Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
Correct Answer:
(A)
The extinction of the flame of desire
Buddhism considers desire as the cause of all the pain. The State of Nirvana in Buddhism is considered as a state which is free from desire, pain, pleasure, etc. The literal meaning of the word Nirvana is ‘blown out’ and it can be seen as the state of extinction of the flame of desire. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Ques:
12
Who was Alara Kalama?
Correct Answer:
(D)
A teacher of Buddha.
Alara Kalama was one of the best and well known for religious teachings. Ascetic Buddha went to study under him. He stayed and learnt many things, including meditation. He worked hard and eventually equalled his teacher in learning. Finally, Alara Kalama could not teach Buddha anymore, and he said, “You are the same as I am now. There is no difference between us. Stay here and take my place and teach my students with me.” Alara Kalama was an Acharya of Samkhya philosophy and was renowned for his spiritual strengt
Ques:
13
During whose reign did the Mahayana sect of Buddhism come into existence?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Kanishka
The Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the reign of Kanishka. Asanga was the founder of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Ques:
14
According to Buddhist traditions, who acted as the charioteer for Buddha?
Correct Answer:
(A)
Channa
Channa served as Gautama Buddha’s charioteer, and he played a significant role in the life of the Buddha. Channa accompanied Siddhartha (who later became Gautama Buddha) when he left the palace in search of spiritual realization. Channa also witnessed key events in the Buddha’s life, such as his enlightenment and first sermon
Ques:
15
Consider the following statements:
1. Buddhism originated in the Indian sub-continent around the fifth century BCE.
2. Buddhism was founded in the south-central region of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
Correct Answer:
(A)
1 only
Buddhism originated in the Indian sub-continent around the fifth century BCE. Buddhism was founded in the north-eastern region of India in what is now Nepal.
Siddhartha Gautama (Sanskrit) or Siddhartha Gautama (Pali) is also known
as the Shakyamuni Buddha or The Buddha. He is the historical founder of Buddhism and the primary figure in Buddhism. He was born in Lumbini, which is located in present-day Nepal.
Ques:
16
Consider the following statements:
1. Siddhartha Gautama is also known as the Shakyamuni Buddha.
2. Siddhartha Gautama was a leader, teacher, and mentor of a sect of Sramanas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C)
Both 1 and 2
Siddhartha Gautama (Sanskrit) or Siddhartha Gautama (Pali) is also known as the Shakyamuni Buddha or The Buddha. He is the historical founder of Buddhism and the primary figure in Buddhism. He was born in Lumbini, which is located in present-day Nepal. Siddhartha Gautama was a leader, teacher, and mentor of a sect of wandering ascetics (Sramanas). Such sects were common and existed all over India at that time. Over time, his sect came to be known as Sangha so as to distinguish it from other similar sects.
Ques:
17
Consider the following statements:
1. Buddhism was founded on the teachings and life experiences of Siddhartha Gautam.
2. Buddhism arose in India as a way of living helpful in enhancing one’s life.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Neither 1 nor 2
Buddhism arose 2,600 years ago in India as a way of living helpful in enhancing one’s life.
In the countries of South and Southeast Asia, it is one of the most important religions.
Buddha is also called Sakyamuni or Tathagata.
Buddhism was founded on the teachings and life experiences of Siddhartha Gautam, who was born in 563 BCE.
He was born into the royal dynasty of the Sakya clan, which ruled from Kapilvastu on the Indo-Nepal border in Lumbini.
Siddhartha had a son named Rahul after marrying Yashodhara. His opulent lifestyle displeased him, and he was worried by indicators of illness, old age, and death he saw in his daily existence.
Gautama left home at the age of 29, opting for asceticism, or extreme self-discipline, over a life of prosperity.
Ques:
18
At which place did Mahatma Buddha give his first ‘Dhamma chakkha pavathana’?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Sarnath
After his enlightenment in Bodhgaya, Buddha went to Sar nath, where he delivered his first sermon which is known in Pali as the ‘Dhammachakkhapavathana’ or “Dharma Chakra Pravartana.” Sarnath is one of the four holy places associated with the life of Buddha. Other three important places related to Buddhism are Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha) Bodhgaya (the place of enlightenment of Buddha) and Kushinagar (place of death popularly known as Mahaparinirvana in Buddhism).
Ques:
19
Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism:
Events from previous lives of Buddha are depicted in Jataka stories.
Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, written in the Prakrit language were compiled in Sri Lanka.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(A)
1 Only
Jataka Stories:
The Jataka tales are a collection of Buddhist stories that recount the past lives of Gautama Buddha, before he was born as Siddhartha. These stories often depict the Buddha in human and animal forms, demonstrating the virtues he developed through various reincarnations. Hence statement 1 is correct
Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa:
These are two important chronicles of Sri Lankan Buddhist history, written in the Pali language. The Dipavamsa is a shorter, earlier chronicle, while the Mahavamsa is a more extensive and detailed work. They provide valuable insights into the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the history of the island's kings and religious institutions. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
Ques:
20
Gautam Buddha gave the maximum sermons at which place?
Correct Answer:
(B)
Shravasti
Most of the disciples of Gautama Buddha were from Kosala region. He delivered his maximum sermons at Shravasti, the capital of Kosala.