Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is also called Benares (or Banaras). This ancient city on the banks of the Ganges is also known as Kashi. The name 'Benares' comes from the Sanskrit 'Varanasi' and was widely used during British colonial times.

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is the oldest with roots dating back over 4000 years. Buddhism and Jainism emerged around the 6th century BCE, while Sikhism was founded in the 15th century CE in Punjab.

This is a duplicate of question 100201. Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism all originated in the Indian subcontinent. Each religion has distinct historical origins but shares the geographical birthplace of ancient India, with Hinduism being the oldest and Sikhism the most recent (15th century CE).

Traditional Hindu puja rituals use vegetarian offerings like flowers, incense, fruits, and sweets. Meat is never offered in standard puja ceremonies as most Hindu traditions emphasize non-violence and vegetarianism. Money is also not a ritual offering, though donations may be made separately.

Kalaripayattu is indeed recognized as one of the oldest martial art forms in India, originating from Kerala. The question accurately describes its philosophical foundation that those with the ability to hurt must also have the power to heal, which reflects the traditional martial arts principle of using combat skills responsibly. The other options (kuchipudi, mohiniyattom, koodiyattom) are classical Indian dance forms, not martial arts.

The Three Jewels (Triratna) are central to Buddhism - they are Buddha (the enlightened one), Dharma (the teachings), and Sangha (the community). These are the three refuges that Buddhists take. In Jainism, the three jewels are different (right faith, right knowledge, right conduct), and the term Triratna is specifically associated with Buddhism in this context.

Emperor Ashoka's edicts (3rd century BCE) inscribed on pillars and rocks across his empire are the earliest surviving archaeological evidence of Buddhism's state-sponsored expansion. The edicts proclame Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga war and his efforts to spread Buddhist teachings. Statues and Jataka tales came later.

Bhishma (born Devavrata) took a vow of celibacy and not to attack women as part of his terrible oath to remain loyal to his father's throne and facilitate Satyavati's marriage to Shantanu. This vow became crucial in the Kurukshetra war when he refused to fight against Shikhandi. Karna, Shalya, and Yudhishthira did not take this specific vow.

Om Mani Padme Hum is the most well known Buddhist mantra associated with Avalokiteshvara the bodhisattva of compassion. It translates roughly to The jewel in the lotus and is central to Tibetan Buddhism.

Zend Avesta is the primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism, the religion of the Parsis. It contains hymns, prayers, and rituals attributed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra). The Quran is Islamic, the Bible is Christian, and Guru Granth Sahib is Sikh.

Jainism recognizes 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) in the current time cycle. Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last. The Tirthankaras guide souls toward liberation. Sikhism has Gurus, Hinduism has diverse traditions, Buddhism has Buddhas, and only Jainism has the Tirthankara concept.