1. The caste system has been prevalent throughout the history of Hinduism. Please respond to the following:
How does Hinduism understand the caste system?
How do you feel about organized religion teaching such a belief?
What is your reaction to the five main social classes?
Can you identify any dynamics in American religion or culture which have similarities to the caste system?
2. Hinduism is known for various type of yoga. Please respond to the following:
What do Hindus see as the purpose of yoga?
Why are there several kinds?
Which one appeals most to you, and why?
Which one appeals to you the least, and why?
3. According to our text, two other ethical practices of Jainism are chastity and nonattachment.
How do the Jains define these two practices?
Why do you suppose they are included in their mandates?
Do other religions teach anything somewhat similar that you can identify?
4. To truly live by Jains ethics does require something of a radical commitment. Yet the same could be said about living according to five pillars of Islam, to genuinely follow the teachings of Buddha, or to live for Jesus Christ in Christianity. Please respond to the following:
Could this mean religious founders saw something about human nature which needs to be governed or changed? Or is religion merely a way to control people and put them in bondage? Or something else?
Don't merely state your opinion - offer some sound supporting evidence!