Fundamental Principles

31 Grade 8 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Fundamental Principles, with worked marking schemes. 31 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Which of the following BEST describes the Hindu concept of Brahman?

   A. The first month of the Hindu calendar

   B. A sacred river in India

   C. The supreme, universal spirit present in all things

   D. A local temple priest

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   6 marks

   Two Grade 8 friends are discussing why their families avoid harming animals and always speak truthfully. Their teacher explains that these behaviours come from the universal moral principles taught in Sanatan Dharma.

   (a) Explain the principle of 'Ahimsa'. (2 marks)

   (b) Apart from Ahimsa, identify and explain TWO other fundamental principles (Yamas) a Hindu should practise in daily life. (4 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Ahimsa means non-violence or non-injury: refraining from causing harm to any living being in thought, word or deed. (2 marks) (b) Any TWO, with explanation (2 marks each): - Satya: truthfulness; always speaking and living by the truth. - Asteya: non-stealing; not taking what does not belong to you. - Brahmacharya: self-restraint/control of the senses and desires. - Aparigraha: non-possessiveness; not being greedy or hoarding more than one needs. (4 marks)

3. Question 3

   1 mark

   A learner explains that every action a person performs produces a corresponding result that affects their future. Which fundamental Hindu principle is the learner describing?

   A. Yajna

   B. Karma

   C. Ahimsa

   D. Dharma

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   4 marks

   Explain how belief in Moksha gives meaning to the life of a Hindu believer.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Moksha = liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth and union with the Supreme/Brahman. It gives meaning by: providing an ultimate goal to strive for; encouraging righteous living/dharma; motivating detachment from selfish desires; promoting devotion, good karma and self-discipline as the path to liberation. Award up to 4 marks for well-explained points.

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   In a values lesson, the teacher stresses that truthfulness in speech and conduct is one of the highest virtues in Sanatan Dharma. The Sanskrit term for this commitment to truth is:

   A. Ahimsa

   B. Asteya

   C. Satya

   D. Shanti

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   When Karan asks why his family avoids harming even small insects, his mother explains it follows the core Dharmic principle of non-violence in thought, word and action. This principle is called:

   A. Satya

   B. Ahimsa

   C. Daana

   D. Dharma

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   The performance of one's own duty according to one's stage in life and role in society is known as:

   A. Kama

   B. Svadharma

   C. Samsara

   D. Moksha

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   In class, the teacher says the ultimate goal in Sanatan Dharma is liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, uniting the soul with the Supreme. What is this goal called?

   A. Dharma

   B. Samsara

   C. Moksha

   D. Artha

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   1 mark

   A pupil reads that every action a person performs produces consequences that shape future experiences and rebirths. This law of cause and effect in Sanatan Dharma is known as:

   A. Karma

   B. Maya

   C. Bhakti

   D. Yajna

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    4 marks

    Describe how the concept of Samsara (the cycle of rebirth) is connected to the law of Karma in Hindu Dharma.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Samsara = the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth of the soul (1 mark). It is connected to Karma because a person's actions (karma) determine the nature of their next rebirth within samsara (1 mark); good karma leads to a better rebirth, bad karma to a lower/difficult one (1 mark); only by exhausting karma and living righteously can the soul break free of samsara and attain moksha (1 mark). Total 4 marks.

11. Question 11

    4 marks

    Explain the Hindu principle of Karma and how it influences the daily conduct of a believer.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Karma = the law of action and consequence, that every deed (good or bad) produces a corresponding result affecting one's present or future life/rebirth (2 marks). Influence on conduct: encourages believers to do good/selfless deeds, avoid harming others, act righteously, take responsibility for their actions since they shape their future (2 marks). Award up to 4 marks.

12. Question 12

    1 mark

    In Hindu Dharma, the fundamental principle that refers to the moral duty and righteous conduct expected of every individual is known as:

    A. Artha

    B. Moksha

    C. Dharma

    D. Kama

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    1 mark

    A learner says, 'God is one, but the wise call Him by many names.' This statement reflects the Hindu understanding that:

    A. The one supreme reality is worshipped in many forms

    B. Hindus reject the idea of one God

    C. Only one deity may be worshipped

    D. Each family has a different God

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    1 mark

    According to the law of Karma, a person who performs good and selfless actions will MOST likely:

    A. Escape the cycle of rebirth by force

    B. Immediately attain Moksha

    C. Lose their atman

    D. Experience positive results in this or a future life

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    6 marks

    When a quarrel breaks out between two learners in your class, one of them wants to revenge by hitting the other. Your HRE teacher reminds the class of the Sanatan principle of Ahimsa.

    (a) Explain the meaning of Ahimsa. (2 marks)

    (b) Give TWO ways a learner can practise Ahimsa at school. (4 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Ahimsa means non-violence or non-injury; refraining from causing harm to any living being in thought, word or action. (2 marks) (b) Any TWO, well explained: avoiding physical fights and settling disputes peacefully; speaking kindly and avoiding insults/harsh words (non-violence in speech); not bullying or harming weaker learners; protecting animals and plants in the school environment; forgiving others instead of taking revenge. (2 marks each = 4 marks)

16. Question 16

    3 marks

    Give three reasons why the principle of Satya (truthfulness) is important in the life of a Hindu.

    (3 marks)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    A learner reads that the eternal, individual soul present in every living being is unchanging and immortal. Which term names this inner soul in Sanatan Dharma?

    A. Atman

    B. Brahman

    C. Karma

    D. Samsara

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    The Hindu principle of purity of body, mind and surroundings is best expressed by the value known as:

    A. Artha

    B. Kama

    C. Samsara

    D. Shaucha (cleanliness/purity)

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    A Hindu family in Nairobi teaches their child not to harm any living creature, including insects. This practice reflects the principle of:

    A. Artha

    B. Samsara

    C. Ahimsa

    D. Yajna

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    5 marks

    A Grade 8 learner argues that the principle of Ahimsa is only about avoiding physical violence.

    (a) State what Ahimsa means.

    (b) Give three ways a Hindu learner can practise Ahimsa in school.

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Ahimsa = non-violence / not causing harm to any living being in thought, word or deed (2 marks). (b) Any three: avoiding fighting/bullying classmates; using kind and truthful words; not harming animals or plants; helping and showing compassion to others; resolving conflicts peacefully (1 mark each, max 3). Total 5 marks.

21. Question 21

    1 mark

    The ultimate goal of Hindu life, in which the soul is liberated from the cycle of birth and death and unites with Brahman, is:

    A. Moksha

    B. Kama

    C. Artha

    D. Dharma

    (1 mark)

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22. Question 22

    3 marks

    State any three of the four aims of human life (Purusharthas) in Hindu Dharma.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three of: Dharma (righteous duty/moral order) - 1 mark; Artha (wealth/prosperity earned honestly) - 1 mark; Kama (legitimate pleasures/desires) - 1 mark; Moksha (liberation of the soul) - 1 mark. Award 1 mark each to a maximum of 3.

23. Question 23

    1 mark

    The Hindu value that emphasises non-attachment to material possessions and results of actions is known as:

    A. Kama

    B. Aparigraha / detachment

    C. Samsara

    D. Artha

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    4 marks

    Outline four ways in which the fundamental principles of Hindu Dharma promote good citizenship among learners in Kenya.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any four: Dharma promotes doing one's duty and obeying just laws; Ahimsa promotes peace and non-violence in society; Satya (truth) promotes honesty and integrity; Karma encourages responsible actions; charity/seva promotes helping the needy; respect for all living things promotes care for the environment. 1 mark each, max 4.

25. Question 25

    1 mark

    The innermost self or soul in each individual, believed to be eternal, is referred to in Hindu Dharma as:

    A. Mantra

    B. Guru

    C. Karma

    D. Atman

    (1 mark)

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26. Question 26

    1 mark

    Which one of the following is one of the four legitimate aims (Purusharthas) of human life in Hindu Dharma?

    A. Bhakti (devotion)

    B. Artha (prosperity)

    C. Samsara (rebirth)

    D. Ahimsa (non-violence)

    (1 mark)

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27. Question 27

    1 mark

    Priya's grandmother explains that the good and bad actions a person performs determine their future experiences and rebirths. Which fundamental principle of Sanatan Dharma is grandmother describing?

    A. Moksha

    B. Karma

    C. Dharma

    D. Maya

    (1 mark)

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28. Question 28

    1 mark

    The Hindu belief that the soul (atman) is repeatedly reborn into new bodies after death is called:

    A. Moksha

    B. Samsara

    C. Puja

    D. Seva

    (1 mark)

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29. Question 29

    1 mark

    A devout Hindu earns wealth through honest business and uses part of it to help the poor. Which two aims of life is this person balancing?

    A. Ahimsa and Satya

    B. Artha and Dharma

    C. Samsara and Karma

    D. Kama and Moksha

    (1 mark)

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30. Question 30

    1 mark

    Which fundamental principle encourages Hindus to speak the truth at all times and avoid falsehood?

    A. Artha

    B. Satya

    C. Yajna

    D. Kama

    (1 mark)

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31. Question 31

    1 mark

    Which of these actions would a Hindu consider an example of good Karma?

    A. Stealing from a neighbour

    B. Harming a stray animal

    C. Telling a harmful lie

    D. Feeding a hungry person

    (1 mark)

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