Do You Know Buddha?

Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because Gautama Buddha and Siddhārtha Gautama are both names referring to the same person. Gautama Buddha is the name commonly used to refer to the founder of Buddhism, Siddhārtha Gautama. Therefore, both names are correct and can be used interchangeably to describe the person on whose teachings Buddhism was founded.

Explanation
Gautama Buddha is known by multiple names. He is referred to as Shakyamuni Buddha because he belonged to the Shakya clan. Siddhārtha Gautama is his birth name, and Buddha is a title given to him, which means "the awakened one" or "the enlightened one." Therefore, all of the given options are correct as they represent different names or titles associated with Gautama Buddha.

Explanation
Gautama is the primary figure in Buddhism. He is also known as Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha. He is the founder of Buddhism and is revered as the enlightened teacher who discovered the path to liberation from suffering. Gautama's teachings and philosophy form the basis of Buddhist beliefs and practices.

Explanation
The question asks about the sources for the life of Siddhārtha Gautama, and it states that some of these sources are not included in the options provided. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above," indicating that all of the options listed (Buddhacarita, Lalitavistara Sūtra, and Mahāvastu) are sources for the life of Siddhārtha Gautama.

Explanation
Aśvaghoṣa is the correct answer because he is the author of Buddhacarita. Buddhacarita is an ancient Indian Sanskrit text that describes the life of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Aśvaghoṣa was a renowned poet and philosopher who lived in the 1st century CE and is considered one of the greatest Buddhist writers. His work, Buddhacarita, is highly regarded for its poetic style and its portrayal of the life and teachings of the Buddha.

Explanation
The Lalitavistara Sūtra is considered the oldest biography of Buddha's founder. This text, written in Sanskrit, provides a detailed account of the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. It covers various important events such as his birth, enlightenment, and the establishment of the Buddhist community. The Lalitavistara Sūtra is highly valued by Buddhists as it offers insights into the early life of Buddha and serves as a significant source of inspiration and guidance for followers of Buddhism.

Explanation
Lumbini is the correct answer because it is widely recognized as the birthplace of Buddha. Located in present-day Nepal, Lumbini holds great religious and historical significance for Buddhists worldwide. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The mention of "former name of Nepal" in the question suggests that Lumbini is the correct answer as it refers to the historical name of the birthplace of Buddha.

Explanation
Buddha grew up in Kapilavastu, which was an ancient city located in what is now present-day Nepal. This is where he lived until the age of 29 before embarking on his spiritual journey and eventually attaining enlightenment.

Explanation
Maya is the correct answer because it is a commonly known fact that the name of Gautama's mother, who was also known as Queen Maya, was Maya.

Explanation
Vesak is widely celebrated in Theravada countries as the day of the Buddha's birth. This festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is considered one of the most important events in Buddhism and is celebrated with various religious activities such as meditation, chanting, and giving alms to the monks. The day is also marked by colorful decorations, parades, and the lighting of lanterns. Vesak is a significant occasion for Buddhists to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and strive for spiritual growth and enlightenment.