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Describe the relationship between the Yoga school and the concept of god.
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Yoga admits the existence of god and is essentially a form of Sankhya.
How do the concepts of polytheism and monotheism manifest within Hinduism?
Hinduism allows for a diversity of belief systems, accommodating both polytheism with numerous gods and various forms of monotheism, though it is not the same as Abrahamic monotheism.
What role does karma play in the Jaina and Buddhism schools?
Both Jaina and Buddhism schools believe in the law of karma and rebirth, although they are mostly atheistic.
How do the belief systems of the Jaina and Nyaya schools differ?
The Jaina school believes in karma and rebirth but rejects the existence of god, while the Nyaya school is realistic, based on logic, and believes in karma, rebirth, and the existence of god.
Which Hindu philosophical school is based on the Vedas and what is its stance on god?
The Mimamsa school is based on the Vedas. It believes in the law of karma but is atheistic, with no supreme god or creator god.
What is a common misunderstanding about the Hindu concept of numerous gods when viewed from a Western perspective?
A common misunderstanding is viewing the Hindu concept of numerous gods as contradictory to monotheism, without understanding the inclusive and non-exclusive nature of Hindu deities and spiritual practices.
What distinguishes the Western concept of religion from the concept of Dharma in India?
The Western concept of religion typically refers to a system with one prophet, one god, and one book with a uniform belief system, while Dharma is a much broader concept encompassing a wide array of beliefs and practices.
What sets the Vedanta school apart from other schools of Hindu thought?
Vedanta believes in a supreme person who permeates and transcends the universe.
In what ways are cultural practices intertwined with religion in Eastern traditions?
In Eastern traditions, cultural practices such as dress, language, festivals, traditions, rituals, music, and cuisine are heavily influenced by and often indistinguishable from religion.
Contrast the Western dichotomy of religion and culture with the Eastern perspective.
In Western traditions, religion and culture are often seen as separate entities, whereas in Eastern traditions, religion is considered a major component of culture, and the lines between them are blurred.
How has the Western concept of religion influenced the perception of Eastern cultures?
The Western concept of religion has been force-fitted onto Eastern cultures, leading to the identification of various `ism`s such as Hinduism, Tengriism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
Why are different schools of Hindu thought significant in understanding its philosophical diversity?
Different schools of Hindu thought highlight the richness and diversity of Hindu philosophy, ranging from pure materialism to dualistic realism and theistic Vedanta, showing a spectrum of beliefs encompassing atheism and belief in god.
Explain the primary belief system of the Charvaka school of thought in Hinduism.
The Charvaka school of thought is purely materialistic and atheistic, rejecting the existence of god.
What are the main tenets of Sankhya philosophy in Hinduism?
Sankhya philosophy is dualistic realism and does not find a need for god.
How is the concept of numerous gods in Hinduism often misunderstood through a Western lens?
The Western lens, which is accustomed to Abrahamic monotheism, often misinterprets the concept of numerous gods in Hinduism (e.g., 64 crore gods) by not understanding the diverse and inclusive nature of Hindu beliefs.
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