Amy Argila 2/11

Religions of the Eastern World 211 Sec 03

Written Quiz
1. Explain the two theories regarding the origins if the Aryan culture. What are the reasons one
may favor one over the other?
The two theories are the Indo- European Migration process and the Cultural Diffusion
Hypothesis. The Indo- European theory suggests that the nomadic Aryans came into a declining
Indus Valley culture as conquerors. As conquerors, they brought with them their beliefs and
values, and practices including the Vedas and influencing the people and spreading their ways
into the culture. This theory is not favored because it shows a lot of European influencing on the
Indian culture, such as their sacred language Sanskrit is very close to Latin, texts and practices.
The second theory is the Cultural Diffusion Hypothesis. This theory states that the culture
just developed within itself. The two cultures mentioned, the Aryans, and the Indus Valley
people were the same. One didn't conquer the other. Based on references in the Vedas, the
Vedas were written way before their time. Also there is no scientific support of any migration.
2. Describe the counter- culture that birthed Upanishadic Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Be
sure to give a general description of the srmanas, ascetic practices, and their goals.
The counter-culture, the started when some of the people were upset and rejected the traditions
and beliefs, especially the ideas of reincarnation. There was an up-rise against the Vedas. The
Shramana's were unhappy with these ideas and wanted to be in control of their own spiritual
purity. They practices asceticism which is to put the body in uncomfortable positions or not
allow themselves to indulge in the worlds pleasures to keep pure, have good karma, and if they
are reborn be reborn into a better life.
3. Explain the soteriology of the Upanishadic Hinduism. In your explanation, define and employ
each of the following terms: cyclic existence (reincarnation), Karma, Atman, Moksha, and
Brahman.
For the soteriology which means focusing, on a better afterlife for a person (which can also lead
them to be liberated,) of the end or final salvation, it is a path of the Upanishadic Hindu that is a
process. With final goal that is to break the cyclic existence and the rebirths or reincarnations,
either 1. The path of the Gods or 2. The path of the Ancestors, only one path can free you and it
is based on Karma. Karma is a system of morality, a system of whatever you do comes back to
you in the next life. The ultimate goal is Moksha, to be free from rebirth and karma, by your
Atman, your soul, or the self, your little piece of Brahman which is the one true being, that
takes many forms in ways of many gods, Brahman is the ultimate reality.
4. Briefly describe the Vedic sacrifice called the Horse Sacrifice. Was this primarily pragmatic or
soteriological?
The horse ritual was was performed by a king to promote wealth, health, prosperity, and
progeny for himself and his kingdom. The best horse and one hundred soldiers would follow the
horse for one year, taking the land wherever it wandered. When the year was up the horse was
sacrificed. It was suffocated and put through a ritual. One part it had to lay with the queen, for
hopes that the horses strength and man's would combine and the queen would bear many son's

for the king. Soon the horse would be roasted and cut in special ways in another ritual and
handed out in parts to people in specialized roles and prayers would be spoken. This sacrifice is
pragmatic because it is not performed by a priest and it is performed by a king for prosperity
and wealth.