Buddhism/ Buddhist studies - Exam
  • 1. Buddhism, one of the world's oldest religions, encompasses a variety of beliefs, practices, and traditions based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. Buddhist studies delve into the history, philosophy, and cultural impact of Buddhism, exploring concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the nature of suffering and its alleviation. Scholars and practitioners alike engage in the comparative study of Buddhist texts, the development of Buddhist art and architecture, as well as the spread and adaptation of Buddhism across different regions and periods of history. By examining primary sources and engaging with contemporary interpretations, Buddhist studies seek to deepen our understanding of this complex and multifaceted religious tradition.

    Who is the founder of Buddhism?
A) Lao Tzu
B) Siddhartha Gautama
C) Jesus
D) Confucius
  • 2. What is the symbol representing Buddhism?
A) Crescent moon
B) Dharmachakra
C) Christian cross
D) Star of David
  • 3. Who is the Dalai Lama?
A) Founder of Pure Land Buddhism
B) Chief monk of Theravada Buddhism
C) Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism
D) Head of Zen Buddhism
  • 4. Where was the Buddha born?
A) Bodh Gaya, India
B) Varanasi, India
C) Lumbini, Nepal
D) Tibet
  • 5. What is the Pali Canon?
A) Sacred text of Zen Buddhism
B) Texts on Pure Land Buddhism
C) Collection of scriptures in Theravada Buddhism
D) Book of chants in Vajrayana Buddhism
  • 6. What is the purpose of meditation in Buddhism?
A) To control others
B) To develop mindfulness and insight
C) To achieve material gain
D) To gain psychic powers
  • 7. What is the significance of Bodhi tree in Buddhism?
A) Tree worshipped in Pure Land Buddhism
B) Used for meditation in Vajrayana Buddhism
C) Symbol of strength in Zen Buddhism
D) Place where the Buddha attained enlightenment
  • 8. Who is Avalokitesvara in Buddhism?
A) Bodhisattva of compassion
B) Master of meditation
C) God of wealth
D) Guardian of the underworld
  • 9. What does 'Anicca' mean in Buddhism?
A) Material wealth
B) Eternal bliss
C) Impermanence
D) Absolute truth
  • 10. What is the significance of the lotus flower in Buddhism?
A) Used for prayers in Zen Buddhism
B) Symbol of purity and enlightenment
C) Symbol of war and destruction
D) A symbol of rebirth in Pure Land Buddhism
  • 11. What is the Vinaya Pitaka in Buddhism?
A) Code of discipline and rules for monks and nuns
B) Collection of Zen koans
C) Sacred sound in Vajrayana Buddhism
D) Prayer book in Pure Land Buddhism
  • 12. What is the Arhat in Buddhism?
A) A form of prayer
B) A sacred text
C) One who has attained enlightenment
D) A musical instrument
  • 13. What is the purpose of the Dharma in Buddhism?
A) Physical exercise
B) Cooking utensil
C) Teachings and doctrine of Buddhism
D) Form of dance
  • 14. What is the importance of pilgrimage in Buddhism?
A) To escape daily life
B) To visit sacred sites associated with the Buddha
C) To seek adventure
D) To gain political power
  • 15. What is the Diamond Sutra in Buddhism?
A) A sacred ritual
B) A form of music
C) One of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts
D) A type of meditation technique
  • 16. Which Buddhist concept refers to the cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth?
A) Karma
B) Moksha
C) Nirvana
D) Samsara
  • 17. Which country has the largest Buddhist population?
A) India
B) Thailand
C) Japan
D) China
  • 18. What is the ultimate goal in Buddhism?
A) Moksha
B) Heaven
C) Reincarnation
D) Nirvana
  • 19. What is the purpose of a Stupa in Buddhism?
A) To hold meditation retreats
B) To house relics and symbols of the Buddha
C) To store food for monks
D) To perform prayers
  • 20. What is the visual representation of the Wheel of Life called in Buddhism?
A) Stupa
B) Pagoda
C) Bhavachakra
D) Mandala
  • 21. Who is considered to be the guardian of the south in Buddhist iconography?
A) Zochoten
B) Bishamonten
C) Virudhaka
D) Vaisravana
  • 22. Who is the main bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?
A) Avalokiteshvara
B) Vajrapani
C) Manjushri
D) Maitreya
  • 23. Who is the consort of Avalokiteshvara in Tibetan Buddhism?
A) Marichi
B) Tara
C) Vajrayogini
D) Prajnaparamita
  • 24. Who is believed to be the future Buddha in Buddhism?
A) Avalokiteshvara
B) Maitreya
C) Manjushri
D) Amitabha
  • 25. What is the term for the teaching or way of life in Buddhism?
A) Dharma
B) Samsara
C) Metta
D) Karma
  • 26. Which Buddhist concept refers to unsatisfactoriness or suffering?
A) Samsara
B) Karma
C) Nirvana
D) Dukkha
  • 27. Who is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism?
A) Pope
B) Imam
C) Chief Rabbi
D) Dalai Lama
  • 28. What is the term for the Buddhist practice of giving to others to help reduce attachment?
A) Sutra
B) Nirvana
C) Dana
D) Samsara
  • 29. What is the Buddhist term for mindfulness or awareness?
A) Sati
B) Prajna
C) Samadhi
D) Sila
  • 30. What is the largest Buddhist monument in the world located in Indonesia?
A) Prambanan
B) Shwedagon Pagoda
C) Borobudur
D) Angkor Wat
  • 31. Who is Tara in Buddhism?
A) Bodhisattva of compassion and action
B) Queen of the heavens
C) Goddess of wealth
D) Warrior goddess
  • 32. What is the name of the Buddhist holiday marking the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death?
A) Diwali
B) Easter
C) Vesak
D) Christmas
  • 33. What is the name of the primary scripture in Buddhism?
A) Vedas
B) Quran
C) Tripitaka
D) Bible
  • 34. What is the name of the Buddhist meditation practice focused on loving-kindness?
A) Metta
B) Samatha
C) Vipassana
D) Zen
  • 35. Which famous Buddhist teacher brought Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century?
A) Padmasambhava
B) Tsongkhapa
C) Milarepa
D) Atisha
  • 36. Which Buddhist festival marks the arrival of Buddha's tooth relic in Sri Lanka?
A) Wesak
B) Magha Puja
C) Esala Perahera
D) Songkran
  • 37. Who was the Buddhist Emperor of India who sent missionaries to spread Buddhism?
A) Akbar
B) Samudragupta
C) Asoka
D) Ashoka
  • 38. What is the symbolic hand gesture called in Buddhism?
A) Sangha
B) Koan
C) Mudra
D) Dharma
  • 39. What is the purpose of the Buddhist practice of 'dana'?
A) Asceticism
B) Pilgrimage
C) Generosity or giving
D) Meditation
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