Which of these were holy Hindu scriptures written by gurus to help connect people to heavenly forces?

the Upanishads
the Mahabharata
the Ramayana
the Theravada

7 answers

The Upanishads, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana are all important Hindu scriptures.

  • The Upanishads are philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the individual soul's relationship with the ultimate reality (Brahman). They are considered some of the foundational texts of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.

  • The Mahabharata is one of the longest epic poems in the world, which includes the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. It addresses moral dilemmas and the concept of dharma (duty) and is essential for understanding Hindu ethics and philosophy.

  • The Ramayana is another ancient epic that narrates the life of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman, illustrating the ideals of duty, righteousness, and devotion.

Theravada, on the other hand, refers to one of the branches of Buddhism, not Hinduism, and is not a Hindu scripture.

In summary, the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana are sacred Hindu scriptures aimed at connecting people to spiritual and moral dimensions of life.

which one do i choose

Choosing between the Upanishads, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana depends on what aspect of Hinduism you are most interested in:

  1. Upanishads: Choose this if you are interested in philosophical and spiritual exploration, focusing on the nature of the self, the universe, and ultimate reality (Brahman). They are great for understanding deep metaphysical concepts and meditation practices.

  2. Mahabharata: This is a good choice if you enjoy epic narratives with complex characters and moral dilemmas. It covers a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, war, and devotion, and includes the Bhagavad Gita, which is a crucial text for understanding duty and righteousness.

  3. Ramayana: Opt for this if you prefer stories that exemplify ideal characters and moral values. It tells the story of Lord Rama, illustrating virtues like loyalty, honor, and devotion. The Ramayana is also rich in cultural and devotional literature.

Consider what themes or narratives resonate with you the most, and choose accordingly!

pick only one

If I had to pick only one, I would recommend the Bhagavad Gita, which is part of the Mahabharata.

The Bhagavad Gita is a profound spiritual and philosophical text that addresses fundamental questions about life, duty, and righteousness. It presents a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna and offers valuable insights into overcoming personal dilemmas, understanding one's duties in life, and connecting with the divine.

It is widely studied and highly regarded in Hindu philosophy, making it an excellent choice for both spiritual growth and moral guidance.

Which of these helped Hinduism to spread?
The religion forced people to give up their old beliefs.
Hindus formed organized groups to worship together.
Other gods and traditions were absorbed into Hinduism.
Prayers could be offered only at large temples.

The option that best describes a factor that helped Hinduism to spread is:

Other gods and traditions were absorbed into Hinduism.

This adaptability and inclusiveness allowed Hinduism to integrate various local beliefs, practices, and deities from different cultures and regions. As new communities encountered Hinduism, they often found aspects that resonated with their existing traditions, facilitating the spread of Hindu practices and ideas.

The other options are not accurate reflections of how Hinduism traditionally spread:

  • The religion forced people to give up their old beliefs: Hinduism generally spread through integration and assimilation rather than coercion.

  • Hindus formed organized groups to worship together: While community worship is an important aspect, it wasn't the primary factor in the religion's expansion.

  • Prayers could be offered only at large temples: This is not true; worship can occur at home shrines or in smaller settings, which has also contributed to its spread.

Thus, the absorption of other gods and traditions played a significant role in the proliferation of Hinduism.