Colombo Ymba Abhidhamma Exam 2011

1. Pick the inappropriate word.

Citta

Cetasika

Nibbana

The sun

All the rest are Abhidhamma terms that can fall into the category of paramattha sacca (ultimate truth). 'The Sun' is a name for a conventional object, hence under sammuti sacca (conventional truth).

Explanation

All the rest are Abhidhamma terms that can fall into the category of paramattha sacca (ultimate truth). 'The Sun' is a name for a conventional object, hence under sammuti sacca (conventional truth).

2. Abhidhamma deals with _____________ desana.

Ana

Vohara

Paramattha

Sammuthi

Abhidhamma deals with Paramattha desana. Paramattha refers to the ultimate reality or ultimate truths according to Buddhist philosophy. It encompasses the understanding of the fundamental nature of existence, including the analysis of mind, matter, and consciousness. Abhidhamma is a branch of Buddhist teachings that provides a detailed and systematic analysis of these ultimate realities. It aims to deepen one's understanding of the nature of reality and the workings of the mind in order to attain liberation from suffering.

Explanation

Abhidhamma deals with Paramattha desana. Paramattha refers to the ultimate reality or ultimate truths according to Buddhist philosophy. It encompasses the understanding of the fundamental nature of existence, including the analysis of mind, matter, and consciousness. Abhidhamma is a branch of Buddhist teachings that provides a detailed and systematic analysis of these ultimate realities. It aims to deepen one's understanding of the nature of reality and the workings of the mind in order to attain liberation from suffering.

3. The Abhidhamma Desana was mainly intended for ____________.

The five ascetics

Ven. Anna Kondanna

Maha Maya Devi in Tavatimsa

Human Beings

Guide Book 1, pg 73

Explanation

Guide Book 1, pg 73

4. Buddha delivered the sermon on Abhidhamma during the __________ retreat period after Enlightenment.

Second

Fifth

Seventh

Eighth

Guide Book 1, pg 73
'The Buddha, just prior to the 7th annual rains retreat.... ascended to the Tavatimsa Heaven to deliver the sermon on Abhidhamma....'

Explanation

Guide Book 1, pg 73
'The Buddha, just prior to the 7th annual rains retreat.... ascended to the Tavatimsa Heaven to deliver the sermon on Abhidhamma....'

5. The book named ____________ is not one of the Abhidhamma books.

Dhatu Katha

Yamaka

Samyutta Nikaya

Puggala Pannati

The book named Samyutta Nikaya is not one of the Abhidhamma books.

Explanation

The book named Samyutta Nikaya is not one of the Abhidhamma books.

6. The number of cittas classified in Abhidhamma is _______.

54

81

89

120

It is either 89 or 121 (including Jhanas).

Explanation

It is either 89 or 121 (including Jhanas).

7. The basic technical term used in Abhidhamma to imply all mental and material phenomena is ____________.

Kusala kusala

Dhammas

Nama-Rupa

Tilakhanna

The correct answer is "Nama-Rupa." In Abhidhamma, Nama-Rupa is the term used to imply all mental and material phenomena. Nama refers to mental factors or mental states, while Rupa refers to material phenomena or physical elements. Together, they encompass all aspects of experience and existence according to Abhidhamma philosophy.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Nama-Rupa." In Abhidhamma, Nama-Rupa is the term used to imply all mental and material phenomena. Nama refers to mental factors or mental states, while Rupa refers to material phenomena or physical elements. Together, they encompass all aspects of experience and existence according to Abhidhamma philosophy.

8. The mental factor of greed (Lobha) arises in __________ cittas.

2

4

8

24

In year 1, you would have learned the 14 akusala cittas, of which 8 are rooted in lobha (greed).

Explanation

In year 1, you would have learned the 14 akusala cittas, of which 8 are rooted in lobha (greed).

9. The number of mental factors common to all the cittas is ___.

6

7

14

25

Guide Book 2, Pg 96 onwards, chapter on annasamana cetasikas.

The 7 universal mental factors (Sabba Citta Sadharana) are as follows:
Contact, Feeling, Perception, Volition, One-pointedness, Mental Life Faculty, Attention.
These factors perform the most basic functions, without which no object could be discerned.

Explanation

Guide Book 2, Pg 96 onwards, chapter on annasamana cetasikas.

The 7 universal mental factors (Sabba Citta Sadharana) are as follows:
Contact, Feeling, Perception, Volition, One-pointedness, Mental Life Faculty, Attention.
These factors perform the most basic functions, without which no object could be discerned.

10. The number of beautiful mental factors (sobhana cetasika) common to all beautiful consciousness is ____ .

4

19

25

7

Guide Book 2, pg 115

This is a common trick question. Be aware that they are asking for the Universal Beautiful Mental Factors (Sobhana Sadharana cetasikas) and not just Beautiful Mental Factors (Sobhana cetasikas).
There are 25 Sobhana cetasikas in all, of which 19 appear in all beautiful consciousness and are thus named Sobhana Sadharana cetasikas.

Explanation

Guide Book 2, pg 115

This is a common trick question. Be aware that they are asking for the Universal Beautiful Mental Factors (Sobhana Sadharana cetasikas) and not just Beautiful Mental Factors (Sobhana cetasikas).
There are 25 Sobhana cetasikas in all, of which 19 appear in all beautiful consciousness and are thus named Sobhana Sadharana cetasikas.