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Hinduism

Matter, maya and Hindu cosmology

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

The subtopic covers prakriti and the three gunas and their effect on diet and behaviour, maya and suffering, the creation hymn of Rig Veda 10.129, the four ages ending in the Kali Yuga, and other worlds.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Define prakriti.

Key term

Name the three qualities of the tri-guna.

Key term

What does sattva mean?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Define prakriti.

    Model answer

    Prakriti is matter, the physical stuff of the universe. Prakriti is unconscious and always changing, unlike the eternal atman.

  2. 2

    Name the three qualities of the tri-guna.

    Model answer

    The three gunas are sattva, rajas and tamas. Every material thing is a mixture of all three.

  3. 3

    What does sattva mean?

    Model answer

    Sattva is the quality of goodness, purity and light. A sattvic person is calm, truthful and clear-thinking.

  4. 4

    What does rajas mean?

    Model answer

    Rajas is the quality of passion, energy and restless activity. A rajasic person is ambitious and easily excited.

  5. 5

    What does tamas mean?

    Model answer

    Tamas is the quality of darkness, ignorance and inertia. A tamasic person is lazy, confused or destructive.

  6. 6

    How do the gunas affect a Hindu’s diet and behaviour?

    Model answer

    Many Hindus choose sattvic food such as fruit, vegetables and milk to keep the mind clear. Stale or very spicy food is thought to raise rajas and tamas.

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