Religious Trends – Exercise
Std 6 · History · Maharashtra State Board
Exercise – Solved
Q.1 Write answers in one word.
1. An inherent quality of Indian culture:
Ans: Inclusiveness.
2. The one who teaches and spreads religious knowledge in Jainism:
Ans: Tirthankar.
3. Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon near Varanasi at this place:
Ans: Sarnath.
4. The principal holy text of the Jewish people:
Ans: Torah.
5. The prayer house of Islam is known as:
Ans: Masjid (Mosque).
Q.2 A) Complete the table.
| Religion | Holy Scripture | Place of Worship |
|---|---|---|
| Judaism | Torah | Synagogue |
| Christianity | The Bible | Church |
| Islam | Quran Sharif | Mosque |
| Zoroastrianism (Parsi) | The Avesta | Agyari |
B)
| Philosophy (Darshana) | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Samkhya Darshana | An explanation of how the universe is originated. |
| Yoga Darshan | Attainment of self-realization through continuous practice of spiritual discipline (Sadhana) and meditation (Dhyan) for a healthy body. |
| Nyaya Darshana | Based on logic and knowledge. |
| Vaisheshika Darshan | The entire universe is composed of atoms. |
| Purva Mimamsa Darshana | An analysis of the rituals and rites found in the Vedas. |
| Vedanta Darshan | Based on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. |
C) Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order.
1. Gautam Buddha travelled and preached to the people. 2. Gautam Buddha was born at Lumbini. 3. He attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya.
Ans: (1) Gautam Buddha was born at Lumbini. (2) He attained enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya. (3) Gautam Buddha travelled and preached to the people.
Q.3 Write short notes on:
1. The Four Noble Truths (Aryasatya)
Ans: Gautama Buddha taught four truths at the root of all human affairs, called the Aryasatyas. First, there is suffering (Dukkha) in human life. Second, there is a cause of suffering. Third, it is possible to end suffering (Dukkha-nivaran). Fourth, Pratipad, the way that leads to the end of suffering, which is the way of good conduct known as the Ashtangik Marg or Eightfold Path.
2. The Bhagavad Gita
Ans: The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text of the Hindus. It instructs that every individual should perform their respective duties without a thought to the outcome. Adya Shankaracharya explained its true meaning in his commentary. Its teachings of duty, knowledge and selfless action are reflected in ancient Indian culture, arts, literature and sciences.
3. The Principles of Panchasheel
Ans: Gautama Buddha asked people to follow five rules called Panchasheel. They are: stay away from killing animals, stay away from stealing, stay away from unethical conduct, stay away from telling lies, and stay away from intoxicants.
4. The Three Jewels (Triratna)
Ans: The Tri-ratna are the three principles of Jainism taught by Vardhaman Mahavir. They are Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), which means to understand the truth preached by the Tirthankar and have faith in it; Samyak Dnyan (Right Knowledge), which means studying the Tirthankar’s philosophy regularly; and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct), which means strictly following the Five Great Vows.
Q.4 Answer the following questions:
1. What is the impact of values such as non-violence, compassion and truth found in various religions on society?
Ans: Values such as non-violence, compassion and truth teach people to live peacefully and respect one another. They reduce hatred and conflict, encourage people to help those in need, and build trust in society. Because all religions stress these values, they have created social harmony, tolerance and unity in diversity in India.
2. Explain, with examples, the similarities found in the teachings of any two different religions.
Ans: Jainism and Buddhism teach very similar values. Both give importance to non-violence: Jainism has Ahimsa as the first of the Five Great Vows, and Buddhism asks followers to stay away from killing animals in the Panchasheel. Both stress truth and non-stealing, and both preach compassion for all living beings. Both rejected discrimination based on varna and preached in the people’s language (Ardhamagadhi and Pali). Both also allowed women to join their orders.
Q.5 What benefits do prayer and meditation, Vipashyana bring to human society?
Ans: Prayer, meditation and Vipashyana bring peace of mind and reduce stress, anger and greed. They help a person understand their own feelings and mind, improve concentration, and build self-control and discipline. Peaceful and mindful individuals behave kindly and respectfully, so society becomes more calm, healthy and harmonious.