Colombo Ymba Abhidhamma Exam 2009

1. Lord Buddha delivered the Abhidhamma sermon during the ________ vassana period (Rains retreat).

1st

2nd

7th

10th

The correct answer is 7th. Lord Buddha delivered the Abhidhamma sermon during the 7th vassana period (Rains retreat).

Explanation

The correct answer is 7th. Lord Buddha delivered the Abhidhamma sermon during the 7th vassana period (Rains retreat).

2. Most special and higher teaching of the Buddha is found in _________________.

Vinaya Pitaka

Sutta Pitaka

Cariyā Pitaka

Abhidhamma Pitaka

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is considered to contain the most special and higher teachings of the Buddha. It is a collection of texts that provide detailed analysis and philosophical explanations of the Buddha's teachings. The Abhidhamma Pitaka delves into the nature of reality, consciousness, and mental factors, providing a deeper understanding of the Buddhist path. This collection is considered to be of great importance for advanced practitioners and scholars seeking to delve into the intricacies of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.

Explanation

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is considered to contain the most special and higher teachings of the Buddha. It is a collection of texts that provide detailed analysis and philosophical explanations of the Buddha's teachings. The Abhidhamma Pitaka delves into the nature of reality, consciousness, and mental factors, providing a deeper understanding of the Buddhist path. This collection is considered to be of great importance for advanced practitioners and scholars seeking to delve into the intricacies of Buddhist philosophy and psychology.

3. The total number of cetasikas is ________.

13

14

25

52

The correct answer is 52 because cetasikas are mental factors or qualities that arise together with consciousness, and there are 52 different types of cetasikas identified in Buddhist psychology. These cetasikas include factors such as feeling, perception, intention, mindfulness, and concentration, among others. Each cetasika plays a role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and understanding them can provide insight into the workings of the mind.

Explanation

The correct answer is 52 because cetasikas are mental factors or qualities that arise together with consciousness, and there are 52 different types of cetasikas identified in Buddhist psychology. These cetasikas include factors such as feeling, perception, intention, mindfulness, and concentration, among others. Each cetasika plays a role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and understanding them can provide insight into the workings of the mind.

4. Total number of consciousness (cittas) of the sense sphere (Kamavacara) is _____________.

24

54

27

89

The total number of consciousness (cittas) of the sense sphere (Kamavacara) is 54. This means that there are 54 different types of consciousness that arise in relation to the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) and the mind. These consciousnesses are part of the broader Buddhist understanding of the mind and its various functions and states.

Explanation

The total number of consciousness (cittas) of the sense sphere (Kamavacara) is 54. This means that there are 54 different types of consciousness that arise in relation to the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) and the mind. These consciousnesses are part of the broader Buddhist understanding of the mind and its various functions and states.

5. The number of absolute truths explained in Abhidhamma are _________ in number.

2

4

8

89

Guide Book 1, pg 79

Explanation

Guide Book 1, pg 79

6. Akusala cetasikas common to all unwholesome consciousness are ________ in number.

2

4

6

10

The correct answer is 4. Akusala cetasikas are mental factors that accompany unwholesome consciousness. They are negative qualities such as greed, hatred, and delusion. The question asks for the number of akusala cetasikas that are common to all unwholesome consciousness. Since the answer is 4, it implies that there are four specific negative qualities that are present in all unwholesome consciousness.

Explanation

The correct answer is 4. Akusala cetasikas are mental factors that accompany unwholesome consciousness. They are negative qualities such as greed, hatred, and delusion. The question asks for the number of akusala cetasikas that are common to all unwholesome consciousness. Since the answer is 4, it implies that there are four specific negative qualities that are present in all unwholesome consciousness.

7. "Atthasālini" is the commentary of "Attha Kathā" written to ______________ by Ven Buddhaghosa.

Dhammasangani

Vibhanga

Dhatu Kathā

Yamaka prakarana

Guide Book 1, pg 77

Explanation

Guide Book 1, pg 77

8. The number of mental factors which are common to all the cittas is ________.

7

10

13

25

The correct answer is 7 because there are seven mental factors that are common to all cittas. These factors include contact, feeling, perception, volition, one-pointedness, life faculty, and attention. These factors are present in every type of citta and are essential components of the mental processes.

Explanation

The correct answer is 7 because there are seven mental factors that are common to all cittas. These factors include contact, feeling, perception, volition, one-pointedness, life faculty, and attention. These factors are present in every type of citta and are essential components of the mental processes.

9. The number mental factors which are beautiful and universal (common) is ____________.

7

14

19

25

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 115
Sobhana Sadharana cetasikas

Explanation

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 115
Sobhana Sadharana cetasikas

10. According to Abhidhamma the Lokuttara magga cittas are __________ in number.

2

4

6

8

According to Abhidhamma, the Lokuttara magga cittas are believed to be 4 in number.

Explanation

According to Abhidhamma, the Lokuttara magga cittas are believed to be 4 in number.