QUIZ ON MULTI-FAITH FESTIVALS

These festivals were really intended to be used for the exclusive worship of the Divine, to enjoy the bliss of that devotion, and to overcome pain and sorrow. These holy days were instituted for the purpose of getting rid of ignorance and cultivating right knowledge, the higher wisdom and cosmic consciousness .

- Sathya Sai Baba, Sanathana Sarathi, May 1989.

For the delight and education of devotees, Bhagavan has encouraged the celebration of festivals from all the major world religions in Prashanti Nilayam. In this light, we have questions for you on festivals from Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and ancient Chinese culture. The source material is from Bhagavan’s Divine Discourses and the relevant passages are shown as answers when you finish each question. The order of the festivals follows the calendar and the relevant dates for 2006 are shown.

1.What is the inner meaning of the Sankranti (Pongal) festival which falls usually in the month of January?
A. That we should celebrate with dancing and feasting.
B. That we should transform ourselves.
C. That we should give thanks to the moon.
D. That we should stay in the home and read the scriptures.

2. Swami mentions a well known and apposite saying from China in one Chinese New Year discourse.
Can you complete it? “The most delicious food is that which is…"
A. Good for health and the mind.
B. From ones' parents.
C. Hot and nutritious.
D. Acquired by hard work.

3. Why is Sivarathri considered so auspicious?
A. Because Lord Siva does not sleep this night.
B. Because the moon is waning and the mind’s power is weak.
C. Because Lord Shiva vanquished the demon, Naraka.
D. Because Lord Shiva saved the Himalayas from destruction on this night.

4. What miraculous event happened to Easwaramma during her pregnancy?
A. A cobra danced before her.
B. A holy man gave her some pudding as Prasad.
C. She was visited by a dazzling light.
D. She and her husband had a very revealing dream.

5. According to Swami what did the Buddha conquer?
A. Desire.
B. A group of pundits who were criticizing him.
C. His father’s kingdom.
D. The need for sleep and food.

6. Guru Poornima has many significances. One of them is to commemorate Sage Vyasa finishing a well-known scripture.
Which one is this?
A. The Ramayana.
B. The Brahma Sutra.
C. The Bhagavad Gita.
D. The Vedas.

7. Once Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati staged a race between their children, the brothers Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya, to find out who could go round the world first. What happened in the race?
A. It was a tie.
B. Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya decided not to race against each other.
C. Ganesha, having the rat as his vehicle, could not finish the race and hence lost.
D. Ganesha won by going around his parents.

8. On the penultimate day of Dasara "worship of weapons” Aayudha puja is observed. What is the inner significance of this act?
A. To give thanks to the army.
B. To commemorate Krishna’s victory over the demons.
C. To worship the divine powers in man.
D. To contemplate on Ahimsa.

9. The festival of Deepavali commemorates which event in the life of Sri Rama?
A. The day when He entered the forest for 14 years of exile.
B. The day when He was coronated in Ayodhya after returning from exile.
C. The day when He lifted the bow of Lord Shiva.
D. The day when He helped sage Viswamitra to complete a Yagna, protecting him from the demons.

10. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting in Islam. How does Swami define the meaning of 'Islam'? Is it:
A. Knowledge of the scriptures.
B. Love all.
C. Surrender to God.
D. Joyfulness.

11. What day does Swami consider as His real birthday?
A. The day Prashanthi Nilayam was inaugurated.
B. The day when India gained freedom from foreign rule.
C. He does not consider that He has a birthday.
D. The day when God comes into our life.

12. Jesus’ life was one of exemplary service to the poor and suffering. Who inspired this spirit of service in him?
A. His mother.
B. The priests.
C. A mystical brotherhood called the Essenes.
D. The Jewish scriptures