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Fundamental Principles

44 Grade 7 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Fundamental Principles, with worked marking schemes. 44 questions are available on this topic in full.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    A grandmother tells her grandchildren that serving guests, elders and the needy is a way of serving God. This teaching promotes the value of:

    A. Seva (selfless service)

    B. Samsara (rebirth)

    C. Artha (wealth)

    D. Kama (desire)

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    In Hindu Dharma, the eternal moral law and order that sustains the universe and guides right conduct is known as:

    A. Moksha

    B. Artha

    C. Kama

    D. Dharma

    (1 mark)

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  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    The sacred syllable regarded in Hindu Dharma as the primordial sound of the universe is:

    A. Namaste

    B. Amen

    C. Shalom

    D. Om (Aum)

    (1 mark)

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    The Hindu value that encourages tolerance and acceptance of other people's beliefs is most closely linked to the teaching that:

    A. Wealth is the highest goal

    B. Rituals are more important than conduct

    C. Only Hindus can attain liberation

    D. There are many paths leading to the same truth

    (1 mark)

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  5. Question 5

    6 marks

    Jayesh, who follows Jain Dharma, refuses to step on insects, eats only vegetarian food, and always speaks the truth even when it is difficult. His classmate asks him why he is so careful in everything he does. Jayesh explains that his actions are guided by the teachings of the Tirthankaras and the principle of non-violence.

    (a) State the meaning of 'Ahimsa' as taught in Jain Dharma. (2 marks)

    (b) Explain how Jayesh shows Ahimsa in TWO different ways in his daily life. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Ahimsa means non-violence / non-injury — not causing harm or hurt to any living being through thought, word or action. In Jain Dharma it is the highest principle (ahimsa paramo dharma), extending to even the smallest living creatures, since all life is sacred. (2 marks) (b) Any TWO well explained, e.g.: (i) Not stepping on insects — he is careful where he walks so as not to harm even tiny living beings, practising non-violence in action; (ii) Eating only vegetarian food — he avoids killing animals for food, reducing harm to living beings; (iii) Always speaking the truth and avoiding hurtful speech — this is non-violence in speech (not harming others with his words). (2 marks each = 4 marks)

  6. Question 6

    1 mark

    According to the law of Karma, a person who consistently acts with kindness and honesty can expect to:

    A. Lose their individual soul

    B. Never be reborn again immediately

    C. Escape all consequences entirely

    D. Reap good consequences in this or future lives

    (1 mark)

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  7. Question 7

    4 marks

    Explain how the Hindu teaching that 'Truth is one, the wise call it by many names' promotes religious tolerance in Kenya.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Up to 4 mks: the teaching means the one divine reality is worshipped in different forms and by different names/paths (2 mks); therefore Hindus accept and respect other religions as valid ways to the same truth (1 mk); this encourages harmony, peaceful co-existence and unity in a multi-religious country like Kenya (1 mk).

  8. Question 8

    1 mark

    A teacher explains that, according to dharmic belief, every action a person performs produces consequences that affect their present and future lives. Which principle describes this law of action and its results?

    A. Dharma

    B. Karma

    C. Maya

    D. Yajna

    (1 mark)

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  9. Question 9

    1 mark

    Which of the following is regarded as the Supreme Universal Spirit or Absolute Reality in Hindu Dharma?

    A. Karma

    B. Atman

    C. Samsara

    D. Brahman

    (1 mark)

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  10. Question 10

    1 mark

    After a learner accidentally steps on an insect, a Jain classmate gently explains that her tradition teaches the deepest respect for all living beings and the avoidance of harm to any creature. Which fundamental principle is she describing?

    A. Ahimsa

    B. Aparigraha

    C. Satya

    D. Asteya

    (1 mark)

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  11. Question 11

    3 marks

    Highlight three moral values derived from the fundamental principles of Hindu Dharma that promote peaceful co-existence in a Kenyan community.

    (3 marks)

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  12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Sunita learns that the ultimate goal in Hindu life is freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). What is this state of liberation called?

    A. Moksha

    B. Punya

    C. Seva

    D. Bhakti

    (1 mark)

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  13. Question 13

    1 mark

    The Hindu teaching of respect for all creation, including animals, plants and the environment, is rooted mainly in the belief that:

    A. The same divine soul (Atman) dwells in all living things

    B. Nature has no spiritual value

    C. Only human beings have souls

    D. Animals cannot be reborn

    (1 mark)

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  14. Question 14

    6 marks

    Two Grade 7 friends disagree. One throws stones at a stray dog, while the other stops him, saying it is wrong to harm any living creature. The second friend says this teaching comes from a fundamental dharmic principle.

    (a) Identify the dharmic principle that teaches non-harming of all living beings. (2 marks)

    (b) Explain how a learner can practise this principle in their daily life at school. Give two ways. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The principle is Ahimsa, meaning non-violence or non-harming. It teaches respect and compassion towards all living beings and the avoidance of causing injury in thought, word or deed. It is central to the Sanatan (Hindu), Buddhist, Jain and Sikh traditions, and is especially emphasised by the Jains. (2 marks) (b) Any TWO ways, each well explained (2 marks each): treating fellow learners with kindness and avoiding fighting, bullying or hurtful words; being gentle and caring towards animals and not harming insects, birds or plants unnecessarily; settling disagreements peacefully through dialogue instead of violence; showing compassion by helping those who are weak or in need. (4 marks)

  15. Question 15

    4 marks

    Identify two teachings from the fundamental principles of Hindu Dharma that encourage care for the environment.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any two, named + explained (2 mks each): belief that the divine/Atman dwells in all living things, so all creation is sacred and must be respected; Ahimsa - non-harm extends to animals, plants and nature; reverence for sacred rivers/trees/animals; duty (dharma) to protect creation.

  16. Question 16

    1 mark

    A student who always returns lost property and never takes what does not belong to them is practising:

    A. Satya (truthfulness)

    B. Aparigraha (non-greed)

    C. Ahimsa (non-violence)

    D. Asteya (non-stealing)

    (1 mark)

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  17. Question 17

    1 mark

    During Truth and Honesty week, a learner shares that one of the five great vows in Jain Dharma requires a person always to speak the truth and avoid falsehood. What is the name of this principle of truthfulness?

    A. Ahimsa

    B. Aparigraha

    C. Satya

    D. Brahmacharya

    (1 mark)

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  18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The Hindu belief that the true self of a person never dies but is reborn refers to the eternal nature of the:

    A. Body

    B. Atman

    C. Mind

    D. Ego

    (1 mark)

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  19. Question 19

    1 mark

    A teacher explains that in Sanatan Dharma every action a person performs produces a corresponding result that shapes future experiences, so doing good brings good and doing harm brings harm. Which principle is being taught?

    A. Maya

    B. Karma

    C. Moksha

    D. Yajna

    (1 mark)

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  20. Question 20

    1 mark

    Which value would MOST directly guide a Hindu to avoid hoarding possessions and to live simply?

    A. Aparigraha

    B. Satya

    C. Ahimsa

    D. Karma

    (1 mark)

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  21. Question 21

    3 marks

    Outline three reasons why the study of the fundamental principles of Hindu Dharma is important to a Grade 7 learner.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three, 1 mk each: helps the learner understand and appreciate their faith/heritage; guides moral behaviour and good conduct; promotes values like honesty, non-violence and tolerance; fosters respect for other religions; helps in personal spiritual growth; promotes peaceful co-existence.

  22. Question 22

    1 mark

    The Hindu principle of speaking and living by the truth at all times is known as:

    A. Ahimsa

    B. Satya

    C. Seva

    D. Dana

    (1 mark)

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  23. Question 23

    1 mark

    When a Hindu performs their duties honestly without attachment to the rewards, they are living according to:

    A. Dharma

    B. Samsara

    C. Artha

    D. Kama

    (1 mark)

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  24. Question 24

    1 mark

    In a values lesson, learners discuss the dharmic principle of non-violence, which forbids causing harm to any living being in thought, word, or deed. This principle is central to Hindu, Buddhist, and especially Jain ethics. What is it called?

    A. Satya

    B. Ahimsa

    C. Karma

    D. Moksha

    (1 mark)

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  25. Question 25

    1 mark

    The Hindu belief that God can be worshipped in many forms and by many paths reflects the principle that:

    A. Truth is one, the wise call it by many names

    B. Idols must never be used in worship

    C. Only one form of worship is valid

    D. Rebirth does not exist

    (1 mark)

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  26. Question 26

    4 marks

    Explain the Hindu belief in Karma and how it can guide a Grade 7 learner to behave well in school.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Karma = the law that every action (good or bad) produces consequences that affect one's present and future lives (2 mks). Application (2 mks): a learner does good deeds e.g. honesty, kindness, hard work, avoiding wrongdoing, knowing good actions bring good results and bad actions bring bad results.

  27. Question 27

    1 mark

    The cycle of birth, death and rebirth that a soul undergoes according to Hindu belief is called:

    A. Samsara

    B. Ahimsa

    C. Satya

    D. Moksha

    (1 mark)

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  28. Question 28

    4 marks

    State two of the four aims of human life (Purusharthas) in Hindu Dharma and briefly explain what each one means.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any two aims, each named (1 mk) with correct explanation (1 mk), total 4 mks: Dharma - living by moral duty and righteous conduct; Artha - acquiring wealth/prosperity by honest means; Kama - fulfilling legitimate desires and enjoyment within moral limits; Moksha - liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth.

  29. Question 29

    4 marks

    Explain the Hindu belief in Samsara (the cycle of rebirth) and how it is linked to Moksha.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Samsara = the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth the soul undergoes (2 mks). Link to Moksha (2 mks): the soul is bound to Samsara by karma; Moksha is liberation/release from this cycle when the soul realises its unity with Brahman, and is the ultimate goal of life.

  30. Question 30

    1 mark

    The principle of Aparigraha teaches a Hindu to:

    A. Always tell the truth

    B. Avoid greed and excessive possession

    C. Perform daily fire rituals

    D. Meditate every morning

    (1 mark)

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  31. Question 31

    1 mark

    A Hindu pupil chooses to fulfil their duties as a student, child and citizen faithfully. This sense of moral duty and responsibility is called:

    A. Kama

    B. Dharma

    C. Moksha

    D. Artha

    (1 mark)

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  32. Question 32

    1 mark

    A learner refuses to harm any living creature, including insects, out of respect for life. This value is best described as:

    A. Satya

    B. Aparigraha

    C. Asteya

    D. Ahimsa

    (1 mark)

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  33. Question 33

    4 marks

    A pupil finds a wallet full of money on the school field. Using the Hindu principles of Satya and Asteya, explain how the pupil should act and why.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Action (2 mks): the pupil should return the wallet honestly to the owner/teacher and not keep the money. Justification (2 mks): Satya (truthfulness) requires being honest about finding it; Asteya (non-stealing) forbids taking what does not belong to you, so keeping it would be a form of theft.

  34. Question 34

    1 mark

    Among the four aims of human life (Purusharthas), the pursuit of wealth and material well-being through honest means is called:

    A. Artha

    B. Kama

    C. Moksha

    D. Dharma

    (1 mark)

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  35. Question 35

    1 mark

    Which Purushartha refers to the fulfilment of legitimate desires and enjoyment within moral limits?

    A. Kama

    B. Dharma

    C. Moksha

    D. Artha

    (1 mark)

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  36. Question 36

    1 mark

    Which of the following is NOT one of the four Purusharthas (aims of life) in Hindu Dharma?

    A. Dharma

    B. Ahimsa

    C. Artha

    D. Moksha

    (1 mark)

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  37. Question 37

    1 mark

    Which statement best expresses the Hindu understanding of the relationship between Atman and Brahman?

    A. Brahman is a physical idol

    B. The soul ceases to exist at death

    C. The individual soul is ultimately one with the Supreme Spirit

    D. The soul and God are permanently separate

    (1 mark)

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  38. Question 38

    4 marks

    (a) What is meant by the Hindu principle of Ahimsa?

    (b) Give two ways a learner can practise Ahimsa in daily life.

    (4 marks)

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  39. Question 39

    1 mark

    A wealthy Hindu businessman in Nairobi donates part of his income to feed the poor at the temple. This act of charity is known as:

    A. Yajna

    B. Japa

    C. Dana

    D. Puja

    (1 mark)

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  40. Question 40

    1 mark

    The ultimate goal of Hindu life, meaning liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth, is:

    A. Artha

    B. Kama

    C. Moksha

    D. Dharma

    (1 mark)

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  41. Question 41

    1 mark

    In Hindu teaching, the eternal individual soul present in every living being is referred to as:

    A. Dharma

    B. Yajna

    C. Brahman

    D. Atman

    (1 mark)

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  42. Question 42

    4 marks

    A Hindu elder tells the youth that 'wealth (Artha) must always be guided by Dharma.' Explain the meaning of this teaching.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Meaning (up to 4 mks): Artha (pursuit of wealth) is a legitimate aim of life (1 mk), but it must be pursued only through honest and righteous means (1 mk); Dharma (moral duty/righteousness) must control how wealth is earned and used (1 mk); wealth should serve good purposes e.g. charity and not lead to greed or injustice (1 mk).

  43. Question 43

    1 mark

    A Hindu family teaches their child that every action has consequences that shape future experiences. This teaching reflects the principle of:

    A. Dharma

    B. Karma

    C. Dana

    D. Yajna

    (1 mark)

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  44. Question 44

    4 marks

    Describe the Hindu concepts of Atman and Brahman and state the relationship between them.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Atman - the eternal individual soul within every living being (1 mk). Brahman - the Supreme Universal Spirit/Absolute Reality (1 mk). Relationship (2 mks): the Atman is ultimately one with/part of Brahman; liberation (moksha) is the soul realising its unity with Brahman.

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