Major Buddhist Traditions: Explore the Diversity of Buddhism

Question 1

How have Buddhist teachings impacted philosophical thinking across different cultures?

Accepted Answer

Buddhism introduced new ideas about reality and existence, influencing philosophical inquiries.

Answer

Buddhism has had a minimal impact on philosophical thought, mainly focusing on religious practices.

Answer

Buddhist teachings have only influenced Western philosophical thought, not Eastern philosophical thought.

Question 2

In Mahayana Buddhism, what is the main purpose of bodhisattvas?

Accepted Answer

To help others reach enlightenment

Answer

To attain enlightenment only for themselves

Answer

To earn merit for a better rebirth

Answer

To become enlightened as quickly as possible

Question 3

What is a fundamental distinction between the Four Noble Truths in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Theravada Buddhism prioritizes individual liberation, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes compassion for all beings.

Answer

Theravada Buddhism acknowledges the concept of anatta (no-self), which Mahayana Buddhism does not.

Answer

Theravada Buddhism employs Pali as its sacred language, whereas Mahayana Buddhism utilizes Sanskrit.

Question 4

Which Buddhist tradition emphasizes the achievement of enlightenment for oneself and adherence to monastic rules?

Accepted Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Zen

Question 5

Which Buddhist tradition is characterized by the concept of bodhisattvas working towards universal salvation?

Accepted Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Pure Land

Answer

Theravada

Question 6

Which Buddhist tradition incorporates esoteric practices and emphasizes the guidance of a guru?

Accepted Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Zen

Answer

Theravada

Question 7

Which practice is a central aspect of Theravada Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Vipassana meditation

Answer

Zen meditation

Answer

Yoga

Answer

Devotional chanting

Question 8

Which Mahayana tradition emphasizes the development of wisdom and emptiness?

Accepted Answer

Prajnaparamita

Answer

Zen Buddhism

Answer

Pure Land Buddhism

Answer

Vajrayana Buddhism

Question 9

Which country is a prominent stronghold of Theravada Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka

Answer

China

Answer

Tibet

Answer

Japan

Question 10

Who is considered the founder of Zen Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Bodhidharma

Answer

Padmasambhava

Answer

Nagarjuna

Answer

Gautama Buddha

Question 11

Which Buddhist text is regarded as the primary scripture in the Theravada tradition?

Accepted Answer

Pali Canon

Answer

Tibetan Book of the Dead

Answer

Mahayana Sutras

Question 12

Which Buddhist tradition places a primary emphasis on monasticism, meditation, and individual enlightenment?

Accepted Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Zen

Question 13

The central concept emphasized in Mahayana Buddhism is:

Accepted Answer

Bodhisattvas

Answer

Dhyanas

Answer

Sutras

Answer

Arhats

Question 14

Which Buddhist tradition incorporates esoteric and mystical elements into its practices?

Accepted Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Pure Land

Answer

Zen

Answer

Theravada

Question 15

Theravada Buddhism is primarily found in:

Accepted Answer

Southeast Asia

Answer

South Asia

Answer

Central Asia

Answer

East Asia

Question 16

Which Buddhist tradition within Mahayana emphasizes the practice of meditation in monasteries?

Accepted Answer

Zen

Answer

Shingon

Answer

Pure Land

Answer

Nichiren

Question 17

In Buddhist philosophy, 'karma' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Law of cause and effect

Answer

Ultimate reality

Answer

Path to enlightenment

Answer

Transmigration of souls

Question 18

Which Buddhist tradition revolves around the concept of Amitabha Buddha's Pure Land?

Accepted Answer

Pure Land

Answer

Shingon

Answer

Nichiren

Answer

Tendai

Question 19

Which Buddhist tradition is known for its use of intricate visual aids called mandalas?

Accepted Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Pure Land

Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Question 20

The Buddhist concept of 'sunyata' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Emptiness

Answer

Impermanence

Answer

Enlightenment

Answer

Non-self

Question 21

Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Universal accessibility of enlightenment

Answer

Importance of monastic isolation

Answer

Exclusivity of enlightenment to a chosen few

Question 22

Which Buddhist tradition incorporates elaborate rituals and visualization practices?

Accepted Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Zen

Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Question 23

The Pali Canon holds religious significance for which Buddhist tradition?

Accepted Answer

Theravada Buddhism

Answer

Zen Buddhism

Answer

Mahayana Buddhism

Answer

Vajrayana Buddhism

Question 24

Which Buddhist tradition originated in Japan and values simplicity and mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

Zen

Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Vajrayana

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT an ethical precept in Buddhism?

Accepted Answer

Deception

Answer

Non-violence

Answer

Compassion

Answer

Generosity

Question 26

The Three Jewels in Buddhism represent:

Accepted Answer

Buddha, Dharma, Sangha

Answer

Gods, Heaven, Hell

Answer

Karma, Nirvana, Samsara

Question 27

Which Buddhist concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things?

Accepted Answer

Dependent Origination

Answer

Dukkha

Answer

Anatta

Answer

Nirvana

Question 28

The eightfold path is a:

Accepted Answer

Progressive practice leading to enlightenment

Answer

Mystical experience

Answer

Historical narrative

Answer

Set of rigid rules

Question 29

Which Buddhist tradition is primarily followed in Southeast Asia?

Accepted Answer

Theravada

Answer

Mahayana

Answer

Vajrayana

Answer

Zen