20 MCQs on Indian Approach: Self and Identity in Indian Thought with Answers & Explanations
Explore 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the Indian approach to self and identity. Learn about key concepts from Vedic, Upanishadic, and Buddhist traditions with answers and explanations.
1. According to Indian philosophy, which of the following is the true self?
A) Ego
B) Atman
C) Mind
D) Senses
Answer: B) Atman
Explanation: In Indian philosophy, especially Vedanta, Atman is considered the true self, beyond the body and mind. It is eternal and unchanging.
2. Which of the following texts primarily explores the concept of Atman?
A) Bhagavad Gita
B) Rig Veda
C) Upanishads
D) Yoga Sutras
Answer: C) Upanishads
Explanation: The Upanishads extensively discuss the nature of Atman and its relationship with Brahman (the ultimate reality).
3. In Advaita Vedanta, the concept of "Maya" refers to:
A) Ultimate reality
B) Illusion
C) Liberation
D) Dharma
Answer: B) Illusion
Explanation: Maya in Advaita Vedanta represents the illusory nature of the material world, which veils the true knowledge of Atman and Brahman.
4. According to Buddhist thought, the concept of "Anatta" means:
A) Eternal soul
B) No-self
C) Universal self
D) Individual ego
Answer: B) No-self
Explanation: Anatta (or Anatman) in Buddhism rejects the idea of a permanent self and emphasizes impermanence (Anicca) and suffering (Dukkha).
5. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna teaches Arjuna about self-identity through which concept?
A) Atman is eternal
B) Karma Yoga
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Krishna teaches that the Atman is eternal and remains unaffected by birth and death. He also emphasizes Karma Yoga (selfless action) to transcend ego-attachment.
6. The Indian concept of identity is primarily based on:
A) Social roles
B) Spiritual realization
C) Material success
D) Political power
Answer: B) Spiritual realization
Explanation: In Indian thought, identity is deeply tied to self-realization, emphasizing detachment from worldly illusions.
7. Which Indian philosophical school argues that the self is both individual and universal?
A) Advaita Vedanta
B) Charvaka
C) Nyaya
D) Mimamsa
Answer: A) Advaita Vedanta
Explanation: Advaita Vedanta asserts that individual Atman and universal Brahman are one and the same (non-dualism).
8. The concept of "Purusha" in Samkhya philosophy represents:
A) Matter
B) Supreme God
C) Pure consciousness
D) The ego
Answer: C) Pure consciousness
Explanation: Purusha (pure consciousness) is distinct from Prakriti (matter) in Samkhya philosophy.
9. Which Indian school of thought completely denies the existence of the self?
A) Vedanta
B) Buddhism
C) Yoga
D) Samkhya
Answer: B) Buddhism
Explanation: Buddhism's doctrine of Anatta (non-self) rejects the notion of a permanent self.
10. What does "Tat Tvam Asi" mean in the Upanishads?
A) That is you
B) You are that
C) I am everything
D) All are one
Answer: B) You are that
Explanation: "Tat Tvam Asi" is a Mahavakya (great saying) from the Upanishads, indicating the unity of Atman (self) and Brahman (ultimate reality).
11. The term "Jiva" in Hindu philosophy refers to:
A) The absolute self
B) The embodied individual self
C) The supreme god
D) The mind
Answer: B) The embodied individual self
Explanation: Jiva is the individual soul that undergoes cycles of birth and death due to karma.
12. In Jainism, which concept explains the accumulation of karmic particles on the soul?
A) Ahimsa
B) Bandha
C) Nirvana
D) Dharma
Answer: B) Bandha
Explanation: Bandha refers to the binding of karma to the soul, which leads to rebirth.
13. Which Upanishadic term describes the blissful state of self-realization?
A) Moksha
B) Sat
C) Chit
D) Ananda
Answer: D) Ananda
Explanation: Ananda (bliss) is part of Sat-Chit-Ananda, describing the ultimate experience of self-realization.
14. Which Indian school of thought is based on materialism and denies the concept of self beyond the body?
A) Nyaya
B) Charvaka
C) Vedanta
D) Sankhya
Answer: B) Charvaka
Explanation: Charvaka is an ancient materialist philosophy that denies the existence of Atman and the afterlife.
15. In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the term "Kaivalya" refers to:
A) Liberation
B) Meditation
C) Reincarnation
D) Ego
Answer: A) Liberation
Explanation: Kaivalya (isolation) is the ultimate state of self-liberation in Yoga philosophy.
16. Which philosophical system describes identity as a combination of five aggregates (Skandhas)?
A) Samkhya
B) Buddhism
C) Jainism
D) Mimamsa
Answer: B) Buddhism
Explanation: Skandhas (form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness) explain human identity in Buddhist thought.
17. The idea of "Neti Neti" (Not this, Not that) is used to:
A) Define self directly
B) Negate what self is not
C) Describe karma
D) Promote devotion
Answer: B) Negate what self is not
Explanation: Neti Neti is a method in Jnana Yoga to realize the true self by negating non-self elements.
18. The term "Svadharma" in Indian philosophy means:
A) Universal duty
B) Personal duty
C) Enlightenment
D) Ego identity
Answer: B) Personal duty
Explanation: Svadharma refers to an individual’s duty based on their role in life (as per the Bhagavad Gita).
19. Which Indian thinker proposed the concept of integral yoga?
A) Adi Shankaracharya
B) Swami Vivekananda
C) Sri Aurobindo
D) Ramana Maharshi
Answer: C) Sri Aurobindo
Explanation: Sri Aurobindo developed Integral Yoga, emphasizing self-transformation.
20. The ultimate goal in Indian philosophy concerning self is:
A) Wealth
B) Power
C) Moksha
D) Fame
Answer: C) Moksha
Explanation: Moksha (liberation) is freedom from the cycle of birth and death, realizing the self’s true nature.
Comments