Gautama buddha, Buddhism - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is/are a part of the canonical literature of Buddhism?

1) Jataka Stories
2) Sutta pitaka
3) Vinyapitaka


a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 2 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2 and 3

Explanation:
Jataka Stories are non-canonical literature. They are birth stories.


2)   Which of the following dynasty patronized Buddhism which was extended to China and other Asian countries through the Silk Road?

a. Gupta Empire
b. Indo-Scythian Kingdom
c. Indo-Parthian Kingdom
d. Kushan Empire
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Kushan Empire

Explanation:
No explanation is available for this question!


3)   A Pagoda will be built in Bangladesh for which Buddhist teacher?

a. Atisa
b. Gautama Buddha
c. Nagasena
d. Ananda
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Atisa

Explanation:

  • Atisa, a Buddhist teacher from Bengal lived in Tibet for more than ten years starting in 1038, preaching and translating scriptures.
  • The pagoda for him in Bangladesh includes a pedestal, a tower and spire, will stand as tall as a three-storey building.
  • He was one of the major figures in the spread of 11th-century Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism in Asia and inspired Buddhist thought from Tibet to Sumatra.
  • Atisa's chief deciple Dromtön was the founder of the Kadam School.
  • Atisa is also considered to be a key figure in the establishment of the Sarma schools of Tibetan Buddhism.


4)   Mahachaitya Stupa, has the privilege of being the largest stupa (95 feet high) in India. It is situated in -

a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Madhya Pradesh
c. Bihar
d. Telanagana
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Telanagana

Explanation:
- Mahachaitya Stupa is also known as the Amravati stupa.
- The stupa was discovered by a British archaeologist, Colonel Colin Mackenzie in 1797.
- The stupa was earlier a simple structure with limestone crossbars and simple carvings, but when renovated by the Satavahana rulers, became a highly marked architectural monument.


5)   Theravada is a branch associated with -

a. Jainism
b. Hinduism
c. Buddhism
d. Islam
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Buddhism

Explanation:
Theravada is a branch of Buddhism

It uses the teaching of the Pali Canon, a collection of the oldest recorded Buddhist texts, as its doctrinal core

But also includes a rich diversity of traditions and practices that have developed over its long history of interactions with various cultures and communities.


6)   Which sect of Buddhism flourished in Ceylon?

a. Mahayan
b. Hinayan
c. Vajrayana
d. Mahayana and Hinayana equally flourished
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Hinayan

Explanation:
As Buddhism travelled to new regions such as Sri Lanka, other texts such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism.


7)   Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding Stupas?

1) Concept of Stupa pre-dates Buddhism to the Vedic times.
2) In Buddhist tradition, originally 108 stupas were built after the death of Buddha.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
Originally 9 stupas were built. Eight of them over his relics and ashes. The 9th over the vessel in which the relics and ashes were originally deposited.


8)   The chatras on top of the Stupa represents

a. Four Noble Truths
b. Triratnas
c. Eight fold path
d. Nirvana
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Triratnas

Explanation:
Chatras are 3 and represent triratnas of Buddhism – Buddha (enlightened), Dhamma (Doctrine) and Sangha (Order). They are umbrella shaped.


9)   Who was the first teacher of Buddha?

a. Ananda
b. Uddaka
c. Ramputta
d. Alara Kalama
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Alara Kalama

Explanation:
Alara Kalama taught him technique of meditation. Ramputta also known as Uddaka was second teacher. Ananda was cousin and chief disciple.


10)   The  fundamental  principle  of Buddha's teachings are represented by the  Four  Noble Truths and the Eight  fold  path. Which of the following words summarize these?

1) Dhamma
2) SIla
3) Samadhi
4) Prajna


a. Only 1 and 3
b. Only 2, 3 and 4
c. Only 1, 2and 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:
In some places Buddha is said to have summarized the whole process in three words viz. Sila (Right conduct), Samadhi (Right concentration) and Prajna (Right knowledge). The first two lead to the last one which is the direct cause of nirvana or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Buddha advocated "The Middle Path" in which extremes are avoided.


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