Quiz on Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism

What "Buddha" means?

• The anointed one

• The chosen one

• The enlightened one

• The favored one

Answer explanation

The term "Buddha" translates to "the enlightened one" in Sanskrit, signifying someone who has attained a profound understanding of life and reality, which is the essence of Buddha's teachings.

In her dream prior to her pregnancy, Queen Mahamaya dreamt about a white ________.

• Cat

• Cow

• Elephant

• Monkey

Answer explanation

In her dream, Queen Mahamaya saw a white elephant, which is a significant symbol in many cultures, often associated with purity and royalty. This dream foreshadowed the birth of her son, Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha.

What Seer Asita predicted about baby Siddhartha Gautama would one day be?

• A great king

• A great leader

• A great teacher

• A great spiritual leader

Answer explanation

Seer Asita predicted that baby Siddhartha Gautama would become a great spiritual leader, foreseeing his future role in teaching and guiding others on the path to enlightenment, which aligns with his eventual identity as the Buddha.

What is the last four passing sights that Siddhartha Gautama had the sight of?

• An old man

• An ascetic monk

• A decaying corpse

• A sick man

Answer explanation

Siddhartha Gautama's last four passing sights included an old man, a sick man, an ascetic monk, and a decaying corpse. The sight of the decaying corpse was particularly significant as it highlighted the reality of death.

One who has achieved enlightenment with the guidance of the Buddha is called ___________?

• An arhat

• A Buddha

• A guru

• A sangha

Answer explanation

An arhat is someone who has attained enlightenment through the teachings of the Buddha. Unlike a Buddha, who is the enlightened one, an arhat achieves this state with guidance, making it the correct answer.

What sacred Buddhist text recognized by Theravada Buddhism?

• Heart Sutra

• Lotus Sutra

• Sutta Pitaka

• Tripitaka

Answer explanation

The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the sacred text recognized by Theravada Buddhism. It contains the teachings of the Buddha and is divided into three sections: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

What part of the Tripitaka consists of the systematic analysis of the categories of Buddhist thought?

• Discipline Basket

• Discourse Basket

• Special Teaching Basket

• Ultimate Doctrine Basket

Answer explanation

The Discourse Basket of the Tripitaka contains the systematic analysis of Buddhist thought, including teachings and discourses attributed to the Buddha, making it the correct choice.

The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are regarded as Buddhism's _________________?

• Three Baskets

• Three Marks of Existence

• Three Gems

• Three Sutras

Answer explanation

The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha are known as the Three Gems in Buddhism, representing the core elements of the faith that practitioners take refuge in. This term emphasizes their importance in the Buddhist tradition.

Which refers to the community of Buddhist monks and nun?

• Annica

• Dharma

• Sangha

• Stupas

Answer explanation

The term 'Sangha' refers to the community of Buddhist monks and nuns, making it the correct choice. 'Annica' refers to impermanence, 'Dharma' to teachings, and 'Stupas' to structures, none of which denote the monastic community.

What Buddhist concept that rejects the belief in an eternal soul or the Hindu concept of Atman?

• Impermanence

• Khandas

• No-self

• Suffering

Answer explanation

The Buddhist concept of 'No-self' (Anatta) rejects the idea of an eternal soul, contrasting with the Hindu belief in Atman. It emphasizes that there is no permanent, unchanging self, aligning with the core teachings of Buddhism.