Religion 101 Test 1- Buddhism

Buddhism originated with the life of Siddhartha, who was born in Lumbini, northern India. There is historical evidence to support the existence of the Buddha, but his birthplace and origins are firmly rooted in India, not China, Europe, or the Middle East.

Maitreya is a bodhisattva who is believed to be the future Buddha in Buddhist eschatology.

Nirvana refers to spiritual liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Buddhism and Hinduism.

Vipassana is a form of meditation that focuses on self-awareness and insight into the nature of reality.

Amitabha refers to the heavenly form of Buddha, representing infinite light and infinite life. It is a key figure in Pure Land Buddhism beliefs.

In Buddhist terminology, a 'Nen' refers to a young person who adopts temporary monastic views for a period of time.

Mara is often depicted as the personification of temptations and distractions that hinder spiritual progress in Buddhism.

Ashoka was an Indian ruler from the Maurya dynasty who embraced Buddhism and promoted its teachings through missionaries sent to various parts of the world, making a significant impact on the spread of Buddhism beyond India.

In Buddhist tradition, the Four Passing Sights are old man, sick person, corpse, and beggar. These sights are said to have led Prince Siddhartha to renounce his luxurious lifestyle and seek enlightenment.

The Great Going Forth refers to Siddhartha's decision to leave behind his life of luxury to seek spiritual enlightenment and peace through a journey that lasted for 6 years, during which he experimented with different techniques and forms of spirituality.

The concept of 'the middle way' emphasizes finding a balance between excessive indulgence and extreme asceticism, much like tuning guitar strings to achieve harmony.

The term 'Bodhi' specifically refers to the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in Buddhism.

Siddhartha, who later became known as Buddha, preached his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

The myths in Buddhism typically revolve around the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and his journey towards enlightenment.

Buddhism does not subscribe to the concept of original sin or the trinity found in Christianity. While karma is a key concept in Buddhism, it was not listed as one of the key beliefs in the provided correct answer.

Dharma refers to the teachings or the law of the Buddha, symbolized by the wheel. It is not related to Indian bread, yoga practice, or movie directors.

The Three Marks of Existence in Buddhism are aniccha (impermanent), dukkha (all formations are subject to suffering), and anatta (all things are without self). These principles form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and are essential teachings to understand the nature of reality.

The Four Noble Truths are the core beliefs in Buddhism, outlining the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from suffering. The correct answer highlights the interconnectedness of suffering, desire, and the possibility of release through following the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism consists of eight interconnected components that serve as a guideline for ethical and mental development to achieve enlightenment.

In Buddhism, the Three Jewels refer to the Buddha (the awakened one), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns). These are considered the core aspects of the Buddhist path.

Theravada Buddhism emphasizes aspects of Buddha's life in which he chose a life detached from the world, considers itself the oldest tradition, and places monks at the center of religious life. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the beliefs and practices of Theravada Buddhism.

The Pali Canon is a collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, not related to Norse, Egyptian, or Hindu beliefs.

Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by its belief that everyone is capable of enlightenment and is predominant in countries like China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

The Lotus Sutra is a collection of scripture text that developed after the Pali Canon around 100 CE, showcasing Mahayana Buddhist teachings.

A Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment or nirvana but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others reach enlightenment.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a renowned Mahayana Buddhist monk known for his advocacy for peace in Vietnam and his teachings on mindfulness and compassion.

Vajrayana (Tibet) Buddhism originated around 630 BCE, known for its tantras, rejection of detachment from the world, and practices like prayer flags and prayer wheels.

Losar is the Tibetan New Year celebration, marked by festivities and rituals to welcome the upcoming year.