Quiz for Source 4.4: The “Good Life” in Asian Cultural Traditions

1. Question 4.16

   Who or what is the Mahabharata?
   

   Who or what is the Mahabharata?

   A.

   A Hindu god

   B.

   An Indian king

   C.

   An epic poem

   D.

   An epic battle

2. Question 4.17

   At its core, the Bhagavad Gita deals with which dilemma?
   

   At its core, the Bhagavad Gita deals with which dilemma?

   A.

   Whether or not reincarnation is real

   B.

   Whether one can achieve spiritual fulfillment while remaining active in the world

   C.

   Whether human happiness stems from a well-ordered society or oneness with nature

   D.

   Whether men can become gods

3. Question 4.18

   Why, according to Krishna, is it permissible for Arjuna to kill his kinsmen?
   

   Why, according to Krishna, is it permissible for Arjuna to kill his kinsmen?

   A.

   They are Christians rather than Hindus.

   B.

   They have broken their solemn oath to him.

   C.

   Killing them would allow Arjuna to be reincarnated.

   D.

   Killing them would allow Arjuna to avoid incurring sin by failing to fulfill his caste functions.

4. Question 4.19

   For Krishna, what is critical for a good society?
   

   For Krishna, what is critical for a good society?

   A.

   Refraining from violence, which is beneath the exalted status of Kshatriyas

   B.

   Unmasking the false belief in the cycle of life and death known as reincarnation, which stops people from living the good life during this lifetime.

   C.

   Engaging in constant warfare, which involves all people regardless of their caste, to purify society for the good life

   D.

   Performing one’s caste duties without attachment

5. Question 4.20

   What message in the Bhagavad Gita might a Confucian scholar approve of?
   

   What message in the Bhagavad Gita might a Confucian scholar approve of?

   A.

   All members of the community should faithfully fulfill their allotted roles in society.

   B.

   Formal education contributes to moral perfection.

   C.

   Death matters little because of the cycle of reincarnation.

   D.

   Rulers should avoid killing whenever possible.