Question 1

The ____________ are at the heart of Buddha's system of teachings about the true nature of reality and how to live correctly to transcend it.

Accepted Answer

The Four Noble Truths are central to Buddhism, outlining the nature of suffering, its cause, the possibility of its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

Question 2

Which of these is not included in the Four Noble Truths?

Accepted Answer

The Four Noble Truths are a fundamental concept in Buddhism. They are: 1) Life is suffering (Dukkha), 2) Suffering is caused by desire (Tanha), 3) It's possible to end suffering, and 4) There is a path out of suffering (the Noble Eightfold Path). The statement that "Suffering is the righteous path" is not one of the Four Noble Truths.

Question 3

What is dukkha?

Accepted Answer

Dukkha, in Buddhist philosophy, refers to the inherent suffering and dissatisfaction present in life.

Question 4

Which of these is The Second Noble Truth?

Accepted Answer

The Second Noble Truth in Buddhism, known as Samudaya, teaches that the cause of suffering is selfish desire or attachment. This truth explores the origin of suffering, emphasizing that it arises from our desires for pleasure, existence, and non-existence, which can never be fully satisfied.

Question 5

The ultimate aim of all Buddhist practice and the liberation to which all the Buddha's teachings point is called ________.

Accepted Answer

The ultimate aim of all Buddhist practice is nirvana, which represents the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the cessation of suffering.

Question 6

Generally _________ holds that nirvana is attained through personal effort with little or no help from Buddhas, bodhisattvas, or teachers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Generally _________ holds that nirvana is attained...

Question 7

In most cases, Buddhism has responded to __________ by revising old ideas, generating new ones, or creating different traditions altogether.

Accepted Answer

Buddhism has often adapted to the modern world by revising its teachings, generating new interpretations, or forming new traditions to stay relevant and address contemporary issues.

Question 8

The tradition's altruistic approach to the planet's woes are part of what is referred to as ________ Buddhism.

Accepted Answer

Socially engaged Buddhism refers to a movement within Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of acting in the world to alleviate suffering and address social, political, and environmental issues.

Question 9

Which of these is not included as one of the "three baskets," also called the Tripitaka?

Accepted Answer

The "three baskets" or Tripitaka in Buddhism include the Sutta Pitaka (the Buddha's major teachings), the Vinaya Pitaka (disciplinary code), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (commentary and systemization of the Buddha's teachings). The Buddha Gita is not part of the Tripitaka.

Question 10

Which of the several Buddhist canons is the most widely accepted?

Accepted Answer

The Pali Canon is the most widely accepted and authoritative collection of texts in Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced in countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

Question 11

In Buddhism ________ means impermanence, the ephemeral nature of everything.

Accepted Answer

Anicca means impermanence, the ephemeral nature of everything.

Question 12

According to the text, perhaps the best telling of the life or legend of the Buddha is found in the ________.

Accepted Answer

The Buddhacarita, written by the poet Ashvaghosha, is considered one of the best sources for the life and legend of the Buddha.

Question 13

The Buddha passed through several phases of trance, finally to attain enlightenment. Which of these describes one of these phases?

Accepted Answer

The Buddha's enlightenment involved profound meditation on the nature of the world and the source of all suffering, which is a core aspect of his realization and teachings. This meditation led to his understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the path to liberation from suffering.

Question 14

The Buddhaghosa, a ________ Buddhist in the fourth century CE, taught thaew things are as beneficial to a Buddhist as profound meditation on the certainty of death.

Accepted Answer

Buddhaghosa was a prominent Theravadin Buddhist scholar and monk in the 5th century CE, best known for his work in the Theravada tradition, particularly for his Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification), a comprehensive summary of older Sinhalese works on Theravadin teachings.

Question 15

What is referred to as adapting the message of the dharma to individuals to appeal to them?

Accepted Answer

Skillful means, or upaya in Sanskrit, is a concept in Mahayana Buddhism referring to the adaptation of the teaching or methods to suit the audience or individuals to help them towards enlightenment.

Question 16

What is the word for Buddhist Saints?

Accepted Answer

Arhat is the term used for a Buddhist saint who has attained enlightenment and is free from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Question 17

Chogyam Trungpa asserts that the biggest obstacle on the way to genuine spirituality is ego. Though we may think we are following the right path to enlightenment, we may instead be strengthening our ego-centeredness through spiritual techniques. He called this

Accepted Answer

Chogyam Trungpa coined the term "spiritual materialism" to describe the process of using spirituality to reinforce the ego, rather than to transcend it. This concept suggests that even spiritual practices can become a means of ego gratification if not approached with the right mindset.

Question 18

According to Damien Keown, the goal of ________ is not to be "elsewhere" but to be right here, fully conscious and aware.

Accepted Answer

Meditation is a practice aimed at achieving full consciousness and awareness in the present moment, aligning with Keown's description.

Question 19

The traditional posture for meditation is called _________ posture.

Accepted Answer

The traditional posture for meditation is called the lotus posture, where the person sits cross-legged with each foot on the opposite thigh, resembling a lotus flower.

Question 20

Which of these terms denotes Buddhism's core teachings systematized in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path?

Accepted Answer

Dharma in Buddhism refers to the cosmic law and order but is also applied to the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which are central to Buddhist philosophy and practice.

Quiz 5: Buddhism