Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

The Virashaiva (Lingayat) tradition is based on the Vachanas, which are poetic compositions in Kannada written by Basavanna and his followers.

The Nalayira Divyaprabandham is the primary anthology of the hymns composed by the twelve Alvar saints.

Bhakti traditions are broadly classified into Saguna (worship of deities with form/attributes) and Nirguna (worship of a formless, abstract divinity).

The term Amara-nayaka is derived from the Sanskrit word Samara, meaning battle or war, referring to military commanders.

Buddhism is non-theistic; it does not focus on the worship of gods or a creator deity. It focuses on personal enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.

Mahayana Buddhism is a branch that emphasizes the possibility of universal salvation, where bodhisattvas help all beings reach enlightenment.

The Jain Agamas or Angas were primarily composed and preserved in Prakrit, a common vernacular language of the time.

The Tripitaka (Three Baskets), the foundational religious texts of Buddhism, were written in the Pali language.

LED lights are highly efficient, produce very little heat, and have a long lifespan, making them the safest and most practical choice for long-term continuous use.

The Agamas are a collection of scriptures in Jainism that record the teachings of Lord Mahavira.

Hinduism is often described as henotheistic or monistic, but many scholars and practitioners argue that its various deities are manifestations of a single ultimate reality, Brahman, supporting a monotheistic interpretation.

Dharma refers to the cosmic law, duty, or proper behavior that sustains the order of the universe in Hinduism. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, and Brahma is a creator deity.

Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth. The other options are names of musical bands.

Uttarayan traditions include kite flying and pilgrims bathing in the Sabarmati River (not Pravag). Shaking hands with neighbors is not a documented tradition of this festival.

The animals on the Ashoka pillar represent different stages of Buddha's life: the Bull (birth), the Horse (departure), the Lion (enlightenment), and the Elephant (conception).