Buddhism: Core Teachings, Practices, and Schools

Question 1

How do the Four Noble Truths serve as a cornerstone for the Buddhist path to enlightenment?

Accepted Answer

They outline the causes and remedies for suffering, guiding Buddhists toward liberation.

Answer

They are abstract ideas with no practical significance in Buddhism.

Answer

They are relevant only to monks and nuns, not to laypeople.

Answer

They are less important than other Buddhist teachings, such as the Eightfold Path.

Question 2

Which of the following is **not** a component of the Eightfold Path?

Accepted Answer

Self-indulgence

Answer

Right action

Answer

Right view

Answer

Right speech

Question 3

Which of the following is **not** a core concept in Buddhist ethics?

Accepted Answer

Vengeance

Answer

Non-violence

Answer

Wisdom

Answer

Compassion

Question 4

What is the purpose of meditation in Buddhist practices?

Accepted Answer

To calm the mind, develop wisdom, and promote spiritual growth.

Answer

To escape reality.

Answer

To acquire supernatural abilities.

Question 5

Who is a key figure associated with the development of Zen Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Bodhidharma

Answer

Ashoka

Answer

Dalai Lama

Answer

Nagarjuna

Question 6

What does the Buddhist concept of karma refer to?

Accepted Answer

The law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences.

Answer

The idea that all things are interconnected.

Answer

The belief in a supreme being who metes out rewards or punishments.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the Four Noble Truths?

Accepted Answer

Dukkha is the eternal truth.

Answer

Suffering has a cause.

Answer

Life is filled with suffering.

Answer

Suffering can be extinguished.

Question 8

Which school of Buddhism emphasizes monasticism and the study of ancient scriptures?

Accepted Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Zen

Answer

Vajrayana

Question 9

What is the Buddhist concept of anatta?

Accepted Answer

Non-self

Answer

Impermanence

Answer

Samsara

Answer

Karma

Question 10

Who is widely recognized as the founder of Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Siddhartha Gautama

Answer

Confucius

Answer

Jesus Christ

Answer

Lao Tzu

Question 11

Which of the following is not a key aspect of mindfulness meditation?

Accepted Answer

Visualizing a relaxing scene

Answer

Developing compassion for all beings

Answer

Focusing on a single point of attention

Answer

Observing thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Question 12

What is the core principle behind the Bodhisattva ideal?

Accepted Answer

To postpone one's own enlightenment for the benefit of others

Answer

To renounce all worldly possessions

Answer

To seek enlightenment primarily for oneself

Answer

To live a life of extreme asceticism

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a core teaching of the Four Noble Truths?

Accepted Answer

There is a permanent soul

Answer

Life is characterized by suffering

Answer

Suffering can be overcome

Answer

Suffering arises from attachment

Question 14

Which of the following is a component of the Eightfold Path?

Accepted Answer

Right Mindfulness

Answer

Eight Precepts

Answer

Five Pillars

Answer

Ten Commandments

Question 15

Who is considered the founder of Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Siddhartha Gautama

Answer

Jesus Christ

Answer

Muhammad

Answer

Lao Tzu

Question 16

Which school of Buddhism emphasizes meditation and ritual practices as a path to enlightenment?

Accepted Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Zen

Question 17

What is the Buddhist concept of 'karma'?

Accepted Answer

The law of cause and effect

Answer

The teachings of the Buddha

Answer

The cycle of rebirth

Answer

The ultimate goal of Buddhism

Question 18

What is the Pali Canon?

Accepted Answer

The earliest collection of Buddhist scriptures

Answer

A commentary on the teachings of the Buddha

Answer

A collection of ancient Chinese literature

Answer

A collection of Hindu texts

Question 19

Which of the following is a core belief of the Mahayana school of Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

All beings have the potential to become enlightened

Answer

Only monks and nuns can achieve Nirvana

Answer

The Eightfold Path is the only way to enlightenment

Answer

Women cannot achieve enlightenment

Question 20

How do Buddhists typically view reincarnation?

Accepted Answer

As a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth based on karma

Answer

As a reward for a virtuous life

Answer

As a punishment for sins

Answer

As the end of all existence

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental truth of the Four Noble Truths?

Accepted Answer

Life is fundamentally joyful.

Answer

The cause of suffering is attachment.

Answer

Enlightenment leads to the end of suffering.

Answer

Suffering can be overcome.

Question 22

Which of the following most accurately describes the purpose of the Eightfold Path?

Accepted Answer

To guide individuals toward enlightenment through ethical conduct, mindfulness, and wisdom.

Answer

To provide a set of rituals and ceremonies for religious devotion.

Answer

To establish a hierarchy of spiritual practices leading to nirvana.

Question 23

Within Theravada Buddhism, the primary approach to attaining enlightenment is through:

Accepted Answer

Personal meditation and self-discipline.

Answer

Seeking guidance from a spiritual teacher or guru.

Answer

Devotion to divine beings or bodhisattvas.

Answer

Participation in elaborate religious ceremonies and rituals.

Question 24

Which school of Buddhism emphasizes the importance of compassion and helping others?

Accepted Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Theravada

Question 25

What is the ultimate goal of the Buddhist path?

Accepted Answer

Nirvana: a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Answer

A blissful afterlife in paradise.

Answer

Union with a divine being.

Question 26

Which practice is not typically associated with Vajrayana Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Sanskrit scripture study.

Answer

Visualization of mandalas.

Answer

Mantra recitation.

Answer

Tantric rituals.

Question 27

According to Buddhism, what is the root cause of suffering?

Accepted Answer

Attachment, desire, and ignorance.

Answer

Sin and wrongdoing.

Answer

Divine punishment.