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